FAST BLACKFEET Board

Loren Racine, an enrolled Blackfeet Member, joined the Board in 2023. His upbringing steeped in Blackfoot culture and outdoor work experience fostered a deeper connection with nature and spurring an exploration of Blackfeet history in the region. Currently serving as Piikani Lodge Health Institute's (PLHI) On the Land Guide and Coordinator, Loren seamlessly integrates his cultural insights with a fervent commitment to environmental stewardship. Since 2019, he has been an active volunteer at FAST Blackfeet, embodying the spirit of community service instilled in him from a young age while learning about the blackfoot culture. Emphasizing his strong alignment with FAST's mission and values, Loren's multifaceted background and dedication to preserving culture and nature make him an invaluable asset to our organization, driving our mission forward with unwavering dedication.

Scott is a resident of Whitefish and has worked with the Blackfeet Food Bank and Medicine Bear Shelter for the last eight years. He manages the Blackfeet Nourish Project, which makes biweekly food deliveries to Medicine Bear and the Browning Public School Backpack Program. Scott received a BA in General Business from MSU Bozeman in 1968, followed by an MS in Philosophy in 1969. In 2014, he retired from his job as a roaster and cofounder of Montana Coffee Traders after 32 years. Scott has also traveled to several coffee-growing countries around the world as a judge in coffee tasting competitions. In his free time, Scott helps his spouse with gardening for their summer flower business, is a stained glass artist, and enjoys hiking and camping in the mountains of Montana.

Larissa Horn is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet tribe. She has her AA in Psychology from Blackfeet Community College. She has also received her Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Montana. Larissa has always had a dream of giving back to her community and looks forward to beginning that role with FAST Blackfeet.

In her free time she enjoys playing with her puppy and listening to podcasts!

Heidi DeRoche is a Public Health Program Specialist with the Montana Public Health Institute. In this role, she supports behavioral health initiatives in the Montana public health system.

Heidi was born and raised in Browning, MT on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe. Her background is in education and she has contributed to supporting and educating youth in various capacities since 2013. Prior to MTPHI Heidi worked at Heart Butte School District and the Montana Office of Public Instruction addressing mental health and substance use issues in the educational systems, Tribes and communities across Montana.

Heidi earned an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the University of Montana – Western. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Health Administration program at Montana State University – Billings.

Kirsten is a Public Health Nutritionist and Public Health Consultant who was a founding member of FAST Blackfeet and has been working and living in Blackfeet Nation since 2012. She has a Master’s of Public Health and a Master’s of Science in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Kirsten has worked for WIC in Montana, served in the Peace Corps, spent several years as the Public Health Nutritionist at the Blackfeet Community Hospital and for Boston University as a Public Health Project Manager. Kirsten owns, Yarrow LLC, a public health consulting organization in Montana. Kirsten is originally from Montana and loves the winter, which looks like a lot of cross country skiing and snuggling by the fireplace with her husband, daughter, a dog, and a bright orange cat.

My name is Ashlynn Marasco, I am a Blackfeet enrolled member, East Glacier Park resident, Business owner, and grad student earning a Masters degree in Leadership and Management. I consider myself a life long learner and serve as a Federal Grant Coordinator for Higher Education at Blackfeet Community College. For the past 10 years I have had the privilege of serving as a Project Coordinator and Executive Director of non profit organizations serving high risk youth and families of the Flathead Reservation and moved home to pursue a career with Blackfeet Community College creating opportunities for students and families of the Blackfeet Nation. My husband and I are the owners of Midvale Catering, a private catering and event planning business licensed and insured operating on the Blackfeet and Flathead Reservation. In my free time I enjoy adventuring Glacier, cooking for friends and family, and playing lots of golf.

Mr. Gerald “Buzz” Cobell is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation, a U.S. Army veteran, and a dedicated natural resource professional. He holds degrees in recreation and wildlife management from Montana State University and Utah State University. Over a 33-year federal career with the DOI and DOE, he led critical fish and wildlife programs and strengthened relationships between Northwest Tribes and federal agencies. He also served two terms as the Director of the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Department, most recently from 2019 to 2025. Professionally, he co-founded the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society and created award-winning internship programs for tribal students. Now retired, he continues his advocacy by serving on the boards of the National Wildlife Federation and the Buffalo Nations Grassland Alliance.