Cassandra Hainey is a Science of the Positive Trainer with the Montana Institute, where she is honored to work with communities to uncover and grow the positive that already exists.

Cassandra has spent fifteen years supporting students and strengthening the systems that surround them. She spent five years as the Positive Community Norms Grant Coordinator in Rock Ridge, Minnesota, leading efforts to correct misperceptions of teen substance use norms to grow healthy behaviors and attitudes. She previously advocated for the best interests of children as a guardian ad litem and served as Executive Director for Volunteers in Education, connecting students to trained volunteer tutors. 

Cassandra currently serves as the Mesabi Behavioral Health Network Coordinator, building on what is going right in her region and working to expand access to comprehensive, person-centered services for mental health and wellbeing. She works to strengthen collaboration across Northeastern Minnesota and connect organizations and systems in ways that better serve people and communities. Cassandra also sits on the State’s Behavioral Health Planning Council, helping ensure funding brought into Minnesota is used in ways that create meaningful, positive impact. Throughout her career, Cassandra has continuously moved her work further upstream, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and the conditions that help people and communities thrive.

Cassandra is passionate about empowering young people to lead, grow, and make a meaningful impact in their communities. She has witnessed firsthand that when students are given the guidance and space to make decisions, they develop genuine ownership, confidence, and personal growth. Cassandra has provided training to elementary and junior high students, helping them present at statewide conferences, lead initiatives within their school, and share their ideas with district administration and large community audiences. She advocates for students to have the tools, opportunities, and the confidence they need to lead both in and out of school.

Outside of work, Cassandra enjoys adventuring, hiking, and playing board games with her husband, Shaun, and their four kids. She enjoys reading, learning, and good-spirited arguing. She intentionally resets herself to being present by riding horses, taking on home projects, and hiking in the mountains.