FIRESIDE CHAT

Join us for a casual “fireside chat” closing out our first day of the summit featuring Gov. and First Lady Gianforte, moderated by Carrie Krepps, executive director of Florence Crittenden Family Services. This will be a great time to learn more about key early childhood initiatives, such as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, as well as policy advancements in early care and education

Governor of Montana

Married since 1988, Governor and First Lady Gianforte are the proud parents of four children whom they raised in Bozeman hunting, fishing, rafting, climbing, skiing and backpacking on Montana’s public lands. They are also loving grandparents.

In 1997, Greg and Susan Gianforte founded RightNow Technologies from their Bozeman home and grew it into the town’s largest commercial employer, creating over 500 high-paying Montana jobs.

After 34 years in the private sector, Greg Gianforte was elected Montana’s 25th governor in November 2020 and was reelected in November 2024.

First Lady of Montana

First Lady Gianforte’s initiatives are focused on expanding STEM education and early childhood literacy resources. Most notably, she spearheaded the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a book gifting program that mails free monthly books to children from birth to age 5. First Lady Gianforte serves as the volunteer executive director of the Treasure State Foundation which is Montana’s program sponsor and assists local communities with program funding and administration. 

The daughter of German immigrants to New York City, First Lady Gianforte earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Business Administration from New York University.

Executive Director, Florence Crittenton Family Services

Carrie joined Florence Crittenton in 2010 as the grants officer and quickly fell in love with the work and the organization, moving to the role of executive director in 2019 after serving 8 years as development director. Carrie has gained extensive knowledge regarding the critical work of caring for families in an integrated trauma-responsive and family-centric treatment model, as well as innovative models to provide early childhood services to all families in need of care. She has found a passion for combining business savvy and human services programming to create a powerful business model for serving families across Montana.

Carrie is a Helena native and holds a degree in Business Marketing and minor in Small Business & Entrepreneurship from Montana State University-Bozeman. She loves raising her two daughters, Ella and Sarah, with her husband, Fred Krepps, back in her hometown.

Founder, Last Best Future and Montana Festival

Padden was born and raised in Great Falls, the middle of five siblings and son to two great Montanans. He is managing partner of Foundry Ten, a strategic advisory firm to founders and CEOs, and serves as a senior fellow at the National League of Cities and as an advisor to Sidecar, Montana’s coworking community. Padden previously held senior roles at WeWork, REEF, Lyft, Getaround, co-hosted The Mayors podcast with Richard Florida, and served on the board of Bunker Labs. Padden lives in Bozeman with his wife, Lumay, and young children Wilde and Maven, where he serves on the Bozeman Planning Board.

Keynote: Montana Love Song

Early Childhood Services Bureau Chief, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

The Early Childhood Services Bureau houses several programs that support Montana’s children and families, including CCDF Quality initiatives, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Head Start Collaboration Office, Montana Milestones (Part C of the IDEA), Children’s Trust Fund, and the Preschool Development Grant, Birth to Five. Jill’s extensive career in early childhood has taken her to a variety of early childhood settings – working as a preschool coordinator, curriculum administrator, instructional coach, trainer, and consultant. Jill was born in Montana and is pleased to be serving families in Big Sky Country.

Session: Welcome

Senior Child Care Business Advisor, Zero to Five Montana

Jason is a nationally recognized business advisor with 15 years’ experience as an entrepreneur and economic developer. He has coached, counseled, advised, and trained over 3200 entrepreneurs and business professionals across Montana, helped start over 100 businesses, and supported the creation of over 800 licensed childcare slots in Montana. He holds professional certifications from the National Development Council, GrowthWheel International, the Association of Accredited Business Consultants, Business Resource Services, the US Small Business Administration, and the Edward Lowe Foundation. Jason holds a master’s degree in communication and undergraduate degrees in Journalism and Political Science. Prior to his economic development career, he was an award-winning journalist spanning 16 years and six U.S. markets. 

