Therapy Dogs Help Kids Heal at the Ranch
Have you met the therapy dogs who are making a difference daily at the Ranch? Meet Luca, Elvis, Cooper, and Emmy Lou!
These four aren’t just beloved companions—they’re four-legged therapists helping youth heal, build trust, and regulate emotions in Billings. Their presence provides comfort, connection, and stability for kids who need it most.
Meet Our Canine Team and Their People
Therapy dogs do more than bring smiles—they play a key role in supporting the emotional well-being of the youth in our care.
- Dr. Taylor Clark, Occupational Therapist, with her therapy pup, Luca
- Mackenzie Warren, Equestrian Specialist, with her therapy pup, Elvis.
- Cooper and Emmy Lou with Lisa Frazier, retired Director of Recreational Services
For many kids, therapy dogs offer something people sometimes can’t—a calming, judgment-free presence that makes it easier to open up, build trust, and regulate emotions.
Reducing stress and anxiety
Just being near a therapy dog has been shown to lower stress and help kids feel more at ease.
Building trust and social connections
Many of the youth we serve have experienced trauma. Therapy dogs create a safe space to rebuild trust and connection.
Supporting emotional regulation
Their presence can help kids self-soothe and navigate emotions.
Providing unconditional support
Therapy dogs offer consistent, reliable companionship, giving kids a sense of security and belonging.
A Lasting Impact
We see the impact of our four-legged therapists firsthand every day out at the Ranch. Their support goes beyond the moment—helping kids feel safe, seen, and supported as they navigate their healing journey.
We want to thank Lisa, Mackenzie, Taylor, and our incredible therapy dogs—Luca, Elvis, Cooper, and Emmy Lou. The work you do matters, and the difference you make is lasting.
Need Support?
Check out our Programs tab above to learn more about the therapeutic care we deliver daily at the Ranch and across Montana. Then, contact us online to make a referral.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to our news updates for the latest from around the state, and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
Investing in People — YBGR Staff Take Part in CISM Training
Investing in the caring people who invest in our kids matters. Over the weekend, YBGR staff from across Montana participated in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training, gaining tools to help teammates process secondary trauma after delivering crisis care to youth.
CISM Training Equips Staff to Support Each Other
At YBGR, we know that a strong team means stronger support for youth. Our work with kids is meaningful and comes with heavy moments, too. No one should carry that weight alone.
CISM training equips staff with the tools to recognize signs of stress and process crisis events with others—so they can continue providing the care kids depend on.
Strengthening Our Team for the Work Ahead
This training is one of the many ways we’re building a culture of care and resilience—ensuring our team has the support needed to keep showing up for Montana’s youth.
Join Our Community of Caring People, Preparing Youth for Life
Looking for a job where you can make an impact while being part of a strong, supportive community? Visit our Careers page today to learn more about our open positions.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to our news updates for the latest from around the state, and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
Kids in Butte Community-Based Services Celebrate Valentine’s Day
See the crafts above? On Friday, the kids in our Butte community-based services celebrated Valentine’s Day with our local team. Their time together went beyond fun—it was an opportunity for connection, creativity, and growth, reflecting our mission: Caring people, equipping youth for life.
Through activities like the ones pictured, kids build relationships and gain skills in creative expression that serve as coping tools they can lean on throughout their lives.
A big thank you to our Butte team for making Valentine’s Day therapeutic and special!
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to our news and events page for the latest YBGR updates from around the state, and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
McVay Lodge Reopens With a Refresh Thanks to HB 872 Grant
Did you hear the news? Renovations at McVay Lodge are complete—with new bathrooms, thanks to HB 872 grant funding.
While this may seem like a small upgrade, facility improvements like this are critical to expanding our capacity to care for kids who need the structured treatment we provide at the Ranch. These updates allow us to put an additional lodge to use, increasing the number of kids we can serve.
