Short Biographies of Instructors and The Sites They Teach At.
Billings
Linda Kjorstad
Bozeman
Libby Hancock--I began my work life in early childhood more than twenty-five years ago after receiving my bachelor's degree in Child Development and Preschool Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since that time I have had first-hand experience working with children and families in a wide variety of settings which has lead me to work as aan early childhood training specialist, work-family program coordinator, adult educator, community collaborator and advocate for quality programs and services for young children and families.
I am a senior staff member at the Early Childhood Project (ECP) at Montana State University-Bozeman, a Northwest Area Foundation grant originally funded the ECP, when I organized and coordinated a statewide network of early childhood field consultants from 1985-1989. From 1990-1994, I have serves as the coordinator for the employer-sponsored Patagonia Family Care Network working in partnership with corporate headquarters to create a Montana-based work-family program for employees.
Since 1995, I have coordinated the Montana Early Chare and Education Career Development program facilitating a two year statewide planning process, research, development and full implementation of the state plan. In 1997, I began teaching at the University of Montana Western twenty-four (24) credit series in early childhood education/child development at the Bozeman outreach site.
I believe there is nothing as exciting and challenging as a group of people (little people or big people) working together to make something happen--be it an incredible block structure, a colorful mural, or an innovative program to meet the needs of a community.
Butte
Great Falls
Ecole Morris
Hamilton
Lucy Marose--I am one of those rare and precious individuals--a Montana native!! My husband and I, and one of our two children live in Hamilton, where we have been since 1984. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Montana--Missoula, and a Master's in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University at St. Paul, MN. I currently teach Early Childhood course work for Western at the satellite site in Hamilton, and the Infant/Toddler care giving series. I conduct Ready-To-Learn workshops through the Montana Public Broadcasting System, and do training for the local resource and referral agency, both on a contract basis. I participate in environmental rating scale observations for grant purposes. To keep my "kid skills" fresh and to keep me ever aware of the pleasures and challenges of working with children, I spend regular time in a Head Start classroom. In my "spare time" I quilt!
In April of 2003, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a study tour to Reggio Emilia and Pistoia, Italy. What a wonderful experience--I can not wait to go back!
Havre
Betty Hofeldt
Helena
Jamie Palagie
Missoula
Pat Adams--My philosophy of teaching is that thorough my many years of working with children, their families and teaching Early Childhood Education classes that I have come to know and understand the importance of play in the lives of your children.. As we become better observers of children and their play, we begin to see how children represent their learning, through different play experiences. The importance of play, reconnecting with the joys of childhood and structuring meaningful learning experiences are at the heart of Early Childhood Education.
EC Rural-Missoula
Susan Harper-Whalen--I have the pleasure of wearing several different hats in my work. First, I am the director of development of the EC Rural model as well as an instructor for the UM Westerns early childhood core courses. Second, I direct the Learning and Belonging (LAB) Preschool for the School of Education at the University of Montana--a licensed early care and education program for children between the ages of 3 and 6. Third, I am a project director for Child Care Plus +: The Center on Inclusion in Early Childhood at he Center for Excellence in Developmental Disability Education Research and Service on the UM campus.
I am a Montana native and have lived in Missoula most of my life with the exception of graduate studies completed in the Boston area. I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Master's degree in Teaching, Curriculum and Learning Environments. I began working with Child Care Plus+ in 1995. Before that I taught kindergarten and preschool for 10 years.
Dillon
Julie Bullard
Jen Gilliard--I am an Associate Professor of Education at Western and I teach early childhood, special education and elementary education courses on the Dillon campus. I love being part of the Western family and I mostly enjoy working with our students. I am the advisor of the Building Tolerance Club, an experience I have found most rewarding.
My husband and I have lived in Montana for several years and we love all of the beautiful things that our state has to offer. We enjoy hiking in our national parks and in the mountains close to our home.
My education background includes a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Spanish, an M.S. in Child and Family Studies and Ph.D. in Family Studies. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with several years experience providing mental health services to children and families. My current professional interest include infant and child mental health, diversity and leadership.