James C. Petrovich, PhD, MSW, Professor & Department Chair; Founding Director, Master of Social Work Program, Carroll College | Yellowstone Conference 2025
Panelist | Empowering Excellence
James C. Petrovich, PhD, MSW, is a seasoned social work educator, administrator, and researcher with more than two decades of experience in clinical practice, higher education leadership, and applied research.
He currently serves as Professor, Department Chair, and Founding Director of the Master of Social Work program at Carroll College in Helena, Montana. Dr. Petrovich’s academic and professional career has focused on advancing trauma-informed care, housing justice, and the well-being of people experiencing homelessness.
He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications and numerous community-based reports and evaluations. A dedicated mentor and collaborative leader, he brings a deep commitment to equity, community engagement, and interdisciplinary innovation in social work education and practice.
James C. Petrovich’s Role at the 2025 Yellowstone Conference
At the 2025 Yellowstone Conference, James C. Petrovich will join the Empowering Excellence panel, where he’ll share his expertise in strengthening workforce development through higher education partnerships.
More About the Yellowstone Conference
Visit our Yellowstone Conference event page to learn more and register.
Kristin Thompson, Associate Director of Human Resources | Yellowstone Conference 2025
Moderator | Empowering Excellence
Kristin Thompson began her career at Youth Dynamics while in college, gaining early fieldwork experience that sparked her dedication to serving youth and families. Over the years, she held a variety of clinical and administrative roles that shaped her professional path and commitment to mission-driven work.
In October 2024, during the coming together of Youth Dynamics and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Kristin transitioned into the role of Associate Director of Human Resources at YBGR. The connection to the mission that first inspired her continues to guide her work in this new chapter, carrying forward her deep commitment to supporting staff and strengthening the organization’s ability to serve youth and families.
Kristin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Montana State University and is a SHRM-CP certified professional.
Kristin Thompson’s Role at the 2025 Yellowstone Conference
At this year’s Yellowstone Conference, Kristin Thompson will moderate the “Empowering Excellence” panel, where she’ll lead a discussion on strengthening workforce development through higher education partnerships.
More About the Yellowstone Conference
Visit our Yellowstone Conference event page to learn more and register.
David R. Blaine, CEO, Crow Times Youth and Elder Works | Yellowstone Conference 2025
Panelist | Strengthening Native American Partnerships
David R. Blaine, “Whistles Good,” is a name given to him by his grandfather. David had an outspoken demeanor as a child, and his grandfather recognized early on that his words would carry far, much like the sound of an eagle’s whistle.
David grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota, and attended high school in Solen/Cannon Ball, North Dakota. In 2015, he returned to his home in Crow Country. He serves as the CEO of Crow Times Youth and Elder Works and is the sole proprietor of Crow Times. Additionally, he holds the position of President at the Mighty Few Community Development and freelances for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People initiative.
David has organized numerous youth projects, with the Movie in the Parks series being particularly notable for his local communities. He is a dedicated volunteer and maintains a non-partisan stance, promoting community unity—a strong community run by the community.
After facing challenges in finding property in Lodge Grass, he has successfully acquired a location and is now working on establishing a community center for youth and elders.
David R. Blaine’s Role at the 2025 Yellowstone Conference
At the 2025 Yellowstone Conference, David R. Blaine will join the Strengthening Native American Partnerships panel, where he’ll share his expertise in leveraging community partnerships for collective impact.
More About the Yellowstone Conference
Visit our Yellowstone Conference event page to learn more and register.
Sunny Day Real Bird, Director of American Indian Outreach, Montana State University | Yellowstone Conference 2025
Panelist | Strengthening Native American Partnerships
Sunny Day Real Bird, Akbaaiiwishe-Itchish (Raises Good Children), serves as the Director of American Indian Outreach at Montana State University Billings (MSUB). She is an enrolled member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation and a Gros Ventre descendant. Sunny brings over 15 years of experience in teaching, administration, and advocacy for Native student success across K–12 and higher education.
She holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Montana State University Bozeman, a Master’s in Education: Curriculum and Teaching (Secondary Mathematics) from the University of Oregon, and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a Mathematics minor from MSU Billings. She is licensed in Montana to teach both elementary education and secondary mathematics.
Before her role at MSUB, Sunny taught mathematics at Ronan Middle School, where she was also selected as Educator of the Year by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Education Committee. She later served as the Director of Indian Education for Ronan School District, where she secured major grants, created new partnerships, and raised graduation and attendance rates for Native students. Her teaching career has included positions at Riverside Indian School, Northern Cheyenne Tribal School, St. Labre Indian School, and St. Charles Mission School.
