MPSEOC Summer Conference
speaker & session overview
July 20-21, 2026 | Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Goals For The ConferenceGOALS FOR THE CONFERENCE ARE SIMPLE!
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overview of speakers / Topics
the latest technology for marketing, recruitment, & education
lEADERSHIP, TEAM BUILDING, & NETWORKING
COLLEGE & CAREER OUTLOOK
MONTANA STUDENT DATA & OUTLOOK
fafsa & FINANCIAL AID UPDATES
MONTANA TRIBAL COLLEGE TEAM
GEAR UP & THE MONTANA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
AMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SYSTEMS
annual mpseoc membership meeting
new professionals training & resources
middle management supports
director's gathering continued
partner resources & relationship building
dinner social & more!
- THIS CONFERENCE OFFERS GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT!
- NETWORKING & RELATIONSHIP BUILDING ACROSS MONTANA & BEYOND
- UNDERSTANDING & CONNECTING WITH TODAY'S STUDENTS
- ADMISSIONS BEST PRACTICES & ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
- RECRUITMENT, MARKETING, & SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS
- MOTIVATION, TEAM WORKING SKILLS, & NETWORKING
- MENTAL HEALTH - WORK / LIFE BALANCE
- NEW PROFESSIONALS INSTITUTE
- MONTANA TRIBAL COLLEGE TEAM & NATIVE AMERICAN / INDIGENOUS STUDENT RELATIONS
- MONTANA CAREERS, SEARCH TOOLS, & FUTURE OUTLOOK
- TRAVEL TIPS, HIGH SCHOOL VISITS, ORIENTATIONS & CAMPUS VISIT PROGRAMS
- HELPING STUDENTS & FAMILIES WITH FINANCIAL AID
- EDUCATION PARTNER RELATIONS | A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO: MONTANA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM, MONTANA GEAR UP, OFFICE OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, REACH HIGHER MONTANA, MONTANA YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP, AMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND, MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & INDUSTRY, COLLEGE BOARD, & MONTANA COLLEGES.
- CONFERENCE SOCIAL, RESOURCES, NETWORKING SESSIONS, & MUCH MORE!
Keynote & breakout sessions
We are so excited and honored to have these esteemed speakers with us this year! Many thanks to all who help make this great annual event happen.
jAMES rOBILOTTA
jamestrobo.com
jamestrobo.com/speaking
I Make Audiences Pause.
It's my job to make audiences feel, think, and laugh. And I take that seriously. I help audiences pause and think about the way they lead, the way they connect, and the way they can impact their world. I create moments that empower teams and individuals to realize they are the only thing standing in the way between the results they want and the results they're currently seeing. I am an award-winning, recognized professional speaker with a background in stand-up and improv comedy. I deliver powerful and hysterical keynotes and workshops that will transform lives. I work with corporations, associations, and colleges, and individuals with a focus on making people care more creating a workplace culture where people actively choose to care about each other and lead with authenticity and relatability. There is power in hearing other’s stories and talking about imperfection, it has proven to increase trust, innovation and morale in teams. By infusing my thought-provoking talks with comedy and self-awareness, my audiences stay engaged from beginning to end.
My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings discusses the concepts of how authentic leadership and vulnerability are the driving forces behind conversations about communication, rapport building, engagement, increased productivity, retention, life balance, feedback, and more.
As far as how I got here, my parents will tell you that I captured the attention of my first audience at a very early age and never turned back. They will also tell you that I cost them way too much money, but that is beside the point. I started facilitating leadership presentations and speeches in 2002 for my peers at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), Clemson University, and regional conferences. In 2009, after I presented a workshop, someone came up to me and asked me how much I charged for my speaking services. I told them they could buy me lunch and then my paid speaking career was off to the races! Becoming a Professional Speaker has allowed me to do the two things I love most: making people think and making people laugh.
Way more importantly I am married to an even better professional speaker, Tina VanSteenbergen. Together we own our speaking/training company StoryMatters. We have two adorable children, Roam and Adelina and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Please note: Tina is from Minnesota, I refuse to lose my New York accent so I still walk, tAWk, and eat chAWcolate).
Keynote Presentation: Choosing to Care: How curiosity creates community in the workplace
Breakout Workshop: IMPROV Your Leadership - A workshop on teamwork and communication skills.
jamestrobo.com/speaking
I Make Audiences Pause.
It's my job to make audiences feel, think, and laugh. And I take that seriously. I help audiences pause and think about the way they lead, the way they connect, and the way they can impact their world. I create moments that empower teams and individuals to realize they are the only thing standing in the way between the results they want and the results they're currently seeing. I am an award-winning, recognized professional speaker with a background in stand-up and improv comedy. I deliver powerful and hysterical keynotes and workshops that will transform lives. I work with corporations, associations, and colleges, and individuals with a focus on making people care more creating a workplace culture where people actively choose to care about each other and lead with authenticity and relatability. There is power in hearing other’s stories and talking about imperfection, it has proven to increase trust, innovation and morale in teams. By infusing my thought-provoking talks with comedy and self-awareness, my audiences stay engaged from beginning to end.
