Montana School Nutrition Association
"Montana School Nutrition Association is dedicated to protecting and enhancing
children's health and well-being through school meals and sound nutrition education."
Register for Conference
June 19-21, 2017
Billings, MT @ Red Lion Convention Center
Conference Registration Newsletter
June 19-21, 2017
Billings, MT @ Red Lion Convention Center
Conference Registration Newsletter
Speaker Bios
Drew Alpers has been in the foodservice business for 47 years. He started his career in 1970 growing up in the kitchen. He remained in the back of the house working anywhere from truck stops, fast food restaurants, family diners, to executive chef for some very large hotels until 1985. Drew has been working for Sysco Montana almost 28 years. He has never forgot the hard work and dedication needed to work in the foodservice industry. He started with Sysco in 1990 as a sales rep in Wyoming. He then moved to North Dakota as a District Sales Manager. In 1993, he moved his family to Billings to pursue a career as a product specialist.In 1998, Drew became a proctor for the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation as a ServSafe instructor representing Sysco Montana through 2009. His career took him into the Bakken oil boom of North Dakota from 2009 to 2015 as a Program Account Manager. Drew’s current position as a Business Resource Consultant allows him to help the independent restaurant work on their business in an effort to help them spend less time in it.
Tessa Bailly, RDN is from Wibaux, MT. She graduated from Montana State University-Bozeman in 2006 with a degree in Food and Nutrition and went on to complete a dietetic internship at Idaho State University in Boise, ID. Upon receiving her Registered Dietitian’s license she moved to Havre, MT where she worked for Northern Montana Hospital for a short time before taking the role of Hill County WIC Director. After 4 years in Havre, Tessa and her husband moved to Helena, MT. She worked with the State WIC office for 2 years before taking time off to be home with her two sons. In September of 2014 stepped into the role of USDA Foods Distribution Manager for OPI. She can be reached at 406-444-4412 or at tbailly@mt.gov.
Katie Bark, RDN is the Project Director for the Montana Team Nutrition Program for Office of Public Instruction. Team Nutrition coordinates statewide training activities to support school districts in creating healthy school nutrition environments. A major focus of her work is directed towards training school food service professionals in serving healthy and nutritious meals as well as offering healthful a la carte items. In order to accomplish this, she and her colleagues provide support for the HealthierUS and Healthier Montana Menu Challenge award programs. Her position also allows her to assist educators, school nurses, coaches, parents and community members with nutrition education efforts directed to school-aged children. Recently with more emphasis on creating healthy school nutrition environments, she is working with school staff, parents and community members in making policy and program changes to improve the food and beverage offerings throughout the school setting. She can be contacted at 406-994-5641 or at kbark@mt.gov.
Brittany Bennett, RDN attended Colorado State University and the University of Wyoming where she received her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics in 2008. She completed her dietetic internship at the University Of South Dakota Sanford School Of Medicine in 2010. For five years after receiving her RD, she was a clinical dietitian with a focus in diabetes education, weight management, and hospital inpatient nutrition. In 2014 she began her journey in school nutrition - working as the Registered Dietitian for Bozeman Public Schools.
Michele Brunson, is a native Montanan and University of Montana graduate with a degree in Interpersonal Communications. Michele has been working in the school food service industry for two years as the Food Service Director at Lone Rock School. Before working in food service Michele was in retail management, sales, and customer service. Michele owns here own handcrafted natural soap and body care business, as well. Michele is an active volunteer with the School's PTM, her passion is working and serving the community and kids. Michele is energetic, positive, loves her work, and likes to talk. Michele can be reached at 406-777-3314, ext 213 or at mbrunson@lonerockschool.org.
Harry Cheff, Risk Manager BS, MS, CSRM Harry worked in public education for 26 years. He taught for 14 years, was an elementary principal for 6 years and superintendent for 6 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Montana State University. After retiring from public education, Harry went to work for the Montana School Boards Associations workers’ compensation program, the MSGIA-WCRRP. Initially, Harry was hired at a Membership Services Coordinator for the MSGIA. Upon completing the Certified School Risk Manager program through National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research, Harry currently serves as a school risk manager.
Linda Cleatus AmeriCorps and School Breakfast Program Manager, Montana No Kid Hungry
Emily Dunklee is a School Nutrition Programs Specialist at the Office of Public Instruction. She enjoys visiting Montana kitchens and working to ensure kids across Montana have access to affordable, nutritious, and delicious school meals. She can be reached at 406-461-9917 or at edunklee@mt.gov.
Jayne Elwess is the School Nutrition Director for The Montana City Schools located just outside of Helena. She has over 40 years of dietary experience with 20 of those years spent in School Nutrition. Jayne takes pride in her job and is continually working to improve student participation and satisfaction. Jayne is very active in the Montana School Nutrition Association and has served three terms as MTSNA’s President. She is currently serving her fourth. In 1995, she was the first recipient of the MTSNA Silver Spoon Award and was also the “Louise Sublette” Award Winner for the state of Montana.
Jill Griffin, RDN is a School Nutrition Program Specialist/Menu Analyst in Helena, MT. She has a life-long reputation among family, friends, and colleagues as someone who loves to eat and will most likely be found raiding the fridge, hovering over the stove, or in the cookbook aisle of any bookstore or library. She has a BS in Dietetics and BA in French from the University of Northern Colorado. She went on to complete her Dietetic Internship at Central Michigan University which included some graduate courses in Nutrition and Dietetics. Jill has been a Registered Dietitian for 7 years. She has a special interest in utilizing her nutrition knowledge to help ensure that everyone, no matter their income, has access to healthy meals. Jill can be reached at 406-444-3574 or at jgriffin3@mt.gov.