At MSUB, Sunny provides advocacy and support for Native students, leads outreach and retention efforts, and forges partnerships with tribal colleges, communities, and schools. She is active in multiple statewide initiatives, including the American Indian Minority Achievement Council, the City of Billings Chamber Advisory Board, and the Crow Language Club.
Sunny’s leadership and service have been recognized widely, including the University of Oregon’s 2022 Sapsik’ʷałá Outstanding Community Service Award. She is deeply committed to data-driven, culturally responsive education and to strengthening opportunities for Native students.
Sunny Day Real Bird’s Role at the 2025 Yellowstone Conference
At the 2025 Yellowstone Conference, Sunny Day Real Bird will join the Strengthening Native American Partnerships panel, where she’ll share her expertise in leveraging community partnerships for collective impact.
More About the Yellowstone Conference
Visit our Yellowstone Conference event page to learn more and register.
Charli Sleeper, Founder, MMIP Billings Advocacy Project | Yellowstone Conference 2025
Panelist | Strengthening Native American Partnerships
Charlene “Charli” Sleeper is a Billings-based Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) advocate and mental health worker at Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch (YBGR). Their Indigenous name is Axpe Hisshe Bia (Red Eagle Fan Woman). They are a descendant of the Crow Tribe and Chippewa-Cree Tribe and are enrolled in the Southern Cheyenne & Arapahoe Tribes of Oklahoma.
Inspired by the 2018 Billings Women’s March, which highlighted the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women’s (MMIW) Movement, Charlene began researching the scope of the MMIW crisis. That same year, eastern Montana experienced several high-profile missing juvenile cases. As a grassroots response—with an emphasis on the safe recovery of missing juveniles—Charlene developed the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples Billings Advocacy Project (MMIP Billings). The group provides a range of volunteer services, including: sharing missing persons information with the public, supporting MMIP victim families, consulting on contributing issues, promoting MMIP resource information, and coordinating nonprofit fundraising. MMIP Billings also organizes and collaborates on awareness, intervention, and prevention projects.
Charli’s grassroots work spans tribal, local, state, and federal levels. They have supported Montana’s MMIP policy work since 2019, provided homicide and missing persons field observations to the FBI, and testified to both the Trump Administration’s Operation Lady Justice and the Biden Administration’s Not Invisible Act Commission. In 2025, MMIP Billings’ focus is on the intersection between human trafficking, missing persons, and homicides.
At YBGR, Charli notes that youth are at the highest risk for becoming missing juveniles, domestic violence-related homicide victims, and/or victims of human trafficking. They are grateful for the support found at YBGR, which has enabled the continuation of youth-specific MMIP prevention projects tailored to serve all youth in care.
Charli Sleeper’s Role at the 2025 Yellowstone Conference
At the 2025 Yellowstone Conference, Charli Sleeper will join the Strengthening Native American Partnerships panel, where they’ll share their expertise in leveraging community partnerships for collective impact.
More About the Yellowstone Conference
Visit our Yellowstone Conference event page to learn more and register.
Clint Valandra, Indigenous Education Coordinator, Billings Public Schools | Yellowstone Conference 2025
Panelist | Strengthening Native American Partnerships Panel
Clint Valandra, “Crow Feather,” a name given to him by his Lakota grandmother to commemorate his great-grandfather’s feat, is of Blackfeet and Lakota descent, with French and Irish roots. Born in Rosebud, South Dakota, and raised in Browning, Montana, he grew up as one of ten siblings.
His education began at Cut Bank Boarding School and continued through earning a bachelor’s degree from Troy University.
In 2023, he established Willow Creek Productions to provide cultural presentations and training in traditional games for youth and adults, demonstrating his dedication to preserving Indigenous traditions and educating others.
Clint has served as the Indigenous Education Coordinator for Billings Public Schools at Skyview High School for the last 15 years. He has become a vital source of strength by advocating for and promoting Indigenous perspectives. Through his work, he inspires students to honor their heritage while embracing their futures. Additionally, he plays a key role in facilitating the Elk River Tribal Youth Council.
Clint Valandra’s Role at the 2025 Yellowstone Conference
At the 2025 Yellowstone Conference, Clint Valandra will join the Strengthening Native American Partnerships panel, where he’ll share his expertise in leveraging community partnerships for collective impact.
More About the Yellowstone Conference
Visit our Yellowstone Conference event page to learn more and register.
