Registered Nurse
Shawna is a dedicated nursing professional whose career and personal journey reflect a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care—particularly for individuals navigating substance use and recovery. Inspired by her upbringing in a household impacted by addiction, she developed an early understanding of the challenges faced by those struggling with substance use disorders. This perspective has shaped both her professional path and her enduring passion for helping others heal.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2012, followed by her Master of Science in Nursing from Kaplan University in 2016. Advancing her clinical expertise, Shawna became a Nurse Practitioner and went on to lead a primary care clinic within an outpatient treatment center. In this role, she delivered comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), psychiatric evaluations for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals, and psychiatric medication management. Her ability to integrate physical and mental healthcare allowed her to provide holistic, effective treatment for a diverse patient population.
Shawna’s professional accomplishments are complemented by her personal resilience. After experiencing her own struggles with addiction and reaching a pivotal turning point, she committed to recovery and has been clean since December 1, 2023. Demonstrating determination and accountability, she successfully regained her Registered Nurse license and is actively working toward reinstating her Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) licensure.
Today, Shawna is a thriving member of both her community and the recovery field in Great Falls. She brings a unique combination of clinical expertise and lived experience, enabling her to connect authentically with those she serves. Her work is driven by a genuine desire to help others achieve stability, health, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Outside of her professional life, Shawna is a devoted mother to her 9-year-old daughter. She enjoys traveling, lifelong learning, binge-watching television series, engaging in arts and crafts, and contributing to her community through meaningful service work.
BHT
BHT
I believe I bring a strong combination of education, professional experience, and personal motivation to my work in healthcare and recovery support. I currently hold my Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credentials, and I am actively completing my Bachelor of Applied Science degree through the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) program. This program is preparing me to take on greater leadership responsibilities in health information management, with a focus on data accuracy, compliance, and improving patient care outcomes.
I am currently working as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) in the recovery field, where I have gained valuable hands-on experience supporting individuals in early recovery. In this role, I help maintain a safe and structured environment while building rapport with clients and encouraging their progress. I have also worked in admissions and intake coordination, where I developed strong communication and organizational skills, ensuring that individuals entering treatment feel welcomed and supported from the very beginning. These experiences have strengthened my ability to work with diverse populations, manage sensitive information, and respond with empathy and professionalism in high-stress situations.
My motivation for this work is deeply personal. I will celebrate four years of clean time on May 28th, a milestone that represents significant growth, resilience, and commitment. My journey has given me a unique perspective and a genuine understanding of the challenges individuals face in recovery. It has also instilled in me a strong desire to give back to the community and support others as they work toward healing and stability. In recovery, we often say we want to “give back what was so freely given to me,” and that principle continues to guide my purpose and passion.
In addition to my professional and personal experiences, my children are a major source of motivation. Even though they are grown, I strive every day to be the kind of mother they deserve, someone they can be proud of and rely on. This commitment extends beyond my family and into my professional life, where I aim to be a dependable, compassionate, and trustworthy presence for those I serve.
Overall, my combination of education, hands-on experience, and personal dedication positions me to make a meaningful impact in both healthcare and recovery settings. I am committed to continued growth and to helping individuals and communities heal, rebuild, and thrive.
BHT | Overnight
Josh Pereira is deeply passionate about treatment, recovery, and supporting others on their journey to lasting sobriety. His commitment to the recovery process is both personal and professional, and he believes that staying actively involved in treatment and in the recovery community is essential to maintaining long-term wellness. Josh understands firsthand the realities of relapse and the devastating impact substance use can have on a person’s life, which is why he is so dedicated to helping others find hope, healing, and stability.
Today, Josh is an active member of the AA community in Great Falls and a strong advocate for the 12-Step model of recovery. He firmly believes that with honesty, commitment, and consistent effort, a clean and sober life is possible. His own lived experience serves as a testament to the transformative power of recovery and the importance of building a strong support system. Josh brings authenticity, compassion, and encouragement to those he works with, and he is committed to helping others discover that recovery can lead to a fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding life.
Program Director
I am a person in recovery, and today I have the privilege of serving as a Program Director in a field that is deeply personal to me. My journey has not been a straight line—I have struggled with active addiction throughout much of my life. While those experiences were difficult, I am profoundly grateful for them. They shaped who I am today and gave me the compassion, understanding, and heart to walk alongside others who are still finding their way. I strive every day to be a living example that recovery is possible and that hope is real.
