Narrator Creative Consulting

04/29/2026

After moderating a grant writing panel recently at UWYC hosted by the Billings Chamber of Commerce , I keep thinking about how many nonprofits are working so hard… and still feeling stuck when it comes to funding.

And honestly, I get why.

We’re told to go find grants, but not how to do it well. We’re told to “tell our story,” but not what funders actually care about. We’re told to use new tools like AI, but without clarity on where they help or where they hurt.

This conversation cut through a lot of that.

What stayed with me most is that the strongest organizations aren’t the ones chasing every opportunity. They’re the ones who are clear on who they are, what they do, and why it matters--and they build everything from there.

That’s what makes the difference.

If you’re in this work, I pulled together a recap of the biggest takeaways. I hope it’s helpful!

Thanks to the awesome panelists, Amanda Stonerock, Becky Rosenleaf, Kate Van Waes, and Adam Liberty too.

Recently, I had the opportunity to moderate a nonprofit grant writing panel hosted by the United Way of Yellowstone County and the Billings Chamber of Commerce—a collaboration led by Maia Dickerson and Cathy Grider to bring practical, honest conversations to our community.Joining me on the panel w...

04/28/2026

This one meant a lot to me. Writing this piece on Leah LaGrange was truly an honor, not just because of her story, but because of who she is in real life. Leah is a teacher and role model for my own daughter, and getting to shine a light on the beautiful human she is felt really special.

She is authentic, kind, generous, and the love she has for her students is evident in everything she does. You can see it in the way she teaches, the way she shows up, and the way she holds space for kids to grow into who they’re meant to be.

“Good human first, good dancer second.” That line stuck with me because that's exactly the type of leader we want for our young people.

I’m so grateful to know her, to learn from her, and to have her as an influence in so many young lives, including my own daughter’s! If you haven’t read this one yet, I hope you do. It’s a reminder of the power of art, the impact of great teachers, and the kind of legacy that really lasts.

You can read it online or you can still pick up your April edition of Simply Local Magazine Billings for a few more days!

Before she could walk, she was dancing. “Pretty much when I first started standing, before I even started walking, I was dancing and grooving,”

04/01/2026

Now that I’ve had a few days to catch my breath, I want to document what a phenomenal week I had last week! This was my second time getting to chair the Montana Women’s Leadership Conference with the Junior League of Billings. It was our tenth year (wow!) and the first ever Montana Women’s Leadership Awards. What a privilege it is to be able to work alongside so many amazing women to bring an experience like this to the Billings community. ♥️♥️♥️ Thank you everyone who made it possible and who was a part of it.

02/27/2026

I’ve known Sarah for several years now. We first connected through Billings NextGEN, and from the beginning, I’ve admired her vision, her drive, and the way creativity seems to pulse through everything she touches.

Writing “Stories in Motion: Billings’ Immersive Book Experience” felt special because being able to tell the story of how her idea for Beyond the Chronicles grew from concept to community phenomenon is truly spectacular. What started as a bold, imaginative event has become something Billings truly looks forward to each year—an experience where readers don’t just consume stories, they step inside them.

Hearing Sarah talk about how the idea came to life, how it’s evolved, and how she’s continued to expand and refine it was incredibly inspiring. She saw a gap, imagined something different, and then did the hard work to build it—year after year.

That’s the part that stays with me. Creativity is powerful. But creativity paired with persistence? That’s transformative.

If you love books, immersive experiences, or stories of people building something meaningful in our city, I hope you’ll read the full piece here or in this month's issue of Simply Local Magazine Billings

Have you ever wished you could step into the pages of a favorite book, feel the music of a royal ball, or toast with characters you’ve only met between chapters?

02/26/2026

When I sat down with Parker Brown to talk about music, venues, and what it takes to build momentum in a city like Billings, I expected a conversation about shows and stages. What unfolded was something much bigger.

In “Parker Brown and the Making of a Music Town,” we explore how Parker’s vision for Billings doesn’t just mirror the evolution of our city, it’s actively shaping it. He isn’t waiting for a “music scene” to arrive. He’s building it. Creating spaces. Hosting events. Bringing people together. Investing in the kind of culture he wants to live in.

That’s what struck me most. The powerful idea that community isn’t something we inherit, it’s something we create. And often, the people who love a place the most are the ones willing to do the work to make it better.

Capturing that spirit—the grit, the belief, the long-game vision—was important to me in this piece. Because Billings is changing. And it’s changing because people like Parker are choosing to shape it.