Billi Grossman, RDN had a successful 20-year career in Sales and Marketing before entering the Nutrition field. She became a Registered Dietitian in 1998, graduating from University of California, Davis and completing her Dietetic Internship at UC Berkeley, School of Public Health. Billi’s experience encompasses clinical environments, food service, and management. She was Nutrition Services Director for the Meals on Wheels and Senior Nutrition programs in Marin County CA for 3 years, then worked for Marin General Hospital for 5 years, a 265-bed acute care Hospital, managing the Nutrition Services Department, a staff of 47 clinical dietitians and food service personnel and producing more than 1500 meals each day.mBilli has extensive knowledge of regulatory requirements and processes for healthcare (acute and skilled nursing), elderly nutrition programs, and school nutrition. She is skilled at menu planning and implementation and has excellent familiarity with nutrition analysis software, including Nutrikids. She enjoys teaching and has developed curricula for staff trainings in food service, food production and management skills throughout her career. Billi currently manages a contract with the Bureau of Indian Education for Sysco NM, planning menus, and supporting school food service departments within the BIE and school districts throughout New Mexico and Arizona. She approaches this work with a commitment to service, accessibility and responsiveness. She has developed professional and supportive relationships with food service managers and staff as well as state regulators.
Hope Hale, MS, RD, CD, SNS is an admired professional in food service administration with extensive experience in operations management. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Eastern Washington University and a Master’s from Washington State University. She completed her dietetic internship through Oregon Health Science University and is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is certified as a School Nutrition Specialist and is ServSafe certified. Hope works closely with state, regional, and national child nutrition programs as well as industry to meet the nutrition needs of children. A respected coach, speaker, and mentor, Hope is also a consultant trainer for the Institute of Child Nutrition.
Dayle Hayes is an award-winning author and educator. Her creativity and common-sense have made her a sought-after speaker across the USA. As a parent and member of the School Nutrition Association, Dayle has dedicated decades to making school environments healthy for students and staff. She collected success stories for Making It Happen, a joint CDC-USDA project; wrote a chapter on communicating with students in Managing Child Nutrition Programs: Leadership for Excellence; and co-authored the 2014 Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition Guidance for Healthy Children Ages 2 to 11 Years. In recognition of her professional and volunteer leadership, Dayle has received many honors, including Montana Dietitian of the Year and an ADA Excellence in Consultation and Business Practice Award. In January 2012, she received the Silver FAME Award as a Friend of Child Nutrition and FoodService Director magazine named her as one of their 20 Most Influential. She was honored with a Medallion Award from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Montana School Food Service Professional of the Year in 2013. Dayle will deliver the 2017 Lenna Frances Cooper Lecture at FNCE in Chicago. Hayes served on the ADA Board of Directors where she chaired the Public Initiative Team and Technology Task Force. She also is a past president of the Montana Dietetic Association and Past-Chair of the School Nutrition Services Dietetic Practice Group.
Clay Hickman is the Administrative Assistant for the Office of Public Instruction, School Nutrition Programs. He has a 39 year career as a customer service representative. His current position, with the School Nutrition Programs, has proven to be his most enjoyable customer service position yet. Communicating on a daily basis with the School Nutrition professionals in the office and around this state has helped him to become a passionate advocate of providing healthy and nutritious meals to children. Clay was born and raised in Montana and his favorite activity is anything motorcycle related. He has been riding motorcycles since the age of 10 and has even built motorcycles inside his home during long Montana winters. Clay can be reached at chickman@mt.gov or 406.444.2501.
Neil Johnson, Chef began his culinary career at the age of 13, as a potato peeler at a local burger joint. Feeling at home in the kitchen and finding excitement in the creativity of cooking for his family and friends, he continued his path working his way through every position a restaurant had to offer. After working nearly half his career in the restaurant and banquet arena, then moving on to restaurant management, he has returned to his creative roots as the Corporate Chef for Sysco MT. With literally thousands of food items at his disposal, he now spends his days thinking of new and exciting menu items, and refreshing old favorites. From humble beginnings to professional chef, Chef Neil’s vast experience allows him to be at home in any kitchen.
Brian Jones is the Food Service Director for St. Labre Indian Schools located in Ashland, MT with campuses in Pryor, St Xavier and Lodge Grass, MT. Originally from Oregon, Brian brings his years of management and leadership experience to the field of School Nutrition. Brian served as a mentor at the 2016 Montana School Nutrition Association Conference and this year is featured as a general session speaker. Growing up in Oregon and spending time in Minnesota, Brian is honored to now call Montana his home, serving God's children one meal at a time. Brian can be reached at 406-784-4530 or at bjones@stlabre.org.
Anna LaFountain has been with Sysco Montana for one and half years as the Food Safety Program Manager. She is HACCP and ServSafe certified as well as a Preventative Control Qualified Individual with the FDA. She also holds a Registered Sanitarian License with the State of Montana. Before working for Sysco Montana, Anna was a county Sanitarian for 5 years with RiverStone Health in Yellowstone County. She graduated from Rocky Mountain College with a Bachelors in Biology with a Microbiology focus. She was born and raised in Billings, Montana.
Gracie Long, Food Service Director Highwood, MT. She grew up on Long Island, NY. She attended the University of Montana where she majored in Anthropology. She has worked in Food Service in various positions since she was 14 years old. She has been in the kitchen in Highwood for 12 years, Manager for 11. She farms and ranches with her husband and 2 teenage daughters. She always up for a spontaneous adventure. She also enjoys gardening and reading. Gracie can be reached at glong@highwood.k12.mt.us or at 406-733-2081.
