Meet the CO-OP Staff

Brian King holds an MS degree in Applied Psychology from Montana State University. Brian serves as the associate director for CO-OP. Mr. King has 20+ years’ experience working with American Indian Tribes, managing grants and supervising projects. Brian and his family are enrolled members of the Blackfeet Tribe and enjoy participating in their cultural customs and traditions.

Stephanie Kern is an educator and advisor who has spent the past 22 years helping students reach their academic and career goals. Stephanie has designed and taught a wide variety of educational programs and curricula in a number of settings - from camps and community programs, to K-12, post-secondary, adult education and special education classrooms, including teaching a Learning Strategies course at Montana State University. Stephanie has also enjoyed advising secondary and post-secondary students on academic and career issues over the past decade.  She holds a Master of Education degree from Montana State University and Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern College.  Stephanie was born and raised near Valier, Montana and has a deep appreciation for the land and culture in Montana.  She enjoys camping, hiking and spending time with her family. Stephanie is a direct descendent of the Creek/Cherokee Tribal Nations.

Grace Gauthier is the administrative assistant for the Caring for Our Own Program.  She is currently studying equine science at MSU and started her freshman year in the fall of 2017. She is originally from New Hampshire where she spent her time riding horses and playing softball. Although this is her first time being away from home, she has absolutely fallen in love with Montana.  She hopes to get into research trying to improve horses lives once she graduates from MSU.