OUR STAFF
Kacy Howard EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kacy Howard was born and raised in the Flathead Valley. After attending university in Oregon, Kacy taught English internationally in South Africa before returning to the Flathead. She has a formal education as a Secondary English teacher, but found her true passion working in community mental health. After 10 years working in the children’s mental health system, Kacy transitioned to Executive Director at the Nate Chute Foundation in 2017. Kacy is a certified QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) instructor and is a nationally certified school suicide prevention specialist through the American Association of Suicidology. In her free time, Kacy enjoys skiing, rafting, and traveling with her family. |
Kate Berry PROGRAM & OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kate began her journey with the NCF in 2016 as a board member and trainer and took her involvement to a new level when she joined the staff in November of 2019. Since earning a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Montana, Kate has worked extensively with young people, educators, and community members to help build connections and increase resiliency and support for vulnerable populations. Kate is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work through Florida State University. She is a certified instructor in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and both Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid. In her free time, she loves to read, cook, walk her dogs, and play board games with her family. |
Nicci Daniher DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Nicci has deep roots in the Whitefish community and is so grateful to be back in her hometown after 3+ years living and working as a mental health therapist in Australia. After taking a professional break to start her family, she joins the team with a Master's Degree in Advanced Clinical Social Work from Columbia University, as well as a Master's in Infant Family Practice from Arizona State University. She is a certified QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) instructor. Nicci spends most of her free time hanging out with her husband and two young daughters exploring outside. Her favorite season in Montana is summer when she and many of her extended family live together on Flathead lake playing on the water. |
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Terry Chute BOARD CHAIR |
Photo by Jill Courtney
Sara Straka VICE CHAIR Another born and raised local, Sara Straka, finds herself happiest hanging out with her partner and their two dogs out in the woods or floating a river. The 2020 Whitefish Winter Carnival Duchess of Lark, she finds that volunteering and serving as an ambassador to Whitefish comes as second nature. During the day you’ll find her working at Edward Jones Investments and at night she’s the bright smile greeting you as front-of-the-house manager at Last Chair. She would love to gift the world patience, both for others and one’s self, and would like to someday see all seven new Wonders of the World. |
Jane Kollmeyer Secretary |
Troy Brackey Treasurer Troy Brackey joined the NCF board to spread awareness and compassion after watching all three of his children lose a friend to suicide and struggle with the subsequent grief. Troy was drawn to the Flathead Valley for the variety that our four seasons offer (including “smoke” season), but would someday like to live on an island for a couple of years. There, he could go for long swims -- his favorite activity -- and hangout with his dogs all day, though he would likely miss his wonderful team and the amazing culture he works in everyday as the CFO at Park Side Credit Union. Troy would like to see people practice more patience in their lives, to slow down and be present. |
Lauren Ellingson board member Lauren Ellingson is a Whitefish native who went to high school with Nate. Lauren joined the board in early 2018 and she is enjoying contributing in a deeper and more meaningful way. Lauren and her husband spend most of their time raising their two children and working their business, Notice Custom boards (i.e., handcrafted snowboards and wake surf boards). When life gives her a spare moment, you’ll likely find her getting back to her roots and enjoying the outdoors with her own children. |
Deven Robinson Board Member Deven Duus Robinson, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and Montana native, finds being involved with NCF a no brainer—his professional skills combined with a deep seeded desire to increase suicide prevention, makes it a perfect match. His friends would likely describe him as a bit of a workout fanatic who is happiest when he can spend time socializing while simultaneously being active outside mountain biking, running or boating. If Deven could wave a magic wand and give a gift to the world it would be the power of resilience. |
Joan Schmidt Board Member |