Camille McGoven, RDN moved to Helena in July of 2014 to join the School Nutrition team at OPI as a School Nutrition Specialist. Camille enjoys traveling throughout the beautiful state of Montana to conduct School Nutrition Program Administrative Reviews. She has a BA in Food/Nutrition/Dietetics from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and went on to complete her Dietetic Internship at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, which included some graduate courses in Public Health. Camille has experience ranging from clinical dietetics to community nutrition as a FoodCorps Service Member. She brings with her a deep interest in public health, specifically improving children’s access to healthy food.Camille spends her free time exploring Montana, mountain biking, and cooking and eating a lot of really good Montana-grown food. She can be reached by phone at 406-444-4415 or at cmcgoven@mt.gov.
Ellen Mills is the Food Service Director for the Libby Schools Nutrition program and the Member Chair for the Montana School Nutrition Association. She credits the success of the Libby program to her awesome staff who make it happen every day. Ellen has a bachelor’s degree in Business and holds a level 3 certificate with the School Nutrition Association.
John Morgan started working with Baker Boy in 1983. He began working in their retail donut shops in Helena, Montana. John then moved to Missoula, Montana and managed a donut shop store for Baker Boy. From there John moved to Dickinson, North Dakota where the Baker Boy plant is still located today. John became their first sales representative to travel full time on the road in the area and sell Baker Boy’s frozen dough products to both foodservice and retail distributors. John lived in Dickinson for about eight years and then transferred to Fargo. He continued to perform the sales representative position and lived in Fargo for 10 years. In 2006 John took another job transfer to Post Falls, Idaho. He still continues to sell Baker Boy products to customers and distributors along with conducting product trainings and in-services.
Teresa Motlas, MS, RDN is the Assistant Director of OPI School Nutrition Programs. As the daughter of a dry bean farmer and a Registered Dietitian by trade, she has a desire to see others live well through better access to healthy food! Usually behind the scenes (reading USDA regulations), she continues to teach in group settings and is available to answer questions at tmotlas@mt.gov or 406-444-3532.
Patrice O’Loughlin is the Director of School Nutrition in Hardin, Montana. She has worked in School Nutrition for six years and the food industry for nearly forty years. Patrice was born and raised in Billings and is blessed with four children and three grandchildren. She returned to college at age forty and obtained degrees in psychology, communications and English writing from Rocky Mountain College. Patrice enjoys, hiking, fishing, gardening and other outdoor activities. She is passionate about her career in School Nutrition and helping others prosper. Patrice is available at 406.665.5412 or patrice.oloughlin@hardin.k12.mt.us
OPI School Nutrition Specialists See entries for Teresa Motlas, Emily Dunklee, Tara Ray, Camille McGoven, Jill Griffin.
Tara Ray, RDN is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Nutritionist from Darby, MT. She has worked for School Nutrition Programs in Montana since August 2012. She is based out of Bozeman, MT where she works closely with Montana Team Nutrition. Tara enjoys visiting new parts of her home state and meeting the wonderful people who prepare and serve meals to Montana students every day. Tara is also an active member with the Montana School Nutrition Association. She can be reached at 406-431-2920 or at tray@mt.gov.
Aubree Roth serves as Child Nutrition Education/Farm to School Coordinator with the Montana Team Nutrition Program. She is the Montana State Lead for the National Farm to School Network. Aubree supports schools in the purchase of farm fresh foods and the implementation of nutrition education opportunities such as taste-testing, school gardens, and farm field trips. She is a graduate of the Sustainable Food Systems Master’s program at Montana State University and has completed the USDA Local Procurement Train-the-Trainer course. Aubree has attended Produce Safety University.
Annette Satterly Risk Manager, MS, CRM, CIC, CPSI Annette has 19 years of workers compensation insurance industry experience, the last 16 being with Montana’s self-insured group for public schools, the MSGIA-WCRRP. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Science and Engineering, and a Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene from Montana Tech. Annette is and accredited asbestos inspector and management planner and is a certified instructor for the American Red Cross. She also holds her certification as a Certified Risk Manager, a Certified Insurance Counselor and as a Certified Playground Safety Inspector.
Mallory Stefan works as the FoodCorps Montana Fellow in Butte, MT at the National Center for Appropriate Technology headquarters. As the fellow, she provides guidance and supports service members, assists with program implementation, builds capacity for FoodCorps and farm to school statewide programming, and plans and facilitates statewide and regional trainings.
Molly Stenberg, RDN is a Registered Dietitian and an Education Training Coordinator for the Montana Team Nutrition Program. Molly has worked with school food service staff, school administrators, teachers, parents, child care providers and children in promoting healthy lifestyles, healthy school environments, school wellness policies and food safety. She loves her job and the opportunity to work with a variety of people around the state. She is the parent of 3 school-aged children and strives to put a fun, positive and realistic spin on health and nutrition education. She can be reached by phone at 406-994-7217 or at stenberg@montana.edu.
Dave Thomas is the School Foods Director at Darby schools in Darby, MT originally from the Washington Puget Sound area. This year is his first year as a School Foods Director. Dave thinks that being a Food Service Director is the best job ever! Dave also loves that fact that he gets to make a difference in school age children's lives by feeding them good healthy, nutritional meals on a daily basis. Dave can be contacted at 406-493-5004 or at thomasd@darby.k12.mt.us.
Melinda C. Tilton, MA, University Lecturer, Montana State University Billings, Department of Communication (1990-present), Independent Communication and Trial Consultant. Communication and leadership trainer for organizations, including the Montana Bar Association, Billings Fire Department, Hospice, and KOA. Melinda's areas of expertise include public speaking, group dynamics, interpersonal, and intercultural communication. Ms. Tilton is the recipient of the University of Montana, Advanced Trial Advocacy Distinguished Faculty Award, 1999, 2001; MSU-Billings Faculty Excellence Award, 2009; Students of MSU-Billings, Outstanding Faculty Award, 2012-2013; 2016-2917, MSU-Billings Faculty Excellence Award for Promoting International Student Success, 2015.
