Executive Team & Administrative Staff
Holly O'Dell
Founder/CEO
Licensed Clinical Counselor, PCLC
Certified Mental Health Coach
Holly O’Dell, a graduate of Liberty University, holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a licensed counselor, Holly's professional qualifications include training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Level 2 training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), is Symbis Certified and provides trauma-informed care for a variety of mental health challenges including ptsd, anxiety, depression, grief/loss and relationship issues. She is a dedicated lifelong learner, always seeking to expand her knowledge and skills. Holly sees individuals aged 12 and older and also enjoys working with couples. Holly brings a deep faith component to her work, a love of people, a strong desire to see people overcome life's obstacles and live with purpose.
Holly has been a dedicated advocate for young women and mothers, contributing her time and support to various local nonprofit organizations. Holly's commitment to mental wellness led her to establish Advance Hope Ministries and Advance Hope Mental Wellness. Holly's mission is to intertwine faith with empathetic mental health care, to bring hope, healing, and transformation through mental wellness, while also addressing the financial barriers that can hinder access to these vital services.
In her personal life, Holly has been happily married for 31 years and is the proud parent of five children ranging in age from 15 to 29. Holly and her husband Korey find great joy raising their family in NW Montana, and relish their time at the lake with family and friends. Together, they are fueled by a shared passion for helping others improve their lives through coaching, counseling, and retreat events, while keeping their Christian faith at the heart of their journey.
"I love my job, the people I meet and the process of working with clients to make life better. It's an amazing thing to witness someone move from trauma to healing, from broken relationships to restoration and from despair to HOPE!”
Jessica Snyder
Director of Operations & Staff
Certified Mental Health Coach
Jessica is recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors as a Certified Mental Health Coach from Light University. She has a specialization in the Foundations and Applications of Trauma – Informed Care. Jessica is the Director of Operations and Staff for Advance Hope Mental Wellness where she assists in interviews of new potential new hires, as well as trains and supervises all onboarding employees. Jessica enjoys working with women of all ages to help support positive changes, encourage growth, and help them experience healing. Jessica has experience teaching and working as a behaviorist for children on the autism spectrum.
In addition to her coaching, Jessica loves to garden, read (her favorite book is Captivating), bike ride and spend time on the water. She has been married for 12 years and currently lives in Kalispell, MT.
"The circumstances throughout my life have prepared me to help others with a ready heart and have shown me the importance of having a safe space to confide in the good and bad that life hands us. I joyfully look forward to walking with people on their path to healing and helping them achieve freedom.”
Shannon Ritter
Director of Continuing Education & Resources
Certified Mental Health Coach
Shannon is recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors as a Certified Mental Health Coach from Light University. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Masters Degree in Family Life Education. Shannon is the Director of Continuing Education and Resources for Advance Hope Mental Wellness. Shannon enjoys working with women in their unique season of life. As God’s daughters, we experience a variety of transitions throughout our life. Some of them are expected along the journey and others hit us at unexpected times. It is my privilege to come alongside women to navigate the next season or the unexpected. Together we can find hope and learn new tools to not only survive but thrive in the adventure of life. Shannon loves teaching and loves camp! She loves to kayak and enjoys adventures with her husband and three children. Shannon has been married for 25 years and lives in Kalispell, MT.
We all experience many transitions in our life. Some are expected along the journey and others hit us at unexpected times. As a coach it's a holy priviledge to come alongside people to navigate the next season or the unexpected. Together we can find hope and learn new tools to not only survive but thrive in the adventure of life.
Pamela Nelson
Director of Soul Care
Biblical Counselor/Sr. Spiritual Director
Certified Mental Health Coach
Pamela is a Sr. Spiritual Director with Soul Shepherding, Certified Leadership and Life Coach, an Ordained Pastor and Certified Advanced Level Biblical Counselor, Speaker, Podcaster, Author and the Director of Soul Care for Advance Hope. As Director of Soul Care for Advance Hope Mental Wellness, she helps to keep our team spiritually healthy by providing soul care and sessions to our team of providers. She also participates in Mental Wellness Coaching for men, women and couples. Through curiousity and active listening, Pamela is honored to accompany others on their journey of personal growth. Together they establish healthy rhythms to transform their relational, physical, spiritual, financial and vocational lives. Pamela lives in Kalispell and enjoys being a grandma to six grandchildren.
Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, and out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.”