My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings discusses the concepts of how authentic leadership and vulnerability are the driving forces behind conversations about communication, rapport building, engagement, increased productivity, retention, life balance, feedback, and more.
As far as how I got here, my parents will tell you that I captured the attention of my first audience at a very early age and never turned back. They will also tell you that I cost them way too much money, but that is beside the point. I started facilitating leadership presentations and speeches in 2002 for my peers at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), Clemson University, and regional conferences. In 2009, after I presented a workshop, someone came up to me and asked me how much I charged for my speaking services. I told them they could buy me lunch and then my paid speaking career was off to the races! Becoming a Professional Speaker has allowed me to do the two things I love most: making people think and making people laugh.
Way more importantly I am married to an even better professional speaker, Tina VanSteenbergen. Together we own our speaking/training company StoryMatters. We have two adorable children, Roam and Adelina and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Please note: Tina is from Minnesota, I refuse to lose my New York accent so I still walk, tAWk, and eat chAWcolate).
Keynote Presentation: Choosing to Care: How curiosity creates community in the workplace
Breakout Workshop: IMPROV Your Leadership - A workshop on teamwork and communication skills.
Sarah Cochran
Sarah Cochran
Dream Scholar
Graduate of: Salish Kootenai College
Sarah’s story is rooted in loss but focuses on healing and her commitment to her Indigenous community. After struggling with losses and mental health, she redirected her trauma and used it to pursue her education and career goals. At Salish Kootenai College (SKC), she found belonging, stability, and a clearer sense of purpose. Now majoring in Tribal governance and administration, she serves as student senate president and the SKC Graduate Honoring Powwow ambassador. These roles helped her build confidence, advocate for students, and reconnect deeply with her culture.
Sarah hopes to pursue a master’s degree in public administration and eventually work in tribal law and justice, focusing on safety, sovereignty, and trauma-informed advocacy to amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples. Her goals align with ATD’s mission by centering access, community impact, and the power of representation. She brings courage, humility, and a clear vision for improving life in tribal communities — using education not only to heal herself but to push for long-overdue justice for her people.
“I strive to speak up for Tribal communities and promote a vibrant, healthy, and functioning life for Indigenous peoples.”
Dream Scholar
Graduate of: Salish Kootenai College
Sarah’s story is rooted in loss but focuses on healing and her commitment to her Indigenous community. After struggling with losses and mental health, she redirected her trauma and used it to pursue her education and career goals. At Salish Kootenai College (SKC), she found belonging, stability, and a clearer sense of purpose. Now majoring in Tribal governance and administration, she serves as student senate president and the SKC Graduate Honoring Powwow ambassador. These roles helped her build confidence, advocate for students, and reconnect deeply with her culture.
Sarah hopes to pursue a master’s degree in public administration and eventually work in tribal law and justice, focusing on safety, sovereignty, and trauma-informed advocacy to amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples. Her goals align with ATD’s mission by centering access, community impact, and the power of representation. She brings courage, humility, and a clear vision for improving life in tribal communities — using education not only to heal herself but to push for long-overdue justice for her people.
“I strive to speak up for Tribal communities and promote a vibrant, healthy, and functioning life for Indigenous peoples.”
Jerry Girard
Jerry Girard, LCPC, LAC
Student Health Services Director
MSU Billings
MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT - Here to support us and the students we serve everyday!
Jerry Girard is the Student Health Services Director at Montana State University Billings and the co-owner of Girard Consulting and Education. Jerry is an MT Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor as well as an MT Licensed Addiction Counselor with fifteen years of counseling and administration experience at two Montana universities – MSU Billings and Montana Western. Prior to becoming a clinical counselor, Jerry was a high school teacher and coach who worked at Outlook Schools, Judith Gap Schools, and Beaverhead County High School.
In addition to providing leadership, counseling, outreach, and adjunct teaching at MSU Billings, Jerry is passionate about providing mental health and stigma reduction programming and trainings such as Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and QPR Gatekeeper Training to all who are interested. Jerry is also available to host mental-health related conference presentations, guest lectures, and coalition building workshops.
Jerry currently lives in Billings with Sherri, his wife of nearly 36 years, and has three amazing adult children and two wonderful granddaughters and a grandson.
Student Health Services Director
MSU Billings
MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT - Here to support us and the students we serve everyday!
Jerry Girard is the Student Health Services Director at Montana State University Billings and the co-owner of Girard Consulting and Education. Jerry is an MT Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor as well as an MT Licensed Addiction Counselor with fifteen years of counseling and administration experience at two Montana universities – MSU Billings and Montana Western. Prior to becoming a clinical counselor, Jerry was a high school teacher and coach who worked at Outlook Schools, Judith Gap Schools, and Beaverhead County High School.
