Team Members

My name is Carlos Ramalho. I have been LIFTT’s Executive Director since October 2019. As someone with several intersectional identities and significant disabilities (hearing & vision loss), I deal daily with challenges encountered by anyone with disabilities.

Before working at LIFTT, I worked as an international finance and tax attorney, public and private international law professor, ordained protestant pastor, and executive of profit and nonprofit corporations.

LIFTT is one of the four (4) Centers for Independent Living (CILs) of the state of Montana. Its jurisdiction is Southeastern Montana, encompassing the largest population base and geographical square mileage of the four (4) CILs. As Executive Director, my responsibilities are inclusive but not limited to the following:

• Serving and representing the population of our service area.
• Supervising employees.
• Efficiently managing the budget.
• Writing and continually updating/ revising format for personnel, administration, and grants management policies and procedures.
• Communicating and implementing board policies throughout the organization.
• Serving as liaison with all levels of government and private nonprofit partners, inclusive but not limited to the following:
  • Administration for Community Living – ACL.
  • Montana Vocational Rehabilitation.
  • Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services – DPHHS.
  • Montana Agencies for the Aging.
  • Montana Independent Living Council – SILC.
  • Montana Rehabilitation Council – SRC.
• Representing LIFTT on statewide committees and councils.
• Maintaining partnerships with other organizations.
• Representing the independent living community before healthcare providers and stakeholders.
• Serving as spokesperson on advocacy, legislative, and policy issues.
• Overseeing resource development, corporate, federal, and state government grants and contracts.
• Developing and implementing strategies for the organization’s development, sustainability, and expansion.
• Managing LIFTT’s human resources according to Board approved policies and procedures.

Further, as LIFTT’s Executive Director, I have served as a leader of the following regional and national cross-disability grassroots organizations run by and for people with disabilities:

• The Montana Statewide Council for Independent Living – MTSILC. To that avail, I have served the MTSILC for more than seven (7) years, initially as Secretary and member of the Executive Committee. From October 2019 until 31 December 2022, I represented all four (4) Montana Centers for Independent Living – CILs before SILC.
• The National Association of Statewide Independent Living Councils – NASILC as a representative of Region 8 during 2020-2021.
• The Montana State Rehabilitation Council – SRC since 2020.
• The Montana Association of Centers for Independent Living – MTCIL as founder and vice-chair during the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

It is part of my job to continuously work on different projects seeking accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities, study and promote compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). It is a joy to learn about the history of Independent Living in the United States and abroad.

I approach “disability” rights through the independent living perspective and unwavering defense of the treatise that “disability” is a natural aspect of human life. The barriers people with “disabilities” face are inherently rooted in ableism and discrimination. Given this premise, by the very definition of the etymology of the word “disabled,” (I prefer to implement the term “challenged” instead of “disabled”) means not capable in modern language. This is evidenced by the rapid change of nomenclature throughout the US from “disability” to “ability.”

I enjoy serving, accommodating, including, and defending through LIFTT disabled individuals of any race, religious affiliation, gender identity, or sexual orientation and helping them thoroughly thrive in their communities.

Originally a Brazilian national, I relocated to the US in 2006 under the auspices of political asylum. Before moving to US soil, I lived and worked in several South American and European countries. This experience furthered enriched my understanding of world culture and customs. I fluently speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish and communicate efficiently in Italian, French, and German. Perhaps my proudest moment was in 2016 when I took the oath of American citizenship

If you would like additional information about LIFTT’s services and opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact me at carlosr@lift.org or (406) 294-5190.

My name is Freda Mook and I am the director of operations here at LIFTT overseeing both the Independent Living (IL) and Self Direct Personal Assistance Services (SDPAS) programs across our entire service area. I was born near the Madison River and Hebgen Lake in Gallatin County and have lived my entire life in Montana. My childhood began in Billings, and through the years I lived in Roundup, Livingston, Butte, and Great Falls. I returned to the Yellowstone Valley and Billings in the spring of 1989, graduating from Billings Skyview High School in 1991.  I am proud to be a third-generation Montanan and a descendant of a Montana pioneer family.

