The Birth of Berry Medicine
Berry Medicine Native BirthWork Initiatives began as Native American Initiatives (NAI), a program housed within Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies- Montana (HMHB), where foundational relationships, programming, and trust were built alongside Tribal communities across Montana in an effort to improve maternal health. Through this work, it became clear that Tribal programs and Native families were seeking culturally rooted approaches to maternal and infant health. Communities wanted approaches grounded in Traditional Knowledge and community care to use alongside western healthcare models.
As the vision and community engagement deepened, Berry Medicine emerged as a natural evolution of this work.
Today, Berry Medicine operates independently as a fiscally sponsored project, allowing time to build crucial infrastructure while continuing to serve communities with the centering of Native women’s leadership, decision-making, and cultural knowledge at the heart of our work.
This transition reflects a commitment to self-determination and ensures programs are shaped by the lived experiences and priorities of Indigenous mothers, birthworkers, and families.
Led by Native women from Montana, Berry Medicine uplifts matrilineal teachings and strengthens intergenerational pathways of care through supporting and promoting BirthWork, breastfeeding knowledge, and culturally grounded family wellness initiatives. Our work aligns closely with Thriving Women’s priorities by restoring birthkeeping practices, fostering leadership among Indigenous women, and supporting healing through kinship, food systems, and community-based spaces for mothers and children. Berry Medicine represents both continuity and transformation by honoring the relationships and foundation built within HMHB while stepping forward as a distinct, community-rooted effort dedicated to Indigenous women, families, and futures.
Meet the Staff
Amy Stiffarm, PhD, MPH
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Email: amy@berrymedicine.org
Indigenous Lactation Counselor | Full Spectrum Indigenous Doula
Amy Stiffarm is a member of the Aaniiih (White Clay) Tribe of the Fort Belknap Indian Community. She also is a descendant of the Chippewa Cree and Blackfeet Tribes of Montana. Amy received her MPH from the University of Montana in 2017 and earned a PhD in Indigenous Health at the University of North Dakota in 2023, where she focused on Perinatal Mental Health for Indigenous Women and Birthing People. Her work focuses on strength-based, Indigenous-led maternal health programming and research. Amy is grateful for the opportunity to promote healing and wellbeing for Native moms, babies, and families.
Shawnalea Chief Goes Out
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Email: shawnalea@berrymedicine.org
Indigenous Lactation Counselor | Full Spectrum Indigenous Doula | MT- Licensed Doula
Shawnalea Chief Goes Out is an enrolled member of the Chippewa‑Cree Tribe and comes from the Aaniih, Nakoda, and Western Shoshone people. She is a public health professional with experience in maternal health, program management, and community‑based systems improvement. Shawnalea holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration, and completed Master of Public Health core coursework in epidemiology, research methods, and biostatistics. She is committed to advancing Indigenous maternal health and supporting Native birthworkers across Montana.
Adriann Buckles, PhD, MPH
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Email: adriann@berrymedicine.org
Adriann is a member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. She earned a BS in Health Promotion from Montana State University Billings in 2010, a Master of Public Health from A.T. Still University in 2012, and a PhD in Indigenous Health from the University of North Dakota in 2024. Her doctoral work focused on Public Law 93-638 as a mechanism for improving health outcomes in Tribal communities. Adriann’s expertise centers on community-centered and Indigenous-led programming, evaluation, and research, with an emphasis on strengthening culturally grounded pathways to health and well-being in Tribal communities.
Diona Buck
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Email: diona@berrymedicine.org
Indigenous Lactation Counselor | Full Spectrum Indigenous Doula
Diona is Nakoda from the Fort Belknap Tribe of Montana and a descendant of the Aaniiih Tribe (White Clay). Diona graduated from MSU-Northern in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Health through the University of Montana’s online program. Diona is passionate about improving health outcomes in Indigenous communities, particularly in the area of perinatal health.
Our Board Leadership
Lannesse Baker MPH, cPhD (Anishinaabe)
Executive Vice President, National Indian Health Board President
Tess Abrahamson-Richards PhD, MPH (Spokane)
Director of Data Sovereignty, Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services Secretary/Treasurer 
Birthworker, Doula & Co-founder, Alaska Native Birthworkers Community Member