Valerie Roche has been working with Dr. Jeff Linkenbach and his health promotion frameworks since 2003. She began her career in health promotion as a program manager at the Montana Social Norms Project at Montana State University and now serves as Director of Innovation and Development of The Montana Institute, LLC. In her role, Valerie develops new projects, crafts and coordinates Positive Community Norms surveys, provides technical assistance, creates training programs and tools, develops messages from data, and manages numerous local, statewide, and nationwide training, technical assistance, and implementation projects.

Valerie works closely with clients to create training plans that elevate their work and leadership, developing impactful projects that foster positive norms and improve community health. She helps manage over 30 active projects across 15 states, envisioning and implementing innovative applications of the Science of the Positive and Positive Community Norms.

Valerie attended Williams College in Massachusetts and later earned an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University School of the Arts. She connected with Dr. Linkenbach soon after moving to Bozeman, Montana, and has been working with him ever since.

Valerie finds immense reward in seeing the impact that the Science of the Positive has on people personally, professionally, and in their communities. She cherishes the opportunity to work with heart-centered leaders nationwide who are passionate about growing the good in their communities. Valerie hopes to continue helping clients apply Positive Community Norms to transform community narratives and norms. Outside of work, Valerie enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, and walking with her dog.