Session: The Three Little Pigs and ECE Business Success

Session: The Power of Peer Learning – How the MCCBC Cohort Approach Builds Collaboration

Policy & Engagement Director, Zero to Five Montana

Alex discovered her passion for early childhood education while working in a part time child care position during college. Inspired by the critical development in a child’s first years, she pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education graduating in 2015 as a single mother. With firsthand experience balancing parenthood and career growth, Alex became committed to improving Montana’s early childhood system. She has worked in various roles from preschool teacher to supporting child care professionals. In her current role, Alex is dedicated to advocating for policies and solutions that strengthen families, educators, and communities. 

Session: Advocacy 101 for Child Care and Community Leaders

Policy & Engagement Director, Zero to Five Montana

Sarah is passionate about developing strong early childhood policy systems so that all children and communities can thrive. Her experience ranges from working on national security policy legislation in Washington, D.C., to designing education programs in Kigali, Rwanda, to providing 1-1 support for children with Autism in Centennial, Colorado. She holds a bachelors in Political Science and master’s in International Relations and Early Childhood Development. 

Session: Advocacy 101 for Child Care and Community Leaders

Early Childhood Systems Navigator, Bitterroot Early Learning Network

Dakari’s work at Bitterroot Early Learning Network includes leading Ravalli Child Care Advantage & Bitterroot Early Childhood Coalition, community engagement, provider support, coaching, early childhood education professional development & advocacy to strengthen early childhood systems in Ravalli county. 

Session: I Am Not An Island

Technical Assistance Specialist, SPARK Montana

Alyssa provides support for child care programs through her role with SPARK. With a BA in communication studies from the University of Montana, Alyssa has worked in the early education and adult education fields.

Session: I Am Not An Island

Founder, Big Timber Early Learning Academy

Stacey Smith lives in Big Timber with her husband Casey and their two daughters. In 2018, Stacey founded Big Timber Early Learning Academy (BTELA) and is dedicated to supporting both BTELA and the Early Childhood community of Sweet Grass County. She enjoys serving her community, spending time with her children, and volunteering at her local church. 

Session: Jumpstart & Lead: Building Strong Teams and Streamlined Training for Child Care Success

Founder, KPsquared 24Hr Innovative Childcare

KPsquared 24Hr Innovative Childcare is a woman-led model redefining care as an engine of economic strength & community resilience. A former oil sands project manager turned systems builder and policy shaker, Kyla is transforming child care with 24/7 models that serve the whole family unit and strengthen the labor force.   

Session: 24/7 Childcare as Infrastructure: Serving Families Who Power Our Economy

Community Navigator, Zero to Five Montana

Shelby works to support community action groups in building and sustaining data-informed child care solutions. In previous work, she has led community projects, early childhood coalitions, and initiatives in Butte, where she was recognized with the 2022 Moving Mountains Award. In this role with Zero to Five Montana, she is able to expand her reach in statewide systems change for young children.  

Session: The Power of Peer Learning – How the MCCBC Cohort Approach Builds Collaboration

Session: Smart Benefits, Stronger Workforce: The Family Forward Montana Initiative

Child Care Business Advisor, Zero to Five Montana

Kendra has always had a passion for building strong communities. After working in the cooperative movement for nearly 20 years, building financial education curriculum for school systems and small business economic opportunities in underserved communities, Kendra moved to continue her passion of economic development in the state of Montana where she served as the executive director of Montana’s Credit Unions for Community Development. She also served Montana through her work at the Department of Commerce working on the State Small Business Credit Initiative. There she worked closely with businesses across the state who struggle to find conventional loans to start up or expand of their business. Her work is supported by a degree in communications from Eastern Washington University and extended credit union management training from Western CUNA Management School, at Pomona University.

Session: The Power of Peer Learning – How the MCCBC Cohort Approach Builds Collaboration

Co-owner & Director, Stepping Stones Christian Preschool

Amy has a degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of Southern Nevada and is a PD II Specialist for the Montana Registry. She has 20+ years’ experience in the ECE field working with all age groups birth-5 years old in California, Nevada and Montana. Amy is a trainer of Love & Logic for both teachers and parents and has led a preschool to a QRIS 5-Star rating three consecutive times. 

