Staff
Missoula Aging Services is thankful to have a team of more than 50 staff members who work each day to promote the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those who care for them.
Missoula Aging Services staff contribute their skills and knowledge in many ways. Resource Center staff are here to help over the phone and through in-depth meetings. Nutrition and In-Home Care Services staff visit community members and provide services to improve health and quality of life. The Volunteer Services team recruits and manages volunteers to help schools and organizations throughout Missoula County. For more details, see the staff profiles below.
Meet the Missoula Aging Services Team!
Senior Management
-
Susan Kohler
Susan Kohler is the CEO for Missoula Aging Services and has a B.A. in Gerontology with more than three decades of experience in community development and nonprofit management. She joined Missoula Aging Services in 1983 and has served as CEO since 1989. During her career, Senator Max Baucus appointed her twice as a representative to the White House Conferences on Aging. Susan has been a presenter at numerous local, regional and national conferences and forums which address issues affecting older adults. In addition, she has served two years as president of the Montana Area Agency on Aging Association and is currently the co-chair to their legislative committee.
-
Russ Hill
Russ has extensive work experience in health care through the State of Montana’s Department of Health and Human Services. He has served as the Administrator of the Health Care and Benefits Division and as the Bureau Chief in Program Compliance where he oversaw that state and federal regulations governing Medicaid, SNAP and TANF were followed. In these positions he was responsible for fiscal and personnel management, strategic planning, was lobbyist for the Governor, and much more.
Prior to the 10 years he served in these positions, Russ was the first CEO of New West Health Services. Under his leadership New West became the second largest health insurer in Montana before he left to work at the State.
During his last 2.5 years he and his wife were volunteers with Pioneers USA and served in Yangon Myanmar, also known as Burma. Russ believes in service and making a difference in the work he does.
-
Rob Edwards
Rob serves as the Community Services Director and oversees a range of programs. The Resource Center provides information and referrals to older adults and people with disabilities, to help them better access community resources. Resource Center staff maintain strong partnerships and collaborations with local agencies and organizations. Immediate assistance on a wide variety of topics is available through the Call Center. The Ombudsman program advocates for older adults living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and provides Medicare counseling. The statewide Senior Medicare Patrol program works to reduce waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare. Finally, Volunteer Services engages over 500 older adults in the Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, RSVP and MAS volunteer programs. Staff match people 55 and over with opportunities to support community needs.
Rob serves as a member of the management team, and brings to MAS a strong background in volunteerism, financial analysis, project research and development, along with marketing and public relations. He has worked for MAS as a Senior Corps Volunteer Coordinator, taught Medicare 101 classes, helped with Medicare Part D, and volunteered for the SMP program researching and investigating client concerns with Medicare billing statements. Rob received a B.S. in Business Administration from UM and pursued graduate studies at MSU-Billings in Health Administration.
-
Ginny Holland
Ginny joined Missoula Aging Services in 2019. She brings over 30 years of experience managing public school finances, most recently serving as Business Manager for Plains School District. As Chief Financial Officer for MAS, Ginny is responsible for the exercise of overall financial control across the entire range of the Agency’s financial activity while supporting the Agency’s mission and philosophy, working closely with stakeholders to be sure we are good stewards of public financial support. Ginny has enjoyed supporting Montana communities for many years, including serving on the governing board of the Clark Fork Valley Hospital and Family Medicine Network.
-
Sherrie Sorenson
Montana native Sherrie Sorenson joined the MAS staff in August, 2016. Raised in Missoula, she graduated from Sentinel High School and received her Respiratory Care Practitioner’s certification from Missoula College. She went on to work in hospitals throughout the west specializing in critical care medicine and caring for patients in their homes after discharge. Her compliance and human resources career over the past 20 years includes responsibilities related to all regulatory affairs as the national compliance and privacy officer for a regional durable medical equipment supplier. At MAS she supports agency staff and fosters the organization’s positive culture that is founded on our mission, vision and values.