I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder – ADD shortly before my eighth birthday.  I also have Severe Myopia (advanced nearsightedness), Seasonal Affective Disorder, Sciatica accompanied by nerve damage, and degenerative osteoarthritis of the hips and spine (spondylosis).

I joined LIFTT as a Medicaid Billing Specialist and receptionist in October 2003. Being a disabled child raised by disabled parents has given me a unique perspective on life within the disabled community. Not many people realize that Independent Living is a civil rights movement – one that touches every person at some point in their life. Whether we are born with a disability, acquire one during our lifetime, or if we have friends or family members with a disability, every one of us will face this challenge. I consider myself powerful and successful because I choose to face these challenges head-on every day. Life experiences have made me who I am and my time at LIFTT has given me many opportunities to witness other people’s successes daily.

I have 4 grown children and 4 grandchildren. I love to crochet all sorts of things in my spare time, and I gift all my crocheted afghans to friends and family. I also love camping at Newlan Creek Reservoir near White Sulphur Springs, barbecuing with family, and gardening, as well as being an avid online gamer.

Debra Acosta has recently joined LIFTT as our Finance Director. Debra comes to us with thirty-plus years of Accounting, Payroll, Office Management, and IT experience and seven years of experience with the disabled and aging communities. Not only is Debra working with LIFTT but she is currently working to educate the community on the needs of the dying. She is a Certified Death Doula and hopes to create a forum to further educate the community on the options available and navigate the process of preparing for death. Her diverse knowledge gives her a great understanding of the needs of both the administrative side of the business and the Caregiver’s needs.

Debra grew up in the great Northwest, spending time in Spokane, Washington, North Pole Alaska, California, and now Montana. She has seven children and five grandchildren. She loves the outdoors, sewing, and gardening.

Debra can be reached at (406) 294-5193 or debraa@liftt.org

My name is Alyssa Everett. I am LIFTT’s Payroll Specialist. I have spent most of my adult life working in healthcare in some capacity. I spent my early CNA days working with Adults with Developmental Disabilities in a community living setting in Washington State. I focused on high behavioral and crisis clients within that community. I spent time in Assisted Living, Nursing/Rehab facilities, and at a Level 2 trauma center (Hospital) at the start of the Pandemic. I worked as the HR/Payroll/AP Manager for a Long Term Care facility in Boulder, CO, where I found that I enjoyed the backend of healthcare and supporting those directly impacting those that serve our community. When I moved to Billings in the fall of 2022, I wanted to take the time to find the right company to be my new home, and a non-profit that served the local community was just what I was looking for. I found LIFTT and am happy to be part of the team.

I enjoy reading, crocheting, watching baseball, and spending time with my mini-Aussie doodle Widget in my free time. When time permits, I love visiting my family; my sister and her family are in Denver, my mom and stepdad are in the Seattle area, and my grandparents and extended family are in southern California. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me at alyssae@liftt.org or (406) 294-5193.

My name is Marilyn Gone. I have been the receptionist at LIFTT since 2010, although I did a stint as an IL Specialist for approximately one year in 2011.

I grew up on the Fort Belknap reservation in the little town of Hays, in north central Montana, and attended a Roman Catholic Mission school. I spent the first three years of high school in out-of-state native boarding and Mission schools before graduating from Harlem High School. I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with options in both Social Work and Social Justice from MSU-Bozeman. I spent many years in various human service professions, both in direct services and administration, and taught Human Service and Psychology classes at the tribal community college level.

I had three children, my oldest son is now deceased, and raised them mostly as a single parent. I have four grandchildren and one great-grandson. I am a voracious reader of free kindle books and enjoy attending powwows and ceremonies, and am involved in the native community in Billings. I am now the matriarch of our huge extended family.

I was unable to work for several years after 2002 because of my mental health disability which had progressed over the years, finally resulting in a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). My early life was full of many traumas. Finally feeling that I might be able to make it in the world of work again, I found a program called Experience Works and was placed at LIFTT. It was very difficult for me at first, not because of the work, but because I could not control my emotions sometimes and I tried to quit several times.

However thanks to our awesome Program Manager at the time, who understood bipolar disorder because of having family members with the disorder, she would not allow it! She let me work at my own pace and as many days as I felt that I could handle. I am very grateful to her and I have continued to progress and heal from trauma over the years since.

