Gina has worked at Passages since the doors opened in January of 2007.  She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rocky Mountain College, followed by her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from MSU-Billings.  Gina has been a Licensed Addictions Counselor since 2004 and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor since 2006.  She became the Program Supervisor for the ASRC program in 2018 before her promotion to Passages Director in 2022.  Gina enjoys the work she does at Passages and says she learns something new everyday.  When not at work, Gina enjoys spending time with her family.

Contact Info: [email protected] or 406-294-9609 ext. 215

Jen Porter has a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) with a minor in Addiction Counseling from the University of Mary.  She worked with the youth population in a correctional setting for five years before obtaining her Licensed Addiction Counseling License in 2007.  She has worked in the field of addiction in Billings, MT since 2007 in an inpatient and outpatient setting along with working in private practice.  She came to Passages full-time in 2013, working on the Alcohol and Drug Treatment unit as an LAC.  She has been the Lead LAC for Passages ADT since 2017.  When not at work, Jen enjoys outdoor activities and family outings.

Contact Info: [email protected] or 406-294-9609 ext. 287

Karli began working for Alternatives, Inc. in 2018.  She worked as the Employment Placement Specialist and Transitional Living Case Manager at Passages, as well as a Case Manager with the Enhanced Transitional Supervision Services program.  Karli began her new journey as the Passages Pre-release Program Supervisor in March 2022.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and has a passion to help people succeed.  When Karli is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, trying new restaurants and loves coffee.

Contact Info: [email protected] or 406-294-9609 ext. 273

Emily Hughes started at Passages as an intern in 2021. Since then, she has held the positions of Intake Coordinator, ASRC Case Manager, ASRC Lead Case Manager, and is currently the Program Supervisor of ASRC. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Montana State University – Billings in 2022, and is currently enrolled in the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling master’s program and the addiction counseling certificate program. When not at work, Emily enjoys painting, live music, and spending time with family and friends.

Contact Info: [email protected] or 406-294-9609 ext. 238

Established with Alternatives in 2005, Kristi has held various roles within the agency.  These roles include Passages Operations Supervisor, Assistant Director, Contract Assurance Coordinator and currently serves as Passages’ Deputy Director/Operations Supervisor. Kristi earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from the University of Wyoming.  Kristi’s past work experience as a Sergeant with the Yellowstone County Detention Facility and a Probation and Parole Officer with the State of Montana Department of Corrections has allowed her to gain knowledge in the correctional field that have added to her success with Alternatives, Inc. Kristi is certified by the Montana Law Enforcement Academy as a police reserve officer, detention officer and probation and parole officer as well.

Contact Info: [email protected] or 406-294-9609 ext. 308

Shelby Garstad began working for Alternatives, Inc. in 2023.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication followed by her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wyoming.  Shelby obtained her Clinical Social Work licensure (LCSW) in 2021.  She began her social work career working with college students and recently made the change to working in corrections.  When Shelby is not working, she enjoys reading, riding bicycles, and playing racquet sports. 

Contact Info: [email protected] or 406-294-9609 ext. 295

Tori Cundiff graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science (Criminal Justice and Sociology) with a minor in Psychology from Montana State University Billings.  She started working for Alternatives in 2022 as an intern in a Client Advisor role, and quickly worked her way to a Client Advisor In-Charge position.  She transitioned to her current role of Screening and Disciplinary Coordinator in January of 2023.  Since stepping into her current position, Tori has enjoyed the ability to work closely with her colleagues and other community members to help residents make positive changes in their lives.  Throughout her time at Alternatives, Tori has gained exposure to multiple facets of the criminal justice system, and she enjoys the opportunity to learn and be challenged on a daily basis.  When Tori is not at work, she enjoys spending time with friends, golfing, or reading.

Contact Info: [email protected] or 406-294-9609 ext. 286

Paula Howard started working for Alternatives in 2023.  She received her Associate degree in Nursing from Miles Community College in 2014 and her Bachelor of Nursing from Boise State University in 2017.  Paula has been in the medical field since 2010 engaged in various roles.  She worked previously in the hospital setting as a bed side nurse prior to transitioning to corrections.  When not at work she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and dogs.  She enjoys enhancing her education, traveling and camping, spending time outdoors working in the yard or playing sports.

Contact Info: [email protected] or 406-294-9609 ext. 233

Hope Blake joined Alternatives, Inc. in November of 2023.  She brings over 20 years experience in healthcare, with the last five years specializing in Substance Use Treatment & Behavioral Health Supervision.  Hope is enjoying learning her new role, collaborating with other teams, and supporting staff and residents alike.  Throughout her time with Alternatives, Hope has learned how Behavioral Health & Substance Use Treatment plays a major role in the criminal justice system and the reintegration of the residents into their communities.  She looks forward to learning more each day and is grateful for a supportive team.  When she’s not at work, Hope enjoys spending time outdoors, going to concerts, and riding motorcycles.

Contact Info: [email protected] or 406-294-9609 ext. 210