Our Team

Scott Jaynes, LAC

Clinical Director

I am a Licensed Addictions Counselor and the Clinical Director at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center. In 2005, I graduated from the University of Great Falls with an associate’s degree in Addictions Counseling. I began working at RMTC about six years ago. I truly believe this is my calling. To watch a person work through their fears and see the change happen in their eyes is truly a miracle and an inspiration.

I know what hopelessness and apathy feel like – there is nothing left in the tank -- when you are so lonely that it physically hurts. I have also experienced the other side, the side of recovery -- the feeling of peace and serenity.

Our program is 12-step based, which I am very passionate about. It is a design for living that brings about hope and purpose.

Jessica Shortridge, LAC, PATH Certified

Equine Therapy Counselor

I have always loved horses. I am a Licensed Addiction Counselor, and a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Individuals who come through Rocky Mountain Treatment Center’s program fail to see the blind spots they have been living in. Horses help them to become honest with themselves, shortening the honesty cycle portion of addiction treatment.

I am an addict. I have been clean and sober for over ten years. The external motivator for me to get help was almost losing my son. I am continuing to work my individualized recovery program. I take much to heart; I hate this disease, but addiction recovery is a real thing. My favorite part of my job is working with fresh/raw addicts and watching them find hope again.

I practice what I preach; I do not ask my clients to do anything I would not do. We get out of our comfort zone together. I have a reputation as a hard ass, but an awesome one. I feel blessed to “get” to live the American dream.

Trudy J. Nelson, LAC

Counselor

I am passionate about serving individuals and their families suffering from the disease of dependency. I believe in one alcoholic/addict helping another.

After entering the Army, during the Viet Nam era, and completing my basic training, I completed medical corpsman training and laboratory technician training. The next few years I sowed some ‘wild-child’ oats and had a good start on my secondary ‘career’ as a budding alcoholic.

“It was a dark and stormy night . . .” No, it was an early morning on a Thanksgiving weekend and looking at the left-over bottle from the evening before, I got scared. I asked for help that day. That was a few ‘today’s’ ago, and by the grace of my Higher Power, I remain abstinent from alcohol and other mood-altering substances.

I believe in what I do!

Maureen A. McInnis, MS, LCPC

Mental Health Counselor

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor I bring an emotional intervention aspect to the recovery process.

My focus is to assist clients to recognize and heal from their Grief, Trauma, and Shame. Teaching Forgiveness so individuals can let go of damaging anchors and recover their better self. Helping participants recognize that they are loveable, it is their behavior that is destructive.

I bring 30 years of community mental health, private practice, family therapy and mediation services to the Rocky Mountain Treatment Center program. I have degrees in Recreational Therapy, Education and Counseling.

Jeanette Snodgrass, LAC

Counselor

I have worked in the addictions field for over 20 years. Over the course of my career I have worked in inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, as well as in prison settings and worked directly with the homeless on the streets, and with the Native American populations.

Every person who has walked into my path in the course of my career has been a blessing to me. Young, old, male, female, homeless, famous; they all suffer from the same disease and are lost. By God’s grace, and with the help of their peers, treatment teams, and the power of a safe environment, these people find hope, direction, and purpose.

By the grace of God and AA, I am 28 years sober. I am a “four star general” in the 12 step program - Adult Child of Alcoholics, Al-Anon member having been married to an alcoholic, Survivor, and recovering alcoholic. I have walked in the darkness and now live in the light. I now share the light with others. Don’t use, go to meetings, get a sponsor, read the Big Book, Study the Big Book. Work the Steps, Pay it Forward, Expect the Miracle!

Gloria Little, LAC

Counselor

I have had a passion to always help and give to others since I was a little girl. My father served in the military for 21 years in the Air Force and was very strict. I never thought I’d wind up getting caught up in drugs or alcohol considering my father passed away at the age of 38 from alcoholism. I was devastated. At age 32, however, I decided to try meth. I was told I could lose weight. I thought I could get to my perfect weight, quit and be done. It was so far from the truth. I didn’t stop there. I eventually went to treatment. I stayed clean for 2 and a half years and went back out. Eventually I met my husband, then he passed in 2001, 2 days after Christmas. My son-in-law called me, along with my mother, and they both gave me the opportunity to come home. I did, that was 18 years ago and I’ve been sober ever since.