Read the full story here or in this month's issue of Simply Local Magazine.

(Amazing photos by the even more amazing Arianna Skoog)

AN ARTIST WHO RESISTS THE BOX There are artists whose work exists neatly inside a genre, a venue, a single lane. And then there are artists like Parker Brown, musicians whose careers resist simple labels because they are shaped by place, people, and an ongoing willingness to evolve.

02/25/2026

When I wrote “Community Through Story” for Simply Local Magazine, I was struck by how something as simple as a conversation or a shared moment can change a life. In talking with Danielle Dahl, I learned how Resilient Stories became a place where everyday people can see themselves, be heard, and find connection through sharing their truths—sometimes in ways they didn’t even expect.

This piece is a reminder that our stories matter, that community can be built one voice at a time, and that healing often begins with simply saying, “This is my truth.” I’m grateful for the chance to tell this one—and I hope it inspires you to share a little of your own.

When Danielle Dahl talks about Resilient Stories, you hear a heart finding its rhythm again. After two decades in management and a master’s in management and leadership, she realized her career lacked purpose.

02/03/2026

Alright, sign me up for this trend! Thanks for “seeing me,” Chat GPT. ♥️😂

12/05/2025

Billings is officially in full holiday mode, and if you’re looking for fun ways to soak it all in, the newest Simply Local feature I put together with Maloree Murphy is the perfect place to start. “12 Days, 12 Treats” pairs some of the best local holiday events with delicious sweets, warm drinks, and festive bites from around town.

Think light displays with hot cocoa in hand, performances followed by a cozy bakery stop, or a simple treat that turns a regular outing into a holiday moment. It’s all about getting out, tasting the season, and enjoying everything Billings has going on this time of year. Whether you're planning a family adventure, a date night, or just want a reason to slip into the holiday spirit, there’s something in here for you.

Go explore, snack, sip, and savor the Magic City this season.

12 Days, 12 Treats A Billings Holiday Pairing Guide Places to go and treats to partake!

11/29/2025

My latest feature for Simply Local Magazine is especially close to my heart. As a parent of a Nova kid who has spent years in their classes, camps, and multiple productions, I’ve seen firsthand how transformational this place truly is.

NOVA isn’t just a performing arts center—it’s a home for young people to grow, find their voice, build confidence, and experience the magic of theater. The impact their teachers and directors have had on my own child is something I’ll always be grateful for.

This piece dives into how Nova nurtures the next generation of performers, leaders, and compassionate humans. It’s a beautiful reminder of why the arts matter so deeply.

In the heart of downtown Billings, tucked inside the vibrant walls of the NOVA Center for the Performing Arts, kids aren’t just learning to act. They’re also learning to trust themselves, take creative risks, and discover a sense of belonging. Whether through summer camps, youth productions, imp...

11/28/2025

Honored to share my latest feature for Simply Local—an inside look at Triia, a groundbreaking platform reshaping the future of Indigenous art and entrepreneurship.

This isn’t just a marketplace. It’s a movement: preserving culture, creating economic opportunity, and amplifying the work of Native artists in a way that is intentional, innovative, and long overdue.

Writing this piece was a privilege. I hope you’ll take a moment to read, learn, and support the incredible vision behind Triia.

Read the full story in November's Simply Local Magazine or here!

Article's featured art by Ben Pease

When Tally Monteau stepped into her role at TRIIA, she not only assumed a new position but also took on a mission. TRIIA began as a digital marketplace for Native artists, envisioned as an Etsy for Indigenous art to elevate creative entrepreneurs and cultural expression. Under Tally’s guidance, th...

10/13/2025

"Arica teaches progress over perfection. The goal isn’t to outshine your neighbor; it’s to feel your own courage growing under your feet. She’s taught for more than two decades, and her approach steadily builds confidence: simple patterns become fluent conversations; first steps become first performances. “Time and time again, I’m convinced there is something about it for everyone at every age and stage,” she says. The emphasis on craft, kindness, and consistency makes the studio feel less like a class and more like a community, one where applause is shared generously and small victories matter."

Read more about Arica and her profound impact on the Billings community through dance in this article for Simply Local Magazine Billings and see what Billings Ballroom Dance Studio might have to offer you!

Ballroom arrived in Billings the way music fills a quiet room: soft at first, then undeniable. Ask dance educator and community builder Arica Lipp how it began for her, and she’ll tell you about a choice that changed everything: “I changed my college choice to attend a college that had a ballroo...