Dr. Burke Wallace is an Assistant Professor of Education at MSU-Northern. He has extensive experience spanning K–12 and higher education and previously worked for OPI as the School Safety Specialist. His professional background includes work as a classroom teacher, site-level administrator, and district-level administrator, giving him a systems-level perspective on teaching, learning, and school improvement. He holds an MA in Curriculum & Instruction and a PhD in Educational Leadership. As a scholar-practitioner, his work centers on bridging research and practice to support educators, strengthen school culture, and improve outcomes. He is author of the recently released book "Money Matters for Educators: A Guide to Budgeting, Debt, and Retirement on a Teacher’s Salary".

Over my 35 year career I have taught many science classes, now retired I still facilitate a three - once a week science clubs and a 5 day NASA youth science space camp. MEd.

LaVeta taught all levels as a visual arts educator during her tenure in the schools of Greenville, NC. She was an active member of NCAE, serving in local, district, and state offices. Since retirement she has served as President of Pitt NCRSP and as NCRSP Region 7B Director. Currently, she continues to serve on the NCRSP Executive Board and as a Legislative Contact. She has served as an instructor at the community college in training educators to serve as mentors to beginning teachers. She is a NEA Diversity trainer and a member of Social Justice and Cultural Competence Cohorts, presenting to educators of NEA affiliates across the United States and DOD schools abroad.

Eliza Weber completed her MFA at Arizona State University and BFA at The University
of Montana. She has completed short residencies at Medalta in Alberta, Canada, The
Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China, and Open Air at the Flathead Lake Biological
Station. Eliza was also an Artist in Residence at Pottery Northwest in Seattle,
Washington. Returning home, she was Director of Education at the Paris Gibson Square
Museum of Art in Great Falls, Montana. She served on the boards of NCECA and the
Ceramics Research Center, presently serving on the NCECA Green Task Force. Eliza is
currently a Long-Term Resident at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana.
elizaweber.com
@_elizaweber

Thai Williams is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at Utah State University, where she focuses on preparing future educators to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism and complex support needs. With over 30 years of experience as a licensed special educator and National Board Certified Teacher, she brings extensive classroom and international teaching experience to her work. Her research centers on access to the general education curriculum and the integration of evidence-based practices, high-leverage practices, and Universal Design for Learning, with a primary focus on writing instruction. She is committed to advancing inclusive practices and improving access to meaningful academic instruction for students with complex support needs.

Eleanor Wintersteen is a science teacher at Montana Youth Challenge Academy in Dillon, MT. She previously taught physical science and biology at Hamilton High School.

Kristen Wolf has been teaching Spanish at Headwaters Academy for the past 5 years and at World Language Initiative for 13 years. She has her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from MSU and is also a certified Montessori teacher. Kristen has served on the MALT board as secretary and PNCFL representative.

Retired educator from Emerald Isle, North Carolina with 40 years of classroom experience. Currently a NEA Diversity trainer and a member of the Social Justice and Cultural Competence Cohorts.
Active member of North Carolina Retired School Personnel serving as a regional Legislative chair and a member of the association' Legislative Contact Team.

Dylan Wright, M.A., LCPC, LSC

A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and advocate for positive psychology, Dylan Wright serves as the Community Liaison for the Phyllis J. Washington Center for the Advancement of Positive Education (CAPE). In this role, he shares his expertise through presentations and instruction.

Dylan earned his M.A. in School Counseling from the University of Montana, where he was a key contributor to the research and curriculum development of the Montana Happiness Project, a precursor to CAPE. With a career spanning over two decades in tour production for the Missoula Children’s Theatre—where he coached and trained touring educators—Dylan brings a wealth of experience to his current roles. He also operates a private practice, consults for Families First and the Missoula Children’s Theatre, and volunteers as a Family Law Mediator for the Community Dispute and Resolution Center. When not working, Dylan loves to mountain bike and spend time with his wife and adult children.

Hello! My name is Amber Yates. I am currently in my seventh year of teaching, having spent five wonderful years teaching kindergarten in Thompson Falls before joining the team in Harrison, Montana. I hold a Master’s degree in education and serve as both a classroom teacher and MTSS Coordinator, where I support school-wide systems focused on student growth, intervention, and success.

As an educator, I believe in creating a classroom where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive. I specialize in designing hands-on, real-world learning experiences that spark engagement and build confidence particularly through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). I am passionate about helping students see themselves as capable problem solvers and lifelong learners.

I co-authored research with Megan Wickstrom in Exploring Mathematical Modeling with Young Learners, which explores how early learners view themselves as mathematicians and how authentic STEM tasks can reshape their mindset. Through both my classroom practice and leadership in MTSS, I am committed to creating meaningful, data-informed experiences that meet students where they are and help them grow.

I look forward to sharing practical, engaging strategies that bring STEM and student-centered learning to life in the classroom.

Annie is a Program Officer at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center. A Missoula native, she spent several years on the east coast completing her undergraduate and graduate studies before returning home. Annie is excited to help advance the Mansfield legacy by supporting teachers and students in civic engagement, leadership development, and community-focused learning. In her free time she enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and family, reading, and throwing pottery.