CCEF Montana

Biblical counseling in Billings, MT

Anxiety, depression, conflict—the list goes on and on. Our lives are full of trouble. And often, we need help.

CCEF Montana, an affiliate of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation, exists to bring the treasures of Scripture to the troubles of life in Billings, Montana. Counselors at CCEF Montana offer compassionate, clear, Christlike care for a variety of life's sufferings and struggles.

If you're looking for counseling in the Billings, MT, area and would like to speak with one of our biblical counselors, please reach out to schedule an appointment using the phone number below.

Aaron Sironi

Aaron Sironi is a board member and supervisor at CCEF Montana. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, as well as a faculty member and Training Coordinator at CCEF. He holds a Master of Science degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary. Aaron has also counseled in community mental health and psychiatric hospital settings. Aaron has a passion for building deep relationships with local churches and loves to come alongside pastoral ministers through consultation, training, and counseling services. He has written and taught for CCEF and local churches on various issues confronting the Church, but his primary passion is  marriage counseling. He loves living in Big Sky Country with his wife, Kellie, and their three energetic sons and two daughters. 

Suzee Stafford

Suzee Stafford is a biblical counselor at CCEF-Montana. She has a warm-hearted affection for people and enthusiastically pursued an education in counseling as soon as her two children were grown. In 2021 she received a Master of Arts in Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary after completing all three CCEF certificates. Suzee has been a student and teacher of God’s word for many years, including three years of service as a lay counselor in her local church before becoming a counselor at CCEF-Montana in 2017. Suzee lives with her husband Paul and their dog Pigeon in Billings, Montana. Her children are married and live in Colorado and Billings, and she affectionately looks forward to time spent together with them and her grandchildren! When she isn’t reading or perusing CCEF’s bountiful resources, Suzee likes to hike, ski, garden and read classical literature. 

Rachel Finneman

Rachel Finneman is a biblical counselor at CCEF-Montana. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Montana, a Master's degree in Literacy from City U, and a biblical counseling certificate through the CCEF School of Biblical Counseling. After a career in teaching and then raising two daughters, the Lord placed in her heart a desire for biblical counseling. She enjoys working with children, teens, couples, families and most anyone seeking God's wisdom to navigate life's challenges. Watching God transform hearts and relationships through the power of His Word and Spirit is truly a humble privilege.  Rachel is married to Lonnye and thankful for their two adult daughters and son-in-law. She loves connecting over strong coffee, long walks, and good laughs.

Shirley Nelstead

Shirley Nelstead came to faith in Christ while in college. She and her husband served as missionaries in Romania for five years with ReachGlobal. She thrives working with unhealthy situations and seeing God at work. Shirley completed her third and final CCEF certificate in 2022 and is interested in working with anxiety, depression, life issues, and marriage counseling. Kevin and Shirley have been married for 38 years, have four adult children, and three grandchildren. 

Cherie Straus

As a personal trainer, Cherie has had many opportunities to help clients through various physical, emotional, and spiritual trials. Cherie strives to counsel and train the whole person, soul and body. CheckPoints is a 6-week program she developed to help clients reach physical goals and grow in their identity in Christ. With a heart for young people, she trains many high school and college athletes to reach their potential on and off the athletic stage. Cherie has a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health and has grown increasingly involved in biblical counseling in the Montana community. She and her husband of 27 years, Randy, have three children and enjoy mentoring newly engaged and young married couples. Cherie enjoys hiking, running, biking, reading, good conversations and all things Montana has to offer.

Virginia Power

Virginia Power is a Montana native with an unyielding passion for people and a heart set on making a difference. Her journey began in the heart of Montana, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from MSU-B. Virginia holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary. Virginia is passionate about people knowing and loving Jesus Christ and firmly believes that He has a plan and a purpose, help and healing for every person. Virginia has a heart for women, children of all ages, and the pursuit of healthy marriages. In her local church Virginia is a dedicated servant who endeavors to be salt and light in every encounter. She is married to Paul, and they have three beautiful children. Just for fun, she does foster care for puppies, enjoys woodworking, loves to read, and takes her registered therapy dog to the hospital to bring joy to others.

Breeanna (Bree) Jones

Bree Jones has been in ministry serving churches, pastors, the wives of pastors, and middle school and high-school age children for twenty years. She currently serves on staff at her church as the Small Groups Director and Events Coordinator. As a staff member at her church, she encounters people who are struggling, needing prayer, guidance, and help through various situations. The Lord has graciously allowed her to be a safe and trustworthy person for people’s confidence. Through her ministry she wanted to find resources and tools that she could use to help those she serves in a more  effective way. Bree came across the CCEF program and felt the Lord was leading her in this direction, allowing her to help more effectively. She will have all three CCEF certificates completed in 2023. Bree enjoys reading, good conversations, and helping people grow in their walk with Jesus and in their relationships. She feels called to working with children, teenagers, young adults, and women to help them through the struggles they are facing. 

Nate Dewar

Nate Dewar is an intern at CCEF Montana, currently enrolled in biblical counseling courses through CCEF, with plans to eventually transfer those credits to Westminster Theological Seminary. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from MSU Billings and is now pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology at the same institution. Nate loves living in Montana and values time spent with family and friends. He enjoys deep, engaging conversations as well as reading quality books, with a special passion for Scripture, theology, and well-written fiction. He also camps in the summers and hunts in the fall.

Eric Werle

Eric Werle is an intern at CCEF Montana currently enrolled in biblical counseling courses through CCEF. He is involved in lay ministry at his local church and has a calling to help men live life faithful to Christ and family. He has a heart for helping those in addiction. Eric is married to Leslie, and they have two grown daughters. He enjoys reading and spending time with his friends. Eric has a passion for the gospel and seeing people’s lives transformed by Jesus.