Belief

Jenny is a dedicated leader in Montana’s education landscape, balancing her professional and community commitments with family life alongside her husband, three children, and their furry pets, Griz and Pete. A longtime resident of Livingston, she currently serves as the Director of the Park County Special Education Cooperative and is the Founder of Rural Resilience.

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With more than twenty years of experience in education—primarily in special education and administrative leadership—Jenny has built a distinguished reputation for integrity, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving. In 2018, she received the Montana Early Career Special Education Administrator Award in recognition of her exemplary leadership, creativity, and commitment to advancing best practices. She was further honored in 2019 as an Outstanding Leader by the Montana Council for Exceptional Children.

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Jenny also serves as the Region IV Representative and past Secretary for the Montana Council of Administrators for Special Education. She values these roles for the opportunities they provide to engage with colleagues statewide and to bring enhanced knowledge and resources back to Park County.

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Her professional priorities include advocating for the county’s most vulnerable youth, fostering collaborative and innovative approaches to complex challenges, and recruiting and retaining qualified educators while ensuring they feel supported and valued within their school communities.

 

In 2019, after identifying significant gaps in behavioral and mental health supports for rural students and families, Jenny and Billi initiated the development of Rural Resilience. Their vision and steadfast commitment have positioned the organization as a vital resource in strengthening community capacity and improving outcomes for youth.

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Grounded in her small town roots, Jenny is known for making friends anywhere she goes through easy conversation and a bit of laughter. She remains guided by the belief that “Together we are better.”

Lauren Smith is the Executive Director of Rural Resilience, bringing a unique blend of nonprofit leadership, clinical expertise, and deep commitment to the well-being of rural families. A Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Lauren earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Palm Beach Atlantic University, where she strengthened her passion for integrating evidence-based practice with compassionate, community-focused care.

 

During her graduate studies, Lauren served as a charge nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, an experience that shaped the foundation of her career. Children and families have always been at the center of her work. After completing her Master’s degree in Leadership and Administration she directed Women and Infant Services at Baptist Health in Boynton Beach, Florida, where she supported teams caring for mothers, infants, and growing families.

 

Upon passing her national boards as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Lauren relocated to Bozeman, where she played a key role in building the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from the ground up. Her work ensured that rural communities throughout southwest Montana would finally have access to the specialized, high-quality care their newborns needed close to home.

 

Lauren later expanded her leadership into the nonprofit sector, serving as Executive Director of Stafford Animal Shelter in Livingston. She guided the organization through the aftermath of the historic Yellowstone River flood, strengthening operations and supporting both staff and community members during a critical time. Her ability to build resilient teams, stabilize systems, and advocate for vulnerable populations naturally led her to Rural Resilience, where she now blends her healthcare background with mental and behavioral health leadership to support families.

 

Lauren is happily married and the proud mother of two children. Her vibrant home includes four dogs, three cats, and a flock of ducks—an energetic mix that reflects her lifelong love of caregiving. Children have always been the root and inspiration of her career, and she continues to champion their well-being through her leadership at Rural Resilience.

Necia is excited to join the Rural Resilience team and support youth and families in Park County. Growing up in a close-knit community in southwest Montana gave her a deep appreciation for the mountains, the people, and the importance of community. Those experiences continue to shape who she is and how she approaches her work. She earned her Master of Social Work from Carroll College and has continued to support children, teens, and families as they navigate life’s challenges.

Finding creative ways to connect with youth and families is an important part of her approach—whether through nature, using photography as a tool for self-expression and empowerment, or helping people understand the connection between the brain, body, and nervous system. She believes healing looks different for everyone and strives to create space for curiosity, creativity, and connection while helping families build on their strengths and discover tools that support change. Creating a welcoming environment where people feel safe to explore, learn, create, and grow together is central to her work.

Much of her own creativity and connection comes from time spent outdoors. Summers are spent gardening, growing tomatoes and raspberries, foraging, and exploring the mountains. In the winter, she enjoys skiing, writing poetry, and editing photos. These experiences help her slow down, recharge, and continue learning from the world around her.