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 and 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.
Name
Bio
Org Website
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.
Katie Nichols
Katie Nichols serves as the Director of Events & Brand Strategy at the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, where she creates opportunities for businesses and community members to connect through events that spark conversations and strengthen relationships. She believes that addressing childcare is essential to a thriving local economy: when families have access to affordable, reliable childcare, parents can fully participate in the workforce, businesses have a stronger labor force, and the entire community benefits.
Outside of work, Katie loves Montana summers, spending as much time outdoors as possible enjoying the sunshine, wildflowers, wildlife, and all the beauty the season brings. Christmas is her favorite holiday because it's the one time each year her entire family comes together, and she loves seeing the sense of community and generosity that the season inspires.
Katie’s favorite quote: "If it's important to you, you'll find a way. If it's not, you'll find an excuse."
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."
Larisa Moe
Larisa Moe is a Technical Assistance Specialist with SPARK Montana, supporting childcare providers across Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, Jefferson, Powell, and Meagher counties. Through training, licensing support, coaching, and business resources, SPARK Montana helps early childhood providers build high-quality, sustainable childcare programs that strengthen communities across the state.
With more than 25 years in the early childhood field, Larisa is driven by the belief that every child deserves the best possible start in life. She is passionate about ensuring families have access to the support and resources they need to thrive and believes we all share a responsibility to help build strong foundations for children.
Larisa lives by the phrase "Carpe Diem!" and often reminds herself and others that "You can't expect a skill that hasn't been taught." She hopes our communities continue to recognize that every positive interaction with a child can have a lifelong impact and that early childhood is not just a family issue but a community responsibility. She also wishes there was even greater appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice of the professionals who care for and educate our youngest children every day.
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.
Laura Kneedler
Still working on it…
Org Website
Justine Alberts
Justine Alberts serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Pre-K through 5th with Helena Public Schools, where she oversees all aspects of operations, teaching, and learning for the younger learners within Helena Public Schools. The work aims to equalize opportunities for all our community's learners, providing opportunity, education, and services that are fundamental for all.
Justine is passionate about providing all children with an opportunity to be successful. While she gets the chance to support them within the public education sector, she knows that it starts well before she gets to meet them and their care providers. Justine believes all humans have a chance to do good for each other, and is passionate about teaching and learning - and feels it is a privilege to be able to do the work she does.
When she's not working, Justine enjoys summer and spending time outside in the sunshine, especially near the water. One quote that inspires her is, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." She also wants every parent and caregiver to know that our community's children are deeply loved and that leaning into your village can make a world of difference.
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.