Session: Reciprocal Relationships: Beyond the Box Thinking

Co-owner & CFO, Stepping Stones Christian Preschool

Jen has a master’s degree in education leadership from Cal State Fullerton and an administrative credential with an emphasis in professional development. She was an elementary school teacher, assistant principal and principal. She was a consultant focusing on school change and administrative leadership. Jen was a University Supervisor at Montana State University and the president of Bozeman Schools Foundation. She also has experience as a successful small business owner. Jen has presented to a wide variety of audiences and mentored numerous leaders throughout her career. 

Session: Reciprocal Relationships: Beyond the Box Thinking

Director, Early Childhood Project

Taylor Forrester is passionate about helping young children, families, and early childhood educators thrive. She graduated from Montana State University in 2015 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Child Development. Since then, she has worked as an eligibility specialist for the Best Beginnings program at Child Care Connections. In 2018 she transitioned to the Montana Early Childhood Project where she held multiple roles. In 2021, she stepped into the role of director, continuing her commitment to improving program quality and workforce support across the field. Taylor is dedicated to improving the quality of programs and supporting the incredible and hardworking people in the field of early childhood. When she’s not working, you’ll find her crafting, fishing, or taking care of her 10 chickens, 2 barn cats, and 4 bird dogs – alongside her husband in Cardwell, Montana. 

Session: ECP 101: Navigating the Early Childhood Registry with Confidence

Program Assistant, Early Childhood Project

Caterina (Trina) joined the Early Childhood Project in March of 2023 as program assistant. In her role as Program Assistant, she processes registry applications, answers phones and emails, runs social media accounts, and helps with anything else around the office. She is currently working on her degree in Early Childhood Education at Montana State University in Bozeman. Before joining the ECP Trina worked in childcare both here in Montana and back in her home state of New Mexico. In her free time, she loves to be with her family and friends, cooking and baking, decorating cakes, and dancing. 

Session: ECP 101: Navigating the Early Childhood Registry with Confidence

Data and Research Analyst, Early Childhood Project

Joanne provides database management and support by analyzing and generating reports regarding key areas of professional development about the early childhood workforce in Montana. Before joining the ECP, she taught preschool and worked as an admissions evaluator supervisor at Montana State University, Bozeman. Joanne grew up in Springfield, IL and earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from MSU, Bozeman. In her free time, she enjoys trail running, outdoor adventures with her family, and game nights with family and friends. 

Session: ECP 101: Navigating the Early Childhood Registry with Confidence

Registry Training Approval System Manager, Early Childhood Project

Madi Campbell was born and raised in Belgrade, Montana.She graduated in 2020 from Montana State with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood, a lifelong passion. She has held a few different positions with the Early Childhood Project and has wide knowledge of the registry system. She currently manages the registry’s training approval system and works with trainers all across Montana.She also loves to read and spend time with her friends and family. 

Session: ECP 101: Navigating the Early Childhood Registry with Confidence

System Support Coordinator, Early Childhood Project

Tabitha graduated from Montana State University in May of 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Human Development & Family Sciences and a minor in Sociology. Tabitha was born in Ohio but grew up in Montana and has lived in Bozeman since she was in middle school. She hopes to continue to pursue higher education and eventually go back to school to get her Masters in a human service-related field. Tabitha enjoys hiking, movies, and true crime podcasts, and in her free time she likes to hang out with her husband, friends, and family.

Session: ECP 101: Navigating the Early Childhood Registry with Confidence

Early Childhood Tribal Coordinator, Zero to Five Montana

Callie found her passion for early childhood after becoming a mother herself and recognizing the true impact access to early learning opportunities, prevention through early intervention, and other supportive programs can have on young children and families. She was facilitator of the local early childhood coalition in Silver-Bow County, has served on several committees and coalitions, received the 2023 Moving Mountains Award for her prevention efforts, currently facilitates her local Circle of Parents Support Group, and is an active board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Callie is currently taking college courses to earn her degree in early childhood education through the University of Montana Western and plans to continue to pursue her bachelor’s degree through Salish Kootenai College. Callie is a descendant of the Montana Little Shell Chippewa Tribe and a dedicated advocate for centering tribal voices, cultural resilience, and authentic partnerships in early childhood. 