I’m now living and no longer surviving. I have since attended Stone Child College. I have 3 Associates degrees in Human Services, Addiction Studies and Native American Studies and have been an LAC for the last 12 years now and still have a passion to help others. Hope and faith never leaves us for it serves a purpose!

Kelly Wichman, LPN

Nursing Supervisor

I started working at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center in 2015. I am very passionate about changing the world’s view of addiction. I believe addiction is a disease and not a moral defect. Addiction is not a choice – recovery is.

I have been in recovery for almost seven years. Today, I am no longer paralyzed by fear. My desire is to help people find out who they are as individuals. This is a blessing for me – I get to know the real you.

We have great programs to assist in helping people become honest. Our group therapy enlightens them to their addiction by being able to see the disease through the others in the group. I love anything related to mental health and am passionate about studying human behavior.

Sasha Cook, RN

Nursing

After becoming a Registered Nurse in 2011, I worked in a Transplant Intensive Care Unit for several years. After witnessing the horrific effects that drugs and alcohol have on the bodies of addicts, I chose to work in a field that would help prevent people from the tortures of continuing down the path of addiction.

It is my goal to ensure health and safety, especially during the detox period. I support each client through the transition of withdrawal in a relaxing stress-free environment.

I started working at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center in 2014. Since that day, I have found joy in being part of a team that helps offer people a second chance in life.

Kate Newton, RN, BSN

Nursing

I have been an RN for 38 years, working in a variety of settings. I have been a Pain Resource Nurse in a hospital, and have enjoyed learning how the brain and body work in processing our current and past experiences. I also have clinical knowledge to draw on in addressing individual health concerns of our clients, and in alerting our medical team.

I appreciate being part of the supportive environment that exists at RMTC, which creates a healing atmosphere for our clients during their treatment. I feel that we are all refugees from something in our lives, and we can love each other through the healing process. Our clients are also inspired to see each other in this light.

Hilary Vanderbush, LPN

Nursing

I became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2017. While I was in school my alcoholism increased drastically. I tried to control my disease for a year and a half and was dry for 6 months when an intervention was done on my behalf.

I experienced first hand the miracle of recovery through Rocky Mountain Treatment Center. The counselors and staff thoroughly and personally understand the addiction disease process. During my time at Rocky Mountain, I began to understand the roots of my addiction. I began to heal from past hurts. I learned new ways of thinking which overcame the lies that my addiction was feeding me. Through God and the love and support I found at Rocky Mountain, I am sober and my cravings for alcohol have vanished.

My heart is set on helping others as they begin their recovery journey. Addiction is a manageable disease with help, and my goal is to support, love and care for anyone who has the desire to heal from their addiction.

Alicia Cassidy, LPN

Nursing

I have been a nurse since 2015. I began my education after a life changing opportunity while working for FEMA. My passion is to bring joy and laughter into people’s lives. My career has been very rewarding, and I hope my passion shines through in the care I provide in each individual situation.

Darlene Davis, RN

Nursing

I began working at RMTC about 10 years ago, and have met many amazing people over the years. I believe it takes real courage to walk through these doors and confront an addiction. What I find most rewarding is to see clients who arrived feeling pretty hopeless, engage in the program and begin to look forward to a new and better sober life. I feel privileged to be a small part of that.

James Winters

Case Manager

I oversee collecting information to help each individual in treatment, and their family, receive the services they need to promote quality, effective addiction treatment. I am the single point of contact for many of our services. I do more than coordinate, consolidate and organize the individual’s treatment plan. As the Case Manager, I do all the continuing care planning for clients and help locate Sober Living Homes and other aftercare resources. My favorite aspect of my job is interacting with each individual client – I get to share my story and give them hope.

