Staff
Missoula Aging Services is thankful to have a team of more than 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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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.
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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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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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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 Strekal 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. 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
Nutrition
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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.
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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.
Administration
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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.
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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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Helen Hanson
Helen provides support to Missoula Aging Services as a Dev/Com Assistant and Administrative Assistant to the Agency. Her journey with MAS first began as a volunteer from 2015 through 2019. In 2021, Helen joined the Agency as a Call Center Specialist before moving into her current role in 2022. A graduate of Boston University, Helen is a collage artist, a book author, and has worked for many years in film, stage, and television as both an actor and writer. When not at work, Helen enjoys hiking local trails and cycling.
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Jen Ryan Hickes
Jen Hickes joined Missoula Aging Services in 2020. Her background in design, marketing, event planning and community service makes her a great fit for the MAS team. As Marketing Manager, she enhances Missoula Aging Services community outreach so we may improve the overall well-being of local older adults. Jen earned her BFA 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.
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Jennifer Schultz
Jennifer joined Missoula Aging Services as Communications Coordinator in 2021. In 2022, Jennifer joined the HR team and now divides her time between departments. She has a BA in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Montana. Jennifer brings over 15 years of experience in copywriting and editing for a national corporation and has served as Vice-Chair of the Lolo Community Council since 2016. She understands the importance of community outreach and messaging, and is excited to put her skills to work for MAS. 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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Melissa Thompson
Melissa joined Missoula Aging Services in 2021 as the Customer Service Manager. A University of Montana graduate with a BA in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology and Rural and Environmental Change, Melissa also brings 17 years of experience in local social and human services and management. She is a staunch advocate for those in need, especially with marginalized and vulnerable populations in our community. When Melissa takes time for herself, she enjoys to read, listen to music, be outdoors and she adores all animals big and small.
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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 Personal Care Assistant. She is a compassionate, experienced caregiver who is diverse in healthcare settings and is known for her excellent client care as a Certified Nurses 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 Personal Care Assistant. 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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Colleen Devlin
Colleen joined Missoula Aging Services in 2021 as a Personal Care Assistant. Prior to this position, Colleen served as a Senior Companion for several years. She received additional training for caregivers through the MSU Extension Center & the Powerful Tools for Caregivers course as well as Hospice Volunteer Training.
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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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Emily Foxton
Emily joined the Care Management team in 2022. Prior to working at MAS, she completed her BA in Sociology at the University of Notre Dame, and is currently finishing her Masters in Social Work online through the University of Oklahoma. Born and raised in Central Ohio, Emily has called Missoula home since early summer, 2021. When not at work, Emily can found skiing, hiking, snuggling her cat Crouton, or enjoying her newest hobby, sewing. Emily is passionate about serving those in need and is eager to make a difference in the lives of older adults in Missoula County as a member of the Care Management team.
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James Gleixner
James joined Missoula Aging Services in 2021 as a Care Manager. 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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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 12 years working with at-risk youth in the foster care system in Missoula, and five years managing group homes. In his role as Care Management Program Manager at Missoula Aging Services, he continues 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.
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Chris Larson
Chris Larson 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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Ramey Meinzen
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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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Lenna Pocklington
Lenna joined Missoula Aging Services as In-Home Support Services Supervisor in 2021. Her passion for helping those in need has steered her career throughout the years. Lenna's journey began as a PCA and progressed into a supervisory role for Family Outreach, a non-profit agency in Helena. Her hard work, dedication, and expertise in the field of in-home care and support has been instrumental in providing quality services to clients of MAS. When not at work, Lenna enjoys watching football, hanging out with her daughters, and listening to music.
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Andrew Vipperman
Andrew joined Missoula Aging Services in 2021. Prior to his current position at the agency as Home Modification Coordinator, Andrew worked in mental health for 9 years where he ran a crisis center and volunteered with the suicide hotline. He has years of experience doing home remodeling and repairs, and enjoys being able to put those skills to use to make the homes of older adults in our community a safer place to live. When all the hard work is done at the end of the day, Andrew loves to snowboard and play disc golf.
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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 Assistant 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.
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Jill Ziessler
Jill Ziessler 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 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
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Clint Chrestenson
Clint joined MAS as a Call Center Specialist in 2022. He is a Missoula native who recently returned after two decades living in Idaho. Before joining the Agency, Clint worked primarily in financial analysis and financial services. While living in Boise, he volunteered for several non-profit organizations including A.L.P.H.A. and Paint the Town. When not at work, he enjoys service work, his project cars, running, and spending time with friends and family.
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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 Resource Center Manager. 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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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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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.
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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
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Jonathan Hedditch
Jonathan joined Missoula Aging Services in July 2022 following many years of working with AIDS services organizations and other non-profits in Portland, OR. He believes it is a privilege to be of service in the community and advocating for the MAS mission is a unique opportunity to do so. Jonathan attended the University of Montana earning degrees in English Literature and Creative Writing. When not at work, he can be found running on local trails.
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Chris Hightower
Chris joined MAS as a Resource Specialist in 2022. Chris is a UM Social Work graduate with a minor in Gerontology. He completed his practicum at The Village Health and Rehabilitation in the social services department. He has worked as a Personal Care Assistant under the Veteran Directed Care program where he gained firsthand experience in caregiving. He 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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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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
As Complex Case Resource Specialist, Theresa Ragsdale 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.
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Michael Ryan
Michael joined Missoula Aging Services in 2021 as a Customer Service Representative. He brings 6 years of experience working for an in-home healthcare company that taught him the importance of people being able to stay in their homes while receiving the assistance they need. Michael has dedicated the past two years helping older adults at The Village Senior Residence providing compassionate care, and continues to work there on weekends as needed. He has over thirty years of customer service experience and is committed to bringing the best service possible to our clients every day.
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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.
Volunteer Services
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Judy Douglas
Judy Douglas 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 places Volunteer Grandparents with site supervisors throughout Missoula County and also provides pre-service orientation and monthly trainings to our Volunteer Companions and Volunteer Grandparents. Adrienne additionally handles social media outreach for volunteers at Missoula Aging Services.
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Nancy Kral
Nancy joined the Respite & Homemaking Services team in 2014. In addition to providing respite care, Nancy supervises Volunteer 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.
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Ria Overholt
Ria Overholt is the Volunteer Services Program Manager for Missoula Aging Services. In this role, Ria manages and organizes the volunteer programs available at MAS – including the Volunteer Companion and Volunteer Grandparent programs. 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).
