Our Mission:

The SIPL team is committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based, and sustained professional learning that empowers educators and strengthens student outcomes across the state of Montana.

Aimee Konzen

406-444-3114
Professional Learning Manager

Work-Related Duties:

1. Support the work of the content standard specialists
2. Support the work of the learning Hub and the Professional Development Provider System
3. Support the work of the Early Literacy Initiative

Aimee Konzen, MEd, is a dedicated educator and leader currently serving as the Professional Learning Manager at the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) in Montana. Aimee's journey in education began with her undergraduate studies at the University of Montana, where she pursued her passion for elementary education. Following her graduation, Aimee embarked on a series of adventures that took her through various educational settings, including elementary schools, kindergarten in New Zealand, and teaching middle school English Language Arts. From her initial position as a school improvement specialist to her subsequent role as the Director of School Improvement, Aimee has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to enhancing educational outcomes. In her current capacity as the Professional Learning Manager, Aimee continues to play a vital role in shaping professional development programs that empower educators across Montana.

Michelle McCarthy

406-444-3537
Science Instructional Coordinator

Work-Related Duties:

1. Works with teachers and other science education leaders to support science instruction in Montana schools.
2. She keeps apprised of Montana's needs in science instruction.
3. Updates disciplinary standards as needed, and processes Professional Development Certificates, and maintains the PD unit Provider System.

Michelle has been with the OPI since August 2015. She was a middle school science, social studies, and math teacher at Bridger Schools. She also served as ther RtI and Test Coordinator. She has also been a half time principal/teacher in a three-room schoolhouse.

Kimberly Evans

406-594-7053
Early Literacy Research Analyst

Work-Related Duties:

1. Collect and compile data related to early childhood literacy programs from various sources, including assessments, surveys, and program evaluations.
2. Design and implement data collection tools, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of data.
3. Collaborate with program managers and educators to identify key performance indicators and metrics for measuring program success.

Kimberly Evans comes to OPI with a wide variety of experience in education. She started as an elementary school teacher in a one school, school district. She then moved on to teach at a charter school with Independent Study High School students, and most recently worked with homeschool families and their parent educators. She graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. Then she continued her education at UC Davis, earning her multi-subject CLAD teaching credential. When she first came to the OPI, she was one of the Teacher Learning Hub Coordinators. She works in the Teaching and Learning Department on the Early Literacy Team, helping implement the programs created under HB 352. She is eager to learn more about how to support educators in the field and spread the word about the Science of Reading and effective reading/literacy interventions. She enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her family and pets in her free time.

Allyson Fraser

406-444-3599
Learning Hub Coordinator

Work-Related Duties:

1. Designs engaging and relevant courses for the Learning Hub, and I collaborate with internal and external agencies to deliver quality professional development to Montana.
2. Maintains course quality through data analysis and providing customer service support to educators.
3. Promotes the Learning Hub to educators and schools as a preferred platform for professional development.

Allyson Fraser is a dedicated education professional with over 15 years of diverse education experience. She is currently one of the Learning Hub Coordinates for Montana's Office of Public Instruction. Allyson's background includes teaching, serving as a Peace Corps volunteer, and working as an English Language Support Specialist and Student Data Support Specialist. She holds a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Global Perspectives in Education from Boston College and is passionate about improving access to quality learning experiences and empowering teachers. In her free time, Allyson enjoys gardening and exploring the Montana outdoors with her family.

Kate Gammill

406-444-0716
Learning Hub Coordinator

Work-Related Duties:

1. Supports course creators with technical aspects of the Learning Management System.
2. Maintains online course content.
3. Develops professional learning plans to support Professional Development goals.

OPI Hub Instructional Coordinator, Kate Gammill, supports Montana’s teachers through accessibility to online courses. She joins the Teaching and Learning team with 10 years of classroom experience and 5 years of online learning management systems experience. The bulk of her teaching career has been spent in class C schools where she successfully partnered with OPI to implement programs benefiting instructional practices. Kate looks forward to continuing to evolve the Hub as a powerful Professional Development resource for Montana’s educators.