I have been sober for 17 years. I struggled with addiction for almost 15 years. It landed me in prison. I credit my mom for giving me the foundation of faith. Without my faith to call on in my darkest hours, my life as an addict may have continued.

I love what Rocky Mountain Treatment Center offers. I love that I get to offer my knowledge, experience, strength, and hope to others struggling with addiction.

Casey Ayers

Lead Treatment Assistant

I am an addict in recovery since November 10, 2015. My entire adult life was spent using drugs. I bounced from one drug to the next, searching for something I never found until I got clean. I remember feeling isolated, alone and hopeless in the thought that I was doomed to live in active addiction forever. When it all came crashing down, my son was removed from my home.

I went to treatment and came out with a new view on life and tools to move forward sober. I enrolled at Great Falls College MSU and have earned my Associate of Arts degree. I am active, and am a certified Les Mills BODYFLOW instructor. Being a Treatment Assistant allows me to show people who are struggling, that recovery is absolutely possible! I can’t keep what I have unless I give it away. I have found my calling and my heart is finally at peace.

Joe Clampitt

Treatment Assistant

I went through treatment at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center three years ago. It was life changing. I felt safe here, and my counselors were loving and caring. If I can recover, anyone can recover.

I want to give to others; inspire hope and compassion. I want to help you recognize each accomplishment, see the positives in life, and change your old negative way of thinking. You are worthy of recovery. Along with keeping myself right, my passion is my daughters.

Anthony Jaynes

Treatment Assistant

I am a night-shift treatment assistant at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center. I enjoy my job more every day.

My recovery story is my dad’s recovery story. My memories of my father started after he went through treatment. He has been there for me every day of my life. If he would not have gotten clean and sober, who knows if I would have had a father growing up. I am proud of my dad and everyone who walks through our doors..

Besides my job, like my dad, I love to drive fast cars. You can find me most summer nights at the racetrack.

Tom Nix

Treatment Assistant

I grew up in an alcoholic home and I struggled with addiction and alcoholism for 15 years. When I was sick and tired of being sick and tired, I was introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous, and through the AA program I was able to stop drinking and using and I connected with a great group of people with stories similar to my own. One of the many joys of working at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center is being on the front lines of recovery while sharing my own experience, strength, and hope. I care about each and every client, because everyone deserves a second chance at life.

Benjamin Vandeventer

Treatment Assistant

I was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming and was introduced to drugs and alcohol when I was 13 years old. Since then, I struggled with active addiction until I was 27, when I reached out for help. I checked myself in to Rocky Mountain Treatment Center in August of 2017 and have been sober ever since.

RMTC has helped me in ways that I could never have done on my own. I give all thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and Rocky Mountain Treatment Center. I would strongly suggest RMTC for anyone struggling with active addiction who wants to change their life. God Bless.

Sara Sneigoski

Admissions Coordinator

I came to Rocky Mountain Treatment Center as a client in January 2016. Hopeless, with no sanity and barely alive, I was a shell of the person I once was. I was homeless, desperate and full of fear. I was addicted to drugs and alcohol and felt there was no other solution for me. I needed someone to believe in me before I believed in myself, and Rocky Mountain Treatment Center did that for me.

Now I’m healthy, happy and sober and feel blessed to work here as Lead Treatment Assistant. I love being able to give back. This is my family, it’s my home. One of the most rewarding aspects of what I do is being able to watch miracles happen with our clients’ lives. I love working with the clients and being a part of their daily recovery process. Just as it was done for me, I feel that now I’m the one that is able to believe in someone before they believe in themselves.

Amanda Norlin

Clinical Review Specialist

Both my parents have been in recovery for 35+ years. Therefore, I have been around addiction recovery my entire life. I went through Rocky Mountain Treatment Center’s in-patient program in 2015. It was not until I surrendered to the AA program that I was able to begin my journey to recovery. I have been sober ever since. I hold a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management and a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.

