STAFF AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meet Our Staff:
Emily Contreras, Executive Director: Emily is originally from Phoenix, Arizona where she received her bachelor's in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University in 2012. After graduating, she spent three seasons running a day camp for children at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch in Paradise Valley, MT. Following the ranch, she worked as the Outreach Coordinator for a domestic violence organization in Bozeman, MT called Haven and then moved to Missoula, Montana in 2019 to pursue a Master of Social Work from the University of Montana, which she completed in May 2021. In her most recent role before CSC, Emily worked for a national organization called The JED Foundation as the Manager of Rural School Mental Health Initiatives. She is excited to bring vision and passion to Community School Collaborative and help all Park County youth find fulfillment in exploring their interests and carving out a pathway to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Erin Barcus, Program Director : Erin began her nonprofit career in 2008 after graduating with a BA in management and marketing. The heart of her career has been building and running excellent programming for diverse nonprofits such as The Ronald McDonald House, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and The Livingston Food Resource Center. She's excited to bring her experience and ideas to Community School Collaborative! Originally coming to Livingston in 2009, she then moved to Oregon and New Zealand before deciding that Montana was home and returned in 2019. She's a big fan of concerts at Pine Creek, trivia nights, and adventures with her dog, Olive.
Jim Barker, Operations Director : Jim, a seasoned aviation professional, recently returned to Livingston from Phoenix, AZ, where he was VP/Director of Operations at AeroCheck MRO. Beginning his aviation journey in 1972 with Jay-Dee Aircraft Supply, Jim's diverse roles included Purchasing Manager, Sales Manager, VP of Sales and Marketing, General Manager, COO, and President. Always supporting education initiatives, Jim was instrumental in the development of an Airframe and Powerplant Technician scholarship program in collaboration with Eastern New Mexico University. Jim now calls Livingston, Montana, home, where he enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting, and snowboarding with his wife and two daughters. Actively involved in the community, Jim is a Vikings Charities Gold Cup member, a former Board Member of the Livingston Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers with Make-A-Wish and One Voice.
Meet Our Board:
Leah Brand, Board President: is a Montana native, born and raised in the Bitterroot Valley. She is currently the Chief Operating Officer of L’esprit Mental Health Center. In 2007 she received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Montana, and after graduation, she moved to Portland, Oregon. She lived and worked in Portland for 10 years and received a Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University. During that time, she had the opportunity to work and intern in a variety of areas, including education, homeless services, pediatric oncology, and the department of corrections. Although she enjoyed her time in Oregon, she longed to return to Big Sky Country and develop her passion for supporting rural communities. In 2018, she returned to Montana and joined L’esprit as a CSCT Therapist at Sleeping Giant Middle School.
Joel Mowrey Vice President: Joel grew up in PA and completed his bachelor’s in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. He received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Bowling Green State University after completing a specialty child internship at Duke University Medical Center. He was a licensed Psychologist in Ohio, Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychology at Kent State University and Ashland University. Most of Joel’s career as a psychologist was spent serving children and families in OH in a variety of clinical and administrative positions. He also supervised doctoral students from Kent State for most of his career. His final position was the Executive Director of the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Portage County Ohio. Joel retired and moved to MT in 2019 to be close to his stepchildren and two granddaughters.
Yvonne Brutger, Past President: Yvonne is a physician who grew up in Minnesota and practiced Emergency Medicine in the Minneapolis area for 30 years. She worked in a Level 1 Trauma Center and was actively involved in teaching medical students and residents. She started visiting the Paradise Valley area in her early 20’s and moved here full time in 2015 when she retired from her Minnesota medical practice. Her interest in mentoring young people and education led her to co-found the Community School Collaborative.
Laurie Nelson-Knuchel, Board Secretary: Laurie is an educator serving Montana schools for the last 23 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Montana, a Masters of Science in Learning Development from MSU-Northern, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Montana State University. Laurie will be teaching English at Park High School during the 2022-23 school year, and as a new board member of the CSC, she is passionate about serving our youth and the Livingston community!
Ryan Anderson, Treasurer: Ryan is a graduate of the University of Wyoming and has an extensive education background in Banking, Marketing, and Finance. He moved to Livingston MT in 2021 with his wife and three children. He is the President of the First Interstate Bank, Livingston Branch. He is passionate about sports and youth education. In addition to the CSC Board, he sits on the Livingston School District Advisory Board.
Don Gimbel, Board Member at Large: Don grew up in a family where both his parents were active in philanthropy and taught their children the importance of sharing. Don has volunteered with many national and local organizations including CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), The Blue Slipper Theater, Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, Counterpoint, and Park County Community Foundation. His goal is to help make our community a better place for all its citizens. CSC is honored to have him join our Board of Directors and believe his expertise will help us accomplish our mission and goals.
Cindy Miller: Cindy grew up in Minnesota and graduated college from St. Cloud State University with a major in Education. She taught elementary school for several years before making a career change to pharmaceutical sales. She spent 25 years working for Merck and covering the MN and ND markets. She now works for Exact Sciences supporting Cologuard from Bozeman to Billings and into Northern WY. Cindy and her husband moved to Livingston in 2022. Cindy began volunteering for CSC Cougar Days and quickly became very interested in doing more with CSC. Working with children has always been a passion of Cindy's.
John Bottari - John has been in private business for over 45 years working for a Fortune 100 company, American National Can Corp as Senior Vice President and has also owned a BMW Dealership for over 20 years in San Francisco, California. John currently works for Frontline AG Solutions/ John Deere in Livingston, Montana. John also has been in Rotary International for 30 years and held positions of Club President, District Governor, and District Foundation Chair. He has been working for non-profits over the years helping children either by coaching them through sports or through mentoring. John resides in Livingston with his wife, and they have 6 children and 8 Grandchildren.