Built by Peers for Peers
We founded The Montana Peer Support Network to provide a sanctuary for those who serve. Our journey began with a simple yet profound belief: that the most effective support comes from those who understand the weight of the mission. By creating retreats in the Montana mountains, we offer a space where first responders can reconnect with themselves, manage occupational stressors, and cultivate career resiliency. We are committed to empowering peers with the tools for proactive mental wellness, ensuring that no one walks the path of service alone.
Meet Our Team
Jon Marshall
President
Retired Police Officer
Jon brings a wealth of empathy and real-world perspective to his role, rooted in over two decades of dedicated service as a first responder. Now enjoying a well-earned retirement from law enforcement, he has turned his focus toward his true calling: walking side-by-side with his peers as they navigate their own wellness journeys. Jon is deeply committed to providing the guidance, understanding, and hope necessary for long-term resilience in the line of duty.
A true Montana local at heart, Jon finds his own balance through the serenity of nature. Whether he is casting a line while fishing, exploring rugged trails on a hike, or sharing quality adventures with his wife and two children, he understands the vital importance of family and the great outdoors in maintaining a healthy spirit. His mission is to ensure every responder knows they have a trusted ally in their corner.
Samantha Gondeiro
Vice president & training coordinator
Current Police Officer
Samantha is currently a Master Police Officer with the Great Falls Police Department, bringing 7 years of law enforcement experience and a strong commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of first responders. In addition to her patrol duties, Samantha serves as a defense tactics assistant instructor, an EVOC instructor, and the department's Peer-to-Peer Coordinator. She is also a member of the Cascade County Search and Rescue Team, furthering her commitment to serving her community both on and off duty.
Her experience in law enforcement and peer support has given her a firsthand understanding of the unique challenges first responders face both on and off duty. Through the Montana Peer Support Network, Samantha is passionate about creating opportunities for first responders to step away from the demands of the job, build meaningful connections, strengthen resilience, and find the resources and support they need.
When she’s off duty, Samantha believes in practicing the same balance and reset that she encourages in others. She spends her free time dirt biking, riding street bikes, kayaking (or anything else on the water), hiking, and snowboarding, with the occasional woodworking project mixed in when times allows.
Brandon Lange
treasurer
Current Police detective
Serving as a detective in Billings, Montana, Brandon understands the daily weight his fellow officers carry. As the Treasurer for The Montana Peer Support Network, he works from the heart to protect the organization’s future. By blending his keen investigative skills with a genuine care for financial integrity, he ensures every dollar is dedicated to healing and lifting up first responders throughout our Big Sky communities.
Alicia Bragg
personnel coordinator
Current Police Officer
Alicia Bragg has more than 20 years of experience in Montana public safety, including service as a dispatcher, Montana Highway trooper, and Lewis and Clark County deputy sheriff. She currently serves a rural patrol assignment in Augusta.
Throughout her career, Alicia has been committed to supporting the well-being and professional development of fellow first responders. She is a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management team and has served as a field training officer, Drug Recognition Expert, and SFST instructor. Her experiences have given her a deep understanding of the cumulative stress, critical incidents, and personal challenges that can accompany a career in public safety - and the importance of trusted, accessible peer support.
Alicia is also the Assistant Director for the western region of the Montana Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and a Torch Run Hall of Fame inductee. She is honored to serve on the Montana Peer Support Network Board of Directors and help strengthen wellness resources for first responders across Montana.
Jeff Stovall
secretary
current police sergeant
Jeff currently serves as a sergeant with the Billings, Montana Police Department, bringing years of frontline experience to his role in peer support. He is committed to supporting fellow first responders through mentorship, advocacy, and a focus on mental health and resilience.
Cherie Lofton
research coordinator
retired state trooper
Cherie started her law enforcement career in 2000 with the Gallatin County Detention Center and became a trooper for Montana Highway Patrol in 2004. She has been involved in CISM and Peer Support since 2007 and received her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University in 2019. Cherie currently lives in Helena and works part-time as a Mental Health Therapist at Elkhorn Treatment Center.
When she's not working, she enjoys traveling, art, and a variety of outdoor activities. Recently, Cherie started K9 Scent work training with her dog, Guinness.