Ruthie Moyer
Director of Events
Certified Mental Health Coach
Ruthie is recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors as a Certified Mental Health Coach from Light University. She also has certifications in: First Responder, Coffee Cup Counseling, and Hope Focused Suicide Prevention. Ruthie loves working with women and believes mental health coaching is a wonderful tool to help people choose change and navigate life's challenges .
Ruthie has been married to her high school sweetheart for 37 years. They have 4 married children and 11 grandchildren. She loves to go camping anywhere there is a body of water. The joy of her life is connecting people to each other.
I've heard it said...I thought I was broken and needed fixing, but I was actually hurt and needed healing. Trauma creates change you didn't choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose. Advance Hope gives everyone the opportunity to choose that healing. I'm excited to be a part of that change!
Marcia Snyder
Office Administrator
Marcia is a graduate of the University of Montana Western with an Associates degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education with an Endorsement in Library Science. Marcia taught at Valley Christian School in Missoula for 11 years before returning to the Flathead Valley. Marcia has always loved computers and technology; she also thrives when given the chance to organize or develop and maintain new procedures. She used these skills as a Product Configuration Specialist for Applied Materials for 10 years. Then Marcia felt God’s call on her life to take these skills to her church and help to develop their Women’s Ministries and Missions programs. Marcia also had the opportunity to work as an Office Administrator for a small church in Kalispell. When Marcia was presented with an opportunity to work for Advance Hope as the Office Administrator she knew it would be a great fit. Marcia has been married for 39 years and currently lives on the family homestead on the shores of Flathead Lake. She has raised 2 children and has 2 grandchildren. Marcia’s goal is to help clients have a positive experience and lend a helping hand whenever and wherever she can.
”I have a plan for you, declares the Lord, a plan to prosper you and not to harm; a plan to give you a hope and a future.” Life is an adventure when you place your trust in His plan!
Kayla Wells
New Client Intake Coordinator
Certified Mental Health Coach
Kayla is recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors as a Certified Mental Health Coach from Light University. She has additional training in church ministry and church administration. Kayla enjoys working with young children, women, couples and those who are dealing with “church hurt”. She seeks to walk alongside those in pain, trial, joy and hope to see them grow and become who they were created to be. God has done so much work in her own marriage that Kayla is passionate about helping couples work to achieve a healthy marriage.
Kayla also works for Advance Hope as our Intake Coordinator, and is the first point of contact for new clients.
Kayla loves reading, writing and textile painting. She loves being outdoors by the water and exploring outdoor markets. Kayla has been married for 20 years, has 3 children, and currently lives in Kalispell, MT.
“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” Peter Marshall
Coaches and Counselors
(in alphabetical order)
Nicole Black
Certified Mental Health Coach
Nicole is recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors as a Certified Mental Health Coach from Light University and is pursuing entry into a graduate program to work towards a professional clinical license. After serving in the Marine Corps, Nicole attended culinary school and finished her degree in Psychology. She then became a certified teacher and taught Kindergarten and First grade. Nicole felt called to come back to the roots of her education after major life changes for her and her family. Her true heart is to crawl into the proverbial trench alongside people experiencing the hardest, darkest and worst times in their lives. She wants to bring them hope, encouragement, support, tools and reminders that beauty from ashes is possible. Nicole believes that anything is possible, if you are willing to try. She works with clients to address areas of marriage and family, grief support, identity and confidence building. She is expanding her education and certification to be able to support addiction recovery and trauma response in the future. Nicole currently lives in Georgia with her family and two dogs. She loves to cook and reads a lot. She is branching into a new area and enjoying the challenge of becoming an author. Nicole will be doing her appointments for Advance Hope through telehealth.
Briana Daniels
Certified Mental Health Coach
Briana is recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors as a Certified Mental Health Coach from Light University and plans to further her education in counseling down the road. Her passion for helping others was rooted in her at a young age and through Christ, has blossomed into a desire to see young women set free from trauma bondage. Briana loves all outdoor activities (especially in the sunshine), playing music with her family, learning new homemaking/traditional skills and crafts, and always has a travel bug. Briana has been married for two years and currently resides in Kalispell with her husband and two pups.
