Staff
Missoula Aging Services is thankful to have a team of nearly 60 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
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Lisa Sheppard
With more than two decades of leadership experience in the aging and disability fields, CEO Lisa Sheppard has extensive knowledge of long-term care systems and expertise in organizational management, including strategic planning, financial oversight, program development, and stakeholder relations.
Prior to becoming CEO of Missoula Aging Services, Lisa served for nine years as the Director of the Flathead County Agency on Aging. She also directed the county’s general public transportation service, spearheading a multi-year strategic planning effort that resulted in the system-wide implementation of technology-driven micro transit. Lisa is an alternate board member for USAging, the national association representing the aging network, and is on the board of the Montana Area Agencies on Aging Association.
Before moving to Montana, Lisa was the Director of Operations for a statewide non-profit in Texas that created family care options for children and young adults with developmental disabilities. She also worked as an auditor with the Texas State Auditor’s Office. Lisa attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned Master’s Degrees in both Social Work and Public Affairs.
Lisa and her family are grateful for the opportunity to call Montana home, and she is looking forward to learning about and becoming part of the Missoula and Ravalli communities.
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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.
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Kate Cotnoir
Kate joined Missoula Aging Services in 2014. Her background in program management, direct client service and communication makes her a great fit as the Information and Assistance Director. A graduate of Montana State University, Billings, Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication. Kate is passionate about the work of her team at MAS and giving older adults and people with disabilities choices and resources to meet their goals.
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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.
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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
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Ria Overholt
Ria is the Community Services Director for Missoula Aging Services. In this role, Ria provides oversight, planning, and guidance to the Nutrition, Volunteer, Education, and Lifelong Connections Programs, as well as the MAS Facility and IT infrastructure.
While obtaining her Bachelor's in Psychology at the University of Montana-Western, Ria began her lifelong commitment to volunteering as an AmeriCorps Team Leader. She has over 17 years of experience in program development and management of staff and volunteers. Prior to joining MAS in May 2021, she was part of the Ravalli Head Start team as the Mental Health Manager and the Hamilton School District as first the Keystone Program Manager and then the Director of Community Education. When Ria is not working she enjoys gardening, flyfishing, reading good books, cross-country skiing, and being a grandma (Nanita).
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Sherrie Sorenson-Crumley
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.
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Allison Strekal
Allison joined MAS as Development Director in 2021. She has an MBA from Western Governor’s University and a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno, along with her CFRE certification. Allison brings over 10 years of experience in non-profit development, fundraising, and event planning. Prior to joining MAS, she worked in development at the foundation for the largest not-for-profit hospital in northern Nevada. When not working to connect people to the MAS mission, Allison enjoys hiking and being outdoors with her husband.
(406) 728-7682 | astrekal@missoulaagingservices.org
Administration
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Kyle Broeckel
Kyle joined Missoula Aging Services in 2018. As the Data Systems Manager, he provides fundraising support through donor communications and database management. 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.
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Esther Cole
Esther joined 406 Financial Services in May of 2022. Her background in finance since 2016, coupled with a BA in Sociology from the University of Montana, makes her a wonderful addition to the 406 team. As a Fiscal Agent, she helps administer payroll for personal caregivers that are providing essential services to our Veterans, helping provide Veterans the option of remaining in their own homes for as long as possible. Esther and her husband and son live in Saint Ignatius and enjoy spending most of their time hiking in the Missions or road tripping to Glacier National Park.
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Mary Beth Edens
Mary Beth joined Missoula Aging Services Finance team as Senior Accountant in 2022. She brings the Agency over 31 years of experience in the fields of bookkeeping and accounting. Mary Beth is a native Montanan, a proud enrolled member of the Little Shell Tribe, and descendant of the Blackfeet Tribe. She has a lifelong passion for community involvement and service and is excited to be a part of MAS to continue serving the community she loves. When not at work, Mary Beth and her husband enjoy hiking, camping and traveling.
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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.
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Stefni Gurr
joined the Administrative Support team with Missoula Aging Services in April. Before working for our organization, Stefni was an Administrative Assistant with the Frenchtown School District for nearly five years. Stefni's caring nature and passion for helping those in need make her a wonderful addition to the team.