-
Debbie Lester
Debbie has been a part of the Missoula Aging Services team since 1996 and has over 35 years of experience in finance and audits. She serves as the Executive Director of 406 Financial Services, LLC, a new organization under the umbrella of MAS.
406 Financial Services’ is focused on three pillars of performance. To provide fiscal employer agent services to individuals choosing to self-direct their care by hiring caregivers; to provide financial advocacy to individuals who need assistance managing their finances and avoiding the risk of financial exploitation, and to provide a virtual CFO experience for non-profit organizations that choose to outsource their accounting functions.
(406) 728-7682 | dlester@406llc.org
-
Shelli Fortune
As the In-Home Services Director, Shelli provides management and oversight of the Veteran Directed Care, Care Transitions, and Respite/Homemaking programs.
She has a Master’s in Social Work from Walla Walla University’s extension program in Missoula, and has previously worked at MAS as the Care Coordinator Supervisor for the Veteran Directed Care program, a Care Transitions coach, and as an Information & Assistance Specialist/Ombudsman for what is now our Resource Center.
(406) 728-7682 | sfortune@missoulaagingservices.org
Nutrition
-
Dean Thompson
Dean's comprehensive knowledge of the nutrition needs of older adults enables him to provide in-home assessments to potential nutrition clients, coordinate the Congregate Meals and Farmers Market Coupon programs, and work with community programs to provide social services to specialized groups of older adults. Dean has a B.S. in Social Work from The University of Montana and for twenty years has focused his work at nonprofit organizations in the areas of food insecurity, hunger and nutrition issues.
Administration
-
Cassidy Belus
Cassidy Belus joined Missoula Aging Services in 2017. She has extensive experience in journalism, social media management, and graphic design. In her position, Cassidy aims to improve communication with clients and the community about Missoula Aging Services' programs and resources in order to improve the health and overall well-being of older adults. As a graduate of the University of Montana, Cassidy earned her B.F.A in Media Arts in 2015.
-
Kyle Broeckel
Kyle Broeckel joined Missoula Aging Services in 2017. As the Development Team Lead, he provides fundraising and marketing support through donor communications, database and website management, and special events. He is educated in best practices for donor cultivation and systems management, having completed a Certificate in Nonprofit Fundraising, then earning a Nonprofit Technology Professional certificate from NTEN in Portland, OR. Kyle has a B.A. in Sociology from Whitworth University. When not working, Kyle enjoys hiking, board games, and trying out new recipes.
-
Kim Fraser
Kim oversees the day-to-day accounting operations of 406 Financial Services. She has worked closely with Deb Lester since 2000 as Accountant for Missoula Aging Services. She is happy to continue that partnership to launch this new venture and implement dependable financial services for older adults and their caregivers.
-
Jen Ryan Hickes
Jen Hickes joined Missoula Aging Services in 2020. Her background in design, marketing, event coordination and project management makes her a great fit for the MAS team. As Marketing Coordinator, she hopes to enhance communication with clients and the community about Missoula Aging Services' programs and resources in order to improve the health and overall well-being of older adults. Jen earned her B.F.A at Montana State University. She and her family live in Lolo, where she enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, whether in the backyard or on the trail.
-
Erin Nuzzo
Erin joined MAS in 2017 in the dual roles of Grant Writer and Advocacy Coordinator. As the grant writer, she researches and writes grants to help support the various programs and services that fulfill the organization's mission of promoting the independence, dignity, and health of older adults and their caregivers. She also supports MAS' mission by advocating for older adults in Missoula County and statewide. In this role, Erin works closely with state and federal legislators, community partners and the community at large to educate and encourage action on legislative issues that impact older adults.
Erin has worked for over 10 years in the nonprofit sector both as a volunteer and as a professional, with experience ranging from fundraising, volunteer management, event planning, marketing, and advocacy work. A graduate of the University of Montana, she has a B.A. in Political Science and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Administration. She brings her passion to make the world a better place to all her endeavors, and when she’s not working, Erin spends time outdoors with her family and friends enjoying all that Montana has to offer!