I am blessed to get to witness the transformation of people from broken to inspired – to see lives rebuilt. I love what I do!

Leah Jerome

Admissions Coordinator

I couldn’t understand why I kept dating and marrying alcoholics, and doing other people’s dishes.

As a grateful member of the Al-anon fellowship, I came to believe that I needed help. I discovered the freedom to detach with love.

As part of the Admissions Team at Rocky, I work with clients and their families on ‘keeping it simple’ and shining a light on their path to healing. It’s the most fun ever seeing wonderful people and their families transform during their treatment at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center.

I spent 20 years in Canada and overseas in the oil business, doing everything to please everybody. When I surrendered and let go of that false self, the doors to freedom opened. I went back to University as an adult and attended Loyola University of Chicago and life hasn’t been the same since. Life and Joy are REAL.

Dr. Brice Addison, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Addison attended Mayo Medical School and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Medicine. He is board certified in internal medicine and addiction. Dr. Addison has worked in long-term care since 1984.

He is also a member of the Great Falls Symphonic Choir and the American College of Physicians. When he has free time, he enjoys skiing, hiking, mountain biking, bicycling, opera and the symphony.

Mary Gray, Family Nurse Practioner

Internal Medicine, Primary Care

Mary Gray is a Family Nurse Practitioner in Great Falls, Montana. She graduated with honors in 1988, and has more than 29 years of diverse healthcare experience. Mary is affiliated with many hospitals; including Benefis Hospitals Inc. and Great Falls Clinic Hospital, and cooperates with a variety of doctors and other providers.

Mary provides invaluable medical evaluation and treatment services to the clients at Rocky Mountain.

Barry Blenis

Executive Staff

Both Barry and Jeff were raised in upstate New York. Barry was a dear friend of Jeff’s parents, and later developed a close friendship with Jeff.

Jeff started his career working in the hospitality field in Florida, while Barry planted roots in the banking field and became involved in many benevolent organizations, including Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany, New York. www.capitalcityrescuemission.com

Jeff Quackenbush

Administrator

In 2008, Jeff went through a debilitating divorce and moved to Montana to start a new life. “I know what it is like to lose everything, start over and go to a place of humility.” – Jeff

Barry was there for Jeff every step of the way. Over a span of fifty years, they remained close friends. In 2015, they found an opportunity to combine their interests, expertise, and passions at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center.

Through a channel of heart, hope, honesty, and compassion, three years later they continue to help guide people from the darkness of addiction to the sunlight of the spirit.

Marcie Dardis

Board Member

As an alumnus of Rocky Mountain Treatment Center, and someone who has been in recovery for over 34 years, I realize the importance of Rocky Mountain.

I am a Licensed Addictions Counselor and a Licensed Practical Nurse. I worked at Rocky Mountain for over 30 years, starting out as a Treatment Assistant and later becoming a Counselor. I also worked in Washington state at an adolescent addiction intervention center.

Working in the addiction/behavioral health field is my passion. I serve on the Board at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center to ensure the clinical integrity of the program.

Barry Dardis

Board Member

My son was in recovery at 16 years old, and -- I was still drinking. I had to quit. I went through treatment at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center in 1984 and have been in recovery ever since. My first year in recovery I did not attend AA. I was in a men’s prayer group and thought that could replace AA. When I attended my first AA meeting the man chairing it said, “Spirituality will save your soul; AA will save your sobriety.” From then on, I have attended meetings regularly.

I worked in the telephone business all my life, consulting and managing. I now give seminars on inductive interference.

Addiction is powerful and baffling. It affects people regardless of their social status. I see it over and over.

My mission as a Board Member at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center, is to make sure it continues to be an asset for addiction recovery for our community.

Renee Johnson

Bookkeeper

I have been in the bookkeeping field for over 20 years and employed with Rocky Mountain Treatment Center for a little over a three-year period.

