Scholarship Program 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 be able to turn her struggles into purpose and make it easier for others to stop suffering in silence by finding support through the counseling scholarship program.

Executive Director

Rachel moved to Montana in 2016 to raise her family, and has been proud to call Bozeman home ever since. After spending several years leading program and development efforts for regional nonprofits, she shifted to project management to help philanthropic organizations do good work better. In early 2024 Rachel was ready for a change, so she left consulting to find greater connection in her community. She is thrilled to rejoin Montana's nonprofit space as the Executive Director with Suffer Out Loud. Drawing from her personal experiences, Rachel is committed to making it easier for every person to ask for, and receive, the mental healthcare we all deserve. 

Founder & Board Member

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. Read her story on our blog.

Board President

Chad grew up in Havre, MT. He was always interested in helping people and saw his opportunity to do that in Pharmacy. He attended the University of Montana for 4 years at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy. While in school he nurtured his passion for helping others by joining Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. He embraced leadership roles up to the regional level, holding the top office in the northwest region, and participating in and leading many philanthropic projects. Having many family members and friends personally affected by suicide, Chad hopes to continue helping others by breaking down the stigma associated with mental illness, and guiding those in need towards the resources available to them.

Treasurer

Like many of us, Steph has experienced seasons of joy and purpose as well as times of depression, isolation, and feelings of being a burden. She knows firsthand that being able to say “I’m not doing well” out loud can have the power to change a day. She joined the Suffer Out Loud movement to change the stigma and normalize the conversation around depression, anxiety, mental illness, and suicide.

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.

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 commuity. 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.

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.

Board Member

Kayla grew up in Bozeman, Montana, and chose to remain in her hometown to pursue a degree in English, which would later lead to her teaching at the high school level in both Helena and Bozeman. Throughout her years in education, she faced many challenges with students who struggled with their mental health and experienced suicidal ideations: she realized that one common factor remained, a stigma regarding speaking about one’s internal turmoil. After losing her older brother to suicide, a fire was lit. She wanted to play an active role in seeing others stop suffering in silence—this passion led her to Suffer Out Loud, and she looks forward to continuing their work by helping others connect with resources, and ultimately, empower people to speak about their struggles without fear or shame.