-
Ionela Rusnac
Ionela Rusnac has over eight years of accounting, payroll and tax preparation experience. Additionally, she’s served in a development role where she managed fundraising events, grants and donor development. Ionela earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Montana. Ionela’s background extends to volunteer positions as well. She has served as the Chair of the Greek Festival and a board member for the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network.
-
Elizabeth Simpson
Elizabeth Simpson has been working with older adults and their caregivers for over 12 years, including as Agency Director for Addus Homecare and most recently advocating for clients with Montana Elder Law. As Customer Service Manager, she directs the front office Customer Service staff, providing customer support to visiting clients as well as program staff. Originally from Texas, she moved to Montana in 2004 and enjoys hiking and being in the great outdoors with her husband and two kids.
-
Katie Stanton
Katie joined MAS in December 2016 as the part-time Executive Assistant. In this role, she uses her background and experience in administration, coordination and communication to provide support to the MAS management team and Chief Executive Officer. Most recently Katie worked at the Missoula Art Museum as their Marketing and Communications Director, and she has also worked as the Marketing Assistant and Board Liaison for the University of Montana Alumni Association. Katie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Textile and Design from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She also has been volunteering at the Missoula Food Bank, Snack Packs, and MCPS Nutrition Work Group.
-
Cynthia Wood
Cynthia Wood joined Missoula Aging Services in 2014. Cynthia brings many years of experience in office administration, event planning and direct service, and has been on staff with several nonprofit organizations serving specialized needs ranging from early childhood special education to palliative care.
In-Home Care Services
-
Lauren Crabtree
As supervisor of our Personal Care Attendant team, Lauren is dedicated to providing compassionate care to older adults and persons with disabilities. This allows their family caregivers a much-needed break on a regular basis, and helps clients continue to live in their own homes. Lauren joined the In-Home Support Services program in 2013 as a Respite Care Provider and had 10 years of previous caregiving experience. She also has a B.A. degree in Sociology from the University of Montana.
-
Heather Bergerson
As a Care Coordinator Team Lead for the Veteran Directed Care program, Heather Bergerson assists veterans with the organization and management of in-home services and supports that allow them to remain independent in their homes. Heather graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor of science in Community Health and a minor in Global Public Health. She enjoys reading, floating the river, and spending time with her family
-
Chris Christofferson
Chris Christofferson, Care Transitions Coach, comes to us with over 25 years working in the social services field with extensive work in geriatrics, individuals with medical problems, and emotional and mental health issues. She earned a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Counseling from Northern Arizona University and has over 15 years of experience working with community based programs, satellite medical health facilities, and outreach programs. As a Care Manager, Chris works with individuals and caregivers to assess needs, understand options for care, and develop care plans to promote continued independence, dignity and health.
-
Gabe Goeres
Gabe Goeres was born and raised in Montana. He graduated with a B.A in History from the University of Montana. He has spent the last 12 years working with at risk youth in the foster care system in Missoula. The last five years in management positions managing group homes. He is excited to accept the position as Care Management Supervisor at Missoula Aging services to continue to serve his community. When not at work, Gabe can be found out on the trails around the Missoula area with his wife, son, and three dogs.
-
Amanda Goodwin
Amanda has experience working with older adults in their homes, as well as, in an assisted living setting. She enjoys working with people and getting to know them. Amanda describes herself as patient, kind, honest and compassionate.
-
Lois Mandelko-Steinberg
Lois joined the MAS staff as a Senior Companion Coordinator in 2014. Since that time she has served as both Service Coordinator and Care Coordinator for the Veteran Directed Care Program (VDC). Prior to her work with MAS, she worked for nearly two decades providing direct service to individuals and families receiving hospice and palliative care. In her role as Family Caregiver Support Specialist, she will be working to support family caregivers with the appropriate information, assistance, and services that will help them manage their caregiving responsibilities
-
Stephen T. Millhouse
Stephen Millhouse is the Care Coordinator for the Veteran Directed Care program. His experience as a Veteran brings unmatched value to our program. Stephen has served with Missoula Aging Services since 2017, providing thorough support to MAS clients, community partners, and staff during that time. Stephen has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Bradley University in Illinois and previously worked with Partnership Health Center.