My calling is to support individuals as they work their way out of and through addiction. I believe in meeting people where they are, honoring their story, and helping them build a path forward that is sustainable and meaningful. This work is more than a career—it is a purpose that drives me both professionally and personally.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Human Service Management and began pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral Health. With one year remaining, I made the intentional decision to pause my studies to focus on my family and to continue growing in my career through hands-on experience. That experience has been invaluable. I have worked in several roles within the field, including as a counselor, case manager, and Behavioral Health Technician, each of which has strengthened my ability to connect with and support the individuals we serve.
While my education and professional background have provided a strong foundation, what I value most is my lived experience and the drive I bring to this work. I am deeply committed to providing the highest quality of care to our clients. Those who know me would describe me as someone who leads with integrity, holds high standards, and is dedicated to being the best I can be in this field.
I truly love working with people and being part of a strong, passionate team that shares a commitment to service. It is an honor to do this work every day, and I remain dedicated to helping others find hope, healing, and lasting recovery.
Substance Abuse Counselor | ACLC
I am a dedicated and compassionate professional with an Associate of Arts degree in Addiction Counseling from Great Falls College MSU. My educational background, combined with my lived experience, allows me to provide meaningful, empathetic support to individuals navigating the challenges of addiction and recovery.
My approach is firmly rooted in a client-centered philosophy. I believe that every individual’s journey is unique, and I strive to create a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. By focusing on each person’s strengths, goals, and personal experiences, I work collaboratively with clients to support sustainable growth and long-term recovery.
As a Native American and an enrolled member of the Little Shell Tribe, I bring cultural awareness and sensitivity into my work. I recognize the importance of honoring identity, community, and tradition as part of the healing process. This perspective informs my approach and allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level, particularly those who value culturally responsive care.
Being born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, I have a strong connection to the local community and an understanding of the unique challenges individuals and families may face in this region. I am committed to serving my community with integrity, compassion, and professionalism.
In addition to my formal education, I bring several years of personal recovery experience. Having faced addiction throughout my life, I understand firsthand the complexities, struggles, and triumphs that come with the recovery journey. This lived experience enhances my ability to relate to clients, offering genuine empathy and practical insight. It also reinforces my belief that recovery is possible for everyone, regardless of where they are starting.
I am deeply committed to ongoing personal and professional growth, ensuring that I continue to provide effective, ethical, and informed care. My goal is to support individuals in building healthier, more fulfilling lives by fostering resilience, self-awareness, and confidence.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself or a loved one, I am here to walk alongside you with understanding, respect, and dedication every step of the way.
Program Director
I am a person in recovery, and today I have the privilege of serving as a Program Director in a field that is deeply personal to me. My journey has not been a straight line—I have struggled with active addiction throughout much of my life. While those experiences were difficult, I am profoundly grateful for them. They shaped who I am today and gave me the compassion, understanding, and heart to walk alongside others who are still finding their way. I strive every day to be a living example that recovery is possible and that hope is real.
My calling is to support individuals as they work their way out of and through addiction. I believe in meeting people where they are, honoring their story, and helping them build a path forward that is sustainable and meaningful. This work is more than a career—it is a purpose that drives me both professionally and personally.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Human Service Management and began pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral Health. With one year remaining, I made the intentional decision to pause my studies to focus on my family and to continue growing in my career through hands-on experience. That experience has been invaluable. I have worked in several roles within the field, including as a counselor, case manager, and Behavioral Health Technician, each of which has strengthened my ability to connect with and support the individuals we serve.
While my education and professional background have provided a strong foundation, what I value most is my lived experience and the drive I bring to this work. I am deeply committed to providing the highest quality of care to our clients. Those who know me would describe me as someone who leads with integrity, holds high standards, and is dedicated to being the best I can be in this field.
I truly love working with people and being part of a strong, passionate team that shares a commitment to service. It is an honor to do this work every day, and I remain dedicated to helping others find hope, healing, and lasting recovery.
Operations Director
Life hasn’t always been easy for me. I’ve walked through some dark places — places I wouldn’t wish on anyone — but those same places are exactly what brought me here, to this work, to you.
