Meet the Staff

Kaleena is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent and started work with the Madison Jefferson County Extension office in February of 2019. Since moving to Butte from New York state in 2011, Kaleena has served as an AmeriCorps member, worked for the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), and most recently, worked for the Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO). She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Economics and Management from the University of Rhode Island and a Master's Degree in Environmental Policy from Bard College.  Kaleena lives with her husband Dave in Butte and in her free time, you can find her doing something active such as hiking, skiing, or playing volleyball. She also enjoys the challenge of gardening in Butte's short growing season.

Merissa is the 4-H Youth Development Agent and began working with the Madison Jefferson County Extension office in May of 2023. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Agribusiness from Abilene Christian University and a Master's Degree in Agriculture and graduate certificates in Sustainable Agriculture and Project Management from Washington State University. Merissa grew up in the forested foothills of Mt Rainier where she participated in 4-H with an alpaca named Chilivio.  She has spent time working on ranches in Texas, lessons barns in Washington, a goat dairy in Tennessee, and a brief period in Forli, Italy teaching English. In her spare time, she can be found playing music, crafting, reading, and exploring the great State of Montana and beyond.