I used to be ashamed to disclose my disability but working at LIFTT was given me the courage and maybe my story might help someone else. I enjoy meeting and getting to know the consumers at LIFTT and am so happy when they receive what they need with the assistance of our dedicated team members.

My name is Collette Ostermiller. I was born in Sheridan, Wyoming, in 1958. We moved to Hardin, Montana, during my Junior year, and I graduated from Hardin High School in 1976. After that, I moved to Billings to pursue my Cosmetology career. In 1978, I graduated and received my license in Cosmetology, the art, and science of being creative with hair, nails, and skin.

A cosmetologist is an expert in applying cosmetic procedures, therapies, and treatments. Cosmetologists improve their client’s outer appearance and implement cosmetic treatments to people’s hair, skin, and nails.  I worked from then on in several salons, became an Assistant  Manager, and then was promoted to Manager. I would have to say Blanco Blanco was one of my favorite salons to work in, as I enjoyed further developing my skills there.

I then became Salon Owner/ Operator for approximately 19 years afterward. Now, with immense pleasure, I share with you that I am one of the receptionists at LIFTT and am genuinely enjoying it!

As a Cosmetologist, I enjoyed helping others increase their self-confidence and self-esteem through my previous skills on the phone and with client inquiries. It was exciting to see the transformation that a person experienced when receiving what cosmetologists call “makeover” services. In many ways, I see that happening at LIFTT. By accepting our “independent living” services, a person can experience the ‘same’ makeover.

Outside of work, I have a couple of hobbies. I enjoy the art of arranging flowers and formatting on the computer.

I look forward to talking and meeting with you when you call or stop by the Billings LIFTT office.

My name is Lanette Brown, and I have spent 14 years working as a Program Facilitator for the Community First Choice Self-Directed Personal Assisted Services (CFC/SDPAS) Medicaid program. Before joining LIFTT, I grew up on a farm, attended several colleges, and had various jobs ranging from janitor to switchboard operator and from hospital admitting clerk to kindergarten teacher. In the process, I discovered I had an interest in helping people.

I feel the self-direct program is particularly satisfying because it allows the consumer to hire people, they are comfortable with and it gives them the ability to be in charge of their circumstances while, at the same time, accepting help when needed.

Like one-third of LIFTT’s employees, I live with my own disabilities, including lower back issues, mild depression, and diabetes. I consider my disabilities to be minor compared to the individuals LIFTT helps. “I would like to believe I have left a small mark for the better, of the consumers I help, and I feel every day is a success story – if you can get out of bed, arrive at work safely, and make someone’s day a little easier.”

I enjoy exploring Montana and other states with my husband, reading, and playing the piano both at home and at my church. I enjoy cooking, camping, crafting, working word search puzzles, and serving as secretary-treasurer for four irrigation ditch companies.

I have a loving husband who supports me. I have a son who is in the Marines. He is married and they have provided two wonderful granddaughters. We’ve been foster parents, and parents to an international student with whom we have had continued contact.

If you have any questions about the CFC/SDPAS program, please feel free to contact me: lanetteb@liftt.org.

HI! My Name is Valerie Rowlison. I have been a personal care program facilitator at LIFTT since 2020. I have enjoyed learning about the Community First Choice self-direct personal assistance program and assisting consumers that wish to remain in their homes with the assistance of a caregiver who provides them with hands-on help with daily living activities.I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation from Eastern Montana College (now known as MSU Billings).

My career path has been working with the developmental disability population; spanning from early intervention to aging and long-term care. I have had the opportunity to provide case management services for adults in Wyoming and New Mexico and enjoyed my time as a family support specialist working with young kids and their families in Eastern Montana. For me, the focus was providing person-centered services and promoting the goals and dreams of those I served. I’m a Montana native. I enjoy spending my free time watching movies, hanging out with family and friends; getting competitive on game nights, or window shopping for antiques. When the opportunity arises traveling is highlighted even if it’s just a day trip.

Please call me if you or a family member are Medicaid eligible and need hands-on assistance with dressing, hygiene, bathing, etc. I will be able to assist you if you live in one of the 18 counties of our service area.