Growing up, I was full of light. Happy, carefree, the kind of kid who didn’t carry much weight. But somewhere along the way, life got heavy. Adulthood brought struggles I wasn’t prepared for, and before I knew it, I was lost in addiction, disconnected from who I really was. I spent years feeling misunderstood — by others, and honestly, by myself. I didn’t know how to find my footing, how to belong, or how to believe that I was worthy of something better.
But here’s what I learned through all of it: I was strong the whole time. I just needed someone to help me see it.
That’s why I do this work.
I come to this field not from a textbook, but from lived experience. I know what it feels like to be in the thick of it — to not know who you are anymore, to wonder if you’ll ever find your way back. And I know that with the right support, the right environment, and people who genuinely believe in you, transformation is not just possible — it’s real.
As Director of Operations, my greatest hope is to be that steady presence for someone else. To be the shepherd that helps guide people back to themselves, back to their own strength, back to a life that feels worth living. I believe deeply that people can grow beyond addiction and become something truly extraordinary — because I’ve seen it, and because I’ve lived it.
You are not too far gone. You are not too broken. And you are absolutely worth it.
Fractional Executive Director
Ruben Hernandez, CEO of Performance Growth Partners, is a seasoned marketing executive with over two decades of experience driving agency and client growth through integrated marketing and operational excellence.
His expertise spans a diverse range of high-growth verticals, including healthcare, behavioral health, financial services, SaaS, education, and direct-to-consumer brands, executed across digital, social, television, CTV/OTT, radio, and out-of-home, with a strong focus on performance-driven, measurable results.
Hernandez is known for building and scaling organizations by developing the internal processes, systems, and teams required for sustainable growth. As a core leader at Integrated Media Solutions, he helped grow the agency from 7 to 150 employees and from $20 million to over $400 million in annual billings, contributing to its successful sale to MDC Partners.
He has led the development of proprietary reporting, attribution, and account management systems that improve client profitability while ensuring agency efficiency. A hands-on leader, Hernandez specializes in aligning strategy, operations, and talent to help organizations scale intelligently and perform at a high level.
Clinical Director
Samantha Romero has worked in the field of substance use treatment since 2011 and has dedicated her career to helping individuals struggling with addiction build lives grounded in healing, recovery, and purpose. Early in her work, she developed a deep connection to the population she serves and committed herself to supporting clients as they identify underlying challenges, restore hope, and create lasting change.
She became a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor in 2013 and went on to further her education in pursuit of her clinical social work training. Throughout her academic and professional journey, Samantha developed a strong understanding of the connection between trauma and substance use disorders. This experience helped shape her clinical perspective that addiction is often not the core problem itself, but rather an attempt to cope with deeper unresolved pain. As a result, she pursued specialized training in trauma-informed and substance use treatment modalities to better support individuals in achieving sustainable recovery.
With 17 years of experience in the field, Samantha brings both clinical knowledge and deep compassion to her work. She is passionate about helping clients overcome shame, rediscover their voice, and recognize their capacity for growth. She believes the individuals she serves are among the most empathetic, resilient, and remarkable people she has had the privilege to know, and she considers it an honor to walk alongside them in their recovery journey. Her work continues to be a profound source of purpose and meaning in her life.
FCMO
Dylan Romero brings 10 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare industry, with a background that spans digital marketing, business development, operations, and network contracting. He began his career at a small digital marketing company, where he developed a strong interest in website development, search engine optimization, Google Ads, local SEO, and the technical foundations that drive online visibility and growth. His passion for recovery and ethical client care led him into the treatment industry, where he sought to help reputable organizations reach individuals and families in need of quality services.
Throughout his career, Dylan has built expertise in ethical digital marketing strategies, admissions growth, union and EAP contracting, in-network insurance contracting, and operational development. He has also played a key role in helping develop treatment programs and facilities from the ground up, with a focus on building organizations that truly serve clients and deliver meaningful outcomes. His professional philosophy has always been that when the client comes first, everything else will follow.
Now based in Montana, Dylan remains deeply committed to helping individuals build lives rooted in recovery, stability, and purpose. In addition to his industry experience, he brings personal insight and compassion to his work, having been in recovery himself since August 2017. He is passionate about helping others transform their lives and is dedicated to building systems, teams, and programs that support long-term healing and success.