College of EHHD Student & Alumni Ambassadors

Bio:

• 2013 BS Food and Nutrition
• 2014 Montana Dietetic Internship

Hello! My name is Skye and I have been working as an RD for 5 years 6 years now for oneHealth in Miles City, Montana. I did my internship with public health as they were merging with our local community health center into oneHealth. I have worked in many unique areas and positions building up my role in the organization. I do a little bit of everything from outpatient consults, WIC director, lactation counselor, marketing and outreach, and home visiting for ages 0-5 and pregnant mothers. During my time at oneHealth, I have also worked with several classes of MDI interns and have sat on the committee to select intern classes, evaluating applications.

I have a strong passion for pregnant mothers, breastfeeding advocacy, and nutrition education for children. I also love advocating for what my organization does for a community and the importance of public health and community health centers. Montana is my home and I have been born and raised on the East side of the state and am currently raising my son and daughter here. I believe there is so much beauty in Eastern Montana and the people are strong and passionate about their way of life. I love to help feed that and encourage small changes to a healthy lifestyle.

I love nothing more then to share my passions and would love to help future dietitians find theirs and discuss the pathways outside of clinical that an RD can take and how to build your own perfect role in an organization and community.

Bio:

• 1989 BS in Mathematics, teaching option
• Physical Education minor

Michelle Bigler is enthusiastic and passionate about everything involved with teaching and learning. She graduated from Montana State University in 1989 with a mathematics degree, teaching option, and a minor in physical education. The strong initial teacher education Michelle received at MSU enabled her to begin her career in education at an Alternative High School in Colorado. With a desire to individualize her student's mathematics instruction, Michelle began to embed technology into her lessons in a variety of ways. Utilizing innovative instructional practices quickly caught the eye of district leadership which led to Michelle's roles as a technology integration professional development trainer for two districts. Earning a master's degree in Educational Leadership drew Michelle into an elementary principal role where she started each day with more than 300 hugs doing bus duty. Seeing children's growth that was fostered by dedicated and professional educators is one of the greatest joys of her career. Continuing to challenge herself, Michelle is now an instructor for initial teacher education for undergraduate and graduate programs concurrent with doctoral studies in the Education, Equity, and Transformation program. Her research interests involve student/family co-learning and intergenerational learning, using technology to enhance instruction, STEM education, and initial teacher education.

Michelle shares her time with her partner of 32 years, three adult children, a puppy, and a love for everything outdoors. You can often find Michelle gardening, hiking, skiing, or enjoying time on the patio. Michelle is excited to be part of the Alumni Ambassador program within MSU's College of Education, Health, and Human Development as working with aspiring and in-service teachers brings her joy and rejuvenation. She looks forward to meeting and mentoring current MSU students!

Bio:

• Current student in the Hospitality Management - Lodging and Facilities program

My name is Sydney Martinez and I am an undergraduate in the Hospitality Management program at MSU. I am originally from Billings, Montana. I am currently working as an event planner for the College of EHHD.  We can chat over email, virtual calls or in person (if local). I would love to talk and answer any questions that you may have!

Bio:

• Current student in Adult & Higher Education PhD program

Hi! My name is Sky and I'm currently enrolled in the Adult & Higher Education PhD program. I completed the MEd - Higher Education option in 2021 and College Teaching Certificate in 2019. Outside of school, I serve as the Assistant to the Dean for the College of Education, Health & Human Development. I'm eager to connect by email, phone, or WebEx with anyone who is interested in the Adult & Higher Education program.

Bio:

• 1994 BA in English and Math Education
• 1997 Masters in Curriculum and Instruction 

Jenny is the executive director of the Alliance for Curriculum Enhancement, Montana's leader in curriculum and professional development. She was raised and started teaching in rural Montana and has been working professionally in education for over 25 years. Jenny taught 7-12 math and English and a finalist for the Montana Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics. Jenny also has worked at the international and national level for a non-profit specializing in teacher induction, instructional coaching, and online content specific mentoring.

The revolving door of teachers she experienced as both a student and teacher made her driven to make sure that every school leader and the teacher feels supported.

Jenny knows that we can do better for our students by challenging our long-held traditions about grading and reporting. She is committed to having the courage and expertise to support Montana schools shift to research-based instruction, assessment, and grading.

Bio:

• 2019 College Teaching Certificate

Hi! My name is Sky and I completed the College Teaching Certificate program in 2019. I completed the MEd - Higher Education option in 2021 and am currently enrolled in the Adult & Higher Education PhD program. Outside of school, I serve as the Assistant to the Dean for the College of Education, Health & Human Development. I'm eager to connect by email, phone, or WebEx with anyone who is interested in the College Teaching Certificate program.