Biography

Early Years:  Mike Linderman was born on November 24, 1967, in Puyallup, Washington.  Named after his Uncle Mike who was killed on his first day in the field in Vietnam, Mike’s father was a construction worker while his mother was a stay at home mother.  Shortly before his birth, Mike’s parents purchased a ranch in Trout Creek, Montana.      

Raised on a “hobby ranch,” Mike’s family had pigs, chickens, horses, cows (milking and beef), and a garden the size of a football field.  His parents rigorous in ensuring that rules are obeyed but there were always times of great laughter and joy.  The Lindermans are a family who works hard and plays hard.  Mike’s fondly reflects on his childhood.

Education:  Mike attended Thompson Falls high school where he met his wife Janna.  Mike was a member of the National Honor Society and a star football player with a 42 yard field goal that has yet to be broken.   

After graduating high school, Mike attended Montana State University in Bozeman, studying pre-veterinary medicine.  During his first semester, he took Psychology 101, and realized that this was his true calling.  Mike also attended the University of Montana in Missoula. Due to financial reasons Mike was not able to finish college at that time.

Mike then enlisted in the Air Force serving 6 years and participating in Operation Desert Storm in Iraq.  The military provided him with the opportunity to complete his undergraduate and studies in Social Psychology.  Eighteen months after starting his graduate work, Mike had a master’s degree in Education, Counseling and Development.

Coming back to Trout Creek, the community that he loved so much, Mike opened a short-lived private practice. He later joined the new Spring Creek Lodge, a job counseling and behavior modification program for teens.

Today:   Mike’s three children are a consistent inspiration for his continued growth both personally and professionally.  Daughter Alicia is 18, a stellar student, softball player and share’s her father’s interest in ranch style living.  She intends to go to college next year close to home just in case Dad needs help during calving season.  Son’s Cody and Jessy are 16 and 14 respectively.  Cody is a phenomenal athlete lettering in football and getting varsity time in basketball as a freshman.  He is also a steady student and works his dad athletically to help keep him young.  Jessy, is a wonderful, well rounded young man.  He is a very attentive student, nearly always carries a 4.0, and an extremely hard working athlete.  He is the kind of young man that can walk in a room and within minutes, have everyone in the room believing they have found a new best friend. 

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