Built to stand the test of time, the new bathrooms are easy to maintain and give the lodge a warm, inviting feel. They help create a space residents can call home—a clean, cozy environment where caring people can prepare youth for life.
Last Thursday, McVay Lodge reopened, welcoming boys from Jessie Grant Lodge while their space undergoes similar renovations.
Expanding Access to Care for Kids
Why does this matter? Because kids deserve access to care in a comfortable place they can take pride in that’s close to home.
Too often, youth needing higher levels of treatment must travel out of state for support—or don’t receive the care they need at all. Through HB 872, the State of Montana is helping change that—allowing providers like us to expand access to care right here in Montana.
By enhancing our facilities, we’re strengthening our ability to provide a structured, supportive environment where kids can stabilize, heal, and grow—without the added burden of being far from home.
Want to Learn More?
Stay tuned for more updates on how we’re working to strengthen care for kids—because they deserve family, support, and hope for the future.
6 Signs of Anxiety in Kids
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges children face—impacting roughly 10% of kids in the United States. As a parent or caregiver, knowing what to look for can help you step in early, offer support, and get your child the help they need to thrive.
Below are six signs of anxiety in children that are easy to miss but important to recognize.
Signs of Anxiety in Kids
Excessive Worry
Kids with anxiety often worry more than what seems reasonable for the situation. They might constantly fear getting sick, being separated from a parent, or doing poorly in school—even when there’s no clear cause for concern.
These worries can feel overwhelming, and your child may not be able to turn them off, no matter how much reassurance you provide.
Physical Symptoms
Anxiety doesn’t just live in the mind—it often shows up in the body.
Stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, and even rapid breathing can all be signs of underlying anxiety, especially if your child experiences them frequently or in response to stressful situations.
Avoidance Behaviors
Kids sometimes cope with anxiety by avoiding the things that trigger it. This might look like refusing to go to school, avoiding social situations, or quitting an activity they used to enjoy. While avoidance can bring immediate relief, it reinforces the fear in the long run and can make anxiety worse over time.
Sleep Disturbances
Anxiety can interfere with sleep in many ways. Kids may have trouble falling asleep because of racing thoughts or wake during the night from bad dreams.
Over time, poor sleep can worsen anxiety and affect mood, concentration, and behavior during the day.
Irritability
It’s not always obvious, but irritability can be a symptom of anxiety. Kids who are anxious may seem cranky, easily frustrated, or quick to anger. These emotional outbursts aren’t just about behavior—they’re often a sign that your child is feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to express it.
Difficulty Concentrating
When kids are anxious, it can be hard to focus. They might struggle to stay on task, follow instructions, or finish homework. You might notice they seem distracted or forgetful, especially when stress is high.
These challenges can be especially tough in school, where performance anxiety can feed into a cycle of frustration and self-doubt.
When to Get Help
If you’ve noticed some of these signs and they’re starting to interfere with your child’s daily life, it may be time to reach out for support. Anxiety is treatable—and with the right tools and guidance, kids can learn to manage it and feel more in control.
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR) provides a wide range of wraparound mental health services designed to help kids heal. Contact us online to get a child support today.
Want More?
Check out the rest of our blog and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
Yellowstone Academy Student Artwork Brings Learning to Life
See these tiles? They’re part of the incredible Yellowstone Academy student artwork collection—painted by past students during art class. It’s just one way the school fosters creativity and connection.
Yellowstone Academy provides K-12 education and vocational classes for kids in residential care at the Ranch and its Day Treatment program. With small classes and personalized support, the school helps students overcome emotional, educational, and behavioral challenges—empowering them to thrive.
As one of the West’s few accredited public schools located on a residential treatment campus, Yellowstone Academy combines learning and healing on our historic 410-acre ranch, nestled in the countryside of Billings.
These tiles are just a glimpse of the Yellowstone Academy student artwork showcasing the creativity and growth happening daily with the kids.
