Staff

Ruth York is the Executive Director of the Idaho Federation of Families. She received a Master of Public Health degree from Columbia University early in her career and spent time in hospital and pharmaceutical research settings for 10 years following that. Ruth moved to Boise in 1998 and worked for St. Alphonsus Health System and St. Luke’s Health System prior to becoming the Executive Director of the Idaho Federation of Families in 2018.

Ruth is always happy when in nature, hiking, biking, traveling, listening to music, sharing good food and being with friends.

Pat Martelle is focused on system change in children’s systems of care as youth and families speak to what those changes need to be. Her background is in clinical social work, public health and policy development. She gets her inspiration from the youth who are currently speaking out globally about public health issues.

Michelle Batten’s life experiences of growing up in a home with foster siblings and an adopted sister motivated her to learn more about the impact of early abuse and neglect. Her studies in human development and Trust Based Relational Intervention, and her experience as a parenting coach, provide her with the foundation of her understanding of mental health needs in youth and the support families need in their journey. During her off time you can find her on a river paddleboard in summer or downhill skiing in winter.

Natalie Parry (or Nat for short) is a current Boise State University freshman with lived experience in managing mental health and life after trauma. She has had experience in advocacy since middle school, with topics ranging from suicide awareness and prevention to ending the stigma around anxiety disorders. She is incredibly passionate about healing and expressing oneself through art- visual, written, performance. Whatever it is, Nat probably has an ongoing project for that medium! She enjoys reading, writing, making music, and planning where to attend grad school in a couple of years. She is the current Youth Move coordinator and meets weekly with the group of youth who attend to discuss their challenges, strengths, and how to work to mental wellness.

Before coming to us 16 years ago, Cindy worked in law enforcement support for 10 years. She has a strong commitment to the mission of the Federation. Personal experience has given her great empathy for the families we serve, and that experience has also taught her that there is always hope.

A Boise native, Cindy is the mother of two and grandmother of six.