Brett has been working in the mental health field for many years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Great Falls, now University of Providence, in 1997, obtained a Master of Science degree in counseling in 2000, and became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in 2001.

In 2012, he obtained a second master’s degree in special education from Montana State University in Billings and achieved status as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2014. The BCBA certification furthered his work in the field of autism spectrum disorders, as well as severe disruptive behavioral health disorders.

During his career, Brett has worked for Full Circle Counseling Solutions, A.W.A.R.E., Inc., and Center for Mental Health. He currently owns and operates Big Sky Therapeutic Services, PLLC, which he started in 2006.

Brett consults with schools, daycares, Head Start programs, agencies, and families across Montana to help assess and design intensive behavioral health intervention plans for youth with various challenges. Brett’s community service includes volunteering his time to serve on the board for the Very Special Arts (VSA) program in Montana (2007-2016), Great Falls Early Childhood Coalition (GFECC) from 2011-2020, Friends of Autism Great Falls (2015-present), and Sensibility: Autism School from 2017- 2019.

Brett spends much of his time providing training, support, and mental health counseling for the autism spectrum population, as well as assisting families in advocating for special education services for their children. Although the field can be challenging, he genuinely loves his work and finds helping others highly rewarding.

Lisa

BCBA: Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Lisa started working in the field of ABA in 2015, as a registered behavior technician. She is currently a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Prior to her adventure into ABA, Lisa worked in the schools and taught pre-K in Japan. During her time there, she met a friend that introduced her to ABA. When Lisa returned to the states she started working at a small clinic in Indiana, before moving to Great Falls, MT, in 2021.

Lisa has experience working with individuals ages 4 to 64, providing ABA services and behavior management through the waiver system. She has worked in clinic settings and has also provided services in the home and community settings. Lisa has a bachelor’s in Social Psychology from Park University and received her graduate degree from Ball State University in 2017.

Lisa enjoys spending time with her kids and is always ready for a road trip and adventure.

Meredith

Lead RBT: Registered Behavior Technician

Meredith began working in the behavioral health field as a Direct Service Provider, supporting children with varied developmental needs. She came to Big Sky Therapeutic Services in 2022 as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). She is enjoying gaining experience in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) field and in supporting children with autism. Meredith graduated with highest honors from Montana State University (MSU) where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Human Development, and Economics. Her love for the field of ABA and working with children with autism brought her back to Big Sky Therapeutic Services where she applies her knowledge and continues to share her experience with our special kids. Meredith plans to continue her experience in the ABA field, and work towards getting her master’s degree.

Meredith enjoys being outside, staying active, and spending time with friends and family.

Alicia

RBT: Registered Behavioral Technician

Alicia began working as a Direct Support Professional with adults with intellectual disabilities in 2019 and she has worked in a variety of areas in the medical field over the years. Her interest in the field of ABA Therapy started when she saw how beneficial ABA Therapy was for a close family member. Wanting to be a part of that work she became a registered behavioral technician in February of 2024. She puts her heart into the care of each client as she enjoys watching them grow and develop.

In her free time, Alicia enjoys spending time with her family and dogs. She enjoys going on adventures, and being outdoors when the Montana weather allows.

Azaya

RBT: Registered Behavior Technician

Azaya has been working with individuals with developmental disabilities for many years. Her love for this population lead her to obtain her certification as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT). She has an Associates of Arts degree and is currently continuing her education in ABA services to eventually become a BCBA. She began working with developmentally disabled elderly adults originally from state facilities in a group home setting. Because of this, she is very passionate about clients’ rights, dignity, choice and living a fulfilling life. This is where she began learning about ABA services and the benefits of early intervention for those on the autism spectrum. She then switched to working with kids, in home and center when she was still living in Arizona. Once moving to Montana, she knew she wanted to continue this path and find a clinic with the same ideals as her. She knew that Big Sky Therapeutic Services was the place for her to continue growing and learning in the ABA environment. Here she can share her past knowledge and experience with our children and families.

When she’s not working you can find her spending time with her family and dogs, going on adventures to new places, learning new things or taking photos of all the beautiful places she goes.

Maddie

RBT: Registered Behavior Technician

Maddie has worked with children, of all ages from newborn to teens, for many years. She is originally from Boulder, MT and first started working with children teaching swimming lessons. She babysat throughout the summers and after school/work. She worked at Head Start in Boulder before transitioning to a Special Education Paraprofessional role at the elementary school. She moved to Great Falls in April of 2023 and started working for Big Sky Therapeutic Services as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT). She says, “I am in love with being an RBT and working with all our families”. Her love for these children shows in her passion and care for them. She skillfully guides them to achieve goals as they continue to grow. “There is so much to learn in this field and every day brings its own rewards. It has been incredible getting to know the kids and watching them grow through the services we provide.”

In her free time, Maddie enjoys spending time with family and friends, cross stitching, and playing video games.

Valerie

RBT: Registered Behavioral Technician

Valerie has been working with children for several years and loves the educational and therapeutic aspects of ABA. Valerie earned her bachelor’s degree in pre-med and Biology in December of 2022 from the University of the District of Columbia. She plans to continue her education and is currently applying to graduate schools. Valerie has always had a passion for the sciences and loves working with children, making this job a perfect fit for her. In January of 2024, Valerie joined Big Sky Therapy and earned her Registered Behavioral Technician credentials. Valerie works hard to meet the needs of her clients and loves the work she does.

Originally from Colorado, Valerie has lived all over the country and loves to travel, spending most of her free time outdoors. If you can find her in one spot, she will likely be reading, doing yoga, or planning her next adventure.

Cristina

Family Intervention Specialist, SafeCare Provider

Cristina was born and raised the youngest of seven, here in the great state of Montana. She grew up on a farm outside of Great Falls. Family means the world to her. She and her husband have 5 grown children and many many grandchildren. As a family, they have enjoyed many adventures in the beautiful outdoors, in the mountains camping, on the river fishing, or just going for a drive. Gardening is one of her favorite pastimes, as well as sewing, woodworking, and crafting.

She has experienced working in the medical field, working in a school environment, running a small woodworking business, for a time as an in-home daycare provider. All these experiences have helped equip her to work as a Family Intervention Specialist, SafeCare Provider. Family is her passion, and she shares this passion with her SafeCare families. She has been a certified SafeCare Provider since June of 2019. She enjoys getting to know new families and enjoys seeing the positive growth that can happen in their lives when they choose to seek a new direction.

Cherie

Office Manager

Cherie joined BSTS in 2019 as their Office Manager. She helps look after staff, clients, and their families to make sure everyone has what they need. Cherie graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Northern Arizona University and has a long career of managing businesses as well as working with special needs children and their families. Her volunteer and paid positions have given her a true passion for this special population. She sat on the board for Friends of Autism, Youth Employment Task Force as well as the planning committee for MY Transition Conference where she was a keynote speaker with her son in 2021. Her experience and knowledge help keep Big Sky Therapeutic Services running smoothly. She loves talking with families and celebrating their wins.

Outside of work Cherie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and learning together.