Josie Brady, Native American Services Coordinator | Yellowstone Conference 2025
Moderator | Strengthening Native American Partnerships Panel
Named after her great-grandmother, Josephine Pine, a Northern Cheyenne tribal member, Josie Brady serves as the Native American Resource Coordinator at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. She works to create a supportive environment for Native American youth, focusing on cultural connection and engagement in treatment programming.
Josie has initiated a weekly Wellbriety talking circle to support those dealing with chemical dependency, collaborating with the chemical dependency team to facilitate the group. She also brought Mustang Nation to life—a club where Native American youth can gather to learn about their cultures and traditions. Josie incorporates smudging into the weekly schedule and encourages all youth and staff to participate.
She also worked with Yellowstone Academy staff to create an Indigenous garden and helps facilitate engaging, educational presentations that promote cultural awareness for both youth and staff.
Previously, Josie gained experience with Billings Public Schools, leading initiatives at the elementary and middle school levels. These included organizing events such as Family Night and Grandparents’ Night, as well as coordinating summer programs designed to bring cultural education to students across grade levels.
Josie Brady’s Role at the 2025 Yellowstone Conference
At this year’s Yellowstone Conference, Josie Brady will moderate the “Strengthening Native American Partnerships” panel, where she’ll lead a discussion on leveraging community partnerships for collective impact.
More About the Yellowstone Conference
Visit our Yellowstone Conference event page to learn more and register.
Remembering Franklin Robbie: The Heart Behind Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
“It sure makes a difference when you know somebody cares.”
Those words guided Franklin LeRoy (Rabe) Robbie, founder of Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, whose faith, compassion, and vision continue to shape the organization today.
Below is the story of Franklin Robbie—and how a life rooted in faith and resilience unfolded into a vision that gave birth to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR), a place where children could find structure, care, and belonging.
A Life Shaped by Faith and Resilience
Born on December 5, 1918, in Minneapolis, Franklin Robbie was the eldest of nine children to Rudolph and Leona Rabe. His father’s ministry led the family to move often—seven schools before graduation—and being left-handed in a right-handed world made learning even tougher. Yet through it all, Franklin’s resilience began to shine.
At fourteen, a ruptured appendix nearly took his life. An experimental treatment saved him, sparking a lifelong faith in God’s purpose. At fifteen, he made a personal commitment to Christ—a decision that became the compass for his life and work.
Soon after, at a church camp, he met Merle Middleton, who became his partner in life and ministry for nearly fifty years. Together they raised three children—Barbara, Wesley, and Kathy—and devoted their lives to helping others.
Franklin Robbie’s Call to Ministry
In 1948, Franklin Robbie moved his family to Montana to serve as pastor of Knees Community Church. There, he inspired his congregation to dedicate “God’s Acres,” where crops grown on donated land funded a parsonage. Within a year, a new home stood as a testament to faith, work, and community spirit.
Later, through Youth for Christ, Franklin began visiting correctional schools and meeting boys burdened by neglect and hardship—“little boys with big problems,” as he called them. Those encounters planted the seeds of what would become his life’s mission.
The Vision That Became Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
In 1957, Franklin Robbie and Merle moved to Billings, Montana, to open Yellowstone Boys Ranch—a leap of faith born from conviction and compassion. With limited means but an unshakable belief in what was possible, they created a home where children could find love, structure, and belonging.
What began as one small home grew into Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, an organization that has since touched tens of thousands of young lives across Montana and beyond.
Franklin Robbie’s ability to connect with people was unmatched—he drew in ranchers, business leaders, and neighbors, transforming them into lifelong supporters united by care and purpose.
A Legacy Beyond One Ranch
Franklin Robbie’s leadership extended far beyond Billings. Over three decades, he advised 23 child-care agencies nationwide, promoting financial stability through his “pay as we go” philosophy. His approach helped YBGR and other nonprofits remain strong, debt-free, and mission-focused.
Away from his work, Franklin Robbie was a husband, father, and friend who loved skiing, gardening, and woodworking. His home was filled with laughter, stories, and the joy of family. Even in his eighties, he lived with curiosity, creativity, and gratitude.
Love, Loss, and New Beginnings
In 1988, Franklin lost his beloved Merle to cancer after his own heart surgery. Her passing left a deep void, but her parting wish—that he find love again—brought new hope. He later married Peggy Oberweiser, whose warmth and care, along with her son Jonathan, renewed his joy in later life.
The Lasting Legacy of Franklin Robbie
Franklin Robbie’s proudest legacy wasn’t just the ranch he built—it was the lives he changed. From his own family to the thousands of youth who found healing and hope through YBGR, his life’s work continues to ripple through generations.
When Franklin Robbie passed away on March 21, 2014, at age 95, he left behind a story of faith, perseverance, and compassion that continues to guide YBGR’s mission today.
