Samantha Damm
DUI/Adult Treatment Court Coordinator; State of Montana
Samantha Damm stands as a quiet force of change. As the Adult Treatment Court Coordinator in Sidney, Samantha is a foundation for life-changing initiatives – guiding individuals and families through recovery with compassion, dedication, and a steadfast belief in second chances.
Originally from Glen Ullin, North Dakota, Sam’s path to Sidney was one shaped by both personal experience and professional passion. After nearly a decade in Bismarck, she and her husband Nathan made the move to Sidney in 2009. Together, they are raising two teenage sons, Kenneth and Zachary, who will both be students at Sidney High School this coming school year.
Sam’s career began in healthcare, where she spent nearly 13 years as a CNA and Certified Medication Aide. But a deeper calling emerged: one rooted in her own experiences and a desire to help others heal from addiction and trauma. This led her to study Criminal Justice online, originally setting her sights on youth probation work. However, while working at the Richland County Youth Detention Center, a door opened, one that would change her life and the lives of many others. In 2013, then-Judge Katherine Bidegaray offered Sam the opportunity to lead the DUI/Adult Treatment Court. She’s been a tireless advocate ever since.
Sam’s role reaches far beyond paperwork and scheduling; she is a steady guide for adults battling addiction, helping them build new lives with purpose and stability. What sets her apart is her belief in the power of community. She not only supports individuals in the program but also engages with their families and networks, recognizing that lasting recovery is rooted in strong, healthy relationships.
Her days are filled with collaboration, partnering with local organizations to make sure families have access to everything from mental health services to employment support. Her commitment doesn’t stop at the office. Sam is active on several local boards, including The Matthew House, and volunteers at sober events and chamber initiatives. Her involvement strengthens not just the treatment court system but the wider network that supports recovery in Richland County and beyond.
“The thing I enjoy most about my job is seeing clients succeed and achieve things they never thought possible before recovery,” Sam says. It’s this transformation, one from surviving to thriving, that keeps her motivated every day.
She still finds time to unwind, cherishing moments with her family and making memories through travel. While she remains humble, “I’m still shocked that someone would have nominated me for this amazing recognition,” she says. Although those who know her work aren’t surprised at all. Through her compassion, consistency, and belief in the potential for change, Samantha Damm is building bridges between justice and healing, hardship and hope.