Meet Our New Board Members!

Welcome to our Board, Cassie and Ericka!

Cassie Crookston VP, Opportunity Bank

Raised in Billings/Laurel area, Cassie Crookston is the VP Regional Retail Manager for Opportunity Bank where she devotes her time doing business development, management, and connecting with the Billings community. Cassie is the President of The Laurel Exchange Club, Board Member for LARC in Laurel, Beartooth Pony Club Member, and she is also involved with Billings Chamber focusing on Women’s Leadership. She is a mother to a beautiful soon to be 18-year-old daughter Ella.

Her passion is with animals, especially horses. She spent her childhood years helping her Grandfather with his race horse business, Yellowstone Downs. Cassie wants to make a difference in people’s lives especially for the ones who deal with emotional trauma, abuse, neglect, and those who are recovering from addictions, she believes that the “connection” with a horse is key in healing.

“I have so much passion about Chinook Horses, the strength this non profit can bring to the community will be a powerhouse for healing our neighbors who struggle.”

Ericka G. Travis Business Coordinator, St. Vincent Healthcare

Ericka was born and raised in Mexico City and was on the Mexican National Gymnastics team before moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to be a student-athlete at Louisiana State University- LSU in 2009. While in college, Ericka spearheaded the community service for the LSU Gymnastics team.

Ericka found that her passion is helping kids and youth overcome challenges in their lives. She worked in fundraising at the local children’s hospital for 5 years. While in Baton Rouge, Ericka met her husband and in October of that year, Ericka moved to Billings, Montana along with her husband and 2 dogs.

Ericka is a member of the Billings Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee for the Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale; while working as the Business Coordinator for three St. Vincent Healthcare clinics.

“I am grateful to be part of an organization that provides an equal opportunity for individuals to learn, engage and thrive in their personal life; while addressing the importance of mental health by creating a life-long connection with the help of a four legged friend -horses.”