EHHD Student & Alumni Ambassadors
College of Education, Health & Human Development (EHHD) Student & Alumni Ambassadors
Are you a prospective or current College of EHHD student looking to connect with someone who knows your degree program inside and out? You've come to the right place! Our Student & Alumni Ambassadors want to connect with YOU to answer questions, share their experiences, offer guidance, and more. We encourage you to browse our ambassadors' bios, watch their videos below, and reach out!
Are you interested in becoming an EHHD Student & Alumni Ambassador?
We'd love to hear from you! Please contact Sky Wernik at [email protected] for more information about this program.
Undergraduate Programs
Ambassador: Kathryn Fontana, [email protected]
- 2020 - Bachelor of Science in Community Health
Hi my name is Kathryn Fontana. I recently graduated last May of 2020. I have a B.S degree in Community Health. For most of my time at MSU I was traveling from Helena to Bozeman to complete my course work. I have enjoyed meeting students and staff.
Early Childhood Education P-3
We are searching for ambassadors! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Elementary Education
- 1977 BS in Elementary Education
- 1978 Library K-12
- 2000 Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, K-12 Administration Endorsement
I taught every grade K-12 with the exception of 5th grade. I have taught in the regular classroom, music, and been a librarian for K-4, K-12, and 7-12. I worked for the Golden Triangle Curriculum cooperative as the assistant director in charge of technology integration. I was the curriculum and assessment administrator in Helena along with administering the Title and CTE programs for that district. I have also been an adjunct professor at MSU. After retiring, I worked remotely for the state in the assessment division, leading the formative assessment component of SBAC.
Currently, I serve as the Madison County Superintendent of Schools. I have worked with/in an independent elementary school, a class C K-12 school, a class B school, and a AA school district. My plethora of experience is key to my being of assistance to those students wishing to enter our amazing profession.
Ambassador: Ryan Foley, [email protected]
- 2006 Elementary Education
- 2012 Montana State University Graduate Degree MSSE
- 2019 Montana State University National Board Certified Teacher Early Adolescent Mathematics
12 years of experience teaching. A Great Falls, Montana native, now living in Spokane, Washington. I have experience in both upper elementary as well as middle school. I’ve taught in three states: Idaho, Montana, and Washington.
Building culture and engaging students are some of my strengths. I dig when teachers are motivated to improve their craft outside of traditional methods. I’m not a fan of the “I do, we do, you do teaching method”. I love piquing students' curiosity, teaching through rich tasks, and developing problem solvers- not memorizers. Effort is king and the ability to fail is a must.
I love my family (wife and two young boys), running, skiing, and fly fishing. I am also a co-host for the R&R Cat Cast- a podcast dedicated to Montana State athletics.
Food and Nutrition
- 2013 BS Food and Nutrition
- 2014 Montana Dietetic Internship
Hello! My name is Skye and I have been working as an RD for 5 years 6 years now for
oneHealth in Miles City, Montana. I did my internship with public health as they were
merging with our local community health center into oneHealth. I have worked in many
unique areas and positions building up my role in the organization. I do a little
bit of everything from outpatient consults, WIC director, lactation counselor, marketing
and outreach, and home visiting for ages 0-5 and pregnant mothers.
During my time at oneHealth, I have also worked with several classes of MDI interns
and have sat on the committee to select intern classes, evaluating applications.
I have a strong passion for pregnant mothers, breastfeeding advocacy, and nutrition
education for children. I also love advocating for what my organization does for a
community and the importance of public health and community health centers.
Montana is my home and I have been born and raised on the East side of the state and
am currently raising my son and daughter here. I believe there is so much beauty in
Eastern Montana and the people are strong and passionate about their way of life.
I love to help feed that and encourage small changes to a healthy lifestyle.
I love nothing more then to share my passions and would love to help future dietitians
find theirs and discuss the pathways outside of clinical that an RD can take and how
to build your own perfect role in an organization and community.
General Science Broadfield
We are searching for ambassadors! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Gerontology Certificate
We are searching for ambassadors! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Health Enhancement K-12
- 1989 BS in Mathematics, teaching option
- Physical Education minor
Michelle Bigler is enthusiastic and passionate about everything involved with teaching and learning. She graduated from Montana State University in 1989 with a mathematics degree, teaching option, and a minor in physical education. The strong initial teacher education Michelle received at MSU enabled her to begin her career in education at an Alternative High School in Colorado. With a desire to individualize her student's mathematics instruction, Michelle began to embed technology into her lessons in a variety of ways. Utilizing innovative instructional practices quickly caught the eye of district leadership which led to Michelle's roles as a technology integration professional development trainer for two districts. Earning a master's degree in Educational Leadership drew Michelle into an elementary principal role where she started each day with more than 300 hugs doing bus duty. Seeing children's growth that was fostered by dedicated and professional educators is one of the greatest joys of her career. Continuing to challenge herself, Michelle is now an instructor for initial teacher education for undergraduate and graduate programs concurrent with doctoral studies in the Education, Equity, and Transformation program. Her research interests involve student/family co-learning and intergenerational learning, using technology to enhance instruction, STEM education, and initial teacher education.