Elizabeth Weaver is the SNAP Outreach Coordinator at the Montana Food Bank Network, Inc. She has been with the Food Bank Network for 2 years, serving initially as the Development/Volunteer Coordinator. As SNAP Outreach Coordinator, Elizabeth provides over-the-phone application assistance for families and individuals applying for SNAP, traveling clinics offering SNAP application assistance, and trainings for agencies/organizations on how to offer SNAP application assistance. Elizabeth has a B.A. in Communications and Political Science from Houghton College and a M.A. in Social Justice in Intercultural Relations from SIT Graduate Institute in Vermont. Before joining the Montana Food Bank Network, she worked for two years at Montana Legal Services Association with the pro-bono program, making sure low-income Montanans had access to the legal services they need. Elizabeth loves helping people by connecting them with the resources and services they need.
Dr. Katie Wilson has a passion for child nutrition and has dedicated her career to improving access to healthy food for all children and their families. She has spent twenty three years as a school nutrition director in three public schools districts in Wisconsin, five years as the Executive Director for the Institute of Child Nutrition and assistant professor at the University of Mississippi and most recently 2 years as the Deputy Under Secretary of Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services at USDA. She served as president of the School Nutrition Association in 2008-2009 and has shared her expertise all around the United States, in Japan, South Africa, Brazil, England, and Scotland as an invited speaker, academic guest lecturer for numerous government and private organizations, industry sales teams, colleges and universities, and researchers interested in the field of nutrition, child health, and food service management. Dr. Wilson holds a bachelor’s of science degree in dietetics, a master’s degree in food science and nutrition from the University of WI – Stout, and a doctoral degree in foodservice and lodging management from Iowa State University. She is credentialed as a School Nutrition Specialist. She has received many peer nominated awards throughout her career and is considered one of the top experts in the field of child nutrition.
Hannah Groves, is a registered sanitarian at RiverStone Health is originally from northern Wyoming and graduated from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT with a B.S. in Biology and Mathematics. Hannah has been working as a Registered Sanitarian for RiverStone Health’s Environmental Health Department for the past 2 years. She currently work in several programs across the county, but especially enjoys teaching the food safety classes offered by RiverStone. Her favorite aspects of the job include education and outreach and working directly with community members to improve compliance with health and safety laws. Hannah can be reached at Hannah.gro@riverstonehealth.org or at 406-256-2770.
Elle Milohov, summer intern at RiverStone Health. Elle is currently a student at Dickinson State University in North Dakota. She is studying Environmental Health, and will also have a minor in Leadership when she graduates next spring. Elle enjoys golfing and is excited to be participating in an internship at RiverStone Health this summer!
Cindy Giese is a Child Nutrition Education Trainer for the School Nutrition Programs at MT OPI. She started working for OPI in 2013 following her retirement as Food Service Director for Lewistown Public Schools working in that position for 15 years. She is a member of Team Nutrition’s Peer Educator Network and enjoys assisting and training nutrition personnel across Montana. She loves to share her expertise and experiences from managing a school food operation that employed 20 personnel and provided breakfast and lunch, an ala carte line, transporting from a Central Kitchen and marketing the benefits of school food. Cindy also works as the Food Bid Manager for the cooperative bid now housed at Southwest Montana School Services. She works from her home in Lewistown and enjoys collaborating with the manufacturer representatives, brokers and distributors that participate in the bid servicing Montana schools, residential child care facilities and daycare providers and also the food service managers that are members of the SWMSS 4MAC advisory committees. She can be reached at 406-366-9829 or at cgiese@mt.gov or cgiese@swmss.coop.
Bill Jensen, Executive Chef has a vast history with cooking and has implemented his skills into many different areas. He attended Le Cordon Bleu in Portland, OR, where he received a degree in Occupational studies. Bill also received a certificate of completion in Hospitality Management. These educational experiences have lead his to work as an Executive Chef instructor for Fortin Culinary Center and a Culinary Arts Instructor for Café Protégé in Billings, MT. Bill is passionate about educating on the skills of preparing and cooking food to those within the community by fostering relationships with local food sources and focusing on sustainability principles. He also desires to teach about cooking skills, techniques and fundamentals to reduce reliance on prepared and pre-packaged foods that have higher costs and lower nutrition amounts.
Sharon Lose, Kitchen Manager at Billings Senior High School
Johnny Pena, Montana No Kid Hungry AmeriCorps Member, Kalispell
Tessa Bailly, RDN is from Wibaux, MT. She graduated from Montana State University-Bozeman in 2006 with a degree in Food and Nutrition and went on to complete a dietetic internship at Idaho State University in Boise, ID. Upon receiving her Registered Dietitian’s license she moved to Havre, MT where she worked for Northern Montana Hospital for a short time before taking the role of Hill County WIC Director. After 4 years in Havre, Tessa and her husband moved to Helena, MT. She worked with the State WIC office for 2 years before taking time off to be home with her two sons. In September of 2014 stepped into the role of USDA Foods Distribution Manager for OPI. She can be reached at 406-444-4412 or at tbailly@mt.gov.
Katie Bark, RDN is the Project Director for the Montana Team Nutrition Program for Office of Public Instruction. Team Nutrition coordinates statewide training activities to support school districts in creating healthy school nutrition environments. A major focus of her work is directed towards training school food service professionals in serving healthy and nutritious meals as well as offering healthful a la carte items. In order to accomplish this, she and her colleagues provide support for the HealthierUS and Healthier Montana Menu Challenge award programs. Her position also allows her to assist educators, school nurses, coaches, parents and community members with nutrition education efforts directed to school-aged children. Recently with more emphasis on creating healthy school nutrition environments, she is working with school staff, parents and community members in making policy and program changes to improve the food and beverage offerings throughout the school setting. She can be contacted at 406-994-5641 or at kbark@mt.gov.
Brittany Bennett, RDN attended Colorado State University and the University of Wyoming where she received her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics in 2008. She completed her dietetic internship at the University Of South Dakota Sanford School Of Medicine in 2010. For five years after receiving her RD, she was a clinical dietitian with a focus in diabetes education, weight management, and hospital inpatient nutrition. In 2014 she began her journey in school nutrition - working as the Registered Dietitian for Bozeman Public Schools.
Michele Brunson, is a native Montanan and University of Montana graduate with a degree in Interpersonal Communications. Michele has been working in the school food service industry for two years as the Food Service Director at Lone Rock School. Before working in food service Michele was in retail management, sales, and customer service. Michele owns here own handcrafted natural soap and body care business, as well. Michele is an active volunteer with the School's PTM, her passion is working and serving the community and kids. Michele is energetic, positive, loves her work, and likes to talk. Michele can be reached at 406-777-3314, ext 213 or at mbrunson@lonerockschool.org.
Harry Cheff, Risk Manager BS, MS, CSRM Harry worked in public education for 26 years. He taught for 14 years, was an elementary principal for 6 years and superintendent for 6 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Montana State University. After retiring from public education, Harry went to work for the Montana School Boards Associations workers’ compensation program, the MSGIA-WCRRP. Initially, Harry was hired at a Membership Services Coordinator for the MSGIA. Upon completing the Certified School Risk Manager program through National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research, Harry currently serves as a school risk manager.
Linda Cleatus AmeriCorps and School Breakfast Program Manager, Montana No Kid Hungry
Emily Dunklee is a School Nutrition Programs Specialist at the Office of Public Instruction. She enjoys visiting Montana kitchens and working to ensure kids across Montana have access to affordable, nutritious, and delicious school meals. She can be reached at 406-461-9917 or at edunklee@mt.gov.
Jayne Elwess is the School Nutrition Director for The Montana City Schools located just outside of Helena. She has over 40 years of dietary experience with 20 of those years spent in School Nutrition. Jayne takes pride in her job and is continually working to improve student participation and satisfaction. Jayne is very active in the Montana School Nutrition Association and has served three terms as MTSNA’s President. She is currently serving her fourth. In 1995, she was the first recipient of the MTSNA Silver Spoon Award and was also the “Louise Sublette” Award Winner for the state of Montana.
Jill Griffin, RDN is a School Nutrition Program Specialist/Menu Analyst in Helena, MT. She has a life-long reputation among family, friends, and colleagues as someone who loves to eat and will most likely be found raiding the fridge, hovering over the stove, or in the cookbook aisle of any bookstore or library. She has a BS in Dietetics and BA in French from the University of Northern Colorado. She went on to complete her Dietetic Internship at Central Michigan University which included some graduate courses in Nutrition and Dietetics. Jill has been a Registered Dietitian for 7 years. She has a special interest in utilizing her nutrition knowledge to help ensure that everyone, no matter their income, has access to healthy meals. Jill can be reached at 406-444-3574 or at jgriffin3@mt.gov.
Billi Grossman, RDN had a successful 20-year career in Sales and Marketing before entering the Nutrition field. She became a Registered Dietitian in 1998, graduating from University of California, Davis and completing her Dietetic Internship at UC Berkeley, School of Public Health. Billi’s experience encompasses clinical environments, food service, and management. She was Nutrition Services Director for the Meals on Wheels and Senior Nutrition programs in Marin County CA for 3 years, then worked for Marin General Hospital for 5 years, a 265-bed acute care Hospital, managing the Nutrition Services Department, a staff of 47 clinical dietitians and food service personnel and producing more than 1500 meals each day.mBilli has extensive knowledge of regulatory requirements and processes for healthcare (acute and skilled nursing), elderly nutrition programs, and school nutrition. She is skilled at menu planning and implementation and has excellent familiarity with nutrition analysis software, including Nutrikids. She enjoys teaching and has developed curricula for staff trainings in food service, food production and management skills throughout her career. Billi currently manages a contract with the Bureau of Indian Education for Sysco NM, planning menus, and supporting school food service departments within the BIE and school districts throughout New Mexico and Arizona. She approaches this work with a commitment to service, accessibility and responsiveness. She has developed professional and supportive relationships with food service managers and staff as well as state regulators.
Hope Hale, MS, RD, CD, SNS is an admired professional in food service administration with extensive experience in operations management. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Eastern Washington University and a Master’s from Washington State University. She completed her dietetic internship through Oregon Health Science University and is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is certified as a School Nutrition Specialist and is ServSafe certified. Hope works closely with state, regional, and national child nutrition programs as well as industry to meet the nutrition needs of children. A respected coach, speaker, and mentor, Hope is also a consultant trainer for the Institute of Child Nutrition.
Dayle Hayes is an award-winning author and educator. Her creativity and common-sense have made her a sought-after speaker across the USA. As a parent and member of the School Nutrition Association, Dayle has dedicated decades to making school environments healthy for students and staff. She collected success stories for Making It Happen, a joint CDC-USDA project; wrote a chapter on communicating with students in Managing Child Nutrition Programs: Leadership for Excellence; and co-authored the 2014 Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition Guidance for Healthy Children Ages 2 to 11 Years. In recognition of her professional and volunteer leadership, Dayle has received many honors, including Montana Dietitian of the Year and an ADA Excellence in Consultation and Business Practice Award. In January 2012, she received the Silver FAME Award as a Friend of Child Nutrition and FoodService Director magazine named her as one of their 20 Most Influential. She was honored with a Medallion Award from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Montana School Food Service Professional of the Year in 2013. Dayle will deliver the 2017 Lenna Frances Cooper Lecture at FNCE in Chicago. Hayes served on the ADA Board of Directors where she chaired the Public Initiative Team and Technology Task Force. She also is a past president of the Montana Dietetic Association and Past-Chair of the School Nutrition Services Dietetic Practice Group.