Learn More About Yellowstone Academy
Visit our Yellowstone Academy tab to learn more about the creative, therapeutic, educational programming they deliver daily.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to our news and events for the latest YBGR updates from around the state, and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
It’s Painful. 13 Quotes on Hurt & Healing
Has your heart ever hurt? Chances are, the answer is yes. Very few of us make it through life unscathed by a painful experience. In fact, surveys show that trauma is a nearly universal venture, with over 80% of Americans laying claim to it.
And the road to resilience is a profound one. Below are thirteen quotes illustrating the path from hurt to healing.
Quotes on Hurt & Healing
Hurt people, hurt people. Only healing ends the cycle.
Quote: If you never heal from what hurt you, you’ll bleed on people who didn’t cut you. – Tamara Kulish
The pain we carry makes it difficult to trust and form healthy relationships.
Quote: I push people away because I’m afraid I might not heal again if I get hurt. I push them away and paint my walls so good they can’t recognize me anymore. I don’t give people a chance. – Inspired by Bisma Ijaz
Left unaddressed, it can lead to sadness and manifest as anger towards ourselves and others.
Quote: Someone said, “anger is sadness that has had nowhere to go for a very long time,” and I’ll never forget that. – Unknown
And that anger, fueled by hurt, can creep out in some unsavory ways.
Quote: A person begging for their humanity to be acknowledged can sound an awful lot like rage. – Kalen Dion
Pain clouds the lens we use to interpret the world around us.
Quote: Heal so you can hear what’s being said without the filter of your wound. – Unknown
But it doesn’t need to harden our hearts. We can choose another way.
Quote: I admire people who could have turned cold after everything they’ve been through but still choose love anyway. There’s strength in that. – Keneilwe Dr. Mhlanga
We can heal. While painful temporarily, it’s the only way to stop the hurt.
Quote: Healing doesn’t have to look magical or pretty. Real healing is hard, exhausting, and draining. Let yourself go through it. Don’t try to paint it as anything other than what it is. Be there for yourself without judgment. – Unknown
Healing means being vulnerable. But there’s strength in that.
Quote: Vulnerability is about being brave enough to show up again and again. Even when it’s hard. Even when there’s been hurt. – Lauren Fortenberry
Because it’s the battles that we face that shape us and make us strong.
Quote: She never seemed shattered; to me, she was a breathtaking mosaic of the battles she’s won. – Matt Baker
And in the path from hurt to healing, we can grow.
Quote: If you focus on the hurt, you will continue to suffer. If you focus on the lesson, you will continue to grow. – @MasteringLawofAttraction
We can find meaning.
Quote: Healing never came when I clawed in search of it. Instead, it came when I was willing to listen to the lesson the pain was here to teach me. – Lauren Fortenberry
And while there are no easy paths for solving the hardest in life.
Quote: There are no easy answers. No quick solutions. No clear paths for resolving the hardest in life. But we can choose forgiveness. We can choose grace. No matter what, we can still choose love. – Lauren Fortenberry
You will one day heal from the hurt. And in the journey to that healing, you will become strong.
Quote: You let time pass. That’s the cure. You survive the days. You float like a rabid ghost through the weeks. You cry and wallow and lament and scratch your way back up through the months. And then one day, you find yourself alone on a bench in the sun, and you close your eyes, lean your head back and realize you’re okay. – Cheryl Strayed
Want more?
Check out the rest of our blog and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
Getting to the “Why” Behind Kids’ Behavior
Who hasn’t experienced a bit of confusion and even frustration when their kids display challenging behavior? Behavior that seemingly comes out of nowhere.
Why is my child throwing tantrums, acting out, or refusing to listen?
In these moments, it’s time to put on our detective hats and investigate—there’s always a “why” behind children’s actions.
When we understand the underlying needs driving behaviors, we gain valuable insights—making it easier to address them effectively and navigate difficult moments with empathy.
Unmet Needs, Behavior, & Solutions
Remember, a need met is a challenging behavior solved! Below are possible unmet needs, behaviors stemming from them, and potential solutions.