Teresa Elliot 

My name is Jennifer Hawkinson and I work in the Glendive office as a Senior Independent Living Specialist & the Office Manager, assisting people with disabilities to live independently and enjoy life to the fullest. I am so grateful for the support LIFTT receives from all counties and cities in our service area. There are so many wonderful partners who believe in what LIFTT does and want us to succeed and provide services to those who desire to live independently. Thank you very much for supporting us!

I have lived in Eastern Montana most of my life and would not move to live anywhere else. I absolutely love Montana and its people.  Our state is a very special place and Montanans are the kindest, most friendly, most hardworking, and most community-oriented Americans that have ever lived in the nation. I love being surrounded by skies, and sunshine throughout the year even when it snows. The smiles, solidarity, and encouragement of my neighbors and co-workers make me feel warm and welcome.

Glendive and surrounding cities are the place where Montana life still exists, and community living is a lifestyle. I know my neighbors and greet them everywhere I go. We care for and support each other. I meet friends if I go to a restaurant, grocery shopping, the courthouse, or the hospital. It is like being part of a big family that does not have skin color, race, religion, or political ideology. We all welcome and accept each other whether we are able or disabled. Montana is where I work and serve others through LIFTT.

I have been working at LIFTT for over 2 years. I previously worked for LIFTT 10 years ago but left to work for other organizations. Life brought me back to LIFTT during the COVID-19 pandemic and it was a great opportunity for both of us.

I have over 20 years of experience working with a wide variety of people in diverse settings. I have been immersed in communities all over the Eastern side of the Treasure State, through a variety of positions that I have worked including the Boys and Girls Club of Dawson County as the Program Director and Action for Eastern Montana as a Youth Employment and Training Specialist.

I am outgoing and enjoy engaging people in conversation to tell them what LIFTT offers and what resources are available to them. I have developed the ability to break down information and make it easy for people to understand. I learned how to help navigate LIFTT’s consumers through the yellow tape, allowing them to become their own advocates.

When I am not at the office or traveling and doing outreach for LIFTT, I enjoy spending time with my husband Mike, my sons Joe and Jacob, my daughter Jordan, and my friends. I have 3 dogs named Simba, Murphy, and Chewbacca. They are a lot of fun.

If you need any assistance or just would like to talk, please do not hesitate to contact me at (406) 948-8503 or jenh@liftt.org. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

My name is Tara Robison. I have been an Independent Living (IL) Specialist and Living Well in Community (LWC) Facilitator at LIFTT since 2022.

Not all disabilities are visible. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Depression are two examples. I was diagnosed with SAD and Depression in my 20’s. SAD is an intense fear of social interaction and is often associated with social avoidance and impairments. SAD can be a chronic mental health condition, but learning coping skills in psychotherapy and taking medications can help us gain confidence and improve our ability to interact with others. Depression causes us to be irritable and socially isolated. At first, when diagnosed, I did not understand what was happening. Once I began to take the prescribed medication and learned the skills to help me cope with and overcome the control my anxiety had on my life, things improved, and I became the outgoing person I have always been.

I experienced such an improvement that I returned to school in the fall of 2012 when my youngest child was a senior in High School. I attended Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood, Washington, and took a two- and half-year course to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). It was not easy going back to school in my 40s after my children were grown up and after having had an anxiety disorder. I was determined to be the first woman in my family to graduate college. I am proud to say that I Graduated 2nd in my class in the spring of 2015. I was on the college President’s list twice [The President’s list is an award each quarter for undergraduates who achieve a 4.0 GPA], and the Vice President’s list once [The Vice President’s List is compiled at the end of each academic quarter to recognize outstanding student achievement]. Before returning to school, I worked several jobs as a customer service representative and caregiver, including having a childcare business at home. We are a military family, so we moved a few times. I am a retired army wife of a wonderful supporting husband who served our country for 26 years.

I have four grown children and several grandchildren. I love hiking, camping, quilting, and spending time with my family, friends, and animals.

My name is Tricia Cutright, and I have just started as LIFTT’s Data and Quality Control Manager. I have been at LIFTT as a Peer Mentor since 2019. Peer mentors provide education, recreation, and support opportunities to individuals. The peer mentor may challenge the mentee with new ideas and encourage mentees to move forward, step out of their comfort zones, and think outside the box.

