Hidden Gems: Meet Shana Riddle of Moving Mountains

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shana Riddle.

Hi Shana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
5 years ago I met a young lady with a Mental illness who seemed lost, hopeless and had no will to live, when I felt like I was at the wrong place at the wrong time, it so happened I was in the right place at the right time. I didn’t only help save her, she saved me and gave me a vision I was meant to follow. She gave me purpose and encouragement to follow my dreams of helping others, to create something special.

SO,
I opened a Mental Health residential facility on a few acres of land, quiet, with farm animals and loving staff to guide individuals who are struggling with mental illness and drug addiction in the right direction. Some may come to us straight out of jail or in Mental health court due to minor crimes committed during a mental health breakdown. We offer country living, animals who need to be nurtured and loved as well, daily working outs, group sessions, life skills programs and individual groups daily. Fun outings, bowling, indoor soccer and movie days. I wanted to create something different, something special. A home like feel, structure and a daily living schedule they can take home with them and follow. I want these beautiful humans to feel okay about what they are going through, be proud of who they are and not what others assume when it comes to a mental health diagnosis. I feel confidant we can break the stigma and instead of faulting them for their diagnosis we can embrace them for how special they really are.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
NO, when it comes to this specialty it is difficult creating from scratch, there is a vision, but what’s next. The length of time it takes for approvals, unavoidable delays, the feeling of others not seeing Mental Health as of great importance. To often Mental Health is not taken as seriously as physical health, leaving not only those who need care struggling but also those who are committed to providing it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Moving Mountains?
Moving Mountains is a small residential facility, being small gives us the ability to give more individualized care. We specialize in personalized hands on care that prioritizes in dignity, stability and long term growth rather than short termed solutions. What sets us apart is our foundation, this facility was built from lived experience, deep empathy and a genuine understanding of how often Mental health is overlooked.

We focus on meeting individuals where they are, creating consistency and trust.

Our brand is most proud of building something rooted in purpose, despite the many challenges of creating this from the ground up

I want readers to know our work goes beyond providing services, its about restoring hope, advocating for Mental health and creating a space where not only residents but family members truly feel seen, supported and valued.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years I see the Mental Health industry, and our work within it, moving towards expansion that prioritizes quality over speed. For our organization that means growing residential services in a way that maintains the structure we were built on.

I envision expanding programs that offer long-term stability.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://letsmovemountains.org