About Mountain: Life in Montana

As a 40-something, and having spent my entire life in Montana, I’ve never known another home — and honestly, I’ve never needed one. The wide‑open spaces, the quiet strength of the land, and the deep sense of community have shaped who I am in every season of my life.

Recently, I received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. That clarity has been both grounding and emotional. It helped me understand so many moments from my past, yet it also opened the door to new challenges. Learning how my brain works — and how to support it — has been a journey filled with reflection, stress, growth, and a lot of unlearning.

At the same time, I’m balancing the realities of life; family, mental health, and work. Some days feel like a puzzle with too many pieces, other feel like everything clicks into place, and others can feel like the puzzle is missing pieces. Through it all, I’ve realized how essential support systems truly are. Not just for the people I serve, but for me — as a provider, a parent, and a person still learning about myself.

Outside of my professional life, I’m someone with a lot of passions — the kind that bring me joy, calm, and a sense of play. I love crystals for their beauty and think of them as little pieces of artwork given to us by nature. I can get lost for hours building LEGO. I have a soft spot for cars, an appreciation for the sparkle of diamonds, and a lifelong love of Barbies and Hot Wheels. I am a hobby photographer, avid reader, and someone who journals daily.  These interests might seem eclectic, but together they reflect the way my brain works: curious, creative, and always finding meaning in the things that light me up.

My hope is that by sharing my story openly, others feel a little less alone in theirs.