Guest Bio:

Maria Emmer-Aanes is the Executive Director of The Village Playspace and the Early Childhood Coalition of Beaverhead County, where she works alongside parents, partners, and neighbors to build strong, connected communities for kids and families in rural Montana. Her work is rooted in a simple belief: when families feel supported and connected, everyone does better.

Maria is the co-founder of the Beaverhead Brigade, a grassroots nonprofit created to restore after-school transportation for students, and the founder of the Good Food Network, a community-led effort focused on improving access to clean, nutritious food and food education across Beaverhead County. She also serves as a Rural Ambassador for the Montana Nonprofit Association, helping elevate rural voices and strengthen nonprofit leadership across the state.

A mom of two boys and married to a fly fishing guide, Maria brings both lived experience and professional insight to her work—balancing family life, community building, and a deep love for the place she calls home.

Episode Description:

In this episode of the LIFTS Podcast, host Emily Freeman talks with Maria Emmer-Aanes, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Coalition of Beaverhead County and the Village Play Space in Dillon.

Maria shares how her coalition works to build resilience and strengthen families in one of Montana’s most rural regions — from innovative transportation solutions and intergenerational community programs to creative ways of addressing food insecurity and childcare gaps. Together, they explore what it means to raise kids, connect families, and grow community in a county where distances are vast but relationships run deep.

Highlights include:

• How Early Childhood Coalitions collaborate statewide to share ideas and support families
• The power of parent advisory councils and listening to families’ lived experiences
• Innovative rural models like pay-what-you-can thrift stores, diaper banks, and local food networks
• Building intergenerational community through shared meals, gardening, and life-skills education

Maria’s message:
“It really does take a village — and sometimes that village starts with just one conversation, one meal, or one connection.”

Resources:

• Early Childhood Coalition of Beaverhead County: https://www.earlychildhood406.org/
• LIFTS Online Resource Guide Category Family Support & Education: https://hmhb-lifts.org/services?service_type=Family%20Support%20and%20Education

Enjoying the podcast? We’d love your feedback and ideas for future episodes! Take our LIFTS Podcast Listener Survey at hmhb-mt.org/survey.

Connect with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies

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For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, check out the LIFTS online resource guide at
https://hmhb-lifts.org/

Guest Bio:

Julianne Denny (She/Her)
Cree, Ojibway, Mi’kmaq
Raised in ceremony, Julianne lives in Montana with her family. She is an Indigenous doula supporting families across rural communities, providing culturally grounded care and guidance through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Julianne's doula work: https://www.morningstarbirthworkz.com/

Episode Description:

In this episode, Emily Freeman sits down with Julianne Denny, an Indigenous doula serving families in rural Montana. Julianne shares her personal journey from experiencing a mental health crisis as a new mom to becoming a doula supporting Indigenous families across the state. She discusses the vital role doulas play in Montana—especially in rural areas—offering emotional support, practical help, and culturally informed care.

Julianne highlights how birth work can be healing, not only for families but for doulas themselves, and shares her experiences navigating traditional practices, breastfeeding challenges, and healthcare systems. She also talks about the importance of workforce development, including the recent Montana doula bill and training opportunities for Indigenous birth workers.

Resources:

• Read Julianne's story in LIFTS Magazine: https://hmhb-mt.org/magazine/
• HMHB's Native American Initiatives (NAI) - includes download link to Dr. Amy Stiffarm's cultural safety toolkit for hospitals and other medical providers: https://hmhb-mt.org/native-american-initiatives/
• Information about doulas and indigenous birthworkers in MT: https://www.montanadoulacollaborative.org/
• MT Doula Collaborative: https://www.montanadoulacollaborative.org/
• Article about MT Senate Bill 319, creating a certification and licensure process for doulas: https://montanafreepress.org/2025/05/14/governor-signs-new-law-professionalizing-doula-care/

Enjoying the podcast? We’d love your feedback and ideas for future episodes! Take our LIFTS Podcast Listener Survey at hmhb-mt.org/survey.

