Alice Anderson
TBD
Mary Anderson
Mary Anderson brings more than 30 years of experience as a school counselor, dedicating her career to supporting children and families. After retiring from education, she helped develop programs focused on sexual assault response and expanded outreach and resources for Montanans on the health impacts of wildfire smoke. She now serves as an Environmental Health Program Specialist with Montana DPHHS. While her primary work centers on the Choose Safe Places Program, APPLETREE, and the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, she continues to incorporate her expertise on the health effects of wildfire smoke into her outreach efforts. Across all her roles, Mary’s most meaningful work has always been providing education and resources to those who support our most vulnerable population, especially children.
Rebecca Berlin
Rebecca Berlin, PhD, is President of Gryphon House and Senior Vice President of Intellectual Property at Kaplan Early Learning Company. She brings 30 years of experience as an educator, researcher, and strategic leader across for-profit, nonprofit, and public organizations focused on infant, early childhood, elementary, and special education, as well as parent and community partnerships. Throughout her career, Dr. Berlin has served in public and private school settings as an early interventionist, early childhood teacher, early childhood special education teacher, autism specialist, and school administrator. She earned her doctorate in research, policy, and administration from the University of Virginia, where she also served as teacher preparation faculty and a researcher. Previously, she was Chief Learning Officer at Start Early, where she led workforce education strategy and oversaw the Office of Head Start National Center for Parent, Family, and Community Engagement. Dr. Berlin also serves as Chair of the Albemarle County Public School Board in Virginia.
Hollin Buck
Hollin Buck was born and raised in Missoula, Montana before leaving to earn a BA in Psychology at Linfield College. She then moved to New York, earning an MS in Behavioral Neuroscience-Psychology. She returned to Montana to work at a nonprofit supporting pregnant and parenting young mothers before working in early intervention services for 12 years. She joined HMHB in 2024. Hollin is excited to continue to work to support mothers and caregivers in their parenting journey during the most impactful years of children’s lives. When not at work, you’ll find her spending time with her two children, husband, and chocolate Labrador and enjoying the Montana outdoors all together. Bios for panelists will be collected when confirmed.
Jen Burckhard
Jen Burckhard is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience working with children and families and currently serves as Director of Community Services, where she develops programs that strengthen families and communities. She is a certified Facilitating Attuned Interactions (FAN) trainer through the Erikson Institute, and she also provides train-the-trainer support in the Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors Framework through the Children’s Trust Fund Alliance. Additionally, Jen is one of only two SafeCare trainers in Montana, equipping professionals with evidence-based tools to improve child safety and caregiver-child interactions. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed, relationship-based approaches that promote resilience, reduce burnout, and support sustainable systems of care. After retiring following 27 years in K–12 education, Christi joined Florence Crittenton in 2023, bringing extensive experience in supporting children and families. She serves as a SafeCare home visitor and coach, a certified Circle of Security Facilitator, and is certified as a train-the-trainer in the Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors Framework, equipping professionals to implement strengths-based, family-centered practices that promote resilience and well-being. With a combined family of six children and three grandchildren, Christi and her husband enjoy a full and active family life. In their free time, they are often outdoors hiking, camping, kayaking, and snowshoeing, frequently accompanied by their energetic dogs, Cora and Penny.
Lora Cowee
TBD
Mark Douglass
TBD
Patrick Duganz
Patrick Duganz is the Father Engagement Specialist with the Gallatin City-County Health Department’s Home Visiting Program, Montana’s longest-running fatherhood program. For more than 12 years he's helped fathers from all backgrounds strengthen parent-child relationships through education, and a focus on healthy interaction and attachment. He is also certified in Batterer Intervention to work with men needing to make necessary changes in their lives to be healthy fathers. Most of the time he’s just a boring (blended) family man with stress dreams about forgetting garbage day, or that someone will force him to learn pickleball or golf. But he tries to stay focused on the good life with his partner Jennifer, their two kids (Patrick’s son, 12; Jennifer’s daughter, 14), and the family golden doodle, Angel.
