Alison Schmaltz is a dedicated educator, community leader, and passionate advocate for mental health and well-being in Northwest Montana. After a 40-year career in education spanning special education and school counseling in Montana public schools, she retired with a legacy of service that continues to shape her community work. During her 24 years as a Special Education teacher in K–12 classrooms and an additional 16 years as a school counselor, Alison supported countless students and families with compassion, insight, and steadfast commitment to their academic and personal success. Early in her counseling career, she was a trainer for the International Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, providing guidance and professional development to schools across Montana — including multiple Kalispell elementary and rural Flathead Valley schools — to foster safer, more inclusive school environments.
Since retirement, Alison has channeled her expertise and community spirit into nonprofit leadership. For the past several years she has served as Walk Chair for the Flathead Valley Out of the Darkness Walk, an annual event hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that brings the community together each September to honor lives lost, raise awareness, and promote suicide prevention and healing. Under her leadership, the walk has seen record turnout and fundraising — including raising more than $43,000 for prevention and awareness efforts, far exceeding its original goals — and has engaged hundreds of residents in powerful dialogue about mental health support and connection.
Alison’s life and work are grounded in a deep commitment to supporting others at their hardest moments. Whether in a classroom, a counselor’s office, or alongside community members at a walk for hope, she brings empathy, resilience, and leadership to every role she holds. Her long legacy of advocating for young people, combating bullying, and building community around mental health reflects both personal dedication and professional excellence.
Beyond her professional and volunteer contributions, Alison is married with two adult children and remains deeply rooted in the Flathead Valley community she has served for decades. Her ongoing involvement in community causes exemplifies her belief that meaningful support and connection can transform lives — one student, one family, one neighbor at a time.