Jackie Ronning

406-438-0522
Early Literacy Coordinator

Work-Related Duties:

1. Develop and Implement Early Childhood Literacy Programming
2. Provide Professional Learning
3. Collaborate with Stakeholders

Jackie earned her BS in Elementary Education and her MA in Reading. Since 2004, Jackie has taught many ages and grades but preschool through third is her favorite place to be. For the past 5 years, she has been the Literacy Coach, the Assessment and Intervention Coordinator as well as the Preschool Coordinator for a K-12 school. Jackie joined OPI in the CETA unit and worked with the state’s Gifted and Talented and MTSS Grants. She is now with the T&L unit working with Early Literacy initiatives. Jackie’s educational interests are anything to do with the Science of Reading, Dyslexia, and Reading/ Literacy Intervention. In her spare time, she enjoys life in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains, flower gardening and spending time with her husband, children, and pets.

Katrina Engeldrum

406-465-4117
Mathematics Instructional Coordinator

Work-Related Duties: Collaborates and partners with teachers, mathematics education professionals, school leaders, and Knowledge Keepers from Tribes to support math instruction in Montana Schools and generate innovative strategies to improve student outcomes. This work includes but is not limited to: guiding the standards revision, adoption, and implementation processes, developing and delivering professional learning, and collaborating on cross-agency initiatives such as state assessments, IEFA, CTAE, Special Education, and beyond. 

Biography: Before joining the Office of Public Instruction, Katrina taught 7-12 mathematics in Montana schools. Since 2014, she has worked in the classroom setting, served on various RTI and curriculum teams, coached, and been involved with many volunteer pursuits. Currently, Katrina earned both her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Math Education and Educational Leadership Master’s Degree at the University of Montana and volunteers with a collegiate women’s leadership organization as a mentor at the University of Montana, University of Wyoming, and Eastern Washington University campuses. Katrina is also passionate about the impact of learning math through play and is constantly seeking new ways to engage students in natural mathematics discovery at all ages. In her free time, Katrina likes to work in her wood shop, go on long runs, and spend time outdoors with her family and friends.

Eva Cox

 
Professional Development Specialist

Work-Related Duties:

1. Oversee and manage the Professional Development Unit Provider System, including vetting, enrolling, and verifying new professional development unit providers (PDUPs).
2. Implement and report on the evaluation process for professional development offerings to uphold quality standards.
3. Provide support and guidance to agency staff and professional development providers in the proper creation and issuance of professional development unit (PDU) certificates.

Eva is a native Montanan born and raised in Bozeman. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Montana State University and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. She has been a lower elementary classroom teacher for the past 16 years and has worked in schools in New Zealand, California, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, People’s Republic of China and, most recently, Montana. She has a passion for teaching and learning and is excited to step in to this role to assist with teacher training and licensure.

When not at work, Eva loves to travel and experience different places, cultures, scenery, and food. She also likes to spend time outdoors reading, gardening, or taking care of her animals.

Claire Mikeson

406-438-0278
ELA & Literacy Instructional Coordinator

Work-Related Duties:

1. Collaborates with teachers and English education leaders and professionals to support ELA instruction in Montana Schools.
2. Supports the continuous update and creation of ELA-related professional learning.
3. Facilitates revision of ELA Content Standards, including supporting task force teams and supporting educators and schools with implementation by partnering with OPI staff to provide meaningful professional learning.

Claire joined the Office of Public Instruction on the School Improvement team in 2023 and is excited to support ELA educators and students in her current role as ELA Instructional Coordinator. Prior to working for OPI, Claire taught secondary English Language Arts for eight years, both abroad and in several Montana schools. She’s licensed in ELA and K-12 library media, has an M.A. in English, and is currently completing an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. Claire has also worked as an adjunct college instructor, freelance curriculum developer, and high school track coach and is passionate about literature, media literacy, and writing instruction. She lives on a ranch in central Montana, and enjoys writing, reading, running, baking, and spending time with her husband, dog, and cats.