Meet The Team
Meet the team members of UMTAP and BHDD who provide support to the prevention specialists that make prevention in Montana possible!
For more information, please contact kristen1.blasingim@umontana.edu or maria.hamm@umontana.edu.
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Supporting Montana Communities through Public Health Training and Technical Assistance -
Research Analyst - UMTAP
Originally from Akron, Ohio, Todd came to Montana in 1997 to work in public health at the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). In his 27-year career at DPHHS he worked in a number of roles, most recently in leadership as the Administrator of the Public Health and Safety Division. He received his master’s degree in Public Health (Epidemiology) from the University of Pittsburgh and Undergraduate degree from The University of Akron (Biology/Microbiology). He has three sons and enjoys hiking/backpacking, fishing and playing music.
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Technical Assistance Manager - UMTAP
Kristen Blasingim, a Missoulian, earned a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from Montana State University in 2020 and dual master’s degrees in public health and public administration from the University of Montana in 2023. Following graduation, she joined the University of Montana’s REACH program as a program manager and, in June 2025, accepted the role as Prevention Specialist Technical Assistance Manager with the University of Montana Technical Assistance Program. -
Technical Assistance Manager - UMTAP
Maria Hamm has worked in the Public Health field for over a decade with a focus in adolescent health and sexual and reproductive health. She received her MPH as a Bloomberg Fellow from Johns Hopkins University. Her passion for training and education led her to working with the University of Montana Technical Assistance Program.
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SUPTRS Block Grant Prevention Program Manager - BHDD
Arely Gray is the Substance Use Block Grant Program Manager at Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division who oversees the Regional Prevention Specialist contracts.
She is passionate about prevention science and the opportunity to help individuals with their health long-term. This year she took on the challenge of coaching Girls Flag Football. Some of her hobbies include painting, photography, reading, volunteering, and most importantly motherhood. She also enjoys sharing her Hispanic culture with friends and family through authentic Mexican cuisines.
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PFS Program Manager - BHDD
Born and raised in Montana, Emily has deep roots in the community she serves. After a successful career in the financial world, she transitioned into the field of substance use prevention—drawn by the meaningful impact and fulfillment that comes from helping others and seeing success stories unfold firsthand. Outside of work, Emily can be found cheering on her kids—whether at the rodeo grounds, the lacrosse fields, the hockey rink, or the volleyball court. She also enjoys spending time with her dogs and horses and taking road trips to explore new places across Montana and beyond.
Research Analyst - UMTAP
Originally from Akron, Ohio, Todd came to Montana in 1997 to work in public health at the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). In his 27-year career at DPHHS he worked in a number of roles, most recently in leadership as the Administrator of the Public Health and Safety Division. He received his master’s degree in Public Health (Epidemiology) from the University of Pittsburgh and Undergraduate degree from The University of Akron (Biology/Microbiology). He has three sons and enjoys hiking/backpacking, fishing and playing music.
Technical Assistance Manager - UMTAP
Technical Assistance Manager - UMTAP
Maria Hamm has worked in the Public Health field for over a decade with a focus in adolescent health and sexual and reproductive health. She received her MPH as a Bloomberg Fellow from Johns Hopkins University. Her passion for training and education led her to working with the University of Montana Technical Assistance Program.
SUPTRS Block Grant Prevention Program Manager - BHDD
Arely Gray is the Substance Use Block Grant Program Manager at Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division who oversees the Regional Prevention Specialist contracts.
She is passionate about prevention science and the opportunity to help individuals with their health long-term. This year she took on the challenge of coaching Girls Flag Football. Some of her hobbies include painting, photography, reading, volunteering, and most importantly motherhood. She also enjoys sharing her Hispanic culture with friends and family through authentic Mexican cuisines.