Session: Planting Trust: Authentic Partnerships with Tribal Nations

Access and Inclusion Specialist, SPARK Learning Montana

Vanessa was born and raised on the Fort Peck Reservation and is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. A lifelong educator, Vanessa served as a classroom teacher, principal, and central office administrator in public school districts in Montana and rural Alaska. Additionally, her experience includes owning and operating a large Montessori school in Helena that served children between the ages of birth – 10 years old. In her role with SPARK Learning Montana, she works with early childhood educators throughout the state to develop and implement quality, diverse programs, focusing on creating and solidifying relationships with providers in tribal communities and expanding supports for children with special needs. 

Session: Planting Trust: Authentic Partnerships with Tribal Nations

Owner & Director, Play N’ Learn Academy and Play N’ Learn Pre-K

Raegen has dedicated 29 years to the field of early childhood education, bringing extensive knowledge and hands-on experience to her work with children, families, and fellow educators. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood, an Associate’s degree in Psychology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Raegen leads programs that serve 193 children and their families across two facilities. Under her leadership, the centers have earned multiple quality awards, and she has successfully guided program expansion and been involved in mentorship initiatives in the state of Montana. Her professional goals include creating and fostering high-quality learning environments, supporting the growth of early childhood professionals, and advocating for practices that strengthen outcomes of young children. She chose childcare as her lifelong career to remain close to her own children while watching them grow and to contribute to growth and development of the lives of others. She firmly believes that the early years are foundational to success and is committed to ensuring that investing in our children today will help to build stronger families and communities for the future. 

Session: Collaboration: Your Competitive Edge

Play N Learn Academy

Shelby has 10 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Preschool–3rd Grade Elementary Education, an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and an Associate’s degree in Pre-Elementary Education Studies. In addition, she holds a Class 2 Teaching License for the state of Montana. She has spent eight years teaching pre-k, two years with infants and toddlers, and one year teaching first grade in the public school system. For the past seven years, Shelby has been a part of Play N’ Learn Academy, where she has expanded her role to include curriculum development, administrative leadership, and educator mentorship. A graduate of the Montana Apprenticeship Program in 2021, Shelby now works to support teachers at Play N Learn who wish to further develop in their career through the same program, guiding them in strengthening their practice and building confidence in the classroom. Her professional goals center on designing and implementing high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum, mentoring the next generation of early educators, and fostering environments where young children are able to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She is passionate about advancing the field of early education through collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to lifelong learning 

Session: Collaboration: Your Competitive Edge

Founder, Kid Country Child Development Center

Kaycee Hodges has over 33 years in early childhood education and business leadership. As founder of Kid Kountry, she built a high-quality program rooted in strong family partnerships. A certified trauma-informed care trainer, she also coaches and advocates for providers. Her work extends beyond her center through coaching, training, and advocacy for children and caregivers. 

Session: Collaboration: Your Competitive Edge

Director, Kid Country Child Development Center

Ashley brings nearly a decade of leadership and a deep passion for early childhood education. A mother of four, she blends real-world parenting insight with a hands-on, compassionate approach. Ashley champions growth, community, and collaboration to ensure children, families, and educators thrive. 

Session: Collaboration: Your Competitive Edge

Regional Membership Development Manager, Early Learning Ventures

Virginia supports early childhood organizations nationwide through strategic partnerships and technology solutions. She also manages Colorado’s Substitute Workforce Program aimed at increasing substitute accessibility statewide. With 16 years of experience—including roles such as program director and business coach— Virginia focuses on business systems, workforce development, and shared services. 

Session: What a Relief! Building a Substitute Network to Support Montana’s ECE Educators

Jacklynn Liles the Shared Services Coordinator, Zero to Five Montana

With over eight years in child care, she’s owned and directed two child care programs and now builds systems that support providers, strengthen workforce, and improve access to quality care across the state. Based in Southeastern Montana, she brings both strategic insight and hands on experience to her work, advocating for sustainable solutions that serve children, families and educators. 

Session: What a Relief! Building a Substitute Network to Support Montana’s ECE Educators

Early Childhood Policy Manager, Zero to Five Montana

Melissa is deeply passionate about building early childhood systems that support families and strengthen communities across the state. Trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Melissa has dedicated her career to helping families heal from intergenerational trauma, fostering secure connections, and providing tools for healthy relationships and parent empowerment. Her most recent pursuits include co-founding a local early childhood coalition and indoor play space in Southwestern Montana, where she taught parenting classes and spearheaded community-based programming to connect families and build an early childhood community of support.