🤝 Connection
Kids who feel lonely or disconnected may seek attention by interrupting, talking out of turn to connect with others, or acting out negatively.
Pro Tip: Dedicate daily quality time with your little one. Create special rituals, such as reading together before bed or having regular family meals.
📅 Structure
Children who lack structure or routine may struggle with impulsivity or disorganization, leading to problematic behavior.
Pro Tip: Create a predictable daily schedule with regular mealtimes, study or play periods, and a consistent bedtime routine. Use visual cues like charts or calendars to help your child understand and anticipate what comes next.
🛡️ Safety
Kids who don’t feel safe may exhibit clingy or anxious behavior or act aggressively to protect themselves.
Pro Tip: Create a nurturing, physically and emotionally safe environment. Encourage open communication—validating feelings, and reassuring kids when they express worries or concerns.
We foster a trusting relationship by being available, responsive, and supportive.
💪 Autonomy
Children who feel powerless may resist authority by being defiant or oppositional.
Pro Tip: Offer choices within appropriate boundaries, allowing kids to make decisions about their clothing, activities, or chores to give them a sense of control.
Give children age-appropriate responsibilities and recognize their efforts + achievements. And foster a collaborative approach by listening to their perspectives and involving them in problem-solving.
Want More?
Check out the rest of our blog and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
Lisa Frazier — Celebrating 42 Years of Service
Recognize this outstanding woman? It’s Lisa Frazier, retiring Director of Recreational Services. And after 42 years of dedicated service, her impact will be felt for many years to come.
Lisa Frazier’s 42-Year Journey of Recreation and Healing
Lisa joined us in 1982, and from the beginning, she embodied our mission: “Caring people, preparing youth for life.” Her passion for investing in kids was evident.
From spearheading our dog therapy program to teaching recreational activities that help youth develop healthy coping mechanisms, Lisa played a key role in shaping the wellness initiatives we hold dear today.
Lisa is deeply ingrained in Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch’s long legacy of care. Her wealth of knowledge and countless memories of the youth she’s helped along the way make her a true historian of our journey over the decades.
Lisa Frazier’s Impact on Youth at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
Lisa’s favorite memories during her career at YBGR? Each surrounded time spent with kids at the Ranch:
- Camping in Yellowstone National Park
- Trips to Hedges Lake in the ’80s
- Outings to Box R Ranch in Wyoming
- Biking trips to Red Lodge
When asked what she loved most about YBGR, Lisa shared it was her work with kids and the team approach to care. She saw the value of getting youth outdoors and engaging in healthy activities as part of holistic wellness—mind, body, and spirit.
Lisa enjoyed watching youth travel the path of healing toward resilience—seeing them learn, grow, and begin to thrive.
Lisa—thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission and the youth we serve. Your work has shaped countless lives, leaving a lasting impact on generations of Montanans. We wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement.
Pictured is Lisa through the years at YBGR, along with some snapshots from her retirement party on campus and her beloved canine therapy pros.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to our news and events page for the latest YBGR updates from around the state, and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
Handprints of Hope from Our Native American Services Program
See the handprints on this tipi liner? Each represents a child who has successfully graduated from our Native American Services Program at the Ranch, marking their journey of healing, growth, and resilience.
Josie Brady, Native American Services Coordinator, began this project in January 2024, and as the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on the magnitude of our work.
Over 3,600 Kids Served in 2024
Through our mental health programming statewide, we provided care to more than 3,600 children this year—helping them build resilience and equipping them with the skills to thrive. Every life we impact creates a ripple effect, shaping not just the youth we serve but their families and communities for generations to come.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we celebrate an impactful 2024, we look forward to the year ahead with a renewed commitment to serving Montana’s kids and families.
Thank you to our staff, partners, and supporters for making this work possible. Here’s to another year of hope, healing, and transformation!
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to our news updates for the latest from around the state, and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.