Connect with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies

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For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, check out the LIFTS online resource guide at
https://hmhb-lifts.org/

Guest Bio:

Suzanne Bendick is the Co-Executive Director, co-founder, and former board member of Roots Family Collaborative, a highly respected and deeply impactful organization she has helped shape over the past nine years. A devoted mother of two, Suzanne is a visionary nonprofit leader known for her thoughtful approach, deep listening, and unwavering commitment to improving community health and wellbeing.

Her professional background includes formal training as a Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, and Montessori Teacher, and she is currently expanding her expertise as a student of Somatic Experiencing. Grounded by a love of nature and a passion for meaningful connection, Suzanne brings both heart and skill to her work supporting families.

Episode Description:

In this inspiring episode of the LIFTS Podcast, host Emily Freeman talks with Suzanne Bendick, Co-Executive Director of Roots Family Collaborative in Bozeman, about how one mom’s personal experience of isolation led to a movement supporting families across Montana.

Suzanne shares the origin story of Roots, the creation of the powerful “Moms Like Me” storytelling project, and how storytelling can heal, connect, and transform communities. Through honest reflection, she highlights the importance of listening, collaboration, and grassroots action in building strong perinatal mental health support systems — especially in Montana’s rural and frontier communities.

Highlights include:

• How Roots Family Collaborative was born from lived experience
• The origins and impact of the Moms Like Me storytelling project
• Why listening is a radical act of support for new parents
• Tips for communities wanting to start similar efforts in their own areas

Suzanne’s message:
“You don’t have to have a plan. Just start by coming together — ask questions, listen, and build from there.”

Learn more:

• ROOTS Family Collaborative: www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com
• Moms Like Me storytelling project: https://www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com/moms-like-me

Enjoying the podcast? We’d love your feedback and ideas for future episodes! Take our LIFTS Podcast Listener Survey at hmhb-mt.org/survey.

Connect with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies

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For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, check out the LIFTS online resource guide at
https://hmhb-lifts.org/

Guest Bio:

Dr. Jessica Liddell is an Associate Professor at the University of Montana School of Social Work and Affiliate Faculty in the School of Public and Community Health Sciences. Her work focuses on pregnancy and childbirth, reproductive justice issues, birth justice and equity, community engagement, and making healthcare systems more equitable. Her current research focuses on the use of doulas to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in Montana. Dr. Liddell graduated from the interdisciplinary City, Culture, and Community Ph.D. program at Tulane University. She also completed a Masters in Public Health, with a focus on program design and implementation, and a Masters in Social Work, with a focus on disaster mental health at Tulane University. Originally from Logan, Utah, Dr. Liddell completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Reed College, in Portland, Oregon. Her experiences as a doula and as a mother inform her research and drive her passion for this work. Here is a link to her CV: Liddell_CV_2025_August

Episode Details:

In this episode of the LIFTS Podcast, host Emily Freeman talks with Dr. Jessica Liddell, Associate Professor in the University of Montana’s School of Social Work, about her research and advocacy around perinatal mental health.

Dr. Liddell shares insights from her work in Montana and abroad — from New Zealand to Australia — exploring how culture, connection, and community all shape the postpartum experience. She discusses how doulas can be powerful allies in supporting mental health, especially in rural and tribal communities, and why genuine collaboration among providers is key to improving care across the state.

The conversation also touches on what gives her hope for the future of maternal health in Montana, the growing awareness among students and professionals, and the importance of grounding ourselves in meaningful, community-based work.

Topics in this episode include:

• The role of doulas in supporting perinatal mental health
• Similarities between rural Montana and rural communities abroad
• Stigma and the “frontier mentality” around seeking help
• Building the maternal health workforce in Montana
• Addressing the overlap between perinatal mental health and substance use
• Community-driven and online supports for new parents

Resources mentioned:

• Postpartum Support International – Montana Chapter: https://psichapters.com/mt/
• Resources for Perinatal Mental Health: https://hmhb-mt.org/for-partners/perinatal-mental-health/
• Resources for Doulas: https://hmhb-mt.org/for-partners/doulas-and-birth-workers/
• Additional Information about Montana Doulas: https://www.montanadoulacollaborative.org/
• LIFTS Online Resource Guide:

Enjoying the podcast? We’d love your feedback and ideas for future episodes! Take our LIFTS Podcast Listener Survey at hmhb-mt.org/survey.

