Our Mission
We support member organizations, advance the early childhood profession, and improve the quality, affordability, and accessibility of child care.
WHAT WE DO & WHO WE SERVE
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We provide resources and coordination support to regional Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
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We initiate projects to build child care supply and quality in urban and rural areas such as Montana Shared Services and the Substitute Service.
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We educate policy makers, businesses, and the public on child care issues.
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We advocate for child care professionals and families.
About US
Meet our team
Meghan
Meghan has been the Director of Raise Montana since 2019.
Meghan earned her undergraduate and graduate degree in the field of social work in her home state of North Carolina.
Meghan believes every child and family deserve love, care, and access to a successful future. Access to a successful future begins with quality early care and education.
In her off time, Meghan enjoys baking, reading, and hiking with her husband, Brian, and dog, Moose.
Suzy
Suzy joined Raise Montana in 2020 as the Shared Services Coordinator.
Suzy earned her undergraduate degrees in English and Social Work and her graduate degree in Social Work in her hometown of Missoula.
Suzy is dedicated to creating sustainable systems to better support child care providers and the families they serve.
Suzy is a nerd at heart and loves hiking, fussing over houseplants and spending time with her wife, Kelsey and dog, Keena.
MAggie
In 2022, Maggie came to Raise Montana as AmeriCorps VISTA and serves as our Community & Outreach Coordinator
Maggie studied International Studies with a focus on Peace and Conflict but also minored in French Language & Culture and Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies at the American University in DC.
Professionally, most of Maggie’s work has been with social change, international aid, and volunteer work.
Besides her family dogs, her biggest love in life is traveling and exploring the great outdoors.
Melissa
Melissa started with Raise Montana in 2022 as the Substitute Service Specialist.
She grew up in Montana and graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Communication Studies.
Melissa understands the importance of having quality child care available; not only does it impact families, but the entire community as well.
In her off time, you can find Melissa hanging out with her husband and three kids at the Farmers Market or playing card games. She especially enjoys cribbage and SkipBo.
Valayna
Valayna joined Raise Montana in 2022 as a University of Montana intern focused on increasing the accessibility of trauma-informed approaches in Early Childhood.
Valayna was born and raised in Missoula, Montana. She is currently working towards her undergraduate degree in Neurology and plans to attend med school afterwards. She is a member of the Franke Global Leadership Initiative with a focus on public health. She believes that creating a healthier community starts with helping children and families.
Valayna spends her free time reading, knitting and going on adventures with her cat, Babushka.
Get involved
Become a Community Partner
Join other community members, business owners and organizations in reinventing Montana child care through increasing supports for providers, families and children.
Support Our Work
Your donation will help build a brighter future for Montana by creating system wide changes to better the child care industry and support child care providers and the families and children they serve.
