Staff: Nicole Callahan

Nicole Callahan is an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and is Bitterroot Salish. She has spent most of her life on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Northwest Montana. Nicole has extensive experience in the human services field, including tribal child welfare, early childhood services, youth development, behavioral health, and community-based programming.

As a dedicated leader, advocate, and social worker, Nicole is committed to strengthening children, families, and communities. In her role as the Program Director of Friends of the Children – Western Montana, Flathead Nation site, she implements innovative and culturally grounded approaches to youth mentorship, family engagement, and prevention-focused services.

Nicole has more than 7 years of experience working in the tribal foster care system, as both a case worker and manager, and currently serves as a board member for Snqweylmistn. Nicole has previous work experience in Early Childhood Services and the Behavioral Health Program in the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Health Department. She is skilled in program leadership, staff supervision, cross-sector collaboration, and culturally responsive services. She has a proven ability to build strong partnerships, lead high-performing teams, manage complex programs and budgets, and improve outcomes for children and families through data-informed and relationship-centered approaches.

Holding a Master of Social Work degree from Walla Walla University, Nicole combines professional expertise with personal experience in her work. She is passionate about breaking generational cycles, creating opportunities for children and caregivers to thrive, and building systems that honor culture, resilience, and community strengths. Nicole firmly believes that children are our most precious and valuable resource.