Meet The Team

Onnie Michalsky, LCPC, is the Founder and CEO of the Yellowstone County Mental Health Alliance (YCMHA). She is a licensed clinical professional counselor, speaker, consultant, and community leader dedicated to strengthening mental health systems through connection, collaboration, and prevention.

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Based in Billings, Montana, Onnie brings extensive experience working with individuals, families, and organizations to address burnout, anxiety, and systemic barriers to care. She is passionate about reducing isolation among providers and creating spaces where professionals can connect, learn, and grow together.

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Onnie is also the founder of Moms Without Capes, a counseling and education platform supporting women who have lost their sense of self in motherhood, and the host of a long-running mental health podcast. In addition to her clinical work, she provides trainings, workshops, and keynote presentations focused on provider well-being, boundaries, leadership, and sustainable mental health care.

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Through YCMHA, Onnie is committed to building a more connected, resilient mental health community across Montana—one relationship at a time.

Leif Welhaven is a key member of the YCMHA team, supporting the Alliance as our Communications & Outreach Coordinator. He also serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Beautiful Directions Counseling.

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A Billings native, Leif is deeply rooted in community connection and service. He is an active member of the Exchange Club, supporting initiatives that serve children, veterans, communities, and the prevention of child abuse nationwide. Locally, he is a founder of MC3 – Magic City Century Club, a men’s service group dedicated to supporting youth, veterans, first responders, and mental health organizations across the region.

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Leif is passionate about mental health, addiction, and recovery, and is an engaged member of the recovery community in Billings and beyond. He is a coach, mentor, and speaker, and delivered his first TEDx Billings talk in 2022, where he challenged audiences to use their gifts to create positive community impact.

Outside of his professional work, Leif enjoys riding his Harley, spending time with his dogs—Paris, Milan, and Percy—and staying connected with his two adult children.

​Kassi Strong serves as the Conference Marketing & Sponsorship Director for the Yellowstone County Mental Health Alliance, leading promotional efforts and sponsorship development for the annual Bridging the Gaps Conference.