Mikayla Bilyeu is the Development Associate at Tamarack Grief Resource Center. She supports development related activities, including grant writing, donor care & recruitment, and special event coordination. She holds a BS in Public Health from Oregon State University, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Health at the University of Montana. Her background is in non-profit development and direct services, with experience both in working directly with families experiencing poverty, houselessness, and justice involvement; and in grant coordination and fundraising. She also has multiple years of experience working in education and family resources on the Oregon State University campus, working primarily with international student families. 

MY “WHy”:

As someone who is diagnosed with an impactful mental health condition, and recently experienced losses to completed suicide and addiction, I feel drawn to the work of creating restorative healing spaces that honor one's experience of grief as unique to the individual. I am deeply invested in supporting the people and programs here at TGRC that make this comprehensive form of mental health care take root in underserved communities. 

re-charging & delight-finding:

As somebody lucky to now live in such a devastatingly beautiful state (and coming originally from OR), my primary pursuits of peace-finding include mountaineering, rock climbing, and camping. In the winter months, as a side gig/hobby resulting from many years of playing basketball, I referee (and watch!) NCAA women's college basketball. Otherwise, I can be found reading a book, skiing, going to see live music, playing my Switch, or making Lego sets!