Get ready for a double dose of inspiration! We’re thrilled to spotlight not one, but two incredible team members who are making a world of difference at AWARE. Chris Schaff, Clinical Lead of the Helena FACT Team, and Stacey Kummer, Registered Nurse for AWARE’s PACT team, are the heart and soul behind the life-changing work happening every day. Their passion, dedication and unique journeys make them a powerhouse duo in behavioral health. Let’s dive into the stories of these extraordinary individuals who are at the forefront of helping people live independent lives!
From Challenge to Champion
Chris’s story begins in Bozeman, where he grew up in a low-income household, facing his own mental health challenges. Instead of letting these obstacles define him, Chris turned them into his motivation to help others. Armed with degrees in psychology, sociology, and criminology from Carroll College—and a Master’s in Social Work—Chris didn’t just stop at dreaming big; he made it happen! Now a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) on the path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Chris brings his unique blend of experience, empathy, and expertise to AWARE every single day.
Stacey Kummer’s path also speaks of resilience and dedication. Having spent years at Pureview Health Center in Helena, she witnessed the deep connection between physical and mental health. When the opportunity arose to build AWARE’s PACT team in Helena, Stacey was eager to take on the challenge. Her passion for supporting those often overlooked and underserved drives her every day as she works to ensure that everyone receives the care they need and deserve.
A Day in the Life of a Difference-Maker
If you think you’ve got a busy schedule, wait until you hear about Chris’s day! From leading child and family therapy sessions to offering clinical advice and handling the all-important paperwork, Chris does it all with a commitment to making sure each client gets exactly what they need. His secret weapon? A genuine love for helping others, even when the challenges—like seeing families struggle—can be tough. But for Chris, every small victory counts, and those victories fuel his passion to keep going.
Stacey’s role is equally dynamic and impactful. As a PACT nurse, her day is spent out in the community, meeting clients where they are and addressing their diverse needs. Whether it’s administering medication, assisting with daily tasks, or simply offering a listening ear, Stacey’s commitment to our PACT clients is unwavering. She ensures that the simple things in life—things we often take for granted—are made accessible to those who need them most.
What Drives Chris and Stacey? AWARE’s Mission!
So, what keeps Chris going every day? It’s AWARE’s mission: to help people live independent lives. This mission resonates deeply with Chris, who is passionate about meeting families where they are and empowering them to build on their strengths. He believes that everyone deserves the chance to live independently, regardless of their background or circumstances. AWARE’s inclusive approach allows him to do just that, ensuring that everyone who comes through our doors gets the support they need to achieve independence.
For Stacey, the mission is about making a tangible difference in the lives of those often forgotten. Her work with the PACT team embodies AWARE’s commitment to ensuring that everyone—especially the underserved—receives the care they need to live independently. The satisfaction of seeing a client achieve stability and independence is what drives her every day.
The Future Looks Bright
Both Chris and Stacey are thrilled about the future of AWARE’s CCBHC program in Helena. With its focus on providing comprehensive, wraparound services, they see this program as a game-changer for the community. "The sky's the limit," Chris says—and Stacey wholeheartedly agrees. They’re both committed to helping the program expand, ensuring that more people in Helena receive the support they need, all under one roof.
Whether Chris is riding his motorcycle, spending time on the lake with his family, or making a real impact in the lives of his clients, and whether Stacey is exploring hidden hot springs or going on adventures with her four children, these two are forces to be reckoned with. We’re beyond thrilled to have them leading the charge at AWARE, and we can’t wait to see all the incredible things they’ll continue to accomplish!
Inspired? We invite you to join our team! Check out all our openings here.
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