Our Team
Dedicated professionals with a passion for education.
We believe that every student, no matter where they live, deserves a great education and a bright future. Every member of our team supports the organization's culture of individualized success - from pure academic achievement to social and emotional wellbeing. We work hand-in-hand with our students, educators, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure optimal learning and lifelong success.
Staff Members
Jennifer Lutey - Executive Director
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As the Executive Director of Brightways Learning, Jennifer Lutey has been a driving force for the organization since earning her Juris Doctorate in 2004. She works closely with students, educators, and parents to support student academics, emotional intelligence, resiliency, and college and career readiness skills. Jennifer has extensive experience implementing innovative changes and developing effective education support programs, with a particular focus on rural and remote learning environments.
Her role includes leading grant-writing efforts with education partners and managing federal and private grant programs that support positive, long-term change in schools and communities. She is also dedicated to expanding the organization’s impact, collaborative relationships, and hosting energizing education conferences. Her comprehensive background includes overseeing human resources, budgeting, and fiscal management.
Jennifer is an active member of both the Montana State Bar and the Western Montana Bar Association. Outside of work, she cherishes outdoor adventures and delicious meals with her husband, (and fellow nonprofit Executive Director), Ryan, and their two big-hearted adventurous boys, Westin and Carson.
Outside of work Jen is passionate about cooking, reading cookbooks (especially about the science of cooking), and sharing meals with family and friends!
Aaron Baldwin
Technology Director
Aaron has been Brightways Learning’s Director of Technology since 2006, where he designs, develops, and maintains the organization’s web applications. With more than two decades of software engineering experience, he has led major technology initiatives and continues to guide the evolution of Brightways’ systems. When he’s not coding, Aaron can usually be found outdoors—running, hiