Lindsay Mahoney Headshot

Lindsay Mahoney

406-444-4438
Director of School Improvement

Work-Related Duties:

  1. Partnering with schools to develop and implement improvement plans
  2. Collaborating with stakeholders
  3. Establishing guidelines to celebrate progress and evaluate next steps

Lindsay Mahoney joined the Department of Improvement and Engagement with the Montana Office of Public Instruction in 2022 as a School Improvement Specialist. In 2023, she was promoted to the Director of School Improvement. Prior to this, Lindsay worked on the OPI Multi-Tiered Systems of Support team. She has 10 years of experience as an elementary classroom teacher, technology teacher, and elementary counselor, and has held various leadership roles, such as MTSS site facilitator and basketball coach. Lindsay is passionate about the Science of Reading, data analysis, and integrating technology into education. She holds a M.Ed in Technology and Learning, and is currently pursuing her Educational Leadership Certificate through Harvard Graduate School of Education. Lindsay originally moved to Montana from Ohio over 20 years ago to study at Montana State University and has since made it her home. In her free time, she enjoys riding horses, working on her golf game, and hiking with her Corgis.

Michelle Clawson Headshot

Michelle Clawson

406-438-1339
School Improvement Specialist

Work-Related Duties:

  1. Supports schools in Comprehensive status and assists them in developing processes and procedures.
  2. Serves as a leadership coach for school administration and staff and participates in district leadership meetings.
  3. Provides professional development and technical assistance.

Michelle was born and raised in Montana, receiving her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from MSU-Northern in Havre, as well as her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from University of Montana. Michelle has worked in education for over 12 years in numerous roles from classroom teacher to various administrative positions. She loves the ocean and warm summer months and loves to travel with her family when the opportunity arises. Michelle is excited to be a part of OPI and assist with improving schools around the state.

Julie Gavin Headshot

Julie Gavin

406-444-0686
School Improvement Specialist

Work-Related Duties:

  1. Supports schools in Comprehensive status and assists them in developing processes and procedures.
  2. Serves as a leadership coach for school administration and staff and participates in district leadership meetings.
  3. Provides professional development and technical assistance.

Julie Gavin works as a School Improvement Specialist in the Department of Improvement and Engagement with the Montana Office of Public Instruction. Previously, she taught English Language Arts in public high and middle schools and designed children’s enrichment programming and teacher training in several states. Julie is passionate about encouraging people of all ages to uncover their passions and put them into practice within their lives. In her personal life, she enjoys reading, living an active lifestyle, and spending time with her family. She is honored and excited to serve Montana school leaders, staff, and students in her role supporting districts.


Tammy Hall Headshot

Tammy Hall

406-444-7728
School Improvement Specialist

Work-Related Duties:

  1. Supports schools in Comprehensive status and assists them in developing processes and procedures.
  2. Serves as a leadership coach for school administration and staff and participates in district leadership meetings.
  3. Provides professional development and technical assistance.

Tammy Hall joined the Department of Improvement & Engagement with the Montana Office of Public Instruction as a School Improvement Specialist in May of 2024. Previously, Tammy briefly worked as an Assessment Field Specialist in the OPI Assessment Department. Tammy has over 25 years of experience in preschool and elementary school education in Utah and California. She is passionate about learning and student success and achievement. In her free time, Tammy is an avid reader, and enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Brent Harlen Headshot

Brent Harlen

406-444-2051
School Improvement Specialist

Work-Related Duties:

  1. Supports schools in Comprehensive status and assists them in developing processes and procedures.
  2. Serves as a leadership coach for school administration and staff and participates in district leadership meetings.
  3. Provides professional development and technical assistance.

Brent, a Helena, MT native and 2010 graduate of Helena High School, holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a focus on science teaching, as well as a master’s in curriculum and instruction, both from Montana State University. He spent a decade teaching health and human development, forensic science, and physical science at Belgrade Middle School before returning to his hometown. Brent enjoys mountain biking in the summer, fishing local rivers and streams in the spring, skiing throughout the state in the winter, and hunting in the fall. Go Cats!

Terica Schaumloeffel Headshot

Terica Schaumloeffel

406-459-8338
School Improvement Specialist

Work-Related Duties:

  1. Supports schools in Comprehensive status and assists them in developing processes and procedures.
  2. Serves as a leadership coach for school administration and staff and participates in district leadership meetings.
  3. Provides professional development and technical assistance.

Originally from Arizona, Terica Schaumloeffel has called Montana home for the past nine years. Terica has twenty-two years of experience in education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Arizona State University and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. While in Arizona, Terica taught English Language Learners and Gifted students at multiple grade levels. Terica then taught third grade when she relocated to Montana but soon realized that she had a passion to teach special education. She earned her Special Education endorsement from the University of Montana Western. Terica taught PreK-12 grade students for six years. Terica remains dedicated to the belief that all students can learn. Therefore, Terica is excited to be given the opportunity to be part of the School Improvement team with OPI to support schools, educators and communities across Montana to bring success to all students. During Terica’s free time, she enjoys traveling with her friends and family to create memories.