Stephanie Bull Shoe: A rising star in Great Falls

Stephanie Bull Shoe

Age: 28

Hometown: Browning

Education: Graduated from Flandreau Indian School, a boarding school in Flandreau, South Dakota. Attended Great Falls College MSU.

Professional career: Family Resource Specialist at YWCA in Great Falls. Worked at N.E.W. as a customer service agent from 2005 to 2011.

Family: 10-year-old son.

Stephanie Bull Shoe joined the staff of the YWCA under a work training program designed to provide work experience for participants.

"I was eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and the program pays your wages for up to six months while you gain experience," Bull Shoe recalled. "After that was done, I was hired as an administrative assistant and I've been here ever since."

YWCA Executive Director Janet Duffy said Bull Shoe's compassion and ability to serve the organization's clients in a non-judgmental manner, with comforting kindness, make her an ideal fit. The YWCA assists victims of domestic violence with emergency shelter and other services.

"She's just blossomed here and that is why she was promoted to her new role," Duffy said.

Bull Shoe works to connect clients with the various community services available, such as housing assistance, career training and childcare.

"We get walk-in clients and referrals and we connect them with the services they need to progress to the next phase of their life," she said.

Originally when she enrolled at Great Falls College, Bull Shoe took accounting classes.

Her long-term career plans include continuing her education.

"Now I would consider studying counseling ," she said.