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Emily Landsiedel
Emily joined Missoula Aging Services in 2023. She holds a BA in English, a minor in History, a certificate in nonprofit administration, and a secondary English and History teaching license from the University of Montana. For the first seven years of her career, Emily taught middle school English. In 2019, after traveling around the world, Emily shifted her career focus to nonprofit. She has worked in the nonprofit field ever since. Emily brings experience in nonprofit fundraising, event planning, grant writing, and marketing. When not at work, Emily enjoys exploring the hiking trails around Missoula with her dog and traveling internationally with her husband.
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Jennifer Schultz
Jennifer joined Missoula Aging Services as the Communications Coordinator in 2021. In 2022, she joined the HR Department as HR Coordinator and is passionate about supporting the staff at MAS and making a difference in our community. Jennifer holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Montana and has served on various Missoula County Commissioner-appointed boards since 2016. After hours, you can find Jennifer paddle boarding, hiking, and enjoying life with her family.
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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.
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Anna Wilson
Anna joined Missoula Aging Services as Public Relations and Marketing Manager in 2024. Prior to joining MAS, Anna managed marketing and communications for the Missoula Art Museum. She is passionate about community-building and brings experience in trade publishing and higher education to her work for nonprofits. Anna earned her MFA in creative writing from Louisiana State University and her BA in creative writing and literature from Middlebury College. She is currently undertaking a master’s in public administration at the University of Montana. Outside of work, Anna enjoys exploring Montana, paddleboarding, snow, and adventures with her 130-pound pup, Banner.
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Cynthia Wood
Cynthia joined Missoula Aging Services in 2014 as Office Manager. She holds 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 before working at MAS. Today, Cynthia is responsible for managing the facility in its entirety so that the MAS building can serve our community for years to come.
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Lisa York
Lisa joined the Missoula Aging Services Finance team in 2021. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Montana as well as an Associate's in Accounting from Missoula College. Before Lisa joined the Agency, she managed a painting business she founded with her husband for over 20 years. Lisa's joys in life are her husband, daughter, dogs and Montana.
In-Home Care Services
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Kelli Atkins
Kelli joined the Missoula Aging Services family in 2023 as a Client Support Specialist. She is a compassionate, experienced caregiver who is diverse in healthcare settings and is known for her excellent client care as a Certified Nurse Assistant of twenty-four years in the state of Montana. When not at work, Kelli enjoys going on many adventures around Montana with her family and German Shepherd.
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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
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Dorene Cook
Dorene joined Missoula Aging Services in 2022 as a Client Support Specialist. She brings several years of experience in caregiving for older adults, helping in all areas to give the best care to those in need. Dorene truly has a passion for helping and caring for others in all aspects of life.
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Lauren Crabtree
As Family Caregiver Support Specialist, Lauren is dedicated to providing compassionate care to older adults and persons with disabilities. Previously Lauren served in the In-Home Support Services program as a Respite Care Provider. She has over a decade of professional caregiving experience. She also has a B.A. degree in Sociology from the University of Montana.
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Michelle Cura
Michelle joined Missoula Aging Services in 2023 as the Home Modification Coordinator. Originally from the East Coast, she spent many years in Miami and NYC. In 2018, Michelle began exploring the West, first residing in Idaho and Albuquerque before discovering the beauty of her new home in Missoula.
Michelle holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Florida International University and spent most of her career working in production and film. While living in Albuquerque, she discovered her passion for carpentry and furniture making and now enjoys utilizing these skills to help our community.
When she's not making the homes of older adults a safer place to live, Michelle loves running, hiking, and conquering as many marathons as possible.
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Megan Fournier
Megan joined MAS in 2018 as a Resource Specialist. In 2022, she transferred to the Care Management team as a Care Manager for Memory Care. Megan graduated from Montana State University with a B.S. in Community Health and a Gerontology certificate. While working with older adults for four years during college, Megan learned her passion lies in connecting quality care to older adults in need and is pleased to be able to serve our community with MAS.
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Christina Hands
Christina first joined Missoula Aging Services as a stipend volunteer in 2021 before joining MAS staff as a Caring Companion on the In-Home Services team in 2024. Christina is thoughtful and dedicated to helping older adults live comfortably in their homes, and MAS is thankful to have her on the team!
