Our History

Wellness In Action (WIA) is a grassroots organization founded in 2005 by Big Sky residents who were concerned about the community’s wellbeing and overall health. What began as support for general health initiatives and scholarship opportunities to bridge the gap for individuals and families are now defined programs and direct services that provide access to mental and behavioral health care for underserved populations.

For 20 years, WIA has pioneered the spirit of community caring about community, and WIA has maintained its priority to devise good solutions to best serve those who lack sufficient resources. Now providing a comprehensive counseling and direct-service support platform, the in-house Affordable Counseling Program at WIA is the only program of its kind in Big Sky. This program provides a range of reduced-cost counseling options available in person, via telehealth, and in Spanish; free services by Community Health Workers who provide wrap-around support, trainings, and education opportunities; and scholarships to offer further discounts for counseling for people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access services. Still prioritizing its work initiated by the founding board of directors, WIA continues to provide athletic, enrichment, and camp scholarships for Big Sky’s youth.

 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Wellness in Action (formerly Women In Action). WIA can be proud of remarkable achievements, including partnering in hiring Big Sky’s first school counselor and implementing the school counseling program; funding in-person services by the Alcohol and Drug Services of Gallatin County; and initiating the community’s first forum and structure for affordable counseling and support groups to improve mental health. 

Milestones

20th Anniversary 2005-2025

Board of Directors

Staff Members

A very special thank you to those who have dedicated their time to WIA over the years to set our work in motion.

Women in Action

Original Board of Directors 2005

  • Rachel Thesing, President

  • Shannon Becker

  • Krista Boersma

  • Ania Bulis

  • Liz McRae

  • Patrice Parks

  • Suzy Samardich

  • Grace Young

Board Members

Who Have Served Over the Years

  • Sue Arneson

  • Shelly Bermont

  • Stacey Chapman

  • Sharon Clarke

  • Durbin Emerson

  • Jen Guenther

  • Marne Hayes 

  • Judy Katany

  • Pat Kimmel

  • Mia Lennon

  • Terye Lobel

  • Betsy McFadden

  • Anna McKay

  • Jennifer Reed

  • Kay Reeves

  • Andrea Scholz 

  • Anne Staudt 

  • Emily Voorheis