Clay Hickman is the Administrative Assistant for the Office of Public Instruction, School Nutrition Programs. He has a 39 year career as a customer service representative. His current position, with the School Nutrition Programs, has proven to be his most enjoyable customer service position yet. Communicating on a daily basis with the School Nutrition professionals in the office and around this state has helped him to become a passionate advocate of providing healthy and nutritious meals to children. Clay was born and raised in Montana and his favorite activity is anything motorcycle related. He has been riding motorcycles since the age of 10 and has even built motorcycles inside his home during long Montana winters. Clay can be reached at chickman@mt.gov or 406.444.2501.
Neil Johnson, Chef began his culinary career at the age of 13, as a potato peeler at a local burger joint. Feeling at home in the kitchen and finding excitement in the creativity of cooking for his family and friends, he continued his path working his way through every position a restaurant had to offer. After working nearly half his career in the restaurant and banquet arena, then moving on to restaurant management, he has returned to his creative roots as the Corporate Chef for Sysco MT. With literally thousands of food items at his disposal, he now spends his days thinking of new and exciting menu items, and refreshing old favorites. From humble beginnings to professional chef, Chef Neil’s vast experience allows him to be at home in any kitchen.
Brian Jones is the Food Service Director for St. Labre Indian Schools located in Ashland, MT with campuses in Pryor, St Xavier and Lodge Grass, MT. Originally from Oregon, Brian brings his years of management and leadership experience to the field of School Nutrition. Brian served as a mentor at the 2016 Montana School Nutrition Association Conference and this year is featured as a general session speaker. Growing up in Oregon and spending time in Minnesota, Brian is honored to now call Montana his home, serving God's children one meal at a time. Brian can be reached at 406-784-4530 or at bjones@stlabre.org.
Anna LaFountain has been with Sysco Montana for one and half years as the Food Safety Program Manager. She is HACCP and ServSafe certified as well as a Preventative Control Qualified Individual with the FDA. She also holds a Registered Sanitarian License with the State of Montana. Before working for Sysco Montana, Anna was a county Sanitarian for 5 years with RiverStone Health in Yellowstone County. She graduated from Rocky Mountain College with a Bachelors in Biology with a Microbiology focus. She was born and raised in Billings, Montana.
Gracie Long, Food Service Director Highwood, MT. She grew up on Long Island, NY. She attended the University of Montana where she majored in Anthropology. She has worked in Food Service in various positions since she was 14 years old. She has been in the kitchen in Highwood for 12 years, Manager for 11. She farms and ranches with her husband and 2 teenage daughters. She always up for a spontaneous adventure. She also enjoys gardening and reading. Gracie can be reached at glong@highwood.k12.mt.us or at 406-733-2081.
Camille McGoven, RDN moved to Helena in July of 2014 to join the School Nutrition team at OPI as a School Nutrition Specialist. Camille enjoys traveling throughout the beautiful state of Montana to conduct School Nutrition Program Administrative Reviews. She has a BA in Food/Nutrition/Dietetics from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and went on to complete her Dietetic Internship at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, which included some graduate courses in Public Health. Camille has experience ranging from clinical dietetics to community nutrition as a FoodCorps Service Member. She brings with her a deep interest in public health, specifically improving children’s access to healthy food.Camille spends her free time exploring Montana, mountain biking, and cooking and eating a lot of really good Montana-grown food. She can be reached by phone at 406-444-4415 or at cmcgoven@mt.gov.
Ellen Mills is the Food Service Director for the Libby Schools Nutrition program and the Member Chair for the Montana School Nutrition Association. She credits the success of the Libby program to her awesome staff who make it happen every day. Ellen has a bachelor’s degree in Business and holds a level 3 certificate with the School Nutrition Association.
John Morgan started working with Baker Boy in 1983. He began working in their retail donut shops in Helena, Montana. John then moved to Missoula, Montana and managed a donut shop store for Baker Boy. From there John moved to Dickinson, North Dakota where the Baker Boy plant is still located today. John became their first sales representative to travel full time on the road in the area and sell Baker Boy’s frozen dough products to both foodservice and retail distributors. John lived in Dickinson for about eight years and then transferred to Fargo. He continued to perform the sales representative position and lived in Fargo for 10 years. In 2006 John took another job transfer to Post Falls, Idaho. He still continues to sell Baker Boy products to customers and distributors along with conducting product trainings and in-services.
Teresa Motlas, MS, RDN is the Assistant Director of OPI School Nutrition Programs. As the daughter of a dry bean farmer and a Registered Dietitian by trade, she has a desire to see others live well through better access to healthy food! Usually behind the scenes (reading USDA regulations), she continues to teach in group settings and is available to answer questions at tmotlas@mt.gov or 406-444-3532.
Patrice O’Loughlin is the Director of School Nutrition in Hardin, Montana. She has worked in School Nutrition for six years and the food industry for nearly forty years. Patrice was born and raised in Billings and is blessed with four children and three grandchildren. She returned to college at age forty and obtained degrees in psychology, communications and English writing from Rocky Mountain College. Patrice enjoys, hiking, fishing, gardening and other outdoor activities. She is passionate about her career in School Nutrition and helping others prosper. Patrice is available at 406.665.5412 or patrice.oloughlin@hardin.k12.mt.us
OPI School Nutrition Specialists See entries for Teresa Motlas, Emily Dunklee, Tara Ray, Camille McGoven, Jill Griffin.