-
Rhiannon Quandt
Rhiannon Quandt joined Missoula Aging Services as a PCA in 2019. Rhiannon has over 16 years experience in caregiving for older adults and people with disabilities, and enjoys meeting new people and learning about their lives.. As a Personal Care Attendant, Rhiannon provides direct care to clients of the Respite and Homemaking Programs in their homes, assisting them with tasks that support their decision to remain living independently. Rhiannon has many years of experience providing compassionate care to clients in a variety of settings.
-
Sandrine Tochem
Sandrine Tochem joined Missoula Aging Services as a PCA in November 2019. Sandrine studied Social Work at the University of Montana and brings with her over 5 years of experience caring for older adults in the Missoula community as well as many years of housekeeping experience. As a Personal Care Attendant, Sandrine provides direct care to clients of the Respite and Homemaking Programs in their homes, assisting them with tasks that support their decision to remain living independently. Sandrine has many years of experience providing compassionate care to clients in a variety of settings.
-
Heatherann Wayne
Heatherann joined Missoula Aging Services in 2017. She has over 30 years of experience working with older adults and people with disabilities. As a Personal Care Attendant for the Seeley-Swan Valley, Heatherann aims to improve the lives of her clients and their families by providing breaks and support for family caregivers. Heatherann enjoys knitting and handiwork and spending time with her family and friends.
-
Suzy Wiseheart
Suzy Wiseheart is our new part-time PCA with the Respite/Homemaker Program. She comes to us with an extensive background in caring for our elders. She leads with compassion, creativity, as well as a focus on healthy living. She strives to find creative and meaningful ways to connect with her clients.
In addition to her background in caregiving she is also a Master Storyteller. From 1995-2004 she traveled around Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho as a Professional Storyteller and Poet offering week-long residencies in schools.
-
Jill Ziessler
Jill Ziessler is our newest Care Manager. Jill has a Bachelor’s in Social Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work. Before coming to MAS, she worked with older adults in mental health and hospice, as well as assisting those experiencing domestic violence.
(406)728-7682 | jziessler@missoulaagingservices.org
Resource Center
-
Kate Cotnoir
Kate joined the Resource Center staff in 2014 with seven years of experience serving older adults and people with disabilities. She has focused her work at non-profit organizations in the areas of program management, outreach and community relations. As the Resource Center Manager at Missoula Aging Services, Kate provides support to Resource Specialists and coordinates their activities with other MAS programs and services, as well as providing appointments to older adults and people with disabilities. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication from Montana State University Billings.
-
Mary Dalton
Mary works to provide education, assistance and advocacy to long-term care residents and their families in an effort to ensure dignity and quality of life. As a certified ombudsman, she makes hundreds of visits to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities throughout Missoula County each year. She also coordinates Friendly Visitor volunteers, who assist the Ombudsman Program to help residents understand and exercise their right to good care, and empower residents to resolve their complaints. Mary has a bachelor’s degree in social work and has been in the aging field since 1999. She has had several roles at MAS, including Resource Specialist and Resource Center Program Manager.
-
Renee Labrie-Shanks
Renee Labrie-Shanks is the Statewide SMP Director and has worked in the aging field since 2000. Renee’s primary role is to educate consumers about healthcare fraud, waste and abuse prevention. She is a committee member and annual presenter at the Montana Consumer Fraud Summits and is on the Montana State Health Insurance Assistance Program Advisory Council, the State Information & Assistance Planning Committee, as well as a member and past board member of the Montana Gerontology Society.
-
Megan Fournier
Megan Fournier joined the Resource Center team in 2018. She graduated from Montana State University with a B.S. in Community Health and a Gerontology certificate. After working with older adults for four years during college, Megan is excited to continue connecting people to services and community resources as a Resource Specialist with Missoula Aging Services.