In addition to providing leadership, counseling, outreach, and adjunct teaching at MSU Billings, Jerry is passionate about providing mental health and stigma reduction programming and trainings such as Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and QPR Gatekeeper Training to all who are interested. Jerry is also available to host mental-health related conference presentations, guest lectures, and coalition building workshops.
Jerry currently lives in Billings with Sherri, his wife of nearly 36 years, and has three amazing adult children and two wonderful granddaughters and a grandson.
Craig Barringer
Craig Barringer
Deputy Superintendent
MT Office of Public Instruction
Deputy Superintendent
MT Office of Public Instruction
Craig Barringer - A native of Darby, Montana, Craig holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana. His experience spans 39 years, including 14 years as a superintendent in Conrad, Libby, and Green River, WY. Prior to that, Craig served 13 years as a principal in Conrad and began his career as a classroom teacher for 12 years in Cut Bank and Fort Benton.
angela dewolf king & mus team
Angela Dewolf King & Montana University System Team
Director of Transfer and Special Projects
Ange DeWolf King serves as the Director of Transfer and Special Projects for the Montana University System. In this role, Ange leads strategic initiatives in a variety of areas, including efforts to develop streamlined, statewide transfer processes, development of Prison Education Programming, and management of academic planning and policy.
Director of Transfer and Special Projects
Ange DeWolf King serves as the Director of Transfer and Special Projects for the Montana University System. In this role, Ange leads strategic initiatives in a variety of areas, including efforts to develop streamlined, statewide transfer processes, development of Prison Education Programming, and management of academic planning and policy.
tina boone
Tina Boone
Executive Director
Montana School Counselors Association
Tina Boone is the Executive Director of the Montana School Counselor Association (MSCA). She recently retired after 33 years in education, including 25 years as a school counselor at Skyview High School, where she spent 17 years as Department Head. Tina served on the MSCA Board starting in 2014, finishing her term as President. She launched Skyview’s Impact Team in 2014 and a districtwide K–12 Leadership Team in 2015 leading on both until her retirement. In 2017 she led Skyview to become the first Montana school to earn R.A.M.P. distinction. Her work has earned her recognition as a national finalist for ACTE Career Counselor of the Year and a BPS Golden Apple Award recipient.
Executive Director
Montana School Counselors Association
Tina Boone is the Executive Director of the Montana School Counselor Association (MSCA). She recently retired after 33 years in education, including 25 years as a school counselor at Skyview High School, where she spent 17 years as Department Head. Tina served on the MSCA Board starting in 2014, finishing her term as President. She launched Skyview’s Impact Team in 2014 and a districtwide K–12 Leadership Team in 2015 leading on both until her retirement. In 2017 she led Skyview to become the first Montana school to earn R.A.M.P. distinction. Her work has earned her recognition as a national finalist for ACTE Career Counselor of the Year and a BPS Golden Apple Award recipient.
Paige sedahl & Lyndsay mahoney
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Paige Sedahl
PEAK Research Director | Safe Schools Center -Phyllis J. Washington College of Education Attendance to Achievement: What Montana's PEAK Study Reveals About Student Success Paige began her career as an eighth-grade science teacher with Seattle Public Schools. After seven years in Seattle, she and her husband chose to return to Montana to be closer to family and raise their young son. Settling in Missoula, Paige spent the next three and a half years working with the Federal Programs and Coordinated School Health teams at the Montana Office of Public Instruction before assuming leadership of the PEAK Attendance Project at the University of Montana Safe Schools Center. In her free time, she loves to try out new recipes, ski, go for a long run, or spend time traveling with her friends and family. |
Lindsay Mahoney
Director of School Improvement Office of Public Instruction Attendance Matters I am an experienced School Improvement Specialist and former elementary and middle school teacher, skilled in leadership, coaching, technology, and curriculum development. As a self-starter, I am organized and motivated, with a natural ability to understand and address the needs of the school district. My strong educational background emphasizes systems improvement, counseling, technology, and the Science of Reading. I implement teaching methods that align with both the district's goals and the individual needs of students. I hold a Master of Education (M.Ed.) focusing on Learning and Technology, as well as a Certificate of Education Leadership from Harvard University. |
We are excited to have with us:
Morgan Hahn - MASFAA President / Univeristy of Montana
Kelly Mitchell - Senior Program Officer for college access & success - American Indian College Fund
Brigitta Lee - university of montana
Deva Kemmis - University of Montana
Hannah Fox - Montana State university Bozeman
Bill Ryan - Dick Anderson Construction
Andy Shirtliff - Executive director - Montana Construction Association
Laurie Gorence - Montana DLI Career Specialist
Nick Holm - Montana Department of Labor & Industry Economist
Mary Ellen Earnhardt - Montana Department of Labor & Industry
montana tribal college team
Mpseoc board of directors
directors gathering
New professionals institute
fair site host gathering
partners & sponsors
and many more!
teams social & networking