“It sure makes a difference when you know somebody cares.”
Because Franklin Robbie cared, generations have been forever changed—and his dream lives on each time a child finds hope, healing, and belonging at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
Learn More About Our History
Visit our History page to explore the story—and the caring people—who gave birth to our mission. Their vision continues to touch the lives of thousands of youth across Montana and beyond each year.
Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, on Amazon.
1956 Marked the Start. 1957 Made It Real. A Legacy of Caring Still Growing
Did you know June marked our 68th year of caring for kids?
In June of 1957, after purchasing the old O’Rourke Farm west of Billings, we welcomed the first child into our care—planting the roots of what would become Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
It all began with a bold response to injustice: At the time, young boys—some barely old enough to ride a bike—were being housed alongside adult criminals at the Montana State Industrial School. Franklin Robbie saw it and said, not on our watch. There has to be a better way.
What started as a safe haven soon grew into a therapeutic residential treatment center for youth.
A Legacy of Caring Takes Root
By the fall of 1973, we had already served 400 youth. In 1977, we began transitioning from long-term custodial care to short-term therapeutic treatment, launching our first Pilot Assessment and Treatment programs in Orth Lodge.
In June 1980, The Wrangler announced a historic milestone: the decision to admit girls to our Brekkeflat Assessment and Treatment Lodge. That edition also marked the first time we were referred to as Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
The 1990s brought another important step forward. We were approved by the State of Montana to pilot Medicaid reimbursement for Psychiatric Residential Treatment Services—ensuring access to critical care for youth with significant mental health needs.
And in 1999, we expanded into community-based services, stepping outside the walls of the Ranch to meet kids where they live, learn, and grow.
A Mission That Keeps Growing
In our first 14 months, we served just 14 youth.
Today, we reach thousands of kids annually through a full spectrum of mental health services—ranging from our Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) in Billings, to therapeutic group homes in Boulder, Billings, Helena, and Great Falls, and community-based care that now touches nearly every corner of Montana.
While our reach has grown, our heart has never changed: Caring people, preparing youth for life. We continue to show up for kids when it matters most.
Looking Back as We Look Ahead
Every September, we celebrate our beginnings—the moment we officially filed our Articles of Incorporation in 1956.
As we prepare for this year’s celebration, we’ll be sharing stories from our past and the legacy that continues to shape who we are today.
We invite you to join us on the journey.
Learn More About Our History
Visit our History page to explore the story—and the caring people—who gave birth to our mission. Their vision continues to touch the lives of thousands of youth across Montana and beyond each year.
Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, on Amazon.
Saving Lives: Change Starts with Suicide Prevention Strategies
Suicide is a tragedy of epic proportions. To paint a picture, in 2023, 49,316 Americans took their own life. Overall, it’s the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the 2nd for youth between the ages of 10 and 24.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and we want to shed light on this critical topic because education saves lives. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into prevention strategies.
Addressing Suicide Through Systemwide Prevention
Preventing suicide requires more than individual action—it takes coordinated efforts across communities and systems. Below are key strategies that can make a life-saving difference.
Identify & Assist Persons at Risk
The first step in preventing suicide is to identify populations at risk. Then, educate the people who work with them on suicide warning signs and intervention strategies, so they’re empowered to save lives.
Breakdown Stigma
Data reflects 1 in 5 people struggle with their mental health. Yet, because of stigma, few will reach out for support. Sadly, 90% of those who complete suicide are grappling with mental health conditions at the time of their death.
Public awareness campaigns and education can reduce barriers to seeking treatment, ultimately helping individuals receive life-saving support.
Organizational Linkages & Seamless Transitional Care
There’s no question that when organizations communicate and work together to wrap around the people they serve, it equates to excellent client care. In essence, it serves as a buffer, ensuring no suicide warning signs are missed and that people move seamlessly between different levels of care.
Create Systems to Respond to People in Crisis
Putting systems in place for those in crisis is essential and is not limited to mental health. Everything from emergency shelters to food stamps, and of course, mental health crisis call centers play a critical hand in preventing suicide.
Encourage Social Connectedness
Social isolation is a significant risk factor for suicide. Thus, communities that create systems to foster social connections can significantly reduce risk. Free community events, volunteer programs, and support groups are all great ways to bring people together.
Together, We Can Save Lives
Suicide prevention isn’t just about one program or one conversation—it’s about building communities where no one falls through the cracks. When we dismantle stigma, strengthen support systems, and foster connection, we create the conditions where hope has a chance to grow.
Learn More: A Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Prevention
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