Administration
Chantelle Plauche´, LCSW
Chief Financial Officer
Chantelle Plauché founded L'esprit in 2015. She obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2006 and has since worked with a diverse range of individuals and families as a mental health counselor both in schools and in her private practice. She has formed strong working relationships with many local organizations and school and community program leaders. Through her work, she became aware of the unmet need for further youth mental health services in the community, thus, giving her the idea for L’esprit which she opened in June of 2015. Since then, L’esprit has added youth day treatment, adult day treatment, adult mental health services and chemical dependency for youth and adults under the leadership of Chantelle. When she is not working, Chantelle enjoys spending time with her 3 children, gardening, raising chickens, and traveling.
Leah Brand, LCSW
Chief Operating Officer/ Clinical Supervisor/Outpatient Therapist
Leah Brand, LCSW, is a Montana native, born and raised in the Bitterroot Valley. In 2018, Leah joined L’esprit as a CSCT Therapist at Sleeping Giant Middle School. Leah currently provides Outpatient Therapy to youth and supports L’esprit staff as a Clinical Supervisor. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Montana and after graduation, she moved to Portland, Oregon. She lived and worked in Portland for 10 years and received a Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University. During that time, she had the opportunity to work and internship in a variety of areas, including education, homeless services, pediatric oncology and the department of corrections.
Administrative Support
Jackie Saccente
Data Quality Management Specialist
Jackie Saccent began working with L’esprit in 2019 as a Substance Use Peer Support Specialist and Billing Administrator. Peer Support provides one on one interactions with peers that have overcome or are in the process of overcoming substance use and the trauma that comes with it. Her job duties include: Advocating for people in recovery, Leading recovery groups, sharing resources and building skills, building community and relationships, mentoring, and goal setting. As for billing Jackie Submits and oversees the billing for L’esprits mental health and substance use recovery programs.
Family, School & Community Treatment
Brenda Stephani, LCPC
Family, School & Community Treatment Supervisor
Brenda Stephani, LCPC began her work at L’esprit in 2020. She is currently the FSCT supervisor and a therapist who provides individual, group, crisis-based, and family therapy. She also supervises FSCT staff, maintains program requirements, maintains healthy working relationships with Livingston School District schools and serves as a representative on L'esprit leadership team. Brenda received her bachelors from Grad-Prescott college and then after she obtained her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling focusing on equine-assisted mental health. Additionally, Brenda provides training on healthy technology use, parenting with technology, and/or identifying problematic technology use in youth to L'esprit staff and community members. Brenda came to L'esprit with specific training in problematic technology use and technology addictions and continued to engage in treating technology use disorders with youth as able.
Katy McCauley, LCSW
Therapist/ Clinical Supervisor
Katy McCauley, LCSW is a Montana native. She began her work at L’esprit in 2020 as a Behavioral Specialist and MSW intern. In the spring of 2017, Katy graduated from Montana State University, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology with a focus in Criminology. Following graduation, Katy worked with adolescents in a group home setting. Katy graduated with her Master's in Social Work in the Spring of 2021 and now works as an Outpatient Therapist with youth. Katy works with adolescents and their families, providing individual, group, and family therapy. Katy works alongside a team of individuals, as the clinical lead, providing social, emotional, and behavioral support and interventions. Katy also works collaboratively with school staff, community members, and community service providers.
Jen Holland
Family Support Specialist/ FSS Supervisor
Jennifer Holland began her journey at L’esprit in 2018 working as a Quality Control Officer and a Behavioral Specialist. Jennifer is currently a Family Support Specialist and the Family Support Specialist Supervisor. She graduated from the University of Madison Wisconsin with a bachelor's in Community and Environmental Sociology.
Alli McClennen
Family Support Specialist/ Wellness Coordinator
Alli McClennen, Family Support Specialist, joined L’esprit in 2015, working as a behavior specialist in the CSCT program. Alli currently provides support at Eastside to youth and their families as a Family Support Specialist. Alli also heads the L'esprit Wellness Team. She received her Bachelors in Early Childhood Development at the University of Montana.
Necia Sinnard, SWLC
Therapist
Necia Sinnard is passionate about supporting families and children as they navigate life’s challenges. She grew up in Montana, where she developed a love for the outdoors and a knack for adventure—whether it’s hiking, climbing, skiing, gardening, foraging, or photographing rivers in subzero temperatures. Her travels have taken her around the world, working on photography projects for nonprofits and seeking to find beauty in the broken—an outlook she carries into her work with others.