-
Joan Bartkowski
Joan Bartkowski joined our MAS team as a Money Management Specialist in 2021. Joan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Montana and a Masters of Higher and Adult Education from Montana State University. She has over ten years of work experience in the field of money management.
(406) 728-7682 | jbartkowski@missoulaagingservices.org
-
Carrie Bonn
Carrie is very experienced in helping older adults and people with disabilities with their daily tasks and personal care activities. She has worked as a CNA with several local agencies and most recently in a long-term care facility. She said her favorite part about working with older adults is getting to know them as individuals and hearing their stories.
-
Alicia Crandall
Alicia Crandall graduated from The Ohio State University in 2000 with a B.A. in English and minor in Women's Studies. She has been an employee at MAS since March of 2008. Previously she's served as a Volunteer Coordinator and the Education Coordinator. Now, as the Education Program Supervisor, Alicia uses her skills in leadership, communication and outreach to focus on reaching people through educational events. Alicia is a AmeriCorps Alumni, Leadership Missoula Class of 33 Graduate and served on AARP MT Executive Council from 2016-2020. Alicia is passionate about enhancing her own quality of life as well as the lives of those around her.
-
Sam Engebretsen
Sam Engebretsen joined Missoula Aging Services in 2020 as a Resource Specialist. Sam graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor's degree in Social Work and minors in Nonprofit Administration and Gerontology. Throughout her time in school, she volunteered with older adults in various capacities. We are thrilled to have her join this strong team. She is looking forward to connecting people to services and community resources.
(406) 728-7682 | sengebretsen@missoulaagingservices.org
-
Beth Diettert
Beth Diettert joined the Resource Center team as a Call Center Specialist in 2017. In the Call Center, she directly assists older adult clients, their families and caregivers with a wide variety of needs, including information, assistance or referrals to other programs and community resources. Beth previously worked for the Maureen & Mike Mansfield Center, and has a wealth of administrative and customer service experience.
-
Linda Howard
Linda joined the staff at Missoula Aging Services in 2016 as a Resource Specialist serving older adults in the Seeley Lake area. She staffs the satellite MAS office and offers information and assistance, referrals to services, and consultation about Medicare and Medicaid. Linda has a background in various healthcare positions and was a Medical Service Corps officer in the U.S. Air Force. She holds degrees from Whitman College, Tulane University and Montana Tech.
-
Darlene Kester
Darlene joined the staff at Missoula Aging Services in 2017 first as an Office Assistant and now serves as a Call Center Specialist. Darlene graduated from The University of Montana in 2007 with an Associate's degree in Applied Science. She has worked in customer service for over 21 years, with additional training in accounting, childcare, and healthcare. With her extensive knowledge and experience, Darlene benefits those calling into Missoula Aging Services.
-
Kathy Kimmet
Kathy joined the MAS staff as a Resource Specialist in 2018. She worked as a practicum with Home Community Based Services (HCBS), was a Specially Trained Attendant (STA), case manager, and as a past Meals on Wheels volunteer. Kathy has spent the last nine years working for non-profits that help people in our community. She received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2017. Kathy enjoys finding resources for people so they can thrive.
-
Rebecca Kotula
Rebecca Harris Kotula joined Missoula Aging Services as a Call Center Specialist in April 2018. She’s a native Missoulian and a former RN with experience in many different settings in psychiatric and mental health nursing. Rebecca has special heart for older adults. In the call center, she utilizes her experience in assisting older adults and those with disabilities to provide access to community resources.
-
Madison Moldenhauer
Madison Moldenhauer graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Minor in Gerontology. Before starting at Missoula Aging Services, Madison worked at a group home for teenagers as primary youth counselor for two years. During her last year with the UM Social Work program, Madison did her practicum experience at Missoula Aging Services with the Ombudsman program. She’s very excited to continue advocating for older adults in long term care.
