406-830-4500

hello@samaratherapy.com

Community Services

Benchmark

Our mission is to help people live as independently as possible, be included in the community, and reach their full potential. At Benchmark, we want the people we serve to enjoy the best health possible, be safe in all activities, and be respected in all aspects of life. These values are the foundation of everything we do.

Ensuring the health, safety and respect of individuals we serve is a process we follow every day by individualizing services for the people we support, hiring the right employees and training them to implement and maintain our processes and high standards, and by conducting regular monitoring and measuring of these processes and
standards.

Best Beginnings Scholarship

Parents must be participating in eligible activities:

  • Child care assistance authorization is based on the child’s need for care.
  • Two-parent families working at least 120 hours per month.
  • Single-parent families working at least 60 hours per month.
  • Single parent or two-parent families in which all of the parents attend school/training full time do not have to meet a work requirement.
  • Single parent or two-parent families in which one or more of the parents attend school/training part time shall meet a work requirement that accounts for the education/training.
  • Teen parents must be attending high school or a high school equivalency program.

Ark Foundation

At the ARK foundation our mission is to empower family members of children who are living with rare or chronic conditions by providing financial support.

Our vision is that no family navigating the unexpected costs of complex medical care feels alone in their journey. Through advocacy, awareness, and collaboration, we strive to enhance the quality of life for children and their families, fostering hope and resilience every step of the way.

Moving Mountain Foundation

Moving Mountains Foundation (MMF) is dedicated to improving the quality of lives of children and adults with developmental and acquired disabilities by:

  • supporting improved access to skilled services (occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and mental health) in the individual’s natural environment,
  • improving awareness and the community’s understanding of disability,
  • and supporting access to needed supplies and materials to improve independence in their activities of daily living.

Families First

Since 1994, Families First (FF) has been empowering Western Montana families with parent education and learning through play.

As a 501c3 nonprofit, FF provides knowledge and skill-building through parenting classes and opportunities for parents to connect with peers and professionals to build a strong network. In addition to the work with caregivers, FF facilitates opportunities for children to participate in learning through play activities.

Medicaid

Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Families who meet income and residency requirements may qualify for assistance to cover medical and therapy services.

If you think your child or family may be eligible, you can learn more and apply through the Montana Medicaid Program. 

Family Promise

Family Promise of Missoula is a non-profit organization working with diverse faith organizations and the YWCA of Missoula to help families with children experiencing homelessness.

With the opening of the Family Housing Center at the Meadowlark in Spring 2021, partner congregations and organizations will assist with providing the meal, provide volunteers to serve and clean up after meals and provide an overnight volunteer to support the YWCA staff. Each family is assisted by a case worker in finding and implementing lasting solutions to their unique situation.

AWARE

We help people live independent lives.

AWARE is a statewide nonprofit organization that offers quality, community-based support for people with mental health and/or developmental disabilities and early intervention through Early Head Start programs.

We serve all 56 counties in Montana.

Mountain Home

We offer services to young women:

  • 16-29 years of age
  • Pregnant or parenting at least 50% of the time
  • Able to demonstrate a need for housing
  • Capable of adjusting to a group living situation

Missoula Family Housing Center

Eligibility:

  • The family must have at least one child under age 18 in their custody at least 50% of the time, or the woman is pregnant.
  • A family who is unsheltered: living in a place not intended for human habitation or in a motel paid for by a government or charitable organization.
  • A family who is facing eviction within 14 days and has not identified a subsequent residence.

Keep Missoula Housed

om single fathers and mothers, to the elderly and veterans, and everyone in between – we aim to keep people housed. It is our goal to prevent homelessness before it occurs. As a smaller volunteer ran organization we avoid weeks of wait time and red tape to fill the more immediate needs. The current housing crisis has amplified the need in our community for housing support and our organization. The elevated demand on our resources has us leaning on our community member’s support more than ever before.

Keep Missoula Housed assists with a variety of housing related needs, including:

  • Emergency hotel stays
  • Rent payments / Mortgage payments 
  • Security deposits
  • Utility bills

Planet Kids

For survivors who have children with their abuser, shared custody or visitation arrangements can be frightening, or even dangerous.

