Lindsay Thompson

 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. Previously, Lindsay worked on the OPI Multi-Tiered Systems of Support team. Over the past 10 years she was an elementary classroom teacher, technology teacher, and elementary counselor. Lindsay has also served in many leadership roles over the years, from MTSS site facilitator to basketball coach. Lindsay has a passion for the Science of Reading, data dives, and technology integration. Lindsay moved to Montana from Ohio to pursue her education at Montana State University 20+ years ago and never looked back. Lindsay loves living in Montana, in her free time you can find her riding horses, eating at the newest restaurant or playing fetch with her two Corgis.

Julie Gavin

 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.

Sara Tiffany

 Sara Tiffany

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

Sara Tiffany joined the Department of Improvement and Engagement with the Montana Office of Public Instruction in October of 2022 as a School Improvement Specialist. Sara spent 14 in the classroom, mainly as Title I Reading teacher, and most recently as an elementary special education teacher. Sara grew up in South Dakota, graduating from Augustana University in Sioux Falls with her degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Kindergarten as well as Middle School Math and Language Arts. She has a passion for phonics instruction and data analysis. Sara and her family moved to Townsend in 2020 where they enjoy being outdoors as often as possible. She also enjoys watching her daughters play sports and baking.


Claire Mikeson Headshot

 Claire Mikeson

406-438-0278
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

Claire Mikeson joined the Department of Improvement & Engagement with the Montana Office of Public Instruction as a School Improvement Specialist in October of 2023. Previously, Claire taught English Language Arts for middle and high school at several schools across Montana with her ELA and library media teaching endorsements. She has also worked as a college instructor, curriculum developer, and track coach and is passionate about literature, media literacy, and writing instruction. In her free time, Claire enjoys writing, reading, running, and spending time with her husband, dog, and two kittens.