GET TO KNOW OUR MEMBERS
We are made up of a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds not only in the medical field (including nurses, hospital staff, and pediatric therapists) but also in the more broad community setting (WIC staff, community outreach staff, and mothers). We have come together with a common goal of supporting mothers and babies on their breastfeeding journey. All members volunteer their time to be a part of this coalition.
Some of us have struggled with our own breastfeeding experience, which spurred us to find a way to help others overcome similar challenges. Others have been providing guidance and support to new mothers in the Flathead Valley for many years. One thing is clear...we love helping mothers and babies connect and thrive through breastfeeding.
Some of us have struggled with our own breastfeeding experience, which spurred us to find a way to help others overcome similar challenges. Others have been providing guidance and support to new mothers in the Flathead Valley for many years. One thing is clear...we love helping mothers and babies connect and thrive through breastfeeding.
BOARD MEMBERS
President
Sandra Beale, RN, IBCLC, ICCE
Sandra is a registered nurse currently working at the LH Whitefish Birth Center which is Baby Friendly designated facility. She works as a postpartum nurse, lactation consultant, childbirth class instructor, prenatal breastfeeding class instructor, lactation support group facilitator, and the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative coordinator.
Sandra is also a mom of 2 herself! She had 2 different breastfeeding experiences, and challenges with each of them. Her own experience has given her a genuine and personal interest in offering lactation support.
Sandra is also a mom of 2 herself! She had 2 different breastfeeding experiences, and challenges with each of them. Her own experience has given her a genuine and personal interest in offering lactation support.
Vice President
Kimberly DeVries, RN, CLC
Kimberly is a registered nurse, certified lactation counselor (CLC), and doula. She is currently pursuing her master's degree to become a family nurse practitioner. Kimberly's nursing experience is well-rounded. She worked in numerous areas of Logan Health Medical Center as a resource nurse (including postpartum) and as a home hospice nurse.
Kimberly is a proud mama of one. Her struggle to breastfeed her daughter the first few months of her life inspired her to become a CLC and help others. She loves educating & empowering people and believes in a holistic approach to care. Kimberly feels that breastfeeding is an important public health issue and is a passionate advocate for others.
Kimberly is a proud mama of one. Her struggle to breastfeed her daughter the first few months of her life inspired her to become a CLC and help others. She loves educating & empowering people and believes in a holistic approach to care. Kimberly feels that breastfeeding is an important public health issue and is a passionate advocate for others.
Secretary
Andrea Buckingham, RD, CLC
ACTIVE MEMBERS
Martha Artyomenko
Martha is a labor doula and breastfeeding advocate. You can find her at Flathead Valley Doulas!
Martha also owns a property management company and is a writer. She tends to have a life full of many obligations, but is ready and eager to serve or brainstorm about breastfeeding, pregnancy troubles, and be a listening ear or support.
Martha is a labor doula and breastfeeding advocate. You can find her at Flathead Valley Doulas!
Martha also owns a property management company and is a writer. She tends to have a life full of many obligations, but is ready and eager to serve or brainstorm about breastfeeding, pregnancy troubles, and be a listening ear or support.
Hattie Courtford Family engagement Coordinator - Nurturing Center
Jessica Detlor, RN, IBCLC. Logan Health - Whitefish Birth Center
Ginger Duchesne, RN, IBCLC. Logan Health Medical Center’s Mom/Baby Clinic
Cayla Erslev, RN, CLC. Logan Health - Whitefish Birth Center
Kristen Fortier Birth doula and photographer. New Moon
Kalli Jacquay
Kalli Jacquay is a certified Community Health Worker currently employed as a Maternal Care Coordinator at Logan Health in Kalispell.
Kalli graduated from Montana State University-Bozeman with degrees in Psychology and Family and Consumer Sciences. She has spent most of her career providing home visiting and case management services to children with developmental disabilities and their families. Kalli is pleased to now be able to educate and connect women and families with necessary resources and support in the community through the Meadowlark Initiative at Logan Health.
Kalli successfully breastfed her 2 daughters and hopes to support other working moms to do the same!
Kalli Jacquay is a certified Community Health Worker currently employed as a Maternal Care Coordinator at Logan Health in Kalispell.
Kalli graduated from Montana State University-Bozeman with degrees in Psychology and Family and Consumer Sciences. She has spent most of her career providing home visiting and case management services to children with developmental disabilities and their families. Kalli is pleased to now be able to educate and connect women and families with necessary resources and support in the community through the Meadowlark Initiative at Logan Health.
Kalli successfully breastfed her 2 daughters and hopes to support other working moms to do the same!
Ashley Larson
Ashley is a registered nurse currently working at Logan Health Whitefish Birth Center.
Ashley is a mama to three awesome, loud, crazy little boys and is grateful to have successfully breastfed them all. The experience of having her boys sparked a passion for all things baby. She started working with the local milk bank (in Washington at the time), donating milk and spreading the word. She ultimately decided that the best way to advocate for women and babies was to go back to school to become an RN, with sights set on OB! She believes that education on the benefits of breast milk is necessary and will help to increase society’s awareness and support for breastfeeding. She often tells her boys that they have to help save the world and that breast milk is the best possible start for all of our little superheros.
Ashley is a mama to three awesome, loud, crazy little boys and is grateful to have successfully breastfed them all. The experience of having her boys sparked a passion for all things baby. She started working with the local milk bank (in Washington at the time), donating milk and spreading the word. She ultimately decided that the best way to advocate for women and babies was to go back to school to become an RN, with sights set on OB! She believes that education on the benefits of breast milk is necessary and will help to increase society’s awareness and support for breastfeeding. She often tells her boys that they have to help save the world and that breast milk is the best possible start for all of our little superheros.
Jen Mahlum CLC in training. Peer Breastfeeding Counselor - WIC
Holly Mergenthaler, CNA, CLC. Logan Health MT Children’s Hospital
Dr. Brie Proctor, DO. Breastfeeding Fellowship, Family Medicine Physician - Logan Health Primary Care
Tracy Wills, RN, IBCLC. Logan Health Medical Center’s Mom/Baby Clinic.
How Can You Help?
Are you interested in volunteering or being on the board? Are you wondering how you might be able to help?
One of the most common misconceptions we hear is, "I'm not nursing anymore, so I don't really think I can help." Most of us are not currently nursing a child. We've got people of all ages with a wide variety of breastfeeding experience. If you are passionate about supporting breastfeeding, we are always interested in talking with you more about how your interests and skills might best be applied.
Visit the CONTACT US tab!
Are you interested in volunteering or being on the board? Are you wondering how you might be able to help?
One of the most common misconceptions we hear is, "I'm not nursing anymore, so I don't really think I can help." Most of us are not currently nursing a child. We've got people of all ages with a wide variety of breastfeeding experience. If you are passionate about supporting breastfeeding, we are always interested in talking with you more about how your interests and skills might best be applied.
Visit the CONTACT US tab!