
Board & Staff
Meet Our Team

Since 2016, Kira has helped guide Community Health Alliance’s mission to promote health and safety across Western Montana. She brings 15 years of nonprofit experience in program development, fundraising, and communications. Kira holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communication Studies and a minor in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Montana, and a master’s in public relations from Montana State University–Billings. Kira is dedicated to advancing collaborative, community-focused approaches that improve health and safety across Western Montana.

Brenda Plascencia
Program & Engagement Manager | Safe Kids Missoula Coalition Coordinator
Brenda began working at Community Health Alliance in March of 2022. Brenda received her bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and Anthropology from UCLA in 2018 and soon after became a Peace Corps Volunteer in the education sector, teaching English in Comoros, Africa. Brenda enjoys teaching and helping others in any way possible and is excited to gain more experience working within the nonprofit sector.

Sarah joined the Community Health Alliance as the Administrative and Communication Coordinator in April of 2026. While earning her undergraduate degree at Pacific Lutheran University, Sarah discovered her love for nonprofit communications and storytelling. Since returning to Montana in 2020, she’s crafted communication and marketing campaigns for nonprofits, and later at the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana. She is excited to support CHA’s mission of advancing health and safety for all Western Montanans.
Meet Our Board

Bruce Whitehead
Chair | Educational Consultant

Aubrey Nilsen
Vice Chair | Program Director, Missoula Broadcasting

Matthew Noreus
Secretary | Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Damian Chase-Begay
Trustee | Associate Research Professor of Social Epidemiology, University of Montana

Debbie Dantic
Trustee | Community Relations Officer, First Security Bank

Marcy Hanson
Trustee | Nursing Faculty, Montana State University-Missoula Campus

Helia Jazayeri
Trustee | Attorney, Missoula Legal Solutions

Kim Klages Johns
Trustee | Vice President, Missoula Paddleheads

Cody Stephens
Trustee | Director of Palliative Services, Hestia-Stillwater Hospice and Palliative Care