https://www.upliftwy.org/our-team daily 0.75 2018-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538907257816-47W42HC080MG9M9IY0QO/sis_bw.jpg testimonials https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538907257816-47W42HC080MG9M9IY0QO/sis_bw.jpg testimonials https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538917829108-8AQ79TICELUR8QQ8KV7Y/Leaf+Icon+1100.png testimonials - Parent | Jackson, WY “I have been involved in four states and three years with children’s mental health issues as a parent. [Uplift] is by far the most professional, knowledgeable and informative organization I have been involved with. The support I have received from your staff regarding IEP’s and school related services has been excellent. We have made more improvements to our family life in the past year due to the dedication and support of your fine staff. There is nothing UPLIFT cannot do and do well.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538917477996-NSYBL02EJ6GXDQAGKO18/Leaf+Icon+1100.png testimonials - Parent | Jackson, WY “I have been involved in four states and three years with children’s mental health issues as a parent. [Uplift] is by far the most professional, knowledgeable and informative organization I have been involved with. The support I have received from your staff regarding IEP’s and school related services has been excellent. We have made more improvements to our family life in the past year due to the dedication and support of your fine staff. There is nothing UPLIFT cannot do and do well.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538917851264-2GV3D84U4TEU86V6YO4L/Leaf+Icon+2100.png testimonials - Parent | Cheyenne, WY We are coming up on the year anniversary of [our son] coming home and I just wanted to tell you all he is doing really well. Thank you all for what you did, I felt like it took a bit of time to get the right team together for him but we finally did it. We still have our blow ups every now and then but now it is one every 4 months instead of 4 every month. Your support for me was what got me through this difficult time. You all need to hear that what you are doing makes a difference and that I am truly grateful for your support and always will be, thank you and may God truly bless each of you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538917875861-OZBYGU5R49CS1GM0TBLX/Leaf+Icon+3100.png testimonials - Parent | Cheyenne, WY I became involved with Uplift about 17 yrs ago or more. I wasn't sure what to expect but after many years of issues at school and trying to decide meds or no meds I decided to become a part of Uplift. Looking back it was the best decision I had made, not just for me, but more importantly for my son and learning to deal with his challenging behavior in a positive way as well as teaching everyone around him. I also used what I learned in my job setting and referred parents to Uplift! I'm happy to say my son is 26 yrs old and has had 2 jobs since graduating and is a very productive citizen! Thank you UPLIFT! https://www.upliftwy.org/donate daily 0.75 2022-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1539065514408-6E5JO90K8HZ98LQMDH7K/Uplift_banner_skyblue.jpg Donate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1539066428925-P14O2QFL0LWDZIH8XM1L/parent+hugs.jpg Donate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1539123853615-EOHYTLTVLWIKZ2AF7PZR/san.jpg Donate - “the greatest gift you can give someone is your time” Pictured: Paul Lincoln, Board President Paul volunteers his time each year for our Sensitive Santa event. https://www.upliftwy.org/welcome daily 1.0 2025-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538016403179-KJ0XF01PTVP30LA62H0Z/Father_Lift_Shoulders_crop.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538018809012-0MWWLSORLY9PHWHY138F/Uplift_banner_skyblue.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538112579240-C0EH461DVA1C0U6Z5YRO/bri_cropped.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538112752231-XZL24IFYQRGJ8NRBOKKW/Uplift_banner_hope.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538113443537-MG3RKQZMFW40BCY43AK9/Circle+Icon+1100.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538113396861-9AO5E964LDGMHNNYI71E/Circle+Icon+3100.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538115205143-B8FMUNIZ9ZKIOO5V182D/Circle+Icon+4.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538113513123-WPVHGZVQUD7YEATO70J8/Circle+Icon+2100.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1535602599498-T0NA3000XUO947IM3DPP/father+daughter+holding_cropped.jpg Welcome - we believe... that every family has the ability to heal and affect positive change when they are provided with the unique support they need to thrive. We honor families where they are as we partner in navigating systems and securing hope. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538022428674-YJYAJ8PU5EE2PVO0PN5I/family+with+teens.jpg Welcome - your family… is at the front of the flock, lifted by peers with lived experience. We focus on your strengths, as you choose which direction to fly. Got questions? We’d love to hear from you. https://www.upliftwy.org/volunteer daily 0.75 2021-05-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538125234714-PY8K7XZ72UFWHAWEMWZN/mother+gives+piggy+back+ride.jpg Start Here https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538973483848-5PZ57VA62OTBV20YEJF0/Uplift_banner_hope.jpg Start Here https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538969079533-E4ZK1V3ONB3SC0G0I0PG/Goose+Icon+1100.png Start Here Advocacy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538969172127-TKGEDXZ8IX2KAN3OLFYZ/Goose+Icon+3100.png Start Here https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538969149560-Y32JR3JXWQ8MPRZTX3O9/Goose+Icon+2100.png Start Here https://www.upliftwy.org/events daily 0.75 2018-10-09 https://www.upliftwy.org/events/2018/10/10/example-support-group monthly 