I am a person with invisible disabilities. I have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, and Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar type. These disabilities are challenging because most people do not understand Mental Health disabilities. In my experience, the diagnosis of Schizophrenia is met with fear because society has put such a negative stigma on this disability. Most people immediately dismiss us when in fact we can be very productive members of the community.

It took me some soul-searching and leaps of faith to do but I decided to share this information to encourage those with invisible disabilities and to stand as an example that they can live independently. It is my hope to bring positive awareness to this issue with my work through LIFTT and Mental Health Advocacy. Because of my disabilities, and the loss of my oldest son to suicide in 2005, I became involved in the Butte-Silver Bow Mental Health Local Advisory Council in 2016. I was a part of the committee that worked with Montana’s Peer Network to bring the Certified Peer support pilot program to work with Butte’s police department and Mental Health providers.

I moved back to Billings in 2018 and contacted the local Mental Health Advisory Board to continue my involvement with Mental Health Advocacy. I met the board chair, who happened to work at LIFTT. He got to know me and interviewed me for the Peer Mentor program. I have been involved with the council now known as the Yellowstone County Behavioral Health Local Advisory Council and LIFTT ever since.

I have an extensive background in Computers, and I hope someday to complete my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I only need five classes to finish, but funding is my roadblock. While training to become an Independent Living (IL) specialist, I accepted the opportunity to become LIFTT’s Data Manager and have been working in this position since December 2022. Although the field of technology is demanding, I feel energized by what I am doing and feel I am growing professionally and as a human being. In my current job as Data Manager, I enjoy helping and supporting all LIFTT’s team members and consumers. I love helping people and making their life easier. In my downtime, I crochet hats for the homeless, paint pictures, and love going to hot springs around the state and car races.

My name is Tonnette Jensen, I was born and reared in Washington State. When I was 18, I felt like I needed to be elsewhere, and that is when I decided to make a big move to Eastern Montana. I have been a part of the LIFTT team for almost two years, and I am excited to be a part of the constant improvements and changes of LIFTT as well as the amazing team we have here. I love challenges and problem-solving. I hope to be able to assist you in getting to where you want to be in life!

Coming to LIFTT, I bring the knowledge of being a strong advocate for myself and others. Working with people who have disabilities has made me want to see change, address the tough issues, and provide a voice for those who feel like they don’t have one. When I hear the word “disability” I think of something beautiful, and strong, I want to help people with disabilities think that way about themself.

During my free time, I like to hang out with my husband as well as my three dogs and three cats at home. Nothing beats watching “Golden Girls” while being with the people and animals I love.

Hello Everyone,

My name is Britany Hopf, and I have been an Independent Living (IL) Specialist at LIFTT since May of 2023. I am 28 years old and was born and raised in Billings, Montana. I love Billings and Montana! Billings is a special place shaped by the Yellowstone River and sheltered by the Rims. Nevertheless, it is a small metropolitan area where we can find everything from a bronco-busting rodeo action to the relaxation of fishing or hunting, you’ll be in good company around Billings. Before working at LIFTT, I worked as a phlebotomist. I changed careers to respond to my passion for helping others. I love having the opportunity to help remove barriers for those who have experienced different struggles in their lives.

As a teenager, I was diagnosed with PTSD, Anxiety, and Major Depressive Disorder. Over time my untreated mental health and inner childhood wounds led to substance abuse. I started seeing a counselor in 2017, and she helped me work through the root issues that led to my substance abuse. By working to overcome my barriers, I started my path to sobriety, and I now have the tools I need to manage my mental health. The road to recovery is difficult, but I believe everyone deserves the support they need to overcome their barriers and live healthier lives.

Like everybody else, I’ve lived a complicated life. To quote Marigold Wellington, “I live to enjoy life by the littlest things, feeling the grass between my toes, breathing fresh air, watching the wind sway the trees, enjoying the company of loved ones, a deep conversation, getting lost in a good book, going for a walk, watching my kids grow up. Just the feeling of being alive, the remarkable fact that we are here right now, breathing, thinking, doing.”

