Proudly boasting the job title of hope hooker, Raylynn Van Oort has made an impact as an author and speaker through Sprig of Hope. Since founding this company in 2024, she shares her writing, delivers keynote speeches and provides education resources dedicated to helping individuals transform adversity into purpose while rediscovering hope. Ms. Van Oort’s self-published book, “From Sh*t to Sunshine,” encapsulates her life’s journey and mission, offering readers insight into overcoming trauma and pain without remaining victims. The epilogue of her book articulates her intention to “hook people’s hearts to hope,” a philosophy that inspired her unique job title as a “hope hooker.”
Among her many platforms, Ms. Van Oort’s expertise in providing hope is especially demonstrated through her speaking engagements, podcast appearances and book signings at stores across the state of Montana. She actively seeks to expand her reach by leveraging personal contacts and participating in women’s events and development programs. Through the Mic Drop Academy, Ms. Van Oort has connected with meeting planners and industry professionals, aiming to transition from offering complimentary services to receiving proper compensation for her work. Her efforts have been bolstered by the credibility gained through associations with established platforms and advice from peers in the field.
In addition to her work with Sprig of Hope, Ms. Van Oort has served as co-owner of Big Sky Bus Tours since 2012 alongside her husband. This business transports groups — primarily senior citizens — from Helena, Montana, to a casino resort reservation in Idaho for bingo excursions. She refers to this community as their Big Sky Bus family, highlighting the sense of camaraderie fostered among participants.
Prior to creating Sprig of Hope, Ms. Van Oort built her reputation as a campaign manager for numerous political campaigns at the gubernatorial, senatorial and presidential level. She has previously demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit as the owner and operator of a professional event planning company. Ms. Van Oort’s early professional life also includes a tenure as administrative assistant to the director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In this capacity, she managed relations with international visitors purchasing wheat from Montana.
Much of Ms. Van Oort’s current work is informed by a traumatic period of her life when she endured physical, psychological, sexual and spiritual abuse at the hands of a cult leader. This experience culminated with a 13-month prison sentence, during which time she was finally able to end the cycle of abuse and begin redefining her own identity. Though challenging, these trials ultimately became central to the message of divine protection and personal triumph convey in Ms. Van Oort’s memoir. She emphasizes how even the darkest moments in one’s life can lead to something brighter.
Ms. Van Oort’s personal philosophy is also supported by her academic background, including graduating as valedictorian from Whitehall High School in 1974. She subsequently completed coursework in social justice at Montana State University. Although she did not complete her degree, Ms. Van Oort’s studies contributed significantly to her advocacy work and informed her approach to helping others overcome adversity. She also credits a strong work ethic instilled by her adoptive father during childhood — a trait originating under pressure in a highly controlled environment, but which she has transformed into a positive force.
Throughout her career, Ms. Van Oort has been a tireless disability advocate through such organizations as People First of North Dakota and DisabilityRightsMontana.org (formerly the Disability Rights Protection Advocacy System). In these roles, she has helped individuals access essential resources, taught them self-advocacy skills and trained others in working with people with disabilities.
Beyond professional pursuits, Ms. Van Oort maintains active involvement in civic organizations, including church membership and participation in the local women’s leadership network in Helena. She continues informal support work by hosting regular Zoom coffee meetings with readers who are struggling emotionally or spiritually, an outreach effort she regards as central to her life’s purpose.
In her free time, Ms. Van Oort enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, including one biological daughter, three stepchildren and nine grandchildren. Moving forward, she aims to reach more individuals trapped in controlling relationships, whether within families, churches, workplaces or other negative scenarios. Drawing on her own difficult experiences with an adoptive father and later with a cult leader, Ms. Van Oort hopes to foster awareness of abusive dynamics while empowering people to understand their autonomy and ultimately escape situations that are hurting them. Ultimately, she strives to help others feel free to be themselves and recognize their inherent worth regardless of past trauma.