About Us
Our Mission
“To create a better future for those impacted by brain injury through awareness, support, advocacy, community engagement, and prevention.”
Our Vision
“A world where all preventable brain injuries are prevented, all unpreventable brain injuries are minimized, and all individuals who have experienced brain injury maximize their quality of life.”
History of BIAMT
There were three known support groups meeting around the state on an irregular basis. A core group of eight individuals dedicated themselves to forming a state organization for the benefit of brain injury survivors and their families throughout Montana. Angela and Jim Spall and Maria Nyberg of Helena, Ty and Scotty MacLeod of Billings, Joyce Steele of Great Falls, Jim Malloy of Bozeman, and Heather Joern of Kalispell. The group of individuals met in Helena in 1985, worked diligently, and dedicated the time, money, and love needed to start a statewide organization.
The Montana Head Injury Foundation was officially formed with an eight-member Board of Directors. It also quickly became a chartered and affiliated organization of the National Head Injury Foundation. After this occurred, the organization evolved rapidly.
The organization’s first educational conference was held in Billings, Montana. The conference brought together members of the brain injury community to network, provide peer-to-peer support, and share knowledge.
The growth of the organization led the office to move from Ty and Scotty MacLeod’s garage to an office at Eastern Montana College where it was staffed by volunteers and a graduate assistant. The toll-free number was established.
The office was moved to Missoula and resided on the University of Montana campus. The organization continued to develop and expand under the guidance of the board of directors.
The organization participated in an implementation grant of the Resource Facilitation Service, now called the Brain Injury Help Line. Initially engaging five hospitals in the referral process, we were able to connect with patients early in their recovery.
Further development resulted in the organization joining the United States Brain Injury Alliance as a member affiliate.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Montana worked closely with Senator Anders Blewett and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Traumatic Brain Injury to bring the Dylan Steigers Protection of Youth Athletes Act to the 63rd Session of the Montana Legislature. Many parents, coaches, physicians, and athletes shared their message, and in April 2013, Governor Bullock signed the bill into law.
Meet Our Members
Brain Injury Alliance of Montana Staff
John Bigart III
Executive Director
John joined BIAMT in November 2016. John has a strong and diverse professional background. He has served on a number of boards for local nonprofits, is an elected mayor, and is an entrepreneur in the corporate world. John’s experience and passion support BIAMT’s mission in areas of fund development, engagement with community leaders, and participation in policy and legislative matters. Born and raised in Montana, John spends as much time as possible with his family in the beautiful outdoors.
Hannah Vasquez
Outreach Coordinator
Hannah joined BIAMT in October of 2023. Hannah is an involved member of the Missoula community, dedicating many hours to local nonprofits as both a volunteer and board member. With an educational background in psychology and social work, and professional experience in crisis intervention services, Hannah has a diverse set of skills that support the mission of BIAMT. In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time in nature with her partner and beloved dog.
Hope Evans
HBOT Program Director
Hope received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Montana State University in 2011. She has worked at three different hospitals across Montana in a variety of different roles ranging from bedside nursing to education. Hope is certified in Critical Care Nursing, and in addition to her role at the Brain Injury Alliance, she also continues to work as a Registered Nurse at St. Patrick Hospital. Hope has worked with veteran and brain-injured patients in the hospital setting. Her daughters, Chole and Elena, are the loves of her life. She enjoys skiing, running, paddle boarding, and exploring with her daughters.
Brain Injury Alliance of Montana Board of Directors
Bambi Schreckendgust
Board President
Mother of TBI Survivor – Joined 2020
Pre School owner, advocate
Ben Olson, DC
Board Vice President
Healthcare Professional — Joined 2020
Chiropracter
Angel Villanueva
Board Treasurer
Athlete, advocate – Joined 2021
Former college football player, concussion awareness advocate, marketing professional.
April Ildvad
Board Secretary
TBI Survivor – Joined 2021
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Samantha Alario
Brain Injury Survivor – Joined in 2024
Tracy Nelson
Mother of TBI Survivor – Joined in 2024
Amy Lybbert
Healthcare Professional – Joined 2020
Neuroscience Operations Sr. Manager
Amy Pfarr
Brain Injury Survivor – Joined in 2024
Tiffany Uylaki
TBI Survivor – Joined 2021
Jasmine Schreckendgust
Family Member of Survivor – Joined 2021
Educator, Advocate