“May today be the day you run through the wilderness of every worry and collapse into the clearing of grace. Grace to carry on. Grace to trust in the unknown, as you bravely tell the stories of where you have been, and you boldly pursue the journey of where you will go. May you learn to embrace the freedom that has long been calling your name as you liberate courage in others so they can do the same.” - Morgan Harper Nichols
Emily Dolan
Certified Mental Health Coach
Emily is recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors as a Certified Mental Health Coach and is seeking her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has extensive experience working with teenagers, children, and adults in the education and legal setting. Emily has worked with youth for more than 25 years in various capacities including teacher, coach and mentor. She enjoys working with a variety of clients including adults and adolescents.
Emily loves sports, being outdoors, riding horses, and spending time with her family. Emily currently lives in Kalispell with her husband and three children. One of Emily’s favorite quotes is:
“It is a privilege to come alongside individuals and hold space for every sacred part of a person. Although we cannot change our past and what happened to us, we can decide what we do with it. I want to help people thrive, not just survive.”
Sara Lander
Certified Mental Health Coach
Sara is recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors as a Certified Mental Health Coach from Light University. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Montana State University and has years of experience working with adolescents, teens, young adults, walking through unplanned pregnancies with women of all ages, and has a heart for the hurting. As a coach, she is an advocate, a compassionate listener, and a supportive partner. Sara works with clients to address areas of identity and confidence building, and she serves the Lord and honors others by showing love and respect to everyone in a safe and shame free environment.
Sara has been married for 25 years and has two teenage boys. She loves the sunshine, and in her free time enjoys camping, wakeboarding, crocheting and, most of all, spending time with her family.
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you go: they merely determine where you start.” Dr Lauren Fogel Mersy
Marci Mangold
Certified Mental Health Coach
PA-C
Marci was a Wyoming native until she moved to Montana in 1995 to attend the University of Montana and she hasn't left since! She graduated with honors, completing the pre-medicine track and receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. Marci attended graduate school at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania where she received her Master of Health Sciences in Physician Assistant studies. Marci’s desire has been to provide comprehensive care to women. Having battled with infertility herself, Marci hopes to support patients through this process.
Marci enjoys spending time with her four kids and all that mothering requires. She is active in her local church and loves to travel and hopes to do more missionary work. Marci feels renewed after spending time outdoors and enjoys numerous recreational activities.
Kevin Moyer
Certified Mental Health Coach
Kevin is recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors as a Certified Mental Health Coach from Light University. He enjoys working with men of all ages to help support positive changes and encourage growth. Kevin has been part of the Leadership Team for the Mens and Couples retreats sponsored by Advance Hope Ministries. He enjoys adventures in the outdoors and lifelong learning. Kevin has lived in the Flathead Valley since 2016. He has been married for 37 years and has 4 children and 11 grandchildren.
Kevin’s favorite quote is by Alexander the Great, “Upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all”.
Anna Siderius
Certified Mental Health Coach
Anna is recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors as a Certified Mental Health Coach from Light University. She is also a current graduate student at the University of Montana for social work. Anna works as a behavior support professional in a local elementary school for the past 3 years. Anna enjoys working with children and young adults. Anna has a passion to help those who are hurting and help find freedom through Jesus. Anna has also coached middle school basketball for three years and loves the connections made with the students.
Anna loves to read and craft in her free time. Anna has been married for 14 years and her husband and her reside in Kalispell with their two children, two dogs, and a cat.
“I hope you know you’re capable and brave and significant even when it feels like you’re not”.
Karlin Sprecher
Certified Mental Health Coach
Karlin Sprecher is an AACC Certified Mental Health Coach and loves working with people who want to move from feeling overwhelmed and stuck, to feeling free and fully alive. As a coach, she is a supportive partner who listens deeply and asks questions, so her clients can work toward healing and growth. Karlin is also certified as an Enneagram coach which enables her to understand the strengths and challenges different people might have, and to help them live as the person they were created to be. She has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and held various roles in the social service field before getting trained as a mental health coach.
Karlin and her husband are the parents of three lively teenagers and live in Bozeman. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction and hiking with her dog, Lou.
“I don’t think anyone can grow unless he’s loved exactly as he is now, appreciated for what he is rather than what he will be.” Fred Rogers
Nancy G. Stone
Licensed Addiction Counselor and Social Worker
Nancy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Addiction Counselor. She graduated from Montana State with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Development with a Family Science concentration. Nancy completed her internship work at Western Montana Mental Health in their Crisis Stabilization and was trained in Crisis and Suicide Intervention. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Walla Walla University in Missoula. Nancy then moved to Idaho where she completed her practicum with Camas Professional Counseling as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist. She has worked as a Shelter Coordinator/Counselor for Violence Free Crisis Line and facilitated a Battered Women’s Group. In Polson, she worked as a Medical Social Worker for Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center where she provided counseling for patients and family members. Nancy has also served as an Addictions Therapist.