Michelle shares her time with her partner of 32 years, three adult children, a puppy, and a love for everything outdoors. You can often find Michelle gardening, hiking, skiing, or enjoying time on the patio. Michelle is excited to be part of the Alumni Ambassador program within MSU's College of Education, Health, and Human Development as working with aspiring and in-service teachers brings her joy and rejuvenation. She looks forward to meeting and mentoring current MSU students!
Hospitality Management
Ambassador: Sydney Martinez, [email protected]
- Current student in the Hospitality Management - Lodging and Facilities program
My name is Sydney Martinez and I am an undergraduate in the Hospitality Management program at MSU. I am originally from Billings, Montana. I am currently working as an event planner for the College of EHHD. We can chat over email, virtual calls or in person (if local). I would love to talk and answer any questions that you may have!
Human Development and Family Science
Ambassador: Erica Chapin, [email protected]
- 2004 - Health and Human Development, Family and Consumer Sciences teaching program
Greetings! My name is Erica Chapin, and I'm thrilled to say this is my 13th year teaching high school Living Skills. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Development with a focus on Family and Consumer Sciences in 2004 and received my teaching credential in 2005. I also have a credential in Mild/ Moderate Special Education. I grew up in Santa Rosa, California, and teach at Sonoma Valley High School, Sonoma Ca. I taught for 2 years at a non-public school in Santa Rosa, CA. Currently, I live in Santa Rosa with my husband and three kids. I am teaching 100% of my classes online right now Distance Learning and will be for the unforeseeable future. I love to read, travel, spend time outside, and often find my way back to Montana and MSU to visit.
Kinesiology
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Leadership Fellows Certificate
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
LIFE Scholars Program
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Social Studies Broadfield
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Graduate Programs
Addiction Counseling Certificate
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Adult & Higher Education
- Current student in Adult & Higher Education PhD program
Hi! My name is Sky and I'm currently enrolled in the Adult & Higher Education PhD program. I completed the MEd - Higher Education option in 2021 and College Teaching Certificate in 2019. Outside of school, I serve as the Assistant to the Dean for the College of Education, Health & Human Development. I'm eager to connect by email, phone, or WebEx with anyone who is interested in the Adult & Higher Education program.
College Teaching Certificate
- 2019 - College Teaching Certificate
Hi! My name is Sky and I completed the College Teaching Certificate program in 2019. I completed the MEd - Higher Education option in 2021 and am currently enrolled in the Adult & Higher Education PhD program. Outside of school, I serve as the Assistant to the Dean for the College of Education, Health & Human Development. I'm eager to connect by email, phone, or WebEx with anyone who is interested in the College Teaching Certificate program.
Community Health
Hi, my name is Ume Odum, and I'm in the Master of Science in Community Health program at MSU. I'm from Nigeria and moved to Bozeman in 2023 to begin my graduate studies. Although I have a Bachelor of Science in public health, my passion in preventing disease, promoting health, and protecting my community from infections, warranted the expansion of my knowledge and skills in public health; MSU was the right school for me to achieve this goal. I also work as a graduate assistant alongside my studies which has provided me with great opportunity as a graduate student. As a first-generation college student, I have found much value in connecting with mentors at MSU. I'm happy to chat with you by email, over the phone, or a virtual call--whichever feels most comfortable for you. I look forward to hearing from you!
Counseling
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Curriculum & Instruction
Ambassador: Jenny Combs, [email protected]
- 1994 BA in English and Math Education
- 1997 Masters in Curriculum and Instruction
Jenny is the executive director of the Alliance for Curriculum Enhancement, Montana's leader in curriculum and professional development. She was raised and started teaching in rural Montana and has been working professionally in education for over 25 years. Jenny taught 7-12 math and English and a finalist for the Montana Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics. Jenny also has worked at the international and national level for a non-profit specializing in teacher induction, instructional coaching, and online content specific mentoring.
The revolving door of teachers she experienced as both a student and teacher made her driven to make sure that every school leader and the teacher feels supported.
Jenny knows that we can do better for our students by challenging our long-held traditions about grading and reporting. She is committed to having the courage and expertise to support Montana schools shift to research-based instruction, assessment, and grading.
Dietetic Systems Leadership
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Educational Leadership
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Exercise & Nutrition Sciences
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Family & Consumer Sciences
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Family Financial Planning
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Human Development & Family Science
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Indigenous & Rural Health
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Library Media Certificate
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Master of Arts in Teaching
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Mental Health Support Certificate
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Montana Dietetic Internship
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
School Superintendent Certificate
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Sustainable Food Systems
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
Teacher Leadership Certificate
We are searching for advocates! Please contact Sky at [email protected] for more information.