Mariah Gladstone
Mariah Gladstone, Piikuni (Blackfeet) and Tsalagi (Cherokee), grew up in Northwest Montana on and near the Blackfeet Reservation. She graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Environmental Engineering and returned home where she began her work on food advocacy. She developed Indigikitchen, an online cooking platform, to revitalize and re-imagine Native foods. She then earned a Master’s degree at SUNY-ESF in the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. Mariah has been recognized as a Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellow by the First Nations Development Institute, as well as a 2025 Castanea Fellow by the Earth Island Institute. She has shared the importance of reconnecting to traditional foods at events throughout North America and abroad, as well as through appearances on the Today Show, CBC, and numerous podcasts. In addition to all this, Mariah offers a variety of cultural experiences for visitors to the Blackfeet Nation and Glacier National Park. Mariah released her first book, Mountains to Oceans: Kids’ Recipes from Native Land, in January 2025. In April 2026, Mariah appeared on Food Network’s Chopped Indigenous chef’s challenge.
Hilary Gorneau
TBD
Maria Hamm
Maria Hamm, MPH, is a public health professional with more than a decade of experience advancing adolescent health through education, workforce development, and community-based programming. She holds a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Adolescent Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Maria currently serves as a Program Manager and Instructor at the University of Montana, where she provides training and technical assistance to substance use prevention specialists across the state. In previous roles, she has managed federally funded adolescent health programs that provide education on healthy relationships, sexual and reproductive health, goal setting, and positive youth development. Throughout her career, Maria has trained healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders to deliver evidence-based programs and connect young people to resources that support their health and well-being. Maria is passionate about creating environments where adolescents can thrive and is committed to equipping professionals with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to support healthy youth development. Jonelle LaPiere has been with Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services for 14 years. Currently, she is a Program Specialist with Early Childhood & Family Support Division and is dedicated to advancing adolescent health across policy, programs, and partnerships. Previously, Jonelle served as Indian Child Welfare Program Manager for Montana Child & Family Services Division, leading compliance and tribal collaboration, and as a children’s social worker with Los Angeles County Department of Child & Family Services supporting high-need Indigenous youth and families. Jonelle brings expertise in adolescent health promotion, cross-system coordination, and culturally responsive practice.
Marcy Hanson
Marcy Hanson: Dr. Hanson is an Assistant Professor in the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing at Montana State University. She has a Master of Nursing in Advanced Population Health from Washington State University and a Doctor of Public Health from the University of Montana. Dr. Hanson’s research focus is women’s health, with an emphasis on perinatal and reproductive health and perinatal substance use. Within her research Dr. Hanson aims to address upstream barriers to care for medically and socially marginalized populations through honoring the expertise of those with lived experience of unequal treatment.
Lanita Hoskinson
TBD
Rickielynn Hughes
TBD
Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson
Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson, known in her community as Dr. PBJ, gives educators the strategies for accomplishing purposeful work without burnout. Dr. PBJ is an educator of almost 25 years and an executive Coach for more than 10 years. She holds a doctoral degree in Education Administration, served in executive leadership at colleges and universities, and facilitated leadership training as a faculty member for the Center for Creative Leadership. Dr. Jackson worked in higher education at many levels, from student assistant to President’s Cabinet and is the recipient of several professional awards and accolades. Dr. Jackson founded EduCare Training and Consulting, LLC through a purpose of pouring in to those who pour out so much. Much of her work is specifically focused on equipping and refreshing educators. Compassionate work can carry a high price tag: your mind, body, spirit and relationships may be in distress as you serve the needs of others. Dr. Jackson leads her community to serve well without paying an ultimate price. Dr. PBJ is the creator and host of the Disrupting Burnout podcast as well as the author of the Amazon best-seller, Disrupting Burnout: The professional woman’s LIFELINE to finding purpose.
Jenny Jarvice
Jenny is the Program Support Specialist for MTSS and Gifted and Talented education at the Montana Office of Public Instruction. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, a Master's degree in Education with an English concentration, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She has been a teacher in every grade except 1st during her education career and has taught a wide variety of subjects including Early Childhood Education. She is endlessly enthusiastic about gifted ed having been a GT teacher, leader of a local GT parent group, SENG group facilitator, and member of the Montana AGATE board. Blessed with 10 children, 2 wonderful sons-in-law, and 1 grandbaby, Jenny and her husband spent the majority of their adult lives raising the kids in Columbia Falls and are now finishing off with the younger ones in Helena.