Tara Ray, RDN is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Nutritionist from Darby, MT. She has worked for School Nutrition Programs in Montana since August 2012. She is based out of Bozeman, MT where she works closely with Montana Team Nutrition. Tara enjoys visiting new parts of her home state and meeting the wonderful people who prepare and serve meals to Montana students every day. Tara is also an active member with the Montana School Nutrition Association. She can be reached at 406-431-2920 or at tray@mt.gov.
Aubree Roth serves as Child Nutrition Education/Farm to School Coordinator with the Montana Team Nutrition Program. She is the Montana State Lead for the National Farm to School Network. Aubree supports schools in the purchase of farm fresh foods and the implementation of nutrition education opportunities such as taste-testing, school gardens, and farm field trips. She is a graduate of the Sustainable Food Systems Master’s program at Montana State University and has completed the USDA Local Procurement Train-the-Trainer course. Aubree has attended Produce Safety University.
Annette Satterly Risk Manager, MS, CRM, CIC, CPSI Annette has 19 years of workers compensation insurance industry experience, the last 16 being with Montana’s self-insured group for public schools, the MSGIA-WCRRP. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Science and Engineering, and a Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene from Montana Tech. Annette is and accredited asbestos inspector and management planner and is a certified instructor for the American Red Cross. She also holds her certification as a Certified Risk Manager, a Certified Insurance Counselor and as a Certified Playground Safety Inspector.
Mallory Stefan works as the FoodCorps Montana Fellow in Butte, MT at the National Center for Appropriate Technology headquarters. As the fellow, she provides guidance and supports service members, assists with program implementation, builds capacity for FoodCorps and farm to school statewide programming, and plans and facilitates statewide and regional trainings.
Molly Stenberg, RDN is a Registered Dietitian and an Education Training Coordinator for the Montana Team Nutrition Program. Molly has worked with school food service staff, school administrators, teachers, parents, child care providers and children in promoting healthy lifestyles, healthy school environments, school wellness policies and food safety. She loves her job and the opportunity to work with a variety of people around the state. She is the parent of 3 school-aged children and strives to put a fun, positive and realistic spin on health and nutrition education. She can be reached by phone at 406-994-7217 or at stenberg@montana.edu.
Dave Thomas is the School Foods Director at Darby schools in Darby, MT originally from the Washington Puget Sound area. This year is his first year as a School Foods Director. Dave thinks that being a Food Service Director is the best job ever! Dave also loves that fact that he gets to make a difference in school age children's lives by feeding them good healthy, nutritional meals on a daily basis. Dave can be contacted at 406-493-5004 or at thomasd@darby.k12.mt.us.
Melinda C. Tilton, MA, University Lecturer, Montana State University Billings, Department of Communication (1990-present), Independent Communication and Trial Consultant. Communication and leadership trainer for organizations, including the Montana Bar Association, Billings Fire Department, Hospice, and KOA. Melinda's areas of expertise include public speaking, group dynamics, interpersonal, and intercultural communication. Ms. Tilton is the recipient of the University of Montana, Advanced Trial Advocacy Distinguished Faculty Award, 1999, 2001; MSU-Billings Faculty Excellence Award, 2009; Students of MSU-Billings, Outstanding Faculty Award, 2012-2013; 2016-2917, MSU-Billings Faculty Excellence Award for Promoting International Student Success, 2015.
Elizabeth Weaver is the SNAP Outreach Coordinator at the Montana Food Bank Network, Inc. She has been with the Food Bank Network for 2 years, serving initially as the Development/Volunteer Coordinator. As SNAP Outreach Coordinator, Elizabeth provides over-the-phone application assistance for families and individuals applying for SNAP, traveling clinics offering SNAP application assistance, and trainings for agencies/organizations on how to offer SNAP application assistance. Elizabeth has a B.A. in Communications and Political Science from Houghton College and a M.A. in Social Justice in Intercultural Relations from SIT Graduate Institute in Vermont. Before joining the Montana Food Bank Network, she worked for two years at Montana Legal Services Association with the pro-bono program, making sure low-income Montanans had access to the legal services they need. Elizabeth loves helping people by connecting them with the resources and services they need.
Dr. Katie Wilson has a passion for child nutrition and has dedicated her career to improving access to healthy food for all children and their families. She has spent twenty three years as a school nutrition director in three public schools districts in Wisconsin, five years as the Executive Director for the Institute of Child Nutrition and assistant professor at the University of Mississippi and most recently 2 years as the Deputy Under Secretary of Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services at USDA. She served as president of the School Nutrition Association in 2008-2009 and has shared her expertise all around the United States, in Japan, South Africa, Brazil, England, and Scotland as an invited speaker, academic guest lecturer for numerous government and private organizations, industry sales teams, colleges and universities, and researchers interested in the field of nutrition, child health, and food service management. Dr. Wilson holds a bachelor’s of science degree in dietetics, a master’s degree in food science and nutrition from the University of WI – Stout, and a doctoral degree in foodservice and lodging management from Iowa State University. She is credentialed as a School Nutrition Specialist. She has received many peer nominated awards throughout her career and is considered one of the top experts in the field of child nutrition.
Hannah Groves, is a registered sanitarian at RiverStone Health is originally from northern Wyoming and graduated from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT with a B.S. in Biology and Mathematics. Hannah has been working as a Registered Sanitarian for RiverStone Health’s Environmental Health Department for the past 2 years. She currently work in several programs across the county, but especially enjoys teaching the food safety classes offered by RiverStone. Her favorite aspects of the job include education and outreach and working directly with community members to improve compliance with health and safety laws. Hannah can be reached at Hannah.gro@riverstonehealth.org or at 406-256-2770.