Nancy enjoys working with clients of all ages and is looking forward to continuing her service to the community in a Christ Centered environment. She is a 3rd generation resident of the Flathead valley and loves living in “God’s Country”. She enjoys church activities, the outdoors, good movies, support group participation and spending time with family and friends. She is the proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren and a great grandmother of 4.
A couple of her favorite quotes are: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28; and “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Briah Thayer
Certified Mental Health Coach
Briah is recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors as a Certified Mental Health Coach from Light University. My curiosity in psychology started when I was young. I have continued to fuel my passion by learning and taking opportunities to further develop my skills and understanding of psychology. I specialize in working with young adults and children. Being in my early twenties allows me to better connect with my clients and understand the challenges that young adults and children face. I use my experiences and knowledge to focus on solution-based sessions with my clients. I gladly welcome all backgrounds and religious beliefs.
Briah loves to be in the sun and enjoy time outdoors. In the summer, she goes on walks, paddleboarding, and relaxing on her patio. She has lived in Montana for the majority of her life. Briah enjoys traveling from time to time and would like to travel abroad soon and experience another culture’s art and history. One of her favorite quotes is by Albert Schweitzer
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
Amy Tipton
Licensed Clinical Counselor, LCPC
At Advance Hope, Amy will be a licensed therapist and supervisor among her peers, and she will be available for therapy for our clientele. Amy has completed special trainings that have helped her in the therapeutic arena; they are of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Equine Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Group Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Forensics, and Human Trafficking.
Amy has worked within the Justice System, including county jails and the Montana Women’s Prison. She has also worked extensively with suicide prevention and intervention with the University of Montana on the Fort Peck Reservation. This allowed Amy to work with patients in the Emergency Departments and within the several schools with youth. She has worked with Juvenile Probation and Parole along with Adult Juvenile Probation and Parole.
Amy enjoys working with groups and has experience with recreational groups, psychoeducational groups, wellness groups, and co-occurring groups. She also enjoys working with Equine Therapy and groups that include horses. Through experience, she has found that experiential therapy has helped improve outcomes for many.
Amy’s spirituality and individuality are important to her along with having healthy relationships and hobbies. Music and art have had a significant impact on Amy, and her career. She appreciates the homeless population and likes to volunteer when she is able; her most favorite is delivering meals during Thanksgiving and Christmas to those in need.
Amy’s biggest hobby is horseback riding. She has ridden horses since she was 6 years old and has not given up yet! She also likes gardening, music (mostly singing), painting with acrylics, photography, and being with her pets. She likes exploring, traveling, and having cooking competitions with her significant other who is a chef. Amy has lived in Kalispell for 3 years. She shares her time with her 3 Persian cats and her poodle.
“I enjoy working with diverse individuals and watching them grow through their strengths and supports. Never give up hope and always know that someone cares. Anything is achievable when spirituality and perseverance is included in your journey.”
Ezekiel Vandehei
Licensed Clinical Counselor, PCLC
Ezekiel is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Candidate. He completed his internship through Thrivology, a local Christian counseling group. Ezekiel attended Walden University where he studied Clinical Mental Health Counseling. His undergraduate work was from the University of Nevada Reno where he studied Economics.
Ezekiel has experience working in the financial sector and was a banker before deciding to go back to graduate school to become a counselor. He wanted to find a deeper meaning and value in his work and spend his time doing work that was more in line with his goal in life which is to help and show love to others.
Ezekiel has experience working with Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and looks to be certified in Gottman’s couple counseling course to begin doing more work helping couples improve their relationships.
Ezekiel has been happily married to his wife, whom he has known since childhood, for 9 years. Together they have 6 beautiful children. He has a deep love for family and a respect for marriage and its blessings. When he is not working or with his family, he also enjoys going to the lake or playing frisbee golf, or any kind of strategy game.
Ezekiel wants to serve God by serving others and is dedicated to showing everyone love, respect, and truth in a safe and shame free environment. He sees all people on equal ground; he accepts that we are all on our own path and have unique struggles and challenges to overcome.