Outstanding Agency Field Instructors
Agency Field Instructors (AFIs) play an essential role in preparing the next generation of social workers. Through supervision, mentorship, and guidance, AFIs support students as they develop professional skills, apply classroom learning in practice, and prepare for social work careers.
Each year, the University of Montana School of Social Work recognizes outstanding Agency Field Instructors based on student nominations. Nominees demonstrate excellence in the following areas:
- Providing exceptional mentorship to practicum students
- Modeling professional social work conduct in practice and supervision
- Demonstrating a commitment to teaching and ongoing professional growth
- Showing dedication to the social work profession and pride in the profession
- Demonstrating critical and independent thinking while encouraging students to develop these skills
A faculty committee reviews student nominations and selects the annual Outstanding Agency Field Instructor honorees.
Outstanding Agency Field Instructor Honorees
2026 HONOREES
Lizzie Carlson-Thompson, BSW
Rocky Head Start Family Advocate, Rocky Mountain Development Council, Inc.
Autumn Holm
Care Management Program Manager, Missoula Aging Services
Nathan Stahley, MSW, SWLC
Executive Director, Montana and Idaho Chapters, National Association of Social Workers
2025 HONOREES
Aimee Billmayer
638 Case Manager and on-call CPS for Fort Belknap Social Services
Molly Cottrell, MSW
Deputy Director and Co-Founder
Hillary Maxwell, MSW
Adjunct Faculty, Aaniiih Nakoda College
Monica Roscoe, Ed.S, MA
School Counselor at Paxson Elementary, Missoula County Public Schools
2024 HONOREES
Dr. Jennifer Preble
Licensed Program Supervisor- Residential, Many Rivers Whole Health
Camelia (Katy) Thomas, LCSW
School Social Worker for School District 2 in Billings, MT
Theresa Williams, MSW
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program Manager at the Missoula Police Department
2023 HONOREES
Chrissy Norwood, MSW
ER Social Worker and SUN-Substance Use Navigator, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital
Erin Scoles
Supported Employment and Education Manager, Mountain Home Montana
Helen Horn
Registrar, Blackfeet Community College
Kayli Julius
Wellness Director, Curry Health Center at UM
2022 HONOREES
Dylan Pryor, MSW
Care Coordinator, First Step Resource Center
Sydnie Benjelloun
Social Services Director, The Village Health and Rehabilitation Center
2021 HONOREES
Jamie Vanderlinden, MSW
Director of Behavioral Health & Child Evaluation Center, Southwest Montana Community Health Center
Nikki Hannon, M.Ed.
Director of Parent Community Outreach Program, Browning Public Schools
Tara Kattell
Probation & Parole Officer, MT DOC
2019 HONOREES
Clint Arneson
Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, Youth Homes
Jill Bonny, MSW
Director of Veteran Services & Practicum Student Administrator, Poverello Center
2018 HONOREES
Crystal Ross, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Palliative Care Program at St. Peter’s Health
Erica Sandiland, MSW
Clinical Manager, YWCA Missoula
2017 HONOREES
Amy Chesebro, MSW
Jail Diversion Program Manager, Missoula County, MT
Sarah Fielding, MSW
Lead Clinical Staff, Youth Homes, Therapeutic Girls Home
2016 HONOREES
Amy Capulopo, MSW
Director, Office for Disability Equity
Heidi Wallace
Executive Director, Empower Montana
Last reviewed: October 2026