Ryann Gibson serves as the Dual Enrollment and Pathways Coordinator for the University of Montana Western since 2012. Her involvement in Montana's dual enrollment and pathways programming offers a foundational perspective on the history, growth, and progression of the future of Montana's dual enrollment and pathways programming. Ryann is passionate about sharing the fundamentals of dual enrollment, the role of pathways, and exploring the pros and cons of the programming so that school personnel can work along with students and parents in confidently navigating career and college exploration. Her work with middle and high school students, college students, and community members in a small community creates a connected environment in which activities, events, and programs in non-credit and credit arenas work together for a unique and blended experience.

Glenn Govertsen BA Degree from Middlebury College, 1966. MS degree in Physics from MSU (Bozeman) 1969. Teaching certificate Montana math and physics from MSU 1973. Taught physics at Sentinel HS from 1973-2004. Have been a presenter of Mr G Science Show 2004-present.

Okii, my name is Amy Grant. I am a Pikanii Aakaii, and I am a teacher in my tribes traditonal territory. I am the kindergarten immersion teacher at Stamiksiitsiikin Elementary in Browning, MT. I am deeply rooted in the traditions and culture of my people. I take my position very seriously, and I want my students to leave my classroom with a strong sense of their identity and culture, and to know how to be on the reservation and off the reservation.

Julia Gustafson is the coordinator for the Friends of the Montana Constitution, a statewide nonpartisan nonprofit working to inspire appreciation of Montana’s Constitution. Formed in 2022, the Friends of the Montana Constitution has a three part mission to enhance Montanans’ understanding of our state constitution, to advance civics education about the constitution, and to celebrate the legacy of the 1972 Constitutional Convention and its delegates.
Julia Gustafson has a degree in political science and has 15 years of experience in nonprofit organizational development and community organizing. She resides in Helena where she currently serves as a city commissioner.

Alicia Hakes is a special education teacher and educational leader at Glacier Gateway Elementary in Columbia Falls, Montana. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is deeply committed to building trauma-responsive schools where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn. Alicia’s work focuses on integrating trauma-informed practices, the PAX Good Behavior Game, and EMOTE behavioral data to strengthen Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports within MTSS frameworks.

With extensive experience supporting students with behavioral and emotional needs, Alicia works closely with teachers and school teams to develop practical strategies that prioritize student regulation, connection, and engagement before instruction. She is passionate about helping educators understand the science of stress and behavior and translating research into realistic classroom practices.

Alicia is also a mentor to educators and an advocate for inclusive, compassionate school communities that support both students and staff.

Dr. Randy Hale is currently serving as an adjunct professor of Education with Morningside University, where he has worked for the past nine years. Dr. Hale also worked in the K12 arena for 33 years, as teacher at all levels, elementary, middle and high, as well as serving as a principal, assistant principal, special education supervisor, and school superintendent, before retiring in 2017. Dr. Hale began his career in Freeport, Texas, as a vocational teacher for special needs students. He and his family moved (back home) to Georgia in 1988, where he continued his work as a special education teacher for students with behavioral disorders, and eventually moved into school administration.
Dr. Hale received his Bachelor of Science degree in special education, as well as his Masters Degree from Brenau University located in Gainesville, Georgia. In 1993, Hale earned a Specialist Degree in Emotional Disturbance from the University of West Georgia. Finally, in 1994, Hale began his doctoral study of school and community culture and their effects on schools and earned a Doctoral Degree in Education Administration from Vanderbilt University.

A professional historical interpreter and educator with organizations like the Lewis and Clark Foundation, National Park Service, the Blaine County Museum, and Fort Missoula for much of the last decade, he is now the Education and Programming Director for the C.M. Russell Museum back in his hometown of Great Falls. He has been a frequent guest speaker for organizations across the state like Humanities Montana, Montana State Parks, Wild Montana, and the Montana Historical Society.

Ryan Hannahoe serves as Executive Director of the Montana Learning Center, a NASA partner dedicated to expanding access to high-quality STEM education across the state. Under his leadership, the Center operates one of the largest publicly accessible observatories in the northern Rockies, offering immersive, hands-on experiences that connect learners of all ages to the wonders of the universe.

Ryan has been instrumental in growing year-round programs that reach students and educators in both rural and urban communities throughout Montana. His work bridges classroom learning with real-world exploration, empowering teachers with innovative tools and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers.

With a passion for making science both accessible and unforgettable, Ryan brings a dynamic perspective on how place-based education, community partnerships, and experiential learning can transform STEM engagement. His leadership continues to position the Montana Learning Center as a hub for curiosity, discovery, and opportunity.

Abigail Hansen is a Spanish teacher at CMR in Great Falls, Montana. Abigail enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures and languages. She is an extensive reader of a mix of genres. She loves watercoloring and art. She would also add running to her repertoire. She is always exploring and learning something new and excitedly shares what she learns with others.

Dr. Dana Haring attended a rural K-8 school in Missouri where her favorite place was the trailer full of books–the library. She went on to complete college degrees in Texas, and Montana to learn as much as she could to encourage and develop a similar passion for words with young learners. Dana has taught seventh grade English in Kalispell, Montana for 27 years. She has taught middle and high school English in various educational settings in Montana, Kansas, and Texas including middle schools, high schools, and an alternative school for teenage moms. Dana has also taught prospective and practicing teachers at the University of Montana. Her publications, presentations, and research interests are in the areas of collaboration, teacher retention, writing, and literacy across disciplines. One of her favorite things to do is to share lessons and strategies that work with other teachers, whether that is at conferences, in articles, or at the microwave in the teachers’ lounge. When she isn’t teaching, writing, or presenting, Dana spends time in the wilds of Montana on lakes, trails, and front porches.

Zach Hawkins has been Director of Indian Education for All at the Montana Office of Public Instruction since December, 2018. Prior to joining the OPI, he worked with American Indian students and school communities as a classroom teacher and Federal college access program administrator for 18 years. In previous positions, he led the Hays-Lodgepole Thunderbirds to their first football victory in five years, was chosen as a Helena Education Foundation Distinguished Educator, and co-led the National Council for Community Educational Partnerships' College and Career Readiness Evaluation Project.

As the IEFA team leader, he stresses the importance of Indigenous contributions to the Treasure State's rich history and integration of the Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians into curriculum and lesson planning. He relishes any and all opportunities to work with teachers, schools, and stakeholders in their efforts to realize Montana's constitutionally mandated IEFA implementation requirement.

Zach and his wife have two boys ages 11 and 14. In his free time, he attends his boys' sporting events, skis, and explores Montana with his family.

I have been teaching for 9 years. I am a veteran of the Marine Corps and MT National Guard.

My name is Susan Hayes, and I have worked for 10 years in Lavina Public Schools as the ELA teacher. I teach seventh grade through twelfth grade. I am a mother of three and a grandma. My youngest child just graduated this last year. Susan Hayes is an ELA teacher with ten years of experience at Lavina Public Schools. She teaches students from the 7th to 12th grades. Besides her professional life, she is a mother of three and a grandmother. Her youngest child recently graduated.