Jacqueline Kline
Jacqueline Kline is a public health practitioner focused on improving perinatal and early childhood outcomes for families impacted by substance use. As the Substance Use Disorder Prevention Coordinator with Missoula Public Health, she leads cross-sector collaborations including the Missoula County Perinatal Substance Use Network and the Healthy Start Missoula early childhood coalition. Her work centers on early childhood risk and protective factors, strengthening family support systems in Missoula, and integrating voices of lived experience in community-driven work. As a Certified Prevention Specialist, she is committed to advancing equitable, non-stigmatizing care models that support the health of families across Montana.
Samuel Koranteng
Samuel Koranteng is a husband, a parent of 3 boys, a 2026 Bertha Morton Scholarship awardee and an MBA candidate in Business Analytics at the University of Montana, where he also serves as a Graduate Assistant in the College of Business. With a professional background spanning aerospace engineering, safety management, consulting, and organizational leadership, Samuel brings a systems‑thinking approach to early childhood, family wellness, and community‑centered public health work. In Montana, Samuel is deeply engaged in family and child advocacy. He serves on the Montana Family Planning Advisory Council, the Ravalli Head Start Policy Council, and the Missoula Early Head Start Policy Council. His volunteer work with Montana Child Advocate Services, Soft Landing Missoula, and the Missoula Food Bank reflects his commitment to strengthening family support systems and improving outcomes for vulnerable children and immigrant families. Samuel’s interdisciplinary expertise—combining data analytics, community engagement, and policy insight—positions him to contribute meaningfully to GBGF conference tracks in Family Wellness and Support, Family, Children, and Youth, and Policy, Advocacy, and Data. His work focuses on using data‑informed decision‑making to elevate family voices, improve service delivery, and support equitable, community‑driven solutions across Montana.
Tiffany Krushensky
Tiffany Krushensky is the Accreditation Manager for MTAEYC, where she leads statewide efforts to support early childhood programs pursuing national accreditation through NAEYC and NAFCC. She works closely with program leaders, mentors, and community partners to strengthen quality early learning environments through mentorship, professional development, and systems-building support. Tiffany focuses on organizing and managing mentor supports while connecting programs with the resources, guidance, and relationships they need to successfully navigate the accreditation process across Montana.
Jonelle LaPiere
TBD
Laura Larsson
Dr. Laura Larsson is a nurse, clinical scholar, and educator at Montana State University’s Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing, where she leads innovative, community based models to improve health outcomes for children and families in rural and Indigenous communities. She directs interdisciplinary efforts through the One Community in Health program, integrating School Based Health Centers and a Mobile Health Training Program to deliver preventive and primary care services directly to children from early childhood through adolescence. Dr. Larsson has extensive experience partnering with tribal communities across Montana to design and implement culturally responsive healthcare services that address the needs of young children and families. Her work focuses on reducing barriers to care, expanding access to oral health and preventive services, and strengthening early childhood and youth health systems through collaboration with schools, Head Start programs, and tribal health partners. Recognized nationally for her policy work advancing access to oral health care in rural and remote settings, Dr. Larsson was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing. She brings practical experience in building sustainable, community driven programs that support family wellness, early intervention, and workforce development in underserved settings.
Felina Lee
TBD
Lace Lesofski
Lace Lesofski is a Deaf Specialist Outreach Consultant with the Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind, where she has worked for just over 10 years. During her time at MSDB, Lace spent eight years in the classroom and is excited to continue supporting students, families, and educators through her work in Outreach. Lace brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her role as a successful individual with hearing loss. Throughout her life, she has navigated educational settings using hearing aids, full-time interpreting services, and now bilateral cochlear implants. These lived experiences, combined with her background as an educator and as a mother of two energetic boys, help shape her compassionate and practical approach to supporting children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and the teams who work alongside them. She holds a Master’s degree in Deaf Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Montana State University. Outside of work, Lace enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling to discover independent bookstores wherever she goes.
