Team Member Tuesday

Tana Stone: #TeamMemberTuesday

My name is Tana Stone. I have been at LIFTT for about 9 months; I am a Program Facilitator for the Community First Choice Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services. (CFC/SDPAS) I love it here at LIFTT, and it is so rewarding to help the elderly and disabled remain in their homes for as long as they can. Being Self-directed, my consumers can choose who they are comfortable with as caregivers. I am the PCA Facilitator here in Glendive. The diversity of the people I work with, all have different needs; that is the part I love, getting to know my consumers. It is very important they feel comfortable with me as well.

Like many of our consumers and employees, I, too, live with disabilities. Depression, anxiety, OCD, and degenerative disk disease. Before coming to LIFTT, I did not think of my depression, anxiety, and OCD as disabilities. However, I have come to learn they are, and they play a significant role in our day-to-day lives. I do not let them define the person I am, but there are days when they do take over my life—not wanting to get out of bed, worrying about everything, even things that have not happened yet. I think letting people know the disabilities we all struggle with daily makes them not feel alone.

I am a single mom. I have my 16-year-old daughter at home, and my other two girls live on their own. I am also a grandmother of seven. I lost my son in a motorcycle accident, January 30, 2022, that is something I work through every day. I enjoy family time, getting everyone together to play games, or watching my grandkids. Before coming to LIFTT, I worked in admissions at Badlands Recovery Center. Summer is my favorite time of year; my daughter and I take our two dogs on walks. We love walking down Main Street and window shopping or stopping in for a frappe at one of our local coffee shops.

If you have any questions about LIFTT’s PCA Program, please feel free to reach out to me at (406) 948-2060 or tanas@liftt.org

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple or Android Device.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Anya Pulis: #TeamMemberTuesday

Hi, I am Anya Pullis, a Nutritional Health Coach and Independent Living Specialist at LIFTT based in the Billings office. I joined LIFTT in 2024, bringing my background in kinesiology, fitness, and wellness coaching to help individuals live healthier, more independent lives through the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). I have a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and have been an ACE Certified Personal Trainer since 2020. Since 2018, I have been teaching group fitness classes, focusing on strength, mobility, and overall well-being for people of all abilities.

I currently co-teach the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) class with Eileen Rodriguez, marking the beginning of health and wellness classes as part of LIFTT’s services. In addition, I teach a free strength class and coordinate wellness workshops with LIFTT’s partners to help Montana residents stay informed about ways to improve their quality of life.

Outside of work, I love hiking with my husband, getting lost in a good book, and competing in powerlifting. I’m passionate about empowering others with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve their health goals and discover physical activities they truly enjoy.

If you would like to connect to find out more about the Diabetes Prevention Program and our other health and wellness services here at LIFTT, please give me a call at (406) 606-1766 or drop me an email at anyap@liftt.org.

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple or Android Device.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Dustin Wilburn: #TeamMembersTuesday

My Name Is Dustin Wilburn or Dusty. I started my journey with LIFTT on March 20^th, 2023. I was born in Missoula, Montana, and soon moved to Sidney, Montana, where I grew up most of my life before moving to Glendive in 2002, where I graduated from Dawson County High School. I am a married man with my Wife, Jenifer Wilburn. We have been together for 11 years and have been married for eight years, and she has blessed me with a daughter named Karma, who is 15. My little family are animal lovers. We also have a big white cat named Lux, a grey cat named Zelda, a little white cat named Lily, a Chiweenie named Paco Taco, a bearded dragon named Spyro, and a Russian Tortoise named Tokka.

As a person with a few major disabilities, working at LIFTT has opened my eyes. I have Type 1 Diabetes and was diagnosed at 14 was misdiagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. At that time, the medicines they prescribed me made me very sick, so I went untreated for some time before figuring out I was a Type 1 Diabetic. During the time I was untreated, my diabetes attacked my eyes, making me get Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy. Five years ago, I went to an eye doctor in Sidney, and they referred me to an Ophthalmologist in Williston, North Dakota. I would get eye shots and Laser surgery, and eventually, I would go completely blind. My eyesight slowly goes every day. Working at LIFTT with Disabilities is great because LIFTT is disability driven. Everyone I meet and work with is great. Working at LIFTT is amazing; they make me feel welcome and help me when needed.

Before LIFTT, I worked at many different laborious jobs. I’ve been working since I was 15 years old. My first job was as a cook at the local McDonald’s here in Glendive. I’ve also worked as a Delivery Driver for many companies in Glendive.

