Theresa Rader
Executive Director
Institute for Educational Opportunities
Theresa, a proud Butte native currently serves our student body as the Executive Director of the Institute for Educational Opportunities at Montana Technological University in Butte, MT. Previously she was Director of TRIO Student Support Services STEM since 2015. The previous six years she served as TRIO Coordinator for Upward Bound and Talent Search.
As a first-generation student, she received BA’s in English and Communications from the University of Jamestown. She is a former Montana ASPIRE President and currently serves as the Past President of the ASPIRE Region and as The Council for Opportunities in Education Board Secretary.
In addition to TRIO, Theresa co-founded the Montana Tech STEM Academy, assisted in creating an endowed scholarship for first-generation students, serves on the Veterans Task Force and is a member of Indigenous Mentoring Program at Montana Tech.
Outside of her professional commitments you will find her serving on several community boards.
Rose James
Administrative Assistant
Rose began working at the Institute for Educational Opportunities in 2022. Her job involves handling the administrative support duties of 5 different grant programs. This work gives her the opportunity to interact with staff, our amazing students, and learn something new every day.
Previously she spent 4 years working for the Butte Public School system and before that, 12 years owning and operating her own business. She is a lifelong Butte resident and the proud mother of 4 children and 4 grandchildren.
When not frantically doing paperwork at her desk, she can be found at home with her best dog friend Baby Blue, researching Butte history, collecting crystals and other cool rocks or traveling.
Michael Torpey
Volunteer Extraordinaire
Michael Torpey, mightily shreds paper in his volunteer service to the Montana Tech TRIO programs at the Institute for Educational Opportunities. It is his job, which he takes quite seriously. His jolly, friendly attitude rubs co-workers and supervisors the right way, every day.
Michael was awarded the TRIO SSS-STEM Volunteer of the year
by the Institute staff and Chancellor Les Cook.
“Michael serves as a phenomenal example to students that academic achievement and good citizenry is not a result of birth, but more so of the effort and energy one puts into nurturing themselves, like we tell students when we are recruiting, if you have a high want-to, then we want you.”
Mainstreamed, socially adept and independent, Michael eagerly jumps at the chance to take coffee breaks. He mingles with Montana Tech students at the Student Union Building and during Upward Bound summer programs. He’s a dynamo when it comes to working, playing multiple sports, cheering on Tech teams and, of course, socializing.
Theresa Rader
Interim Program Director
TRIO Student Support Services STEM
Theresa is a proud Butte native. She has been Director of TRIO Student Support Services STEM at Montana Technological University in Butte, MT since 2015. The previous six years she served as TRIO Coordinator for Upward Bound and Talent Search.
As a first-generation student, she received BA’s in English and Communications from the University of Jamestown. She is a former Montana ASPIRE President and currently serves as the Past President of the ASPIRE Region and as The Council for Opportunities in Education Board Secretary.
In addition to TRIO, Theresa co-founded the Montana Tech STEM Academy, assisted in creating an endowed scholarship for first-generation students, serves on the Veterans Task Force and is a member of Indigenous Mentoring Program at Montana Tech.
Outside of her professional commitments you will find her serving on several community boards.
Tom Reget
TRIO Digital Content Creator
SSS Student Advisor and Montana 10 Advisor
TRIO Student Support Services STEM
Tom, a First Generation Montana Technological University Grad, began working with the TRIO Student Support Services STEM program in 2018. He came to the Institute after 16 years in broadcast television, and another 16 years travelling the highways and byways of this great land producing safety training and reclamation videos for the mining industry.
Working with members of the TRIO programs housed within the Institute allows Tom to give something back to students and his Alma Mater. Tom spends his days mainly assisting students navigate the college experience through to graduation and is also SSS’s Digital Content Creator promoting our programs at MTU and beyond through campus & community outreach, maintains the Institute’s website, but enjoys interacting with our students the most, students whose talents continue to amaze.
When not at work, you can find Tom on the golf course, working on remodeling projects at home, maybe golfing or probably golfing.
Michalah Sherman
SSS Academic Success Coach/Advisor and Montana 10 Advisor
TRIO Student Support Services STEM
Michalah Sherman graduated from Boise State University in May of 2022 with a degree in Secondary English Education. While attending BSU, she had the honor of volunteering in various programs that promoted diversity and inclusivity. Michalah is a former member of TRIO herself, and she is a first-generation college student who deeply understands the message behind this program and is committed to the success of students in the same way her advisors were committed to her.
Working as the TRIO SSS Academic Success Coach/Advisor gives Michalah the opportunity to provide students the same amount of unconditional support and encouragement she received while attending school. With a passion for education and a drive to make a change in the world, she is eager to be where she is today alongside her fun and supportive team here at Montana Technological University!
When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé (they are getting married in September 2024), taking their dog for a walk, and camping. Michalah is proud to call Montana her home.
Position Open
Program Director
Upward Bound & Upward Bound/Math-Science
Kaitlyn Kerr
Associate Director
TRIO Upward Bound/Math-Science
Kaitlyn is the Math Science Upward Bound Associate Director for Butte High School.
Kaitlyn graduated from Laurel High School as a Talent Search Scholar through MSUB. She recently graduated from Montana Technical University with a bachelor’s degree in business and information technology. As a TRIO SSS student and student employee in college she was exposed to the local Upward Bound students and had a desire to continue working with them after graduation.