Louisa Libertelli-Dunn
Louisa Libertelli-Dunn is the Executive Director of Peace Place, a lifelong educator, behavior enthusiast, and passionate advocate for children and families. A New Yorker turned Montanan, she has been married to her husband Kevin for over 30 years and is a proud mom to her exceptional daughter, Marissa. She’s also a Mets fan, paw mom, and firm believer in bringing more joy into the world every day.
Lacy Little
Lacy Little is the Montana WIC Director. She has been part of the WIC team for 11 years and is leading the transformation of the WIC program through IT modernization with the goal to increase access and decrease barriers to participation in the program.
Lynn McHann
Lynn McHann, MS, AFC, is a Program Specialist with the State of Montana’s Early Childhood and Family Support Division an educator and trainer focused on strengthening systems that support children, families, and communities through trauma-informed, relationship-centered approaches. In her role with the State of Montana, Lynn works in program oversight, compliance, data systems, statewide training, and cross-system collaboration to improve services for families across Montana. Lynn holds a Master of Science in Health and Human Development from Montana State University. Known for her engaging and approachable presentation style, Lynn combines professional expertise with relatable humor and practical strategies that leave audiences informed, empowered, and motivated to take action.
Cara Murolo
TBD
Jason Nitschke
Jason Nitschke is the Senior Child Care Business Advisor with Zero to Five Montana. Jason is a nationally recognized business advisor with 16 years’ experience as an entrepreneur and economic developer. He has coached, counseled, advised, and trained over 4500 entrepreneurs and business professionals across Montana, helped start over 140 businesses, and supported the creation of over 800 licensed childcare slots in Montana.
Laura Olsonoski
Laura Olsonoski is the proud owner of Moving Mountains Therapy Center and the President and Founder of Moving Mountains Foundation. As a dedicated occupational therapist, she is passionate about improving the quality of life for children and adults with developmental and acquired disabilities. Her mission is to introduce, maintain, and strengthen the essential skills individuals need to participate fully in meaningful activities and feel genuinely included in their communities. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Montana and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Pacific University. Her education and professional experience have provided her with specialized expertise in feeding therapy, sensory processing disorders, and assistive technology. As a certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), she helps individuals with mobility challenges access their environments with greater independence, confidence, and enjoyment. Outside of work, Olsonoski embraces an active and family-centered lifestyle. She enjoys hiking, playing basketball, watching rugby, and spending quality time with her husband, two children, and close community of friends while continuing to inspire others through her compassion, leadership, and dedication. She is also committed to advocating for accessibility and creating opportunities that allow people of all abilities to thrive, connect with others, and experience confidence in life.
Pam Ponich
Pam Ponich, MS, LCPC Pam Ponich is a licensed psychotherapist in Montana with a long-standing career in behavioral health program development and clinical leadership. She currently supports the development of the Recovery Doula Program at One Health in partnership with Billings Clinic and the University of Montana. Her work focuses on strengthening workforce development and expanding innovative, community-based behavioral health programming.
David Quattrochhid
TBD
April Quinlan
April Quinlan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who oversees Family Engagement Programs and grants at the Mineral County Health Department in Superior, Montana. She is passionate about strengthening families, building connected communities, and creating spaces where people feel supported and seen. April serves on several local and statewide community-building coalitions and is a certified Facilitated Attuned Interactions (FAN) trainer. Her personal and professional mission is to strengthen community roots one relationship at a time. She’s usually doing it with a cup of tea in hand, dog hair on her sweater, and a deep belief in the power of human connection.
Sarah Reese
Dr. Sarah Reese, LCSW is an Assistant Professor at the University of Montana School of Social Work. She has over a decade of direct social work practice working with individuals and families impacted by poverty, oppression, and mental health and substance use disorders. This experience has informed her research interests – primarily, integrated health intervention across systems to promote health and well-being during the perinatal period, with a particular focus on perinatal substance use disorder.
Bobbi Roysdon
Ms. Roysdon is the Program Manager for the Parenting Place in Missoua, MT. Her work is dedicated to supporting families and ensuring each child has the opportunity to grow and thrive in a safe, happy, and healthy environment. Ms. Roysdon has served with programs such as the Missoula County Parent Leadership Training Institute, engaging parents, caregivers, and community members in active steps to build the confidence and skills needed to create positive change for local families. David Quittrochi: Mr. Quittrochi is the Community Organizer at Partnership Health Center in Missoula. His work centers on supporting community members to find their voice through community organizing. A champion for change, Mr. Quittrochi helps to bring community concerns to light, and encourages healthcare providers to go beyond the clinic walls and engage in meaningful conversation with patient needs at the forefront.
