Get to Know Us

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).

ACLC

Chris is an Addiction Counselor Licensure Candidate (ACLC) at Stepping Stones Behavioral Health Services and holds a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling. He is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey toward recovery, whether through group counseling or individual therapy. Chris strives to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring challenges, recognizing their strengths, and working toward meaningful goals. His approach emphasizes collaboration, mutual respect, and an understanding that each person's path to recovery is unique.

Outside of counseling, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife of 31 years, whom he considers his best friend, and their three adult children. Together, they enjoy camping, hiking, spending time at their favorite lake, hunting, fishing, and skiing. Their family also includes Tasha, a Great Pyrenees who recently celebrated her first birthday.

License & Certifications: State of MT, Addiction Counselor Licensure Candidate

Professional Activities and Memberships: National Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC); American Counseling Association (ACA); American Psychological Association (APA)

MSW, LAC, SWLC

As a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) currently working toward LCSW licensure, Sam brings two years of dedicated service to our facility. While Sam facilitates a weekly outpatient recovery group, her primary focus and core passion lie in one-on-one individual therapy. Sam operates from a humanistic, strengths-based perspective, believing that authentic empathy and honoring individual strengths are key to personal growth. Utilizing an integrative approach that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused interventions, and mindfulness, Sam collaborates closely with clients to build trust and develop practical tools for sustainable recovery. Outside of clinical practice, Sam was raised in Las Vegas and loves spending time with family, enjoying the Montana fresh air while secretly dreaming of sunny, sandy beaches.

License & Certifications: State of MT, Licensed Addiction Counselor, #BBH-LAC-LIC-88462

State of MT, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Candidate, #BBH-SWLC-LIC-84358

LAC

Carmen is a treatment provider specializing in substance use and behavioral health services. She has been with Stepping Stones since March 2024. As the primary treatment provider for Road Court misdemeanor participants, she delivers evidence-based interventions that support accountability, recovery, and positive life changes. Carmen excels at facilitating engaging, curriculum-driven groups, building strong therapeutic relationships, and fostering collaboration among clients, colleagues, and community partners to achieve successful treatment outcomes. Outside the office, Carmen is a jiu jitsu coach, a yoga teacher, and enjoys being out on the river or up in the mountains.

License & Certifications: State of MT, Licensed Addiction Counselor, #BBH-LAC-LIC-73019

Additional Training: Pathological Gambling, 2022

Professional Activities and Memberships: National Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)

BS, LAC

Austin is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Counseling. With a background in both clinical counseling and children, youth, and family ministry, Austin brings a holistic, person-centered approach to treatment. He believes that meaningful and lasting change involves more than addressing individual symptoms or behaviors, but also understanding the relational, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions of each person's life. Grounded in a humanistic, strengths-based philosophy, Austin emphasizes genuine therapeutic relationships, empathy, and collaboration as essential parts of the counseling process. His approach incorporates Rogerian/Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Solution-Focused interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based interventions to help individuals build insight, recognize their strengths, and develop practical skills for lasting change. Outside of counseling, Austin enjoys spending time with his family, strength training, and playing music.

License & Certifications: State of MT, Licensed Addiction Counselor, #BBH-LAC-LIC-88463

Additional Training: Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Certified Facilitator

Professional Activities and Memberships: National Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)

ACLC

License & Certifications: State of MT, Addiction Counselor Licensure Candidate

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

CBHPSS

Cara is a hometown girl who spent most of her career as a hair stylist and salon owner. Her strong leadership skills landed her the role of Executive Director of the Fourth D Club. Realizing her passion for helping others recover from substance abuse, she pursued her license as a peer support specialist. In her free time, Cara loves to travel, golf, sail and spend time with friends and family. 

License & Certifications: State of MT, Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist, #BBH-BHPS-CRT-84589

BSW, CBHPSS

Elizabeth is a Certified Behavior Health Peer Support Specialist and is the Lead Peer Support at Stepping Stones. Elizabeth graduated from the University of Montana in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Social Work and has been a Peer Support Specialist since January 2025. Whether it's navigating health insurance, housing, food stamps, job interviewing/resume building, organization/time management skills, or just navigating early recovery and all the challenges and emotions that come with it, Elizabeth is there to assist in any way possible. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys hanging out with her tabby cat, Gir, and being out in nature- camping, hiking, fishing, paddle boarding, and rockhounding. 

License & Certifications: State of MT, Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist, #BBH-BHPS-CRT-75368  

Professional Activities and Memberships: National Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)

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