Elle Milohov, summer intern at RiverStone Health. Elle is currently a student at Dickinson State University in North Dakota. She is studying Environmental Health, and will also have a minor in Leadership when she graduates next spring. Elle enjoys golfing and is excited to be participating in an internship at RiverStone Health this summer!
Cindy Giese is a Child Nutrition Education Trainer for the School Nutrition Programs at MT OPI. She started working for OPI in 2013 following her retirement as Food Service Director for Lewistown Public Schools working in that position for 15 years. She is a member of Team Nutrition’s Peer Educator Network and enjoys assisting and training nutrition personnel across Montana. She loves to share her expertise and experiences from managing a school food operation that employed 20 personnel and provided breakfast and lunch, an ala carte line, transporting from a Central Kitchen and marketing the benefits of school food. Cindy also works as the Food Bid Manager for the cooperative bid now housed at Southwest Montana School Services. She works from her home in Lewistown and enjoys collaborating with the manufacturer representatives, brokers and distributors that participate in the bid servicing Montana schools, residential child care facilities and daycare providers and also the food service managers that are members of the SWMSS 4MAC advisory committees. She can be reached at 406-366-9829 or at cgiese@mt.gov or cgiese@swmss.coop.
Bill Jensen, Executive Chef has a vast history with cooking and has implemented his skills into many different areas. He attended Le Cordon Bleu in Portland, OR, where he received a degree in Occupational studies. Bill also received a certificate of completion in Hospitality Management. These educational experiences have lead his to work as an Executive Chef instructor for Fortin Culinary Center and a Culinary Arts Instructor for Café Protégé in Billings, MT. Bill is passionate about educating on the skills of preparing and cooking food to those within the community by fostering relationships with local food sources and focusing on sustainability principles. He also desires to teach about cooking skills, techniques and fundamentals to reduce reliance on prepared and pre-packaged foods that have higher costs and lower nutrition amounts.
Sharon Lose, Kitchen Manager at Billings Senior High School
Johnny Pena, Montana No Kid Hungry AmeriCorps Member, Kalispell
Ronald McDonald House
WISH LIST
1144 North 30th Street
Billings MT 59101
406-256-8006
We do not accept used toys or stuffed animals
Thank you for supporting the Ronald McDonald House of Billings
WISH LIST
1144 North 30th Street
Billings MT 59101
406-256-8006
We do not accept used toys or stuffed animals
Thank you for supporting the Ronald McDonald House of Billings
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Bedding and Linens
New Queen Sheet Sets New Queen Blankets New Waterproof Mattress Covers Pillow with Pillow Protectors New Towel Sets – Bath, Hand and Washcloth Kitchen Towel Sets Guest Items Toothbrushes Personal Size Toothpaste Personal Size Shampoo and Conditioner Personal Size Deodorant Personal Size Mouthwash One Time Gifts Restaurant Coupons/Gift Cards Movie or Sporting Event Tickets Zoo, Oasis, Reef, Geyer Park Passes Gift Cards (Grocery Stores, Dillard's, Walmart, Target) Gas Cards Haircut Gift Certificates Manicure/Pedicure Gift Certificates Quilts New Children’s Toy’s and Games Family Movies/DVDs |
Household Items
Liquid Dishwashing Detergent Antibacterial Hand Soap Fabric Dryer Sheets Garbage Bags (Tall Kitchen and Small Bathroom) Plastic Wrap Aluminum Foil Lysol Kitchen Counter Wipes Paper Plates and Bowls Air Fresheners 60 W Light Bulbs Soft Scrub Ziplock Bags Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner Food Items Butter Flour Vanilla Baking Spices Sugar/Brown Sugar Eggs Chocolate Chips Raisins Muffin/Cookie/Cake Mixes Fruit Cups Fruit Snacks Granola Bars Individual Variety Pack Crackers/Cookies Juice Boxes Macaroni and Cheese Cereal Spaghetti O's or Ravioli Canned Meat (Tuna, Chicken, Ham) Ramen Noodles |
Future Conference Dates
Great Falls, MT @ Best Western Plus Heritage Inn: June 26-28, 2018
Billings, MT @ Red Lion Convention Center: June 17-20, 2019
Great Falls, MT @ Best Western Plus Heritage Inn: June 26-28, 2018
Billings, MT @ Red Lion Convention Center: June 17-20, 2019
The Montana School Nutrition Association provides a way for school food personnel and others in related work to grow professionally. Benefits are derived through united efforts, through meeting together and the continuous communications from our organizations at all levels.
Ideas and experiences basic to professional growth are gained. Collectively the following can be accomplished:
1. Encourage and promote the maintenance and improvement of the health and nutrition of our children by supporting the implementation of nutritionally adequate and financially accountable school food and nutrition programs.
2. Work for the highest standard for school food and nutition programs with emphasis on nutritionally sound meals which are acceptable to children.
3. Encourage and promote united efforts between school personnel and the general public to assure every child an opportunity to receive the benefits of school food and nutrition education.
4. Encourage and develop the highest standards and provide appropriate educational programs for professional growth of the school food and nutrition personnel.
5. Encourage and support nutrition projects and research development in child nutrition.
6. Promote and support a national nutrition policy for children.
Ideas and experiences basic to professional growth are gained. Collectively the following can be accomplished:
1. Encourage and promote the maintenance and improvement of the health and nutrition of our children by supporting the implementation of nutritionally adequate and financially accountable school food and nutrition programs.
2. Work for the highest standard for school food and nutition programs with emphasis on nutritionally sound meals which are acceptable to children.
3. Encourage and promote united efforts between school personnel and the general public to assure every child an opportunity to receive the benefits of school food and nutrition education.
4. Encourage and develop the highest standards and provide appropriate educational programs for professional growth of the school food and nutrition personnel.
5. Encourage and support nutrition projects and research development in child nutrition.
6. Promote and support a national nutrition policy for children.
