Rick Stern, M.S., M.Ed., is in graduate school pursuing one more masters degree in counseling. Rick worked as an educator in a therapeutic boarding school for over 18 years, serving teenagers and families with histories of trauma, grief, substance abuse, and a variety of mental health challenges. Through interactions as a teacher, advisor, basketball coach, musical collaborator, and gardener, Rick has built supportive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. A fan of good food and digging in the dirt, most recently, Rick has worked as a Farm-to-School Educator with Land to Hand, MT. Rick has lived in Montana for 30 years, and in the Flathead for the last two decades.

MY “WHy”:

Eventually, we all experience significant losses and grief. I honor my grandparents, other extended family, and most recently both of my wife's parents as I choose this deeply impactful work.  It only took a short while working with Tina Barrett in 2002 to be struck by her work in supporting families and individuals through grief, as well as her dynamism, compassion, expertise and creativity. When the opportunity to work with Tamarack GRC presented itself, it was an obvious choice, and I feel blessed with this opportunity to do something I love: supporting and serving young people, adults, and families in need.

re-charging & delight-finding:

I find myself both energized and calmed by being outside, especially in the presence of the many beautiful and magical landscapes in western Montana and beyond. I love biking and cross-country skiing, and, since my family and I live in the boonies, most of my time outside is spent walking my dog. I also grew up loving team sports, and you can still find me running around the softball field every spring and summer. Ever since my mom took me to see the Doobie Brothers in the 70s, I’ve loved live music, and concerts with friends and family are still some of my favorite times ever!