With a Master’s in Social Work from Carroll College, Necia is working toward licensure as a social worker. She takes a relational and strengths-based approach, meeting people where they are and walking alongside them as they work toward their goals. She believes in the power of connection, resilience, and the ability to keep moving forward even in difficult circumstances.
Chaycee Gabauer
Family Support Specialist
Chaycee was born in Fort Scott, Kansas. She moved to Montana in 2010 and started working at Lesprit in 2021. She is currently enrolled at Walden University working towards a bachelor's degree in Social work. She has a unique ability to connect with those around her. She provides caring and genuine support to the children and families she works with.
Nate Barrere
Family Support Specialist
Nathaniel was born and raised in Montana, he spent his childhood in Livingston and later moved to the west coast for 15 years. He worked in mental health in Oregon for 3 years as an in-home direct support professional for individuals and families with developmental disabilities before deciding to move back to Montana to be closer to family. Nate started working with Lesprit in early 2022 as an FSS behavior specialist and supports youth and their families in school as well as out in the community. Nate has worked closely with many developmental disabilities including Autism spectrum disorder, as well as various medical disabilities for individuals in need of direct support. He received his BA in media arts and communications online with SNHU, and plans to start his own creative studio.
Kristen Carlin
Family Support Specialist
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Kristen has been a dedicated member of the L'esprit since 2020, offering therapeutic support to youth and their families. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Montana State University and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, with a specialization in Military Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders, set to graduate in Spring 2026.
With a diverse background in care management and therapeutic foster care, Kristen brings a wealth of experience to her role. Her passion for helping others is fueled by a desire to support individuals through life’s challenges and build their resilience. Kristen’s work is deeply rooted in her commitment to social justice, and she believes in equitable access to support for all.
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Allison Peterson
Family Support Specialist
Alli Peterson joined L’esprit in the spring of 2023. She serves as a Family Support Specialist at Winans Elementary School. Alli has a bachelor's degree in psychology and is currently working towards her master's degree in counseling with hopes to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
John Belew
Family Support Specialist
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John joined L’esprit in April 2023 as a Family Support Specialist, where he provides compassionate support to youth and their families. His background in coaching youth sports, from little league to high school, sparked his passion for working with kids and helping them grow. Raised between Montana and Florida, John’s own challenges as a child inspired his commitment to giving back to his community.
Outside of work, John enjoys playing and coaching basketball, football, and baseball, with a special love for baseball, spending time with his bulldogs, reading, and working with his wife’s horses. Dedicated to his community, John coaches local sports and participates in events like the Night Owl Run to support youth programs.
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Sam Mascari
Family Support Specialist
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Sam Mascari grew up in Livingston and serves as a Family Support Specialist at Sleeping Giant Middle School. Sam is currently working towards his master's degree in counseling to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. He has a deep passion for nature connection and sustainable agriculture and runs a small farm in Livingston called Montana Roots. He lives outside of Livingston in an off-grid homestead with his wife, two children and a menagerie of animals. He is currently studying to be able to offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy which has been shown to be effective for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, chronic pain and increases neuroplasticity. Sam has helped start multiple men's groups in the area and is active in men's group work, to help men express, feel, deepen and grow into the highest version of themselves.
Colter Schroeder
Family Support Specialist
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Colter Schroeder is a 6th generation Montanan who grew up in the Bitterroot valley on a family cattle ranch. Colter is currently a student at Carroll College pursuing his Master’s in Social Work. He joined L’esprit at Park High in October of 2024 as part of his degree. Before working in the mental health field Colter earned a degree in Bio-Chemical Engineering from Montana State University and worked in the energy sector all over the world. In his spare time Colter enjoys being outdoors, rafting, skiing, hiking, or foraging. He and his family also tend a micro-homestead here in town with chickens, ducks, a bunny, (sometimes bees) and gardens.
Jen Martin
Family Support Specialist
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Jen Martin is a Montana native, born and raised in the Golden Triangle. In 2023, Jen joined the FSCT team at East Side Elementary School as a counselor-in-training. She is fulfilling the requirements for a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Prescott College. Jen aims to offer a compassionate, trustworthy, and safe presence grounded in evidence-based practices. Joining the mental health community as a witness to people's healing journeys is a profound privilege. She strives to bring an authentic trauma-informed and person-centered approach while using individualized somatic interventions to aid in the path to inner healing. Jen is passionate about providing non-judgemental care centered on inclusivity. When not at work or school, Jen can be found on the ski hill or hiking the majestic mountains of Southwest Montana and traveling the globe immersed in exploring other cultures.