She credits her success in college to all the help she received through TRIO programs and would love to do the same for other students.
Brandon McLean
Anaconda High/Capital High Program Coordinator
TRIO Upward Bound
Brandon began working at the Institute of Educational Opportunities in 2006, where has served several target schools.
He is now in his hometown of Anaconda where he helps students in grades 7 to 12.
In his free time, he likes to travel, ski and spend time with family and friends. He really enjoys watching sports and is a die-hard Notre Dame fan! GO IRISH!
Lindsey Brittain
Butte High/Helena High Program Coordinator
TRIO Upward Bound
Lindsey is a University of Idaho graduate passionate about educational access and opportunity for all. She has worked in the Idaho public schools as an Early Childhood Specialist and Intensive Behavioral Interventionist, helping students with diverse needs access education. For the past ten years, Lindsey has worked in higher education as an Access Specialist, helping reduce barriers for students with disabilities in a college environment.
Lindsey is new to Montana and is looking forward to hiking, skiing, and exploring this beautiful region with her family and beloved dog, Moose.
Kristi Bailey
Program Director
TRIO Capital City Talent Search
Kristi, Capital City TRIO Talent Search’s Director. She brings us over 20 years of education experience as an instructor, program director, account executive/recruiter, with the University of Montana, Montana Technological University, and Grand Canyon University. She has taught Surgical Technology, Healthcare Informatics, Marketing, Business Courses, Accounting, and even Sports Management Courses. She has her PhD in Social & Community Services/Public Service Leadership from Capella University. In addition, she has her MBA/MSL from Grand Canyon University. She has a passion for education. Kristi enjoys helping people find the path to achieve their dreams through education by guiding them along the way through the obstacles put before them.
Kristi has volunteered her time and knowledge to many local organizations including, Vigilante Rodeo & Saddle Club for 4 years, Silver Bow County 4-H for over 16 years, and now serves as the Treasurer for Upper Clark Fork Back Country Horseman. She is an avid horseman who enjoys sharing her love and knowledge of horses with others. She spends her weekends in the warmer months volunteering by helping the United States Forest Service with Back Country Horseman by clearing trails so others can enjoy the back country of Montana.
Kristi is a proud Montana native. She grew up in the Bitterroot Valley, and then moved to Butte in 1993 with her husband. They have 2 amazing daughters who are now grown, and also share the desire to give back to their communities by volunteering in various organizations. In her free time Kristi and her husband enjoy traveling and cruising to tropical destinations.
Alexis Navarette
Helena High School
TRIO Capital City Talent Search Coach
Contact Alexis
Monica Glueckert
Helena Middle School
TRIO Capital City Talent Search Coach
Contact Monica
Kevin Flatow
Helena Middle School
TRIO Capital City Talent Search Coach
Contact Kevin
TBD
Helena Capital High School
TRIO Capital City Talent Search Coach
Jodi Wigen
East Valley Middle School
TRIO Capital City Talent Search Coach
Contact Jodi
Ethan Hoffman
East Helena High School
TRIO Capital City Talent Search Coach
Contact Ethan
Kelli Kerpa
East Helena High School
TRIO Capital City Talent Search Coach
Contact Kelli
TBD
CR Anderson Middle School
TRIO Capital City Talent Search Coach
Karen Shaide
Program Director
TRIO Talent Search
Karen, a Butte native, recently returned home after a 40-year career in education. She spent those 40 years at a variety of jobs in a smattering of spaces.
Karen graduated from UM Western with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Library Science Minor. She earned her Master’s degree from MSU Eastern in Curriculum and Instruction, self-designed option, Educating the Gifted and Talented. Karen also holds a certification in Elementary Administration.
When away from the classroom Karen enjoys gardening and quilting.
Karen looks forward to helping students set and achieve their personal education goals.
Kristy Wiley
East Middle School
TRIO Talent Search Coach
Kristy is a S.T.E.M. Teacher and the TRIO Coach for East Middle School in Butte, MT. She was born and raised in Butte. She has been in the teaching field for the past 20 years and her passion is helping students feel successful in their educational path. She has been working with TRIO for the past 2 years and looks forward to many more.
She enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family and friends. She loves her fury babies Remi, Rue and Tink.
Lindsey Wolstein
Butte High School
TRIO Talent Search Coach
Lindsey is both a dual credit teacher and the TRIO Talent Search coach at Butte High School. Raised in Butte she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the University of Montana and taught in California for 5 years while earning her master’s in Reading/Language Arts at Cal State San Bernardino.
In 2000 she earned her second master’s degree in school counseling and is looking forward to using this degree in the future.
Lindsey has a daughter and enjoys spending her free time with family and friends camping, floating, and boating on the rivers and lakes of Montana. During the school year she enjoys watching sporting events.
Ali Bowdish
E.F. Duvall Junior High School
TRIO Talent Search Coach
Ali is the TRIO Talent Search coach and music teacher at Duvall Junior High in Deer Lodge, MT. Growing up in Anaconda, MT, she is a TRIO Talent Search and Upward Bound Alum. Earning her degree at Montana State University she became an educator in 2019.
Teaching music has given her a special bond with her students and when the opportunity came to help students in her community, she jumped at the chance to rebuild the Talent Search program and encourage students to seek higher education.