Planet Kids Supervised Visitation and Exchange Center provides a safe, secure, child-friendly environment for noncustodial parents to visit with or exchange their children when domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking has occurred within the family.

Start Your Free Screening Now!

Why wonder and worry when you can know for sure? Complete our free online developmental screening right now and gain instant peace of mind. Take this easy step today to help your child thrive!

Schedule Now

Laura

Occupational Therapist

I am a pediatric occupational therapist with 24 years of experience supporting children and families in reaching their fullest potential. I earned my degree in Occupational Therapy with a minor in Neuroanatomy from Colorado State University in 2001 and have since worked across a wide range of settings, including early intervention, outpatient pediatrics, school-based therapy, and private practice.

Throughout my career, I have pursued advanced practice training in feeding, handwriting, sensory regulation, and vision impairment, and I am also a Certified Infant Massage Instructor. Most recently, I completed my second Master’s in Special Education with a focus on Orientation and Mobility (Vision Impairment). After sitting for the national board exam in August, I became a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) in addition to my work as an occupational therapist.

My professional passion lies in helping children build the foundational motor, sensory, and visual skills needed for participation, independence, and confidence in daily life.

Outside of work, I find joy in watching my son play sports and exploring the beauty of the Montana outdoors with friends and family. I especially love hiking, kayaking, camping, and cross-country skiing.

Mackenzie

Occupational Therapist

Mackenzie attended the University of Oregon and went on to the physical therapy program at the University of Montana. She especially enjoys working with infants and children with developmental coordination disorders. In her free time, she enjoys trail running and spending time outside with her family.

Caitlin

Occupational Therapist

Caitlin has experience working in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, subacute care, outpatient mental health, adn home health health. In her free time, she enjoys backpacking, skiing, fly fishing, and gardening. Most of all she enjoys spending time with her daughter, dogs, and family.

Annie

Billing and Finance Manager

Annie was born and raised in western Montana and serves as the Billing and Finance Manager at Samara Therapy. Outside of work, Annie enjoys spending time with her family and appreciating the outdoors.

Laura

Front Desk

Laura has worked in some aspect of medical admin for the last ten years. If you have called or texted the office, you have probably already interacted with her. She genuinely enjoys the occasionally chaotic pace of the front desk – so much so that she commutes to town from Rock Creek every morning.

Ryan

Therapy and Marketing Aide

Ryan is a current student studying Biology at the University of Montana here in Missoula. Ryan started working part time here at Samara as a Therapy and Marketing Aide in July. She helps with assisting the therapists in their therapy activities, setting up, cleaning up, and clinic marketing. She enjoys helping out in any way she can and seeing the progress of all of the awesome patients! In her free time you can find Ryan hanging out with friends and family, going on adventures with her dog, and baking sweet treats.

Sarah

Speech Therapist

Sarah received her Masters of Science (M.S) in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Montana in 2022. She has worked as a Speech Language Pathologist with infant to high school aged children for the last few years in Arizona, and loves being back in Montana. She has a special interest in working with foundational language skills, early intervention, and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). In her free time she enjoys music, reading, going on walks, and exploring new food.

Deann

Physical Therapist

Deann unknowingly began her journey toward becoming a physical therapist by rehabbing a softball injury in middle school. She received her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Mississippi College in 2009 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from The University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2012. Since then, she has enjoyed expanding her clinical experience in school-based pediatrics, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient orthopedics, and ambulatory surgery. Most recently, Deann has been pursing additional training in hippotherapy (the use of horses in physical therapy) and is excited to help bring those services to Samara. She moved to Montana in 2014 and immediately fell in love with the beauty of the mountains and is proud to now call Montana home. In her free time, Deann enjoys camping, going to rodeos, kayaking, exploring new places, and spending as much time outside and at the barn as possible.

Nicholas

Physical Therapist

Nick finished his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2011, and has since worked in early intervention and school pediatrics in Wisconsin, Florida, and Maine before moving to Montana. He emphasizes child motivated skill development, functional movement, and family-centered goals – and greatly enjoys helping children find ways to enjoy movement, function, and play with as much independence as possible. Nick enjoys finding new and exciting physical fitness challenges for himself and his two kids (if they choose to participate!).

