Meet The Team
Jennifer Morris Banna, Center Coordinator
Jenn realized the power of family-to-family support when she was pregnant with her third child. Faced with a devastating diagnosis, she reached out to a mother who had received the same diagnosis for her unborn child. The mother, a stranger, provided deeply meaningful support. The comfort of that connection is a lasting memory, and the foundation of Jenn’s work as coordinator of the Montana Family to Family Health Information Center. Jenn believes families have the power to help each other, sharing resources and validating the vast range of emotion inherent in raising a child with a disability or healthcare challenge.
Jenn is raising five children, including a daughter with . She also has experience with anxiety, sensory integration disorder, auditory processing disorder, and the impact of addiction on family. She has a particular interest in genetics. Her daughter received her diagnosis at 12 years of age through genetic testing, opening up a global network of family support through the .
Jenn has degrees in Child Development and Elementary Education from Montana State University. She is actively involved in making systemic change for Montana families with physical, developmental, and mental health diagnoses. She currently serves on the , the board, the Montana Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs board, and the State Team.
Jobyna McCarthy, Family Navigator
Jobyna McCarthy found her way to the world of special healthcare needs when she became the mother of two preemies: Quinn and angel-baby Tyler. Sixteen-year-old Quinn was born at 28 weeks, weighing two pounds. Tyler was born even smaller at 25 weeks.
Jobyna (pronounced jo-BEE-nah) hails from Butte, America, which is historically the hunting ground for the Salish / Sélish and Pend d’Oreille / Ql̓ispé, and other native American tribes. Joby is a firm believer in active, healthy living. Playfulness is the spice of life, and she partakes fully as a dance fitness instructor of Oula and Oula One, softball player, and rookie artist. Fun fact: she was also a National U.S. Collegiate Hurling Champion!
Jobyna has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Performance, Exercise Science from the 91´ÎÔª, but it is her lived experience as mom of two preemies that makes her a most valued member of the MT F2F team and a wonderful support to families traveling a similar path. Her journey has also made her a strong advocate for access to quality mental healthcare. She is available to families in need of support and resources as they care for infants, children, and youth dealing with the challenges of premature birth. She is also a valuable resource for parents and caregivers navigating the adolescent mental health system when their kids are experiencing a crisis.