-
Cindi Oakes
Cindi Oakes joins MAS as the Money Management Program team lead. Cindi has worked for private businesses in their financial services department, the banking industry, and the university system. She brings a wealth of experience in the areas of cash accounts management, customer service, compliance, mentorship, and team supervision.
-
Theresa Ragsdale
Theresa Ragsdale is a member of MAS Call Center, which fields and directs calls for individuals and families seeking community resources and information, Medicare counseling, and more. As Complex Case Resource Specialist, she focuses her attention on our most vulnerable clients, provides crisis support, and collaborates with staff throughout the agency to find solutions. She is a certified Ombudsman, Resource Specialist, and State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselor.
-
Teresa Sacks
Teresa Sacks brings comprehensive experience in research, development, presenting and teaching to her position at Missoula Aging Services.Teresa taught a web-based graduate and undergraduate course titled, “Aging and Addiction.” Her past professional experience includes both the University of Nevada, Reno, and Consumer Direct Care Network here in Missoula. From 2001 to 2014, Teresa worked at Sanford Center for Aging in a variety of positions including Project Director, Health Research Analyst and Graduate Assistant. She has authored and co-authored several publications on topics of public health and gerontology. With her Advance Graduate Certificate in Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services, a Master of Public Health, a Bachelor of Arts and a Gerontology Certificate, she adds wealth of knowledge to Missoula Aging Services. She is also an avid runner.
-
Sonja Skovlin
Sonja Skovlin has joined Missoula Aging Services as call center specialist, working directly with older adults and caregivers to provide them with information, assistance, and referrals to services within the agency and to other community resources. Sonja previously worked at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Bonner, and has volunteered extensively with several youth organizations in Missoula. She brings to MAS her administrative experience and a passion for customer service.
Volunteer Services
-
Laura Degele
Laura Degele graduated from the University of Montana with a B.A. in Organizational Communications with a minor in Nonprofit Administrative Management. She has been on staff with MAS since 2015. Laura supervises Senior Companion volunteers providing orientation, training, and placement within Missoula County. She coordinates special events and provides community outreach about volunteerism. Since being a part of the MAS team, Laura has become a Certified Dementia Practitioner, teaches Powerful Tools for Caregivers and facilitates Caregiver Support groups. Laura enjoys learning new things and encourages people to do and be their best.
(406)728-8164 | ldegele@missoulaagingservices.org
-
Judy Douglas
Judy Douglas began working at Missoula Aging Services in 2015 as an AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer Coordinator. She has an M.S. Degree and over 10 years of experience with managing volunteers and provides one-on-one personalized volunteer consultations with adults age 55 and older through the RSVP program. Judy works with many volunteer-based organizations by recruiting and referring volunteers, conducting volunteer management consultations and training, and supporting community-wide collaborations during national volunteer service days.
-
Adrienne Hopkins
Adrienne Hopkins joined the staff at Missoula Aging Services in 2016 as a Volunteer Coordinator for the Foster Grandparent and RSVP Tutor programs. She places Foster Grandparents and RSVP Tutors with site supervisors throughout Missoula County and also provides pre-service orientation and monthly trainings to our volunteer Senior Companions and Foster Grandparents. Adrienne additionally handles social media outreach for AmeriCorps Seniors at Missoula Aging Services.
-
Nancy Kral
Nancy joined the Respite & Homemaking Services team in 2014. In addition to providing respite care, Nancy supervises Senior Companion and Caring Companion Volunteers. She has worked as a caregiver for older adults and people with disabilities since 2009. Respite care for family caregivers involves providing compassionate care and a variety of services needed to help each unique client retain their independence. Nancy’s dedication to the well-being of her clients is demonstrated on a regular basis.
-
Ria Overholt
As the Volunteer Services Program Manager, Ria Overholt manages and organizes the many volunteer programs here at Missoula Aging Services. She has over 17 years of experience in program management. Earlier in her career, she served as an AmeriCorps Team Leader in Dillon.