Chelsey

Physical Therapist

Chelsey is a recent graduate of the University of Montana, where she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Gerontology, reflecting her broad interest in health and wellness across the lifespan.

During her academic training, Chelsey gained hands-on experience in pediatric settings, including a 15-week clinical internship at Samara Therapy Specialists. She has experience conducting pediatric evaluations and implementing individualized interventions focused on gross motor development including mobility, balance, coordination, endurance, and strength.

Outside of the clinic, Chelsey enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their three dogs. She also loves baking, reading, and camping—especially when it means unplugging and enjoying the Montana wilderness.

Katie

Speech Language Pathologist

Katie is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota with her masters in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences. She earned her bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Educational Services from the University of Wisconsin. Her background in youth recreation, paired with clinical experience in pediatric outpatient clinics, have fostered skills in fun and engaging play-based and child-led therapy. Katie also seeks to make speech therapy flexible, functional, and family-oriented. She is particularly interested in developmental language disorders, speech-sound disorders, feeding, and total-communication approaches. Outside of the office, Katie enjoys skiing, hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Amanda

Occupational Therapist

Amanda, a born and raised Montanan, began her educational journey at the University of Montana where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Health and Performance. After receiving her degree, Amanda began to work alongside children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in their homes as an Autism Trainer. This experience is where Amanda’s interest in occupational therapy grew into a lifelong mission. Amanda decided to continue her education in occupational therapy receiving her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Mary in 2017. Amanda has gained experience in pediatrics working in an outpatient setting as well as furthering her education in the SOS approach to feeding, kinesiology taping, and infant handling. When Amanda is not working, you can find her hunting for huckleberries, picking flowers, weeding her garden, and discovering the wild places with her husband, daughter, and adventure pup, Vinny.

Julia 

Physical Therapist

Julia completed her DPT and Post-Doctoral training at The Ohio State University. Julia is now a full-time Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Montana. Julia’s clinical and research training at OSU were in pediatrics, with a focus on neuromotor disorders, such as cerebral palsy. Julia is passionate about research and evidence-based practice, with half of her time at the University dedicated to clinical research and development of fun, engaging, and effective PT interventions for children. Julia also has additional training in the use of horses in physical therapy (hippotherapy), including certification through the American Hippotherapy Certification Board. When she is not at the University, Julia enjoys seeing patients at the barn. Julia grew up in Connecticut and has always had a love for animals and the outdoors. She is a life-long equestrian and horsewoman, which sparked her initial interest in physical therapy and hippotherapy. In her free time, Julia enjoys many hobbies, including horseback riding, skiing, running, hiking, and baking. She lives in Clinton with her husband, 3 dogs, 2 cats, and often a clutter of foster kittens.

Laurel

Occupational Therapist

Laurel is a graduate from Ohio State University, having earned a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy. She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics from Concordia College. Laurel has experience in conducting pediatric evaluations and implementing interventions based on feeding, sensory integration, and motor milestones. Laurel is passionate in incorporating her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition during feeding therapy to promote healthy food choices that the child enjoys.

Laurel is dedicated to implementing family-centered care and trauma-informed practices, while also creating secure, fun, and  supportive environments for children to thrive.

During her free time, Laurel enjoys hiking with her dog,  playing tennis with her husband, quilting, and spending time with her kitties, friends, and family.

Stephanie G.

PT, DPT

Dr. Stephanie Gaertig knows that physical therapy can change lives because she experienced it herself. After graduating from Washington State University in 2002, Stephanie started out as an environmental engineer. But while running a marathon, she sustained an injury and sought the help of a physical therapist to recover. It was then she learned about the incredible benefits of physical therapy and decided to change careers.

She achieved her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 2009 and has been working with children ever since. Stephanie loves helping children realize how many abilities they already have and working with them to develop those abilities further.

In her free time, Stephanie loves exploring the natural beauty of Montana with her husband and two children. She loves keeping her family active and healthy with lots of walks in nature.