Connect with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, check out the LIFTS online resource guide at
https://hmhb-lifts.org/

Guest Bios:

Episode Details:

In this powerful episode of the LIFTS Podcast, host Emily Freeman sits down with Callie Trier and Jake Maher to share Ryan’s Journey Home — a story of foster care, recovery, and the power of community.

When Callie and her family welcomed baby Ryan into their home straight from the NICU, they knew he would need love, stability, and a strong village to help him thrive. What they didn’t expect was the friendship that would grow between their family and Ryan’s biological father, Jake — who was working hard to rebuild his life through treatment and recovery.

Together, Callie and Jake share their perspectives on what it means to show up for a child — and for one another — within Montana’s foster care system. Their story is one of grace, second chances, and how systems can work when people lead with empathy, communication, and hope.

Topics in this episode include:

• Navigating the foster care system in Montana
• The power of collaboration between foster and biological parents
• How programs like Medicaid, WIC, and Best Beginnings support children in foster care
• The role of treatment, recovery, and community support in family reunification
• Why believing in the possibility of change matters

Resources mentioned:

• LIFTS Online Resource Guide: hmhb-lifts.org
• Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services – Foster Care: https://dphhs.mt.gov/CFSD/Fosterparent/index
• Read their original story in LIFTS Magazine: https://hmhb-mt.org/magazine/

Enjoying the podcast? We’d love your feedback and ideas for future episodes! Take our LIFTS Podcast Listener Survey at hmhb-mt.org/survey.

Connect with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies

• Website
• Facebook
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For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, check out the LIFTS online resource guide at
https://hmhb-lifts.org/

Guest Bio:

Carrie joined Florence Crittenton in 2010 as Grants Officer and quickly moved into the role of Development Director in 2011, a position she held for eight years before becoming Executive Director in 2019.

Before Florence Crittenton, Carrie was Education Coordinator for the Montana Hospital Association and gained development and project management experience with the Helena Symphony and Montana State University Athletics.

Over her 15 years at Florence Crittenton, Carrie has worked extensively in budget management, fund and contract development, and advocacy. As Executive Director, she leads the integrated leadership team and guides the organization’s mission alongside the Board of Directors and staff, with deep expertise in family-centric care.

Carrie holds a Business Marketing degree with a minor in Small Business & Entrepreneurship from Montana State University–Bozeman. A Helena native, she enjoys raising her two daughters, Ella and Sarah, with her husband, Fred, and is passionate about connecting families with strong community support and sustainable programs.

Episode Details:

In this episode, host Emily Freeman talks with Carrie Krepps, Executive Director at Florence Crittenton Family Services, about the vital work the organization has done for 125 years to support families across Montana.

Carrie shares insights into the programs that meet families where they are — from residential services for young mothers and recovery programs, to home visiting, childcare, and community-based support — emphasizing the importance of connection, trust, and long-term relationships.

Highlights include:

• The organization’s 125-year history of serving vulnerable families
• Residential programs for young moms (ages 12–20) and long-term recovery programs for mothers and children
• Community-based services: home visiting, parenting classes, supervised visitation, and early childhood care
• The critical role of human connection, time, and trust in supporting families through trauma, substance use recovery, and isolation
• Redefining community: small, meaningful connections can be as impactful as large programs or events
• What success looks like: integrating families into community life, supporting children’s development, and fostering resilience

This episode highlights the power of community, patience, and long-term commitment in supporting Montana families through the challenges of early parenting and beyond.

