McKenzie joined the Montana Public Health Institute in January 2024 as a Public Health Program Specialist. In this role, she supports behavioral health initiatives of MTPHI and provides technical assistance and support to communities navigating crisis diversion.

McKenzie’s interest in public health is rooted in the desire to uplift others and improve life outcomes through effective systems-level change. Prior to joining the Institute, McKenzie worked as a child protection caseworker in the state of Colorado with specialties in medical abuse and neglect as well as families with children ages 0-3. In 2021, she returned home to Central Montana and started a new role as a substance use prevention specialist. In this role, she was focused on comprehensive community-based prevention work to address risk and protective factors related to substance use. In her three years in this role, she implemented strategies and programs to fidelity, served on multiple boards and helped secure CDC Drug Free Communities Grant funding to further sustain coalition efforts. Additionally, she revitalized the Fergus County Local Advisory Council with the support of other stakeholders and continues to serve her community as the chair of this group in their work to identify and address gaps in mental, emotional and behavioral health services in Central Montana.

McKenzie earned her Bachelor of the Arts from the University of Montana in Sociology and Anthropology and is currently enrolled in the University of Montana’s joint Master’s program for Public Health and Public Administration. A graduate of the National Coalition Academy, McKenzie has experience leading and supporting community change through coalition work. She is passionate about her work and being able to support local communities in their own efforts to drive positive change. McKenzie enjoys being outside whenever possible, teaching yoga and coaching softball.