I like spending time at the river, whether it be floating or rock hounding with my children and our 4-year-old Pitbull Rocko. I am a very spiritual person; I love doing yoga, meditation, and crafting. I’m a New York Giants fan; my favorite TV show is Law and Order, SVU, my favorite movie is Jack and Jill, and my favorite place to travel is New York. I have three daughters, one son, two Pitbulls, and a Bengal.

If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me at britanyh@liftt.org or (406) 606-1766. I am looking forward to working with you.

My name is Nancy Grigsby I was born in Glendive and raised in Beach North Dakota. I lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Grayling, Michigan before moving back to Eastern Montana in 2007. I have been with LIFTT in the Glendive Office since April 2022. I have 4 daughters and 6 grandchildren. They are my pride and joy.

I have spent much of my life doing service work, from running a home daycare center and raising my children to working as a Certified Nursing Assistance at a nursing home, as a home health aide, and in group home settings. I enjoy doing anything I can to help people live their best life. In my free time, I enjoy reading daily devotionals, listening to Christian music, crafting, and making meals for family and friends.

When I started my job at LIFTT, it felt like home to me. I joined LIFTT as an Independent Living (IL) Specialist in April of 2022. LIFTT is a great workplace. I enjoy being an IL Specialist. I want to become a strong voice for disability rights and independent living and work to assist consumers like you in maintaining their lives independently in the community. Essentially, living independently is having opportunities to make decisions that affect our lives and pursue the activities of our choosing, limited only by the decisions we make. I look forward to making connections with our consumers in the eastern part of our service area.

My name is John Robison.  I serve at LIFTT as an Independent Living (IL) Specialist, Outreach Coordinator, and Community Health Worker (CHW) supervisor.

As an IL Specialist, I work with all ages and types of people with disabilities in setting and maintaining goals to become independent or maintain one’s independence in the community.

As an Outreach coordinator, I try to find ways for LIFTT to provide independent services to those living in our service area who might not otherwise have access to those services. The difference between me and other IL Specialists is that I am not stationary, but mobile, meaning I am always on the road to meet people where they are.

As a CHW supervisor, I provide leadership to other CHWs through training, mentoring, and case conferencing. Although I carry a limited caseload, I support all LIFTT’s CHWs to navigate and access community resources, social services, and medical systems.

I really enjoy my job because I have the opportunity to help others with disabilities within the state of Montana. I take great pride in assisting others, especially our veterans because I am a 25-year veteran of the US Army. I have served in Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Korea, Germany, and various places throughout the US.

If you live in one of the eighteen counties of our service area across southeastern and southcentral Montana chances are I will be in your community soon. If you need any assistance, please feel free to contact me at (406) 294-5188 or johnr@liftt.org.

Thanks,

John

Dustin Wilburn

Mandi Spencer

Erin Culp

Erin Culp

My name is Heather Talmadge. I was born in Seattle, Washington, and am 43 years old. I started working at LIFTT in March of 2023 as an Independent Living (IL) Specialist. My job is to provide services that will empower you to live independently despite the type of disabilities you live with.

I have been Visually Impaired my entire life, and I am Autistic. I also have Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and am a cancer survivor. As someone who grew up disabled, I often felt invisible and like an outsider. Nowadays, I do not think that way anymore. I understood that disabilities are, in reality, different abilities that contribute to shaping us as individuals. They are a part of life. We must overcome barriers and obstacles daily and contribute to building a more diverse and inclusive society. Over the years, my experiences have helped me build the resiliency and self-advocacy skills I needed to succeed personally and professionally. I will be happy to share these experiences with you and help you achieve the same success I have encountered.

I first moved to Montana in 2011 to begin studying for my bachelor’s, and I dual majored in Elementary Education and Special Education. Since then, I have moved around quite a bit and have lived off and on in various places in Montana. In the spring of 2023, I graduated from Montana State University Billings (MSUB) with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education.

I am a mother of three adult children with one grandchild. I am passionate about holistic wellness, including yoga, meditation, and dance. I am an avid music lover, and I also love to bake. Additionally, I like traveling, hiking, camping, and volunteering in my community. At times, I believed doing these activities wasn’t possible for someone with my disabilities. Thankfully, I got the support and help I needed to make these passions not just dreams but a part of my reality. We all face insurmountable challenges, but with the right support, education, and determination, we can surprise ourselves with how much we can achieve.

