EHHD Student & Alumni Ambassadors

I have worked with at-risk teens and special needs for 40 years. I have worked in housing projects in Indianapolis, JV group homes and taught in Belgrade and Roundup,Mt, Las Vegas, Houston, Indianapolis, Nashville, Greenwood, and Trafalgher, IN and in Charters schools.

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.

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!

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 the student and staff.

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.

Originally from Sidney, MT. Attended Concordia College Freshman year. Teaching experience: Sunburst MT, 1965-66, Libby,Mt. 1966-69, West High School Billings, MT 1985 & 1986, substitute teaching 1969 - 1987, Adult Ed. classes 1965 - 1988.
Began career with MSU/Yellowstone Co. as the Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent in 1988 and continued position for 25 years.
IMember of professional organizations, Montana & National Association of Family & Consumer Sciences and Montana and National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences and Home Economists in Business. Served in leadership positions in each organization.

I have been the recipient of many professional awards.

Currently write a bi-weekly recipe column carried in all Lee newspapers.

Volunteer Involvement in many community and professional groups and organizations.:
Marital status: Married 1967 in Libby, Widowed 1977
Children: Trumaine living in Seattle, WA. artist and Tiffiny living in Billings, Assistatnt VP in Technology for Wells Fargo -- Motther to 2 children 13 yrs and 10 yrs.