Sara Sparks was born and educated in Butte. She is a graduate of Butte Central High School and Montana Tech, where she earned a degree in Occupational Safety and Health. She was a Remedial Project Manager for the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency for more than 31 years until her retirement in 2018. During her time at the EPA, she worked on addressing human health and environmental issues at sites throughout Montana. Sara has served on the Archives board for a number of years. She also is involved with the Board of Directors for the Granite Mountain Memorial, Safe Space and Our Lady of the Rockies.
Sara received numerous awards during her time at the EPA, including bronze metals and the Science and Technology award for her work in establishing lead guidance for the country. She received an Outstanding Alumni Recognition Award from Montana Tech in 1998. During her time at the EPA, she worked with The World Health Organization, the State Department and numerous countries with human health and environmental issues.
Sara has been in recovery since July 19, 1987. She has worked with a number of organizations promoting recovery in Butte, MT.