I have been involved with a variety of businesses doing books. I love working at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center, seeing people getting help with their addictions through all the different programs that are offered. It is life changing to be a witness to the hope our facility provides.

I love working with people who love what they do and are passionate and committed to helping others find the light.

Cheryl Voeller

Administrative Supervisor

I am the Administrative Supervisor, Process Improvement Coordinator and Human Resources Director at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center. I hold a Bachelor’s in Psychology from MSU-Bozeman. I started my career as a counselor at a large children’s shelter and assessment program in Northern CA. It was there I discovered my passion for Residential Facilities Management.

After moving back home to Great Falls in 1994, I continued my residential facilities career in Assisted Living; opening, marketing and administrating residential care facilities for seniors. I joined the Rocky Mountain Treatment Center’s team in 2014 as the Process Improvement Coordinator and, within a few months, I accepted additional roles. I absolutely love working for Rocky Mountain Treatment Center. My responsibilities at Rocky are a combination of my favorite duties throughout my career!

Although what I do here is ‘behind the scenes’ of our clients’ treatment, I love being a part of RMTC’s fantastic team; helping to ensure a very high-quality treatment program for our clients.

Pennie Lowe

Administrative Assistant

I was born and raised in Havre, MT and married my highschool sweetheart. We moved to Alabama and spent 17 years there. The “Big Sky” always seems to call you back, so my husband and I moved back so he could follow in the footsteps of our large railroad family. Most of our spare time is spent loving on our little yorkie, Theo.

Codependency and addiction have unfortunately been a part of my whole life, first as a daughter and then as a wife. After suffering the loss of both of our sons, my husband and I decided to move to Great Falls for a fresh start. Battered and broken, Rocky Mountain Treatment Center has welcomed me with open arms and I know they will do the same for you!

Sarina Hernandez Morning

Health Information

When I finished High School, I thought I wanted to go into the criminal job field. Shortly after, I decided to changes routes. I found the medical field to be interesting not to explore. I became a CNA and worked alongside my mother who is a nurse. I later started working as a Treatment Assistant at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center.

My brother was a full-blown addict for over 16 years. He was in and out of prison. If he had not received treatment, he would have lived his life locked up behind bars. I wanted to be his support system. I applied for a job as a Treatment Assistant at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center. Today, he is a business owner and in recovery. Whenever he feels down, I give him inspiration. I want and need to make a difference in the lives of people struggling with addiction.

Michael Solomon

Alumni Coordinator

Rocky Mountain Treatment Center is home for me. I came through these doors a broken, lost man who was swallowed by addiction. The amazing staff here helped me find a new life full of love, compassion and contentment, and helped restore my hope for a bright future.

I am honored and grateful to be a part of the team, helping with outreach and serving clients as Alumni Coordinator. The people at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center have become my family. I have a deep spiritual and emotional connection to the Center, and I am passionate about facilitating the healing that it provides.

Rick Sears

Kitchen Supervisor

I am the Kitchen Supervisor at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center. I have been in the cooking industry for so long. I refuse to give the number of years in fear my age will be revealed.

Many people who go through addiction treatment, are under- nourished and under-weight. They become more appreciative of food. It gives me much satisfaction putting out good food. I enjoy their feedback – it makes me feel appreciated.

When not in the kitchen, I like mountain biking, hiking, and taking photos in Montana’s outdoors.

Helen Buell

Housekeeping

I was born and raised in Asia. My parents were missionaries, so I was blessed to travel and experience many different places. I went to school in a jungle in Malaysia.

I started working at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center, two years ago. I like the satisfaction of cleaning. I look forward to coming to work. The staff appreciates what I do. I feel my job matters.

In my spare time, I love to silk paint, dabble in the arts, and hike.

Steve Messman

Maintenance

When families are at the end of their rope, I will go the extra mile -- as I drive across the state to pick up clients in need of transportation to Rocky Mountain Treatment Center.

I am the “Messman,” of the center . . . Always improving the look and feel of the building. In my free time, I love to ride my motorcycle