Micah Leach
Family Support Specialist
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Micah Leach jointed the L'esprit team in January of 2025. She is a Montana native, born and raised in Great Falls, and currently calls Bozeman home. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology with a concentration in Animal Sciences and an Honor College Degree with Distinction from Montana State University. She is pursuing her master's degree in social work through Arizona State University and is in her second year, with a graduation date of August 2025. In addition to her formal education, she spent 2 ½ years as a Caregiver working in Assisted Living, Home Health, Memory Care, and Long-Term Care Environments. She also has been involved working at the HRDC Warming Center since January of 2024. She is a trained advocate for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking in the state of Montana, and volunteered at the Voice Center at Montana State University over 2 semesters when she went back to school for social work prerequisites. She is a member of the FSCT team at SGMS as an FSS and therapy intern. When not busy working she enjoys skiing, boating, spending time with family and friends, and her dog Ollie.
Montana Assertive Community Treatment
Janella Johnson, LCSW
MACT Team Lead
MACT Outpatient Therapist
Janella Johnson, LCSW, began her work at L’esprit Behavioral Health Center in 2018 as a case manager, mentor, and working with adults with severe disabling mental illness in the Adult Day Treatment Program. She graduated with her Masters in Social Work in 2019 and now serves as an outpatient therapist with a focus on working with adults with SDMI and has been trained in implementing EMDR. Janella also works as the Community Outreach Coordinator for L’esprit, actively participating in community coalitions for suicide prevention and crisis response. Additionally, she serves as the chairperson for the Park County Human Trafficking Task Force where she collaborates with leaders throughout the state on combating and ending human trafficking through prevention, protection, and prosecution.
Ellen Morris, LCSW
MACT Team Lead
MACT Outpatient Therapist
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Ellen received her Master of Science in Social Work with a concentration in Evidence-Based Interpersonal Practice from the University of Tennessee in 2022. She went on to begin her career in Social Work at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital before joining L'esprit as a member of the MACT Team in October of 2022. Ellen is passionate about community health, social justice, and yoga.
David Drake, LCSW
MACT Team Member
David Drake joined the L’esprit Mental Health Agency in 2015 as an outpatient therapist. David is a MACT Team Member as well as the a Clinician at L’esprit's main location, which includes intern supervision and training of new employees. He graduated with a Masters in Social Work from the Walla Walla billing program and also received a Masters in Scandinavian Literature from the University of Wisconsin. During David's internship at L’esprit he worked as a youth mentor, adult mentor, youth case manager, and adult case manager. He also served as a CSCT Therapist in Sleeping Giant Middle School for one year before shifting into Outpatient Therapy and Adult Day Treatment. Moreover, David is an avid hiker, likes to play the drums in a local band, and is also a serviceable cook.
Ginny Huff
MACT Care Coordinator
​Ginny Huff brings extensive knowledge and dedication to her role as a MACT Care Coordinator at L’esprit. Having rejoined the organization in May 2024, Ginny previously worked with L’esprit during its early years, contributing to its mission for three to four years after its opening in 2015. With over eight years of experience working with adults and children in the mental health field, Ginny specializes in providing resources, building rapport, and guiding clients toward achieving their goals. Her expertise includes working with teens at risk, individuals experiencing homelessness, and trauma-informed care, complemented by her formal education and current pursuit of licensure as an Addiction Counselor. A graduate of Dover Business College with an AA from MSU Billings, Ginny finds the most rewarding aspects of her work to be helping clients achieve their goals and learning new methods to support them. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, yoga, reading, arts and crafts, and spending time with her family, always guided by her mantra of “Peace and Light” and a commitment to optimism, kindness, and hopefulness.
