Who We Are
Suffer Out Loud is a team of real people with real-life understanding of the issues Montanans face. We’ve lost friends and family, and struggled with our own mental health. We work with purpose and compassion — because we’ve been there ourselves.
Staff
Board of Directors
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Board Member
Stephanie is originally from Texas and moved to Bozeman in 2008. Stephanie has a heart for those who are suffering with mental health issues, and has experienced her own feelings of helplessness and isolation. She is passionate about making sure anyone suffering does not have to feel alone by normalizing conversations around mental wellness. Her dedication to Suffer Out Loud stems from wanting to help people find the resources they need and provide a community of people to heal together. Steph strives to step into the tough conversations and to create a space of compassion and healing for those suffering.
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Board Member
A New Jersey native, Lauren made her way to Montana by way of Denver, CO. Starting out in healthcare communications, her passion for meaning-making, story-telling, and companioning work led to a new beginning as a direct-care practitioner. Sadly, she has been impacted by the experience of suicide in her friends and family community. Influenced by the Surgeon General's imperative ("Loneliness and isolation represent profound threats. . . we have the power to respond"), Lauren found a place to contribute with Suffer Out Loud.
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Board Member
Daniel moved to Bozeman in 2020 to attend MSU and has fallen in love with the state. Since his childhood, he has always appreciated the value of volunteer and nonprofit organizations, and after losing his uncle to suicide in 2013 has been passionate about the issue of mental health and the lack of awareness and stigma associated with it. Daniel is excited to be a part of the Suffer Out Loud board, and looks forward to growing with the organization while helping others.
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Secretary
Hannah was born and raised in the mountains of Colorado, and moved to Bozeman in 2016 with her then partner, now husband, Max. Hannah has been involved in several non-profit boards in the Gallatin Valley, and was drawn to the mission of Suffer Out Loud after her own challenges with mental health and understanding the complexities of navigating, and talking about, mental health. Hannah is grateful for the support of her community and loved ones having lifted her up in those dark days, and is eager to contribute to Suffer Out Loud's mission of making mental health resources more accessible for all and normalizing the conversations around mental health, depression, anxiety, and suicide. Hannah and Max just welcomed their first son into the world and are eager for him to grow up in a world where conversations around mental health are encouraged and normalized.
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Board Member
After losing both a family member and a good friend to suicide over an 18-month period, Dylan wanted to make whatever impact he could to help individuals struggling with mental illnesses as well as those affected by suicide. As part of Suffer Out Loud, Dylan seeks to further the organization’s mission to make mental health resources more accessible for all and encourage mental health conversations within the Montana community.
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Scholarship & Operations Manager
Born and raised in Bozeman, Erika brings a decade of communications and business experience, along with the heart of a survivor, to her role at Suffer Out Loud. Having battled anxiety and depression from an abusive relationship, she carries a deep empathy for those feeling afraid, powerless, and alone. Erika feels truly privileged to turn her struggles into purpose and to make it easier for others to stop suffering in silence by finding support through the counseling scholarship program.
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Founder
Suffer Out Loud has been an idea of Cassie's since she lost her sister to suicide in 2008. She felt very isolated in her grief. In reality, so many people have been affected by mental illness or have lost a loved one to suicide. The issue is no one is talking about it because there is such a strong stigma. She strongly believes that starting this difficult conversation can save lives.
“I’m part of Suffer Out Loud because I believe in breaking the stigma around mental health and creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to seek help. Everyone deserves hope and healing.”
-Stephanie Johnson, Board Member
Find Support
Struggling with mental illness or suicide ideation? Head to our Resources page to find help. For emergencies, dial 911 or 988.
Suffer Out Loud
You are not alone. Read powerful stories from individuals who have faced suicide or mental health challenges.