Session: The Caring Trap: Staying Compassionate Without Burning Out

Child Care Workforce Specialist, Montana Department of Labor & Industry

Rhiannon holds an M.Ed. from the University of Montana in Curriculum and Instruction and a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Montana Western. Rhiannon has been in the ECE field in various roles since 2002. In those roles, she has owned and operated a group-sized child care, been a child care center director, taught ECE courses as an adjunct instructor, and has supported the child care workforce while working in non-profit positions. In Rhiannon’s current role, she has been focused on expanding Early Childhood Education apprenticeships and collaborating with organizations and state agencies to support child care workforce development. 

Session: Apprenticeship Pathways: How Registered Apprenticeship Supports Workforce Development, Recruitment in the Field, and Retention of the Workforce

Program Specialist, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Early Childhood Services Bureau

Marjorie holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Public Administration. Marjorie has worked in private child care programs, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, and in state administration. She has developed and facilitated professional development opportunities for early care and education professionals. In her current role, Marjorie supports quality professional development for child care providers and initiatives to strengthen Montana’s early care and education workforce. 

Session: Apprenticeship Pathways: How Registered Apprenticeship Supports Workforce Development, Recruitment in the Field, and Retention of the Workforce

Special Projects Coordinator, Early Childhood Project at Montana State University

The Early Childhood Project is home the state’s childcare workforce registry. Dawn has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Dawn has worked in higher education in the state since 2012, providing guidance and support to those seeking professional development and furthering their higher education in early care and education. In her current role, Dawn works closely with Montana’s Department of Labor & Industry by supporting the coordination, marketing, development, and implementation of Child Development pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs in the state. 

Session: Apprenticeship Pathways: How Registered Apprenticeship Supports Workforce Development, Recruitment in the Field, and Retention of the Workforce

President, Montana Association for the Education of Young Children (MTAEYC) Board

Tiffany Krushensky is an early childhood professional with more than 18 years of experience supporting young children, families, and child care providers across Montana. She has served in roles ranging from professional development specialist to family support specialist, bringing expertise in coaching, compliance support, data and system management, and family engagement. Tiffany currently works in early intervention. She is dedicated to fostering high-quality early childhood programs and building strong community connections that help children and families thrive.  

Session: Strengthening Early Childhood Education during the Tuesday evening networking social

Executive Director, Montana Association for the Education of Young Children

Jennifer Sevier is an early childhood professional with extensive experience in direct care within child care programs, as well as coaching and training providers through Montana’s STARS to Quality initiative. She currently works as an outreach coordinator with Spark Montana. In addition to her professional roles, Jennifer holds positions on several boards, including the School District 5 Board. She is passionate about supporting child care providers, strengthening early learning systems, and advancing high-quality opportunities for children and families across Montana. 

Session: Strengthening Early Childhood Education during the Tuesday evening networking social

CLOSING SESSION – A Jeopardy-style Montana Early Childhood Ecosystem Trivia Game!

Join the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services, Zero to Five Montana, Child Care Training, Child Care Resources, Montana Early Childhood Project, SPARK Montana, and Family Connections Montana, for a fun-filled and informational trivia game with prizes!

Moderated by Tracy Moseman, DPHHS Early Childhood and Family Support Division Administrator

Tracy has spent the last 21 years strengthening families through various roles, including work in health and safety, prevention, and early intervention services. She has served as a prevention specialist and as Director of Student Support Services for Helena Public Schools, as well as held several leadership and administrative roles within the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

She currently serves as Early Childhood and Family Support Division Administrator at the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services. In this role, she leads a team of staff committed to implementing more than 30 programs and services, including quality childcare, home visiting, WIC, supporting children with special health care needs, Head Start Collaborative, Child and Adult Care Food Program, maternal and child health, violence prevention, adolescent health and dating violence prevention, and early intervention services.

Tracy’s most important role is being a mom to Haley, an R.N. in oncology at St. Peter’s Health Infusion Center, and Trey, a sophomore at Carroll College.