Jason Mayfield
MACT Peer Support Specialist
Jason Mayfield received his Bachelor of Science from Sam Houston State University in 1997, with specializations in Elementary Education and Earth Science. After receiving his teaching license, Jason taught in both elementary and middle schools for a few years, but an entrepreneurial spirit was burning strong. He made the decision to leave the teaching field and peruse higher goals in the early 2000s. By 2005, Jason was partnered in a few startup businesses near Houston, TX , including a hazardous waste transportation company, a pet boarding and grooming facility, and a bonsai tree supply company. Once again chasing goals, he relocated to Montana in 2014 and has been partnered in several businesses throughout Park County since, including two food service businesses in Paradise Valley and a smoothie shop he currently owns/operates in Downtown Livingston. In 2024, after a successful career in the business world, Jason felt a calling for a higher purpose. Social service work seems to be a good fit, and working with L'esprit allows him to help his local community. Recently certified as a Peer Support Specialist, he hopes to return to graduate school and obtain a counseling licensing.
Case Management
Kelsey Denison
Case Management Supervisor
Kelsey Denison started working at L’esprit as an administrative assistant and a case manager in 2021. Kelsey graduated from Montana State University with a bachelor's in Family and Consumer Science. She then went on to study at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa, completing courses in sustainable community development and working with the vulnerable population experiencing extreme poverty. Additionally, the last three years Kelsey was living on Maui Island, working at Head Start as a Family strengthening Manager, served as a volunteer AmeriCorps member, and in Tijuana Mexico helped build homes for the local community and orphanage.
Raquel Graeve
Case Manager
Raquel grew up in Montana and joined L’esprit as a case manager in January of 2024. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Montana State University Billings. She is currently working towards her Master of Social Work through the University of Montana with hopes of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is also passionate about advocating for maternal mental health and has been a volunteer coordinator with Postpartum Support International since 2018. Raquel also has experience working as a Registered Behavior Technician and enjoys supporting both youth and adult clients. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing, horseback riding, cooking, and spending time with her family outdoors.
Substance Use Recovery Program
John Thomas, LAC
SURP Supervisor
John Thomas started at L’esprit in 2020 at the Adult Day Treatment program his senior year practicum. After graduating John transitioned to the Substance use recovery program where he now provides outpatient counseling for substance use and addiction. He is focused on improving harm reduction services and education in the community to combat drug-related overdose and death. To that end John is now a certified Naloxone Master Trainer, which can provide trainings on the use of Naloxone to reverse opioid overdose and can dispense it to the public.
Carla Kent, LAC
SURP Counselor
Carla Kent started at L’esprit in 2022 as a Case Manager, and transitioned into the Substance Use Recovery Program in 2023. Carla now provides outpatient counseling to adults and youth with substance use issues. Her flexibility in scheduling provides an opportunity for clients to acquire services, in person or via telehealth, at times that work with each individual client’s situation. Carla is a certified “Prime for Life” instructor offering classes to MIP and DUI clients.
Outpatient Therapy
Ashly Holland Fry, SWLC, LAC
Outpatient Therapist, SURP Counselor, Prime Life Instructor
Ashly Holland Fry was born and raised in Montana and enjoys hiking, motorcycle riding, music, and anything outdoors. Ashly began working at L’esprit in 2020 where she is completing her first-year internship acting as the Prime for Life instructor for MIP and DUI classes. She graduated with her master's degree in Social Work at Boise State University, ID. Previously Ashly was a substance abuse prevention specialist for Southwest Chemical Dependency Program for seven years. Her duties included managing a substance abuse prevention block grant, in-school drug and alcohol prevention education, teaching alcohol serve-safe class to local alcohol retailers, and more. In the future, Ashly's goal, when she completes her education, is to work with individuals that are suffering from substance and gambling abuse as well as those that have experienced trauma.
Brianna Wedeward, LCSW
Outpatient Therapist
Brianna Wedeward is the youth outpatient therapist with L'esprit and has been in this role since May 2024. She previously worked for the agency as a therapist in the school-based program. As a therapist, Brianna's philosophy is that connection is a tool for overall wellness and is essential to mental and emotional well-being. She values helping individuals honor and strengthen their connection to themselves, others, and the natural world. Brianna completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin- Green Bay, receiving a bachelor’s in social work with an emphasis in child welfare. In 2020, she completed my graduate studies in social work at the University of Wyoming and moved to Montana in 2021. Brianna has worked in a variety of mental health settings, including in juvenile justice, geriatric social work, residential treatment for children and youth, adult outpatient and substance abuse treatment, school-based therapy, and private practice. In her personal life, she enjoys adventuring in the wilderness, running, cross country skiing, playing guitar, knitting, and spending time with friends, family, and her cat, Cordie.