If there is anything I can do for you, from providing you with independent living services to sharing my personal and professional experiences, please do not hesitate to contact me at heathert@liftt.org or 406-294-5183.

My name is Theorius Wheeler, and I have been an Independent Living Specialist at LIFTT since May of 2023. I am 19 years old, and I was born in Seattle, Washington—although I have moved over 17 times since then. I started working at LIFTT because I am deeply passionate about helping others and making a difference in my community. It would be an honor to have the opportunity to help you come to terms with being disabled, find solutions that will work for you, and help you succeed.

When I was eight years old I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). At the time I had been feeling terrible because I knew I was different from my peers, but I couldn’t figure out what was “wrong” with me. A few years later I was also diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the pieces fell into place. Autism affects how my brain processes things like emotions, information, social cues, the five senses, and much more. Having the language to explain why I was the way I was vastly improved my self-esteem and self-confidence. At sixteen years old I began to experience vision loss and was soon diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a genetic degenerative eye disease that I inherited from my dad. Multiple members of my immediate family are also disabled—most with multiple disabilities—and I have spent most of my life being involved with the disability community. To me, being a part of a community is the best and most important part of the human experience. Having a strong community helps us to grow, connect, and spread joy on a personal and societal scale.

The concept of personal identity is incredibly important to me, and I am very proud of who I am. As someone with an intersectional identity, I deeply understand how different experiences and identities overlap, and how that overlap can impact different p

My name is Jed Barton and it has been my privilege to be the communications and government affairs coordinator here at LIFTT since 2010. As a person with disabilities (Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy) It is very rewarding to use my knowledge of history, journalism, government, politics, and the law to help our consumers achieve their personal goals as well as work with colleagues across the state and nation as a disability community to achieve social and political change.

I have also worked as a sports reporter for the Sidney (MT) Herald and Jon Tester’s 2006 US Senate campaign. I have a B.A. in History with a minor in Political Science from Montana State University Billings; While at MSUB I was on the editorial staff of the school paper, “The Retort”.

I am a big-time sports fan spending a lot of time watching baseball, football, hockey, and golf. I also enjoy reading, playing video games, hanging out with family and friends, and being involved with Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ here in Billings. For recreation, I play golf and ride my adult tricycle.

I suppose I should also add that I could be considered somewhat of an expert trivia player. I participated in College Bowl all five years I was at MSU-Billings and was on three teams that won the Northwest Regionals and earned a trip to the national finals. I have taken the online Jeopardy test several times but so far have only gotten as far as an in-person audition in San Francisco a few years ago and a Zoom audition in 2021. but as they used to say about the Brooklyn Dodgers “There is always next year!”

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at (406) 294-5186 or jedb@liftt.org

My name is Tanya Thomas and I have been a LIFTT team member for 8 years. I came to LIFTT as part of a work experience through my job coach and started as a receptionist. Shortly thereafter becoming a peer and eventually had the opportunity to become the Peer Program Coordinator.

Having lived my whole life with a Visual Impairment has offered me both great perspective and appreciation for the shared experience of those individuals that I serve.

My goal and the goal of LIFTT’s Peer Program is always to help guide a person new to a disability or someone struggling with current barriers, to acceptance, to a greater sense of confidence, and to a feeling of empowerment. To be able to make a difference for someone is a wonderful honor and I’m proud to be part of their journey.

When I’m away from the office, I enjoy a variety of things. I have an aptitude for art and have created several charcoal portraits. I also love music of all kinds, and singing, and am an avid reader.

Travel is also a passion of mine and I look forward to a time when can again add another stamp to my passport. I’m always up for a good laugh and once I get the giggles, I’m sort of a lost cause!

If you are a person with a disability who would like to share their experiences with others and lives in our service area please consider becoming a part of our Peer Program.

Lastly, I’m kind of a quote nerd, so I’ll leave you with one of my favorites from Charlie Chaplin, “You’ll find that life is worthwhile if you just smile.”

Darren Able

Lexi Syme

Vern Anderson

Susan Watkins

JP Zermeno

Peggy Royer

Rebecca Alford

Adrienne Thurman

Max Dugan