Resources:

• Florence Crittenton: https://www.florencecrittenton.org/
• Resources for Perinatal Substance Use:
  • https://mthf.org/priority/the-meadowlark-initiative/
  • https://hmhb-mt.org/look-closer/
• LIFTS Online Resource Guide Category Substance Use Disorder Treatment Providers: https://hmhb-lifts.org/services?service_type=Substance%20Use%20Disorder%20Treatment%20Providers

Enjoying the podcast? We’d love your feedback and ideas for future episodes! Take our LIFTS Podcast Listener Survey at hmhb-mt.org/survey.

Connect with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, check out the LIFTS online resource guide at
https://hmhb-lifts.org/

Guest Bio:

Mindy Petranek is a fourth-generation rancher in central Montana, where her family has lived and worked the land since 1914. Together with her husband and son, she embraces life “at the end of the road,” finding joy in the rhythm of rural living and the adventures that come with it. Passionate about connection and community, Mindy hopes to shed light on the beauty and challenges of ranch life while helping others find meaningful ways to connect with the land and each other.

Episode Description:

In this episode of the LIFTS Podcast, host Emily Freeman talks with Mindy Petranek, who shares her story of finding connection, support, and community as a mom living on a cattle ranch in rural Montana.

Mindy reflects on the challenges of isolation, balancing motherhood with ranch life, and the power of taking small steps to build a support network. Through her experience with the Bad Moms group, she discovered how showing up and creating space for connection can transform your well-being and sense of self.

Highlights include:

• The challenges of finding adult friendships and support in rural life
• How a simple compliment sparked a mom’s group connection
• The role of mom’s groups in providing understanding, compassion, and community
• Encouragement for moms to take small, brave steps to create connections and prioritize self-care

Takeaways:

• Small gestures and showing up consistently can create meaningful support networks
• Mom’s groups can be started anywhere, with minimal resources
• Self-care and personal time are worth prioritizing, even in busy seasons of life

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that connection matters, and sometimes all it takes is the courage to show up.

Resources:

Read Mindy's story in LIFTS Magazine: https://hmhb-mt.org/magazine/

Enjoying the podcast? We’d love your feedback and ideas for future episodes! Take our LIFTS Podcast Listener Survey at hmhb-mt.org/survey.

Connect with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, check out the LIFTS online resource guide at
https://hmhb-lifts.org/

Episode Description:

In this episode of the LIFTS Podcast, host Emily Freeman talks with Pam Ponich, Perinatal Program Manager for One Health, about an innovative program changing the face of perinatal support in Montana — the Peer Recovery Doula certification.

Pam, a longtime psychotherapist and program developer, helped create this dual certification for Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialists and Full Spectrum Doulas. The program recognizes the powerful overlap between peer support and birth work — both rooted in trust, lived experience, and standing beside rather than above the person being served.

Together, Emily and Pam discuss how this work helps fill critical workforce gaps in rural and frontier areas, reduces stigma, and offers a more compassionate, coordinated approach to supporting families — especially those navigating recovery, trauma, or behavioral health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum.

Topics in this episode include:

• What peer support specialists and recovery doulas do
• How lived experience strengthens behavioral health and birth work
• Addressing trauma and stigma in perinatal care
• How the Meadowlark Initiative and other statewide efforts are reshaping systems of care
• Pathways for becoming a certified Peer Recovery Doula in Montana
• How Medicaid reimbursement and certification are evolving for doulas

Resources mentioned:

• LIFTS Online Resource Guide: hmhb-lifts.org
• The Meadowlark Initiative: https://mthf.org/priority/the-meadowlark-initiative/
• One Health Recovery Doula Program Information: https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/project-examples/1123
• Montana Free Press Recovery Doula Article: https://montanafreepress.org/2023/10/16/montana-recovery-doulas-bridge-gaps-for-pregnant-people-struggling-with-addiction/
  
  

Contact:
For more information about upcoming Peer Recovery Doula trainings, email Pam Ponich at Pam.Ponich@onechc.org.

Enjoying the podcast? We’d love your feedback and ideas for future episodes! Take our LIFTS Podcast Listener Survey at hmhb-mt.org/survey.

Connect with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, check out the LIFTS online resource guide at
https://hmhb-lifts.org/