Vanessa McNeill, M.S. Psychology
In 2018, Vanessa McNeill launched Montana Social Scientists, LLC (MSS), providing Continuing Education (CEUs) to licensees through state Boards of Behavioral Health (LCPCs, LACs, LCSWs, LMFTs), Boards of Psychology, Offices of Public Instruction (teachers), and Boards of Nursing. Since Covid-19, most states in the U.S. now accept our Certificates for virtual workshops. McNeill has since expanded to Pacific Northwest Social Scientists (PNWSS), LLC offering Suicide Prevention Workshops.
Most states now have a minimum CEU requirement in suicide prevention for mental health providers. PNWSS offers unique virtual workshops (live and recorded) for suicide prevention, contracting with Subject Matter Experts from a variety of disciplines to deliver presentations and education on the latest research and updated mental health protocols. PNWSS partners with organizations to raise mental health awareness and suicide prevention. PNWSS customizes classes and workshops to meet organization’s needs, including offering group rates! McNeill also has experience working directly with the CDC and DPHHS for grant evaluations. Over the past 7 years, Vanessa has taught live and online. She is currently an Adjunct Instructor of Psychology at University of Montana-Helena College. Her academic work experience (during her Master’s program and after) comprised rigorous research and five subsequent journal publications in the area of suicide prevention:
Gender Moderated and RSA Mediated effects of Prenatal Cocaine Exposure on Behavior Problems at age 7
The Perceived Stigma Reduction Expressed by Young Adults in Response to Suicide Prevention Videos
A Look at Culture and Stigma of Suicide: Textual Analysis of Community Theatre Performances
A Theater Intervention to Promote Communication and Disclosure of Suicidal Ideation
Preventing Suicide in Montana: A Community-Based Theatre Intervention
KATHLEEN LITTLE LEAF, MSW, LAC, and SWLC
Kathleen is an enrolled tribal member from the Blackfoot/Blackfeet tribes, living in Cut Bank, Montana. She has worked within the health field and in Indian Health Services for over two decades, specializing in:
- Mental Health and the facilitation of Addiction Prevention
- Addiction Education and Addiction Recovery
- Group facilitation
- Individual Therapy
- Native American Intergenerational Trauma Grief Recovery Groups
- Native American 12 Step Groups
- Corporate Cultural Awareness Trainings
- Implementing Culturally Based Addiction/Mental Health Recovery Programming
- Jail Diversion Cultural Programming
- Addiction programming
- Native American Jail Recidivism Research & Data Collection
Kathleen has provided support and testimony to groups and panels to the issues of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and men speaking on panels and providing awareness to the issues that have been plaguing Indian country for decades. Kathleen also has personal testimony on the issues of MMIW and men and the impacts this issue has had on her family.
Kathleen loves being outdoors with her children and grandchildren where she can re-energize with mother earth. She loves traveling, meeting new people, and learning about people, places, and cultures.