Get to Know Us

LAC

Shari is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) and the Founder and Executive Director for Stepping Stones Behavioral Health Services. Shari specializes in individual, couples, and family therapy related to substance use disorders and gambling disorders. She has 23 years of experience as an addiction counselor, and is a graduate of the University of Great Falls. Shari has presented to general and professional audiences on the topics of identifying a problem with substance use, getting help for someone who has a problem with substance use, and how to support someone in recovery. Shari also works with employers to address the issue of impaired employees.

Shari’s therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help patients effectively address personal life challenges to address problems with substance use and maintain a lifestyle of low-risk substance use or abstinence. With compassion and understanding, she works with everyone to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth and goals they are committed to accomplishing. For patients wanting to strengthen their relationship with a Higher Power, she addresses concerns about faith, forgiveness, restoration, love, hope, and inner peace.

License & Certifications: State of Montana, Licensed Addiction Counselor, #BBH-LAC-LIC-959

Additional Training: Pathological Gambling, 2022

Professional Activities and Memberships: Current NW Regional VP for NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, and a member of the Missoula Rotary Club

MSW, LCSW, LAC

Darren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), and the Clinical Manager at Stepping Stones. Darren graduated from the University of Montana in May 2017 with a Master of Social Work and has been a Licensed Addiction Counselor since May 2018. Darren has experience working with individuals involved with the criminal justice system and Child & Family Services. Darren has also worked extensively with the homeless population and citizens returning from incarceration. In his free time, Darren enjoys riding his motorcycle, building computers, and likes to tinker with technology.

License & Certifications: State of MT, Licensed Addiction Counselor, #BBH-LAC-LIC-30184

State of MT, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, #BBH-LCSW-LIC-53909

Additional Training: Pathological Gambling, 2022

Professional Activities and Memberships: National Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC); National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

MS, LAC

Laurie is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). She completed her Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling in the summer of 2020 and has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She is enthusiastic about working with men and women with substance use disorders and helping them on the way to recovery. Laurie enjoys singing and writing. She is passionate about continuing to learn throughout her life. She enjoys spending time with her extended family whenever possible.

Licensing & Certifications: #BBH-LAC-LIC-57673

Additional Training: Pathological Gambling, 2022 | Harm Reduction for the Clinical Setting, 2020

Professional Activities and Memberships: NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals

BSW, ACLC

Ethan is an ACLC with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UM and is currently in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Montana. He is a parent of 2 kids and enjoys reading, drawing, fishing, cooking, gardening, and is a houseplant enthusiast. Ethan’s philosophy on recovery is a person centered, harm reduction framework that works towards supporting his patient's goals for building resilience and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He is a member of NAADAC for addiction professionals and NASW subject to the NASW code of ethics.

Licensing & Certifications: State of MT Addiction Counseling Licensee Candidate, #BBH-ACLC-LIC-55000

Professional Activities and Memberships: NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals

Chase Gannon is one of our Addiction Counselling Licensee Candidates. He studied at the University of Montana and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He is very knowledgeable about Substance Use Disorders and is currently running our Intensive Outpatient program. He is an avid traveler and enjoys being outdoors. Chase is especially knowledgeable about mindfulness practices and CBT interventions for Chemical Dependency. He is also moderately informed of cannabis education and has been able to help multiple patients gain control over their cannabis dependency.

ACLC

MSW, CBHSS

Thomas is a Peer Support Specialist.

Licenses & Certifications: State of MT Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist, #BBH-BHPS-CRT-55462

Professional Activities and Memberships: NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals

CBHPSS, NCPS

Kelly is a Peer Support Specialist, and (unofficial) Tech Support. They enjoy working with their peers and can help newcomers get connected to the right therapist. Kelly attended the University of Montana for four years, pursuing a degree in Geology. In their spare time, they enjoy reading, cuddling with their cat, Abigail, and answering questions about their rock and mineral collection.

Licenses & Certifications: State of MT Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist, #BBH-BHPS-CRT-55462

National Certified Peer Specialist, #NCPS.0100180

Professional Activities and Memberships: Montana Peer Network

NAADAC

Rhonda is our Finance Administrator here at Stepping Stones. She has over 20 years of experience with office administration, and studied business at the University of Montana. She can help with any financial questions regarding statements and insurance. Her other roles include payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. Rhonda received her QuickBooks Bookkeeping Certification in 2017. She was born and raised in Montana and has lived in Missoula most of her life. In her spare time, Rhonda enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

Licenses & Certifications: QuickBooks Bookkeeping Certification

Additional Training: Substance Abuse Management Information System; Montana Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Fall Conference 2019

Deb is our Administrative Assistant and is happy to answer phone calls and facilitate scheduling.