Meet the Core Team
Maureen Bjerke
Maureen is part of the Population Health Team at St. Peter’s Health, where she focuses on preventative, systems-focused community health work. As the Early Childhood Collaborative (ECC) Coordinator, she is dedicated to ensuring families have the support, resources, and information they need to thrive.
Her passion for early childhood stems from both personal experience and professional dedication. After losing her own baby, she became deeply committed to advocating for healthy pregnancies, parental mental health, and accessible resources—ensuring no parent feels alone. With years of experience working with children and families, she has seen firsthand the challenges of low wages in child care and believes society must do more to invest in early childhood. She is driven by the belief that it’s easier—and better for everyone—to nurture strong, healthy humans from the start rather than try to heal our childhood traumas as adults.
Maureen studied psychology as an undergraduate before joining the Intercultural Youth and Family Development graduate program in Missoula. As part of the program, she served in the Peace Corps, spending two life-changing years in Cameroon. Her best friends were the children, who taught her about life, how to speak Fulfulde, and the true meaning of generosity.
Maureen loves to share yoga with her fellow humans and enjoys what Montana has to offer. She thrives in summer, soaking up all the sunshine and warmth but loves the witchy magic of Halloween.
Her message to parents and caregivers: “You are not alone. Your journey is unique, but there are people out there who want to travel alongside you.” She also reminds others (and herself) that parenthood is not defined by presence—parents who have lost a child still hold that title.
Maureen hopes to leave things better for the next generation, shaping a future where early childhood and family well-being are truly valued.
406.461.4449
Brandi Thomas
Brandi was the Provider Services Supervisor at Child Care Connections until the organization closed its doors. Child Care Connections was a nonprofit dedicated to improving access to and the quality of child care across six Montana counties, providing essential support to families and early childhood professionals in the community.
Brandi is passionate about early childhood education because she believes the early years are the key to our future. Every child has the right to grow up happy and healthy, and she is dedicated to ensuring they have the best possible start in life during those critical first five years. She sees this work as her small but meaningful contribution to building a better future.
With over 20 years of experience in the early childhood field, Brandi has worn many hats in her commitment to young children and families. A Montana native, she earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and A.A. in Business Administration from Carroll College, followed by an A.A. in Early Childhood Education from UM Western. She was also among the first in Montana to earn a P-3 certificate, further deepening her expertise in early learning.
Brandi loves spending time with her family and being outdoors, especially during hunting season, when she enjoys connecting with nature. She’s also a fan of Marvin the Martian, The X-Files, sloths, turtles, and Cherry Coke! Her tip for parents and caregivers: “Read children's books—they all have life lessons we can learn from!”
Reach out to Maureen to get in touch with Brandi
Mary Sparks
Mary is the Child and Family Health Supervisor at Lewis and Clark Public Health, where she oversees the Home Visiting Program and WIC. Committed to improving and protecting the health of all Lewis and Clark County residents, she works to ensure that families have access to essential support, education, and resources.
Mary started working with families in 1994, dedicating most of her career to working with infants and toddlers with disabilities in home visiting programs. She feels the education and health of young children and families is her calling.
Mary finds joy in running, hiking, biking, and spending time with her son while taking in the beauty of Montana. A quote that inspires her work is from Thomas Dekker: “To awaken each morning with a smile brightening my face... To approach my work with a clean mind... To be gentle, kind, and courteous through all the hours... This is how I desire to waste wisely my days.”
She wants parents and caregivers to know: “Raising children is HARD—even in the best circumstances. You are doing great!” And when times are tough, she reminds them: “Tough times are temporary. Things always get better.”
Mary appreciates the strong network of early childhood professionals in Lewis and Clark County, all working together to improve services for families. She hopes to see greater societal investment in parental leave, affordable child care, and high-quality early childhood services.
Mary is honored to be part of Lewis and Clark Public Health and the Early Childhood Collaborative, working to create a healthier, stronger future for children and families.
Haylie Wisemiller
Haylie is a dedicated Registered Nurse with 16 years of experience, specializing in population health at St. Peter’s Health. Passionate about community well-being, she leads initiatives aimed at addressing a variety of health priorities. As a mother, she understands the importance of early childhood development and advocates for quality experiences for all children. Haylie values connection and collaboration, working with local organizations to support and promote a healthy community.
Haylie’s passion for early childhood comes from both her personal and professional experiences. As a mother who spent years at home with her children before returning to work, she has witnessed firsthand the joys and challenges of nurturing young minds. She believes early childhood lays the foundation for lifelong learning, emotional well-being, and success, and she is committed to ensuring that all children have access to quality early experiences.
She loves the warmth of summer and dreams of living in a tropical paradise...in Montana. She loves Christmas traditions like baking cookies and driving around to see holiday lights. A favorite quote that guides her work comes from Maya Angelou: "It's very hard to hate someone if you look them in the eye and recognize them as a human being."
She’d like to remind parents: “Don’t make big life decisions on limited sleep.” And in tough times, she reminds herself and others: “We are all just looking for connection.”
She believes in the power of empathy and connection in creating positive change.
