Words of support from some of our Collaborators
“You've made a significant and positive impact on our community, and for that, we are immensely thankful. Your message is vital, and the mental health conversation needs to resonate across all of Montana. Your work is making a real difference. Your team's impact is undeniable, and we are deeply appreciative.”
Dom Vergara, Principal, Baker H.S.
“The next 12 months in our Hi-Line area is going to be transformative, I just know it.”
Kari Prewett, Executive Director, Fort Peck Fine Arts Council
“Truly stands out as one of the best conversations I've had with both students and staff. The open and honest conversations fostered by the program allowed for a safe space for everyone to express their thoughts and feelings about social-emotional needs. It was inspiring to see students and teachers engage in authentic conversations on such a tough topic. This empowered us to support one another in our collective journey toward emotional well-being within our school and our community. I highly recommend State of Mind to anyone.”
Raymond DeBruycker, Principal, Conrad H.S.
“I was moved by the power of the experience as well as the compassion and meticulous care that were clear in its development and implementation. The performance successfully deconstructs Montana’s overwhelming mental health crisis into manageable pieces that are accessible and actionable. We’re left with the understanding that even without perfect answers, simply knowing that support is available can be profoundly helpful, and talking about a frightening concern is often less difficult than we might imagine. State of Mind gives us the experience of watching a story that’s playing out in our own lives—one that we’re all participating in—and we’re writing how it ends together.”
Miranda Zent, Prevention Specialist,
Southwest Montana Prevention
“A powerful, holistic experience that brings a community together around mental health. The daytime workshops spark essential dialogue, offering deep insights from students, educators, and local service providers. Then, in the evening, the performance dives into the complexities of mental health with raw honesty and emotional depth. It's a stunning blend of storytelling, vulnerability, and care—crafted and delivered with extraordinary compassion. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing it twice, and each time I’ve been profoundly moved by its impact. The community coffee chats provide a thoughtful space to reflect, connect, and explore meaningful ways we can support mental wellness together. The State of Mind team doesn’t just visit—they leave communities stronger, more open, and more connected. I can’t recommend this experience enough. Every community deserves this kind of healing and hope.”
Cassie Weightman, Independent Living Specialist, Ability MT, Butte
“Because of our collaboration, we are working on setting up a Youth Acknowledgement Project where our youth can meet outside of school, collaborate on current issues, stay informed on community happenings, and have a voice. They will send representatives to our school board meetings, city council meetings, and be able to have input on subjects and issues that are important to them. We appreciate you all and this opportunity to make some positive change in our community!”
Rob Christensen, Counselor, Thompson Falls High School
"Reminded us how essential it is to create spaces of trust and belonging to support our young people. By bringing the community together in open, meaningful dialogue, the experience helped deepen our shared commitment to showing up for one another, and especially for the youth in our care.”
Betsy Wade, Curriculum Director, Polson School District
“The adult workshop, evening performance and subsequent coffee and conversations meeting all beautifully highlighted connection, isolation and behavioral resiliency as crucial themes, leading to grounding and uplifting exchanges among community members. This experience has provided me with valuable insights into how we can better serve Teton County. I’m now focused on exploring tangible ways to bring valuable resources — such as relevant training, accessible education and impactful programs — to our communities across the county, ensuring that everyone feels seen, supported and well-informed.”
Claire Hogskiss, Teton County Prevention Specialist
"An amazing opportunity for students to be heard by adults who work with them in a school setting, along with adults in the field of behavioral health. The Workshops were well organized and packed with fun and interesting ways to get the students and the adults to open up. From start to finish, State of Mind is a very meaningful experience! This program will be an asset to any school and community that takes advantage of this FREE opportunity!"
Gina Lamb, Prevention Specialist,
Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center,
Malta
"Letting kids interact and discuss what concerns them is so powerful. Allowing our entire student body to be part of this has created great conversations for our staff and community"
James Kapptie, Superintendent of Ekalaka Public Schools
“The show was such a unique experience for our community to listen, think and participate in the conversation around mental health. For folks to hear directly from youth about what they need to feel supported here in the Flathead Valley was incredibly powerful. The adults that attended the coffee and conversation were able to continue that conversation and begin brainstorming how we can address those needs and do better in our efforts to include youth in our planning and decision making process. This event brought our community together in conversation and inspired us to think outside the box when it comes to generating solutions and prevention efforts that are responsive to the specific needs in our community.”
Casey Driscoll, Flathead Communities That Care
“Our students enjoyed the workshop and have used the “Care Commitments” in a handful of community presentations already. After their last presentation at the United Way of Cascade County Board meeting, we had several community members from a variety of different businesses ask how they can get involved in the work our students are doing. Pretty great to see the community reaction.”
Marla Hauser, Youth Leadership and Success Community Coordinator, Great Falls Public Schools
“The program is innovative yet well measured. It’s outwardly engaging, yet internally introspective. The program’s content doesn’t try to force me into any conclusions; it creates pathways for me to explore. Then, when I’m feeling a heart tug about my mental health, the local community connections, which wisely is a foundational part of the overall State of Mind approach, helps me to navigate in those potentially difficult waters with safer passage.
As a talk show host and former congressional aide, I absorb a great deal of information about society’s issues and challenges. The troubling data about depression, suicide, and suicide ideation in Montana, especially among our youth, speaks loudly of a great need. The unique, enjoyable, and collaborative State of Mind has been successful in addressing that need, effectively breaking down walls and paving the way for better mental wellness in our state.”
Tom Schultz, Host, Voices of Montana,
Northern Broadcasting System
“The facilitators were exceptional people. They created a safe and inclusive space that encouraged honest conversation and active listening. Students were not only given tools to explore their mental and emotional well-being, but also empowered to consider how their voices could help shape healthier, more compassionate communities.”
Stephanie Tacke, Counselor, Fairfield Schools