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Autumn Holm
Autumn first joined Missoula Aging Services as a social work practicum student, then as a Resource Specialist and Ombudsman from 2007-2011. The Agency was delighted to welcome her return as Care Management Program Manager in 2023, following an 11-year career working in various progressive roles with the HCBS Medicaid Waiver program. Autumn completed her undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of Montana, with a gerontology fellowship and brings a combined 16 years of experience in program management and working with older adults. In her free time she enjoys running, snowboarding, and is learning to fly fish.
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Nancy Kral
Nancy has worked with older adults and people with disabilities in different capacities since 2009. She joined the MAS In-Home Services team in 2014 as a Caregiver. Prior to her current role as In-Home Services Supervisor, she worked as a Volunteer Coordinator and as the Caring Companion Program Coordinator. She currently supervises the In-Home Support Services and Caring Companion Programs. Nancy and her team of volunteers and staff understand the challenges people face in trying to meet basic and social needs at home. They are dedicated to supporting older adults by providing the care and services needed to help retain their independence and well-being as they age.
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Chris Larson
Chris joined Missoula Aging Services in 2022 as Veteran Directed Care Coordinator. Originally from Billings, Chris went on to the University of Montana where he obtained a BA in Psychology in 2014. He previously worked for the State of Montana as a Social Worker for both Child and Family Services and Adult Protective Services. Chris knows the challenges that people sometimes face when they are trying to meet their basic needs, and he is motivated and excited to help support the Missoula community with MAS.
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Andy Ostrowski
Andy joined MAS as a Client Support Specialist in 2022. Originally from the Chicago area, Andy moved to Montana in 1993 and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Montana. Andy brings over twenty years of experience serving adults with disabilities and is thrilled to be able to be part of the Care Management team.
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Marion Yates
Marion first joined Missoula Aging Services as a stipend volunteer in 2021 before joining the MAS staff as a Caring Companion on the In-Home Services team in 2024. As a former surgery nurse for over 25 years, caregiving has always come naturally to Marion, and her passion for helping people remains today. One of Marion’s favorite ways to remain healthy and active in our community has been through teaching line dancing for the past 30 years and can still be found teaching a class at the Senior Center on Mondays.
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Jill Ziessler
Jill joined Missoula Aging Services in 2021 as a Care Manager. Jill has a Bachelor’s in Social Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Montana. Before coming to MAS, she worked with older adults in mental health and hospice, as well as assisting those experiencing domestic violence. When not at work connecting quality care to older adults in need, Jill enjoys painting, reading and spending time with family.
(406)728-7682 | jziessler@missoulaagingservices.org
Resource Center
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Joan Bartkowski
Joan 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
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Corey Bressler
Corey joined Missoula Aging Services as the Education Program Supervisor in 2023. In 2024, Corey was named Community Services Supervisor to oversee the Volunteer Services and Education Programs. Corey is a UM Health and Human Performance graduate with a focus on Community Health. She brings over six years of program and outreach experience to the Agency and works directly with the education and volunteer teams to fulfill our organization’s educational and outreach needs. Corey is passionate about working with older adults and is excited to be on the MAS team. When not at work, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, swimming, and spending time with her two dogs and her husband.
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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.
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Chris Hightower
Chris joined MAS as a Resource Specialist in 2022 before being promoted to Resource Center Team Lead in 2024. Chris is a UM Social Work graduate with a minor in Gerontology and completed his practicum at The Village Health and Rehabilitation in the social services department. Previously, Chris worked as a Personal Care Assistant under the Veteran Directed Care program, where he gained firsthand experience in caregiving. Chris is passionate about working with older adults and people with disabilities in Missoula and its surrounding communities. When not working, he enjoys hiking, running, disc golfing, and spending time with family and friends.
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Renee Labrie-Shanks
Renee 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.
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Jessie Lundberg
Jessie joined Missoula Aging Service in 2024 as a Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman, after over 20 years as a consumer protection attorney and social worker. A Montana native, Jessie obtained her social work degree at the University of Montana in 2003 and her J.D. at the UM School of Law in 2008. Jessie is passionate about helping people from all walks of life protect their legal rights and dignity. At home, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two energetic daughters, rearranging her 100+ houseplants, and singing and playing old country songs on her guitar.
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Kristin Mason
Kristin joined the staff at Missoula Aging Services in 2022 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. Kristin attended North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Spokane Falls Community College where she earned her CNA certificate and worked towards a degree in Social Services. Kristin has a background in home health and caregiving in long-term care environments and is thrilled to be able to provide our services to the Seeley community.
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Lucian Newman
Lucian joined Missoula Aging Services in 2023 as a Resource Specialist. He discovered his passion for working with older adults in 2021 and has enjoyed this line of work ever since. Before having the opportunity to serve the community with MAS, Lucian worked at senior living residences in a variety of roles. When not connecting older adults with resources and services in our community, he enjoys playing video games and being pestered by his cat, Bagel Bite.
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Noah Paulson
Noah joined the Resource Center team as a Resource Specialist in 2024. Noah recently graduated from the University of Montana with a BA in Psychology, with a minor in Human and Family Development, and has experience working with older adults at a senior living facility. When not serving the community, he enjoys going to Griz games, hiking and backpacking in the Montana wilderness, floating the river, and settling down with a good book.
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Mandy Petersen
Mandy joined the Education Program Team in 2022 as the Falls Prevention Facilitator, delivering Maine Health’s evidence based program, A Matter of Balance, to Missoula and the surrounding areas. She has over 15 years of experience in program delivery and fitness/wellness improvements for seniors. Mandy holds a degree in Recreation Management and is a certified Personal Trainer with the American Council of Exercise. She looks forward to sharing her excitement for aging well and increasing the health span of the maturing population. When not working, Mandy enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, paddleboarding and skinning and is always up for a workout.
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Theresa Ragsdale
Theresa has devoted her professional life to helping individuals and families navigate and access essential community programs and services. By listening with intent, asking deeper questions, and fostering authentic communication, Theresa creates a positive impact on the community, especially for those facing complex situations. This unwavering commitment to community and advocacy reflects a true passion for enhancing lives through resource accessibility and informed decision-making. Equipped with dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Business Administration, Theresa has developed a strong dedication to resource referral management all while fostering a collaborative and positive work environment. She is certified as a State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselor, Community Resource Specialist - Aging/Disabilities (CRS- A/D), and Certified Call Center Manager (CCCM).
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Alexandra Stroud
Alexandra joined Missoula Aging Services as a Resource Specialist in 2024. She graduated from the University of Montana with a BA in Anthropology and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, which helped hone her passion for helping people into action. When not at work, Alexandra enjoys roller derby, helps coach the junior roller derby team, and spends time reading, climbing, and hiking.
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Kyle Wood
Kyle joined the Missoula Aging Services team in 2024 as a Resource Specialist. Kyle grew up in Great Falls, MT, and worked serving adults with disabilities here in Missoula for a decade, providing direct care, medical care coordination, and employment training and experience to the individuals he helped to serve. When he isn’t working to serve MAS clients, Kyle finds joy in his artistic pursuits, cooking, winemaking, and spending time with his fiancé, lizard, and three cats.
Nutrition and Volunteer Services
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Kristina Degele
Kristina joined Missoula Aging Services in 2021 following a nine-year career as a middle school Special Education Paraprofessional in Bonner. She brings with her a passion for teamwork and a willingness to assist anyone in need. When not working, Kristina enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her five amazing dogs.
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Judy Douglas
Judy began working at Missoula Aging Services in 2015 as a 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. Judy works with many volunteer-based organizations by recruiting and referring volunteers, conducting volunteer management consultations and training, and supporting community-wide collaborations during volunteer service days.
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Adrienne Hopkins
Adrienne Hopkins joined the staff at Missoula Aging Services in 2016 as a Volunteer Coordinator. She develops new volunteer programs and manages volunteers in the Cleanup Crew and Confident Rider Programs. She also coordinates volunteers for MAS and our community partner organizations.
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James Gleixner
James joined Missoula Aging Services in 2021 as a Care Manager before transitioning to the Nutrition Program Specialist position in 2024. Originally from the Midwest, James went on to Northern Arizona University where he obtained a BA in Sociology and minor in Psychology in 2017. Although James enjoys working with people of all ages and abilities, his favorite is connecting with and providing care for older adults in the community. When not at work serving MAS clients, James enjoys skiing, hiking and frisbee golf.
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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.