Callie Aschim
Callie is the President/CEO of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce. Under her leadership, the Chamber is dedicated to engaging businesses to foster a thriving community. Callie is particularly proud of the Chamber's innovative programs, such as the Workforce Innovation NetworkS (WINS), which creates opportunities for local students to explore career pathways and education prospects within Helena. The Helena Leaders Network (HLN) and Leadership Helena programs are also noteworthy, focusing on the personal and professional development of emerging and established professionals, respectively. These initiatives aim to facilitate meaningful discussions on topics crucial to Helena’s growth and evolution.
Callie's passion for her work stems from her love for community engagement. She finds fulfillment in connecting people to devise solutions and support each other through challenges. Her favorite quote, "High Tides, All Boats Rise," perfectly encapsulates her belief in the collective progress of the community through collaborative efforts.
Callie also cherishes the traditions of her favorite holiday, Christmas. Growing up on her family farm, she experienced the love and dedication her grandparents, parents, and aunt and uncle put into making the holiday special. These cherished memories of family and tradition continue to inspire her commitment to fostering a supportive community in Helena.
Ashley Peña-Larsen
Ashley is the Director of Rocky Head Start, an inclusive early childhood program for children of all abilities aged 3-5 in Townsend, Whitehall, East Helena, and Helena. Rocky Head Start emphasizes education, health, family engagement, and social services, aiming to support families in identifying strengths and building on efforts to foster strong families and successful children. The program focuses on high-quality early childhood education, physical and oral health, positive social/emotional development, and healthy nutrition, providing access to a stable, nurturing environment.
Ashley is inspired by the potential within each child and the belief that, with the right foundation, they can overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. Ashley’s work is not just a job; it's a personal commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of young learners and their families.
Her favorite quote, "Live your life with an open heart and a compassionate spirit; for in kindness, you not only brighten your own path but also illuminate the way for others," reflects her approach to life and work.
During tough times, she tells herself and others, “Remember, storms don't last forever. In the darkest moments, we discover our inner strength and resilience. This too shall pass, and you have the power to navigate through it. Reach out for support, take one step at a time, and trust that brighter days are ahead. You're not alone, and your strength is greater than you realize."
Sarah Mitchell
Sarah is the Director of the Child Enrichment Center at Florence Crittenton Family Services, where she helps create a safe, supportive environment for families to heal and grow. Florence Crittenton provides a range of family-centered services, including therapeutic residential care, home visiting, parenting classes, outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, and early childhood education for children ages 0-5.
Sarah is passionate about Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) because it supports crucial cognitive, social, and emotional development, sets a strong foundation for lifelong learning, and helps close achievement gaps, promoting social equity. She believes investing in ECCE benefits society as a whole, leading to healthier communities, greater economic empowerment, and reduced social costs. Sarah advocates for elevating the status of early childhood educators, recognizing them as vital teachers who shape the future of our children.
Sarah loves the cozy atmosphere of fall, with its crisp air, colorful leaves, and warm sweaters. Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday because it’s about gratitude and togetherness rather than gifts. She finds inspiration in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words: “What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
She wants every parent and caregiver to understand the importance of being emotionally present and responsive to a child's needs, as this connection builds trust, self-esteem, and resilience. And when times are tough, she reminds herself and others: “This is just a moment, not forever.”
Molly Hudson
As the Children's Services Librarian, Molly develops and implements a variety of library programs and materials for children birth to age 11 and their grownups - and all of these wonderful offerings are free! Molly's favorite quote by Roald Dahl, "And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it," reflects her approach to working with children. She loves helping them explore their interests and discover their unique potential.
Through her work, Molly not only nurtures the minds of children but also strives to make sure every caregiver knows they are seen and valued.
She wishes more people recognized caregivers as both individuals and nurturers and wants them to hear this: “I see you as a person and a caregiver—and you're doing a great job.”
When times are tough, she likes to remind parents (and sometimes herself) to take a deep breath. This won't last forever. It will change, and you'll move into the next phase. And your children are remarkable!
Molly believes that by supporting children and their grownups, we are shaping the future of our community.
Patty Cutshall-Bailey
Still working on it…
Micaela Wilfong
Micaela Wilfong is the Program Manager for Florence Crittenton’s Child Enrichment Center, a trauma-informed childcare facility providing inclusive, high-quality care for children ages 0-5. The center focuses on social-emotional growth, healing, and family connection through play-based learning.
Micaela believes early childhood education extends beyond the classroom and into the homes of the families they serve. She is passionate about creating a wraparound learning environment that promotes family engagement and collaboration, giving children the best possible start in life.
She loves celebrating all holidays—big or small—and enjoys fly fishing in her free time. Fall is her favorite season, thanks to the perfect balance of cool weather and outdoor adventures.
Micaela wants every parent and caregiver to know: You have the biggest impact on your child’s future. Every interaction, no matter how small, creates lasting memories. And when times are tough? She reminds caregivers, What you are doing matters.
She appreciates the many initiatives and organizations supporting early childhood but hopes to see more long-term, sustainable solutions for the challenges that parents and childcare providers face.
Thank you to our previous Core Team members
Bray Holmes: 2022 - 2023
AC Rothenbuecher: 2022 - 2023
Erin Maxwell: 2022 - 2023
Macey Curry: 2023
Jessie Mitchell: 2023 - 2024
Alexandria Rector: 2024
The ECC has been in Helena in some fashion for many years so there are more community members who have supported this work who may not be listed. We thank you all for supporting early childhood in the Helena area.