Jean Schroeder
TBD
Jason Smith
Jason Smith (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes) has dedicated his career to advocating for the inclusion of Tribal voices and values in policy decisions across Montana. With extensive experience in public service, he has championed Tribal sovereignty, economic development, and government-to-government collaboration. His previous roles include serving as a policy advisor to the Chairman of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and as Director of Indian Affairs under Governor Steve Bullock. As Executive Director of the Montana Consortium for Urban Indian Health (MCUIH), Jason is committed to expanding access to culturally informed healthcare and empowering Urban Indian Organizations to address health disparities in Native communities. His leadership reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of health, culture, and community well-being. Jason’s involvement with organizations like the Headwaters board underscores his belief that fostering strong, resilient communities is key to improving health outcomes and addressing systemic inequities.
Melissa Snyder
Melissa Snyder serves as the STI Nurse Consultant at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). She brings a strong background in public health nursing, with prior experience as a maternal and child health home visitor and as a communicable disease nurse. Over the past three years in her current role, Melissa has focused on supporting statewide STI prevention efforts, providing clinical guidance, and strengthening public health partnerships across Montana.
Crystal Spring
With nearly three decades of experience in dentistry, Crystal Spring, RDH, BS, LAP, is known for her innovative approach to patient care, leadership, and improving access to oral healthcare. She is the founder and executive director of Smiles Across Montana, a nonprofit mobile dental organization that brings prevention-focused care directly to underserved communities across the state. Crystal is a national speaker, grant writer, and advocate for medical-dental integration. Her work focuses on building partnerships between oral health, healthcare, education, and community organizations to improve overall health outcomes. She has collaborated with nursing programs, schools, tribal communities, and healthcare providers to expand access to care and strengthen prevention efforts. Her honors include the ADHA/HuFriedy Master Clinician Award, Sunstar RDH Award of Distinction, Today's RDH Honor Award, Dimensions' Six Dental Hygienists You Want to Know, the Denobi Award, the Denobi Outstanding Team Award, America's ToothFairy Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award, and the ADHA Award for Excellence. Crystal is passionate about leadership, collaboration, and creating opportunities that improve lives and strengthen communities.
John D. Tabb
John Tabb is the Suicide Prevention Program Manager with DPHHS and is the project director for the 988 Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Lifeline.
Christi Thomas
TBD
Trista E. Vonada
Trista E. Vonada, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Helena with a deep commitment to supporting young children and their families through both agency work and private practice. She currently serves as the Mental Health Consultant for her local Head Start program, where she champions social-emotional development, relationship-based care, and staff wellness. Trista holds a Perinatal Mental Health Credential and is trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Her work is grounded in fostering healing, resilience, and connection across the entire family system.
Allison Wilson
Dr. Allison Wilson, an Associate Professor and the Director of the University of Montana Institute for Early Childhood Education, earned her PhD in Special Education and Early Intervention from the University of Oregon. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Wilson has dedicated her career to supporting young children and their families. Her teaching encompasses a range of topics, including family engagement, curriculum design, early assessment practices, and child guidance. Dr. Wilson's research, which employs an Improvement Science framework, is focused on enhancing the preparation of early childhood professionals, implementing community-level initiatives to promote equitable opportunities for young children, and developing strategies to foster positive, language-rich interactions between young children and their caregivers.
Melissa Winger
Melissa Winger is a mother of three children in early childhood and has worked at almost every systems level in MT to support families in early childhood over the last ten years. Trained as a marriage and family therapist, and parenting coach, she has provided direct services to families, co-founded an early childhood coalition in southwest MT, and now works for Zero to Five MT at the state level as the facilitator for the MT Early Childhood Network. Melissa is a systems thinker and a connecter at heart, her work primarily focuses on connecting, families, organizations, and communities through resource sharing and collaboration. Melissa believes that 1+1 can equal an infinite number of possibilities through partnership!