I am an extremely big Pittsburgh Steelers and Montana Griz fan, as I was born in Missoula, Montana. My family and I are big-time football fans. I also enjoy watching baseball, basketball, and hockey. I am also a big fan of the Harry Potter Franchise. I nerd out on it a lot, asking my coworkers. I’m a big-time Reptile lover. Growing up, I always wanted to be a paleontologist and dig up fossils of dinosaurs worldwide. I am a big-time gamer nerd. I play video games often in my spare time and love playing games with my wife, daughter, and friends. I enjoy camping with my family and friends. I also collect Pokémon Cards as a hobby with my daughter Karma, and we Play Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch all the Time.

LIFTT is the best-kept secret. This nonprofit organization has so much to offer to its employees and the consumers we help every day. We do so much here at LIFTT. The list is huge and, for me, an eye opener as when I can help someone to better their day and life, it’s the most amazing feeling knowing I got that person the help they needed and most definitely deserved. I hope to make LIFTT my career job and hope to be here for many years to come. Thanks, LIFTT!

Annedria Vincent: #TeamMemberTuesdays

Annedria Vincent, PCA Program Facilitator in LIFTT's Billings office

Hello, my name is Annedria Vincent. People usually ask me where my first name came from and what it means. For those curious, it is Greek and means Art, knowledge, Freedom Lover.

I joined LIFTT as a Program Facilitator for the Community First Choice Self-Directed Personal Assisted Services (CFC/SDPAS) Medicaid program in 2023. I am excited to be part of LIFTT’s team. Before Joining LIFTT, I ran our family farm from home and did Medicaid Insurance Support for several states. I grew up moving around a lot because my father was in the military until he retired in 1995. I graduated from Billings West High School in 2000. Afterward, I went to Massage Therapy School and worked as an administrator for a Daycare till the Caregiver Retired in 2012. I have worked in many different jobs, from customer service to administration.

Like many of LIFTT’s employees, I live with my disabilities, including Bipolar, Fibromyalgia, and Asthma. I believe that our disabilities should not define who we are, but we should learn how to live, work with them, and find the tools we need to make a difference each day.

I love to spend time with my children, family, and animals in my free time. I am a widow and a proud mom of three beautiful children. I have two daughters and one son. Watching them grow every day is truly a blessing. Exploring Montana on my horses with my family is one of my favorite pastimes.

If you have any questions about the CFC/SDPAS program, please do not hesitate to contact me at annedriav@liftt.org or 406-259-5181.

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides people with disabilities with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Stillwater, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for Apple or Google Play.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Erin Culp: #TeamMemberTuesdays

Hello! My name is Erin Culp, and I am an independent living specialist with LIFTT. I am 29 years old and was born right here in Billings. Montana. I grew a love for “Harry Potter” early on and still do! I grew up in Huntley, a small community just outside of Billings, where I loved to go fishing, hang out at bonfires, and be with family and friends. I recently joined LIFTT because I have grown up with a passion for helping others. I have a family who worked with children with disabilities my whole life. I love helping others because I get to watch them grow. You get to see their smiles when they finally get something done that they have been working towards for weeks or longer.

As I got older, I found myself leaning towards jobs where I could help others. I was a CNA working with the elderly and helping them feel comfortable no matter what stage of life they were in. I then changed jobs to working with adults with different disabilities. I helped them within their homes, cooking, cleaning, helping them work towards independence, and that they were heard on their needs. I then started running supported living homes where I worked with Case Managers and family members of the clients, ensuring they had the things they needed to stay healthy and happy. During these jobs, my youngest of three children was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism. This made my passion grow to help him and others with disabilities learn and grow.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, being with my family, and watching my children play whatever sport they are into. With three kids, we are usually on the go most days! On slow weekends, my family enjoys watching movies together, including the “Harry Potter” series, of course!! We enjoy camping, fishing, and just enjoying family time.

Please feel free to reach out to me with questions about the array of independent living services we provide here at LIFTT. You can reach me at (406) 294-5189 or erinc@liftt.org.

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides people with disabilities with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Stillwater, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for Apple or Google Play.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Dalana Smith: #TeamMemberTuesdays

I’m Dalana Smith, an independent living specialist with LIFTT based out of the Glendive office. I grew up in Missoula and Glendive as a child. I spent most of my teen years in Glendive. I wasn’t always the easiest kid to deal with, which led me to the Job Corps, where I graduated. I moved back to Glendive and enjoyed hiking, camping, and floating in the river. Just enjoying the great outdoors. In 2013, I had my son but struggled with postpartum depression, which led me back into active addiction. I struggled with that for many years before I took the steps to turn my life around.

In 2018, I had a baby girl, and soon after, in 2019, I had another baby girl. In 2020, I married my best friend and the love of my life. In 2022, I welcomed my son back home after eight years. I have been trying to be the best version of myself for my kids. I spend every day trying to be someone better than I was yesterday. A couple of things I love to do are playing with my kids, watching them in sports, listening to music, family trips, and eating amazing food. Working for LIFTT makes me feel like that after all the bad things that I have done. I finally have a chance to give it back by helping people. It gives me meaning, and I love that. I love my LIFTT family; they have welcomed me graciously.

I enjoy working in these small, amazing communities that make up our corner of Montana. If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about LIFTT” ‘s independent living services, please reach out to me at (406) 948-8502 or dalanas@liftt.org.

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides people with disabilities with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Stillwater, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for Apple or Google Play.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Teresa Elliott: #TeamMemberTuesdays

My name is Teresa Elliott, and I recently joined LIFTT as a Program Facilitator in the Self-Direct Personal Care Assistance program based in the Glendive office. I have always been someone who has cared about others and attempted to help in any way possible. I have worked as a HUD-FmHA residential manager for five years as a First Responder, janitorial jobs, business owner, and hotel auditor, working at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home as a Long-term care Liaison. In this capacity, I was helping to ensure that the veterans in the home were being cared for properly and that their dignity was kept intact. I loved working with the veterans and loved many of the ones that I interacted with daily.

I left the Veterans home under sad circumstances, and it broke my heart, but it was necessary. I spent a year and a half healing and found LIFTT quite by accident; a friend of mine recommended that I see Jen Hawkinson at LIFTT and apply for a job. My friend thought I would be a great asset to LIFTT because of my caring nature.

I feel that by giving back to those in the community that has been supporting me emotionally, I can make a difference in the lives of the wonderful people that I encounter. As a PCA program facilitator, I am excited to continue giving back by helping Medicaid-eligible eastern Montanans with disabilities access the services they need to stay in their homes and communities. If you or someone you know would like to find out more about the LIFTT PCA program and if it is the correct program for you, feel free to give me a call at (406) 948-8108 or send an email to teresae@liftt.org

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides people with disabilities with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Stillwater, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for Apple or Google Play.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Britany Hopf: #TeamMemberTuesday

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.

Best,

Britany Hopf

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides people with disabilities with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Stillwater, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app on Apple or Google Play.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Alyssa Everett: #TeamMemberTuesday

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.

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides people with disabilities with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and southcentral Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Stillwater, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app on Apple or Google Play.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Tabatha Smith: #TeamMemberTuesdays

LIFTT PCA Program Facilitator Tabatha Smith,. A white woman with brown hair wearing a white sweater

LIFTT CFC/SDPAS PCA Program Facilitator Tabatha Smith continues a family tradition of working in the healthcare and human service field.

My name is Tabatha Smith, and I was welcomed to the LIFTT team as a Personal Care Assistant Facilitator in November of 2022. I have a background of being a CNA. for about nine years in different long-term care facilities and in-home caregiving that helped cover Yellowstone County, Carbon County, and Stillwater County. I got my CNA. (Certified Nurses Aid) license in Red Lodge, MT, in the summer of 2011 while obtaining my GED. Shortly after having my first child.

My interest started young as I had multiple family members with medical backgrounds and careers, from RNs to CNAs. When my grandfather required Hospice, my grandmother chose in-home due to his preferences. That’s when I witnessed what hands-on caregiving was. Watching those people who would come to our home made me see what a significant impact they had made on the ones who needed care. They truly made a difference in the daily lives of the ones they cared for and their loved ones. I knew I wanted to help people from that moment forward.

I am now a mother to 4 amazing daughters who keep me busy outside of work. I have many hobbies and interests, including cooking, making things out of epoxy, auto body repair, rock hunting, and spending time with my kids and friends. I am proud to be a LIFTT Team member and look forward to learning all I can and helping the people I can.

If you so or someone you know might be a candidate for PCA services with LIFTT or if you have more questions about the program please feel free to reach out to me at (406) 294-5191 or tabathas@liftt.org

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides people with disabilities with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and southcentral Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Stillwater, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app on Apple or Google Play.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.