0.5 2018-10-08 https://www.upliftwy.org/logo-url daily 0.75 2019-07-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1562912660024-9I2N9Z4RWGKZCNJBNF4W/UPLIFT_LOGO+Color.jpg Logo URL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1562912660024-9I2N9Z4RWGKZCNJBNF4W/UPLIFT_LOGO+Color.jpg Logo URL https://www.upliftwy.org/contact daily 0.75 2022-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538974504806-MKUK31YNG6RYSCUNQ1LI/Geese-trio.jpg Contact Photo courtesy of Mike Driscoll https://www.upliftwy.org/privacy-policy daily 0.75 2018-09-28 https://www.upliftwy.org/terms-of-service daily 0.75 2018-10-09 https://www.upliftwy.org/our-beginning daily 0.75 2018-10-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538904052040-4GU6YIKRDUAR7OUP3MBC/famiy+with+DS+child.jpg Our Beginning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538904238061-7AWNLBQSTWCC92QRQDFN/Geese_V_Sunrise.jpg Our Beginning - lessons from geese Our name comes from the story, “Lessons From Geese.” "As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an “uplift”' for the bird following. By flying in a 'V' formation, the whole flock adds 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone." It is our intent to offer this type of support for our families. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538909472843-5K3H2BGWYCH5301NGN5W/Joshua2_bw.jpg Our Beginning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538909494165-1CDWRKN903WYDJM4ITGA/sis_bw.jpg Our Beginning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538909539711-28QP4PW1Q8991HXQ7OWR/mel_bw.jpg Our Beginning https://www.upliftwy.org/our-staff daily 0.75 2026-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538905897272-R6RGWBNO22RQNMC1YFBB/family+hold+hands.jpg Our Staff & Board https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/9a75c457-1beb-4082-a644-7ca010a2d089/b6e94f8d-dafa-44f2-9e43-6107147b8d75.jpg Our Staff & Board - Michelle C. Heinen Executive Director Decades in the classroom affirm my belief that all children are capable of learning when the right services and supports are in place. I am an “accidental advocate” who has navigated the mental health system for my own two children. I am passionate about the power of peer support and am blessed to be able to “pay it forward” each day, supporting families like mine! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/55059708-b56c-4bf8-8528-3faf685f1755/cc71f640-91c8-4a5e-8930-939d80198e66.jpg Our Staff & Board - Kala McWain Family Leader Kala McWain is a mother of two from Casper, Wyoming. Her youngest son was diagnosed with Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare metabolic disorder, at four days old. Since his diagnosis, Kala has worked tirelessly to build public awareness of the impact that this disease has on both people with PKU & their families. She actively shares their newborn screening story to remind others how important that little heel prick is and to bring awareness to the impact a positive result has on families. She currently volunteers her time as advocacy committee co-chair at the National PKU Alliance and serves as a mentor to others through their mentoring program. Kala is passionate about medical equity for the rare disease community at both federal & state levels, helping others find their voice in advocacy, and daydreams about better support for caregivers. She has found the greatest gift of community through PKU and feels blessed to be Braxton's momma. Please read about Kala’s story here: 4 Babies, 4 Families, 4 Newborn Screening Tests: Parents Share Their Lived Experiences - APHL Blog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/68d1b656-4385-488a-9db8-4f1abdd8237d/Picture1.jpg Our Staff & Board - Danelle Medina Family Leader Hello, my name is Danelle, and I have a 19-year-old daughter named Briana. Briana has a very rare genetic mutation on GABRB2. Briana is one of the oldest in the world with this mutation, and there are probably fewer than 100 kids in the world with this mutation. We had gone 12 years without a diagnosis, and I ended up finding the Undiagnosed Network and applied! Briana was accepted, and we were able to fly to LA and see some amazing doctors at UCLA who were able to finally diagnose her with the rare genetic mutation. The diagnosis still seems like a mystery since it is so rare and not a lot of information, but every year we are learning more, and we are able to connect to other parents across the world who have children with the mutation and are able to bounce ideas off each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/bede9c65-8aa0-40a5-9adb-cb59e4b2b283/Christine.jpg Our Staff & Board - Christine Bullinger Family Leader My name is Christine Bullinger and my husband and I farm in the northwest corner of Wyoming in the Otto-Burlington area. As the parents of 6 awesome kids and being a foster home, we have found that life is always an adventure. Over the years we have faced our set of challenges including children dealing with depression, suicide attempts, schizophrenia, ADHD, complex medical conditions, and more. Through it all, I’ve come to realize how important strong family relationships are to successfully navigate these challenges. In the process, I have had the opportunity to be involved with many great organizations including Wyoming Hands and Voices, Guide By Your Side, WY Early Intervention Council, WY Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities, and now UplIft. The right support and resources at the right times can make all the difference-making seemingly impossible situations back to manageable parts - and allow our children to reach their full potential and follow their dreams. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/c942dd35-8703-4fc6-8f01-261e2b9e906a/aa6cd88e-2417-4fa3-889d-24cccec495a6.jpg Our Staff & Board - Denise Martin Family leader My name is Denise Martin and I have lived in Cheyenne Wyoming for 9 years. I was born in Michigan and worked as a nurse for 30 years. I have 2 children with Autism, one has depression and anxiety, and one has epilepsy and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury.) I also have two Grandchildren with Autism. I have been helping schools understand and formulate programs for these disabilities since my son was in grade school. He is now 28 and when he was young his schools needed a lot of guidance in understanding these disabilities and how to work with them. It gave me the experience to help my grandkids in their schools to help them receive the best education possible. I understand the challenges that families face when it comes to raising children with special needs. I am thrilled to be able to bring some of my experience to Uplift and help others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/c0bf7e78-259b-4689-aadd-1ede2df44eae/e413bcd5-4966-4989-a053-e9d9403e5a01.jpg Our Staff & Board - Jen Kirlin Family Leader Jen Kirlin is a mother of four from Wheatland, Wyoming. Her youngest son was born at 34 weeks, spent a month in the NICU, and was later diagnosed with Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome after months of constant advocating. Not only was he born with a rare syndrome, but he also had many other medical conditions, and the family spent years of weekly visits to Children's Colorado, as well as a trip to Children's Hospital Philadelphia and a surgery in Miami, Florida. Since learning how to blaze a trail with advocating for her son, she has strived to be a voice and shoulder to lean on for rare disorder families and anyone who has been thrown into the trenches of having a child needing extra medical care. From 504 plans to IEPs, learning the waiver system, juggling every kind of specialist out of state, therapies and lots of miles on the road (and sky), there is a newfound fire in her heart to help families of Wyoming have a smoother path through their journeys and learn of the help available to them. Jen and her family enjoy the outdoor life of Wyoming with fishing and hunting. They also raise and show lambs and feel it is important for people to know that a disability is not an inability. Jen currently volunteers her time with the Wyoming Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), Wyoming 4-H, and her son's school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/bd88ce77-d923-403a-8c6f-8cc4e1b81625/9ecb3121-e331-4894-a2f9-2a8d5f6660a7.jpg Our Staff & Board - Marcy Walters Family Leader Marcy Walters has been a single mother of four children. She knows firsthand the struggles sometimes of keeping faith in the storm! Three out of four of her children have disabilities, these including but not limited to autism, epilepsy, severe ADHD, and dyslexia. She is seasoned and aware of what it takes to face adversity. Her exponential and educational skill set has provided her with a paradigm that she describes as positive and non-coincidental. She serves as an inspiration to others who seek solutions for a more fulfilled life, those with disabilities and diseases. Marcy also has a rare disease, and didn't find out until the age of 34 how life-threatening it is. She understands how it feels to have limited resources and/or not have answers. Marcy resides in Sheridan, Wyoming, where she devotes her life to autism awareness, research, and solutions! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/6b2f2da8-c02c-48cd-81f6-9de3eaaabaa8/6b1364ea-ce06-43d0-85fb-fbb0e73ed448.jpg Our Staff & Board - Layla Baer Youth Leader Hello, my name is Layla Baer. My favorite hobbies include volleyball, music, and reading. One of my favorite songs is Footsteps by Ari and Seli Miller. It speaks of when we feel lost, abandoned, or in a dark place, to not be afraid. We are not alone, and taking one step at a time, we can still find the light. I’ve faced many challenges in my life. Through my challenges, I have learned that turning to faith has helped me as I continue to heal and grow. Learning to accept myself and recognizing when I’m feeling down or alone, and then communicating that to others, has been a key point to helping me heal from past traumas or current struggles. My whole life, I have always been willing to help others who are struggling, and make sure to let them know that they aren’t alone. Together we can better heal and thrive. https://www.upliftwy.org/our-affiliations daily 0.75 2025-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538906670241-GSRZUHQWR4STEH0TC9M7/boy+look+up+in+tree.jpg Our Affiliations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/357ca80c-f7bd-49af-a090-14a1d760fd52/FF.jfif Our Affiliations - Federation of Families As a non-profit, family-run organization for families of children with special health care needs, Uplift works to advance Wyoming's system of care for children, youth, and adolescents with mental health challenges. We help strengthen the knowledge and capacity of families to act as advocates and agents of transformation to influence the services and supports provided to them and their children. Uplift is proud to be Wyoming's Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health and has made many inroads and advances into the children's mental health system of care in our state. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b874a934611a0f5042c7088/1538914500752-JWXB1MX7NEO2D12AC0LX/family+voices.jpg Our Affiliations - Wyoming Family Voices We are proud to be the Wyoming Family Voices. ”Family Voices is a national family-led organization of families and friends of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and disabilities. We connect a network of family organizations across the United States that provide support to families of CYSHCN. We promote partnership with families at all levels of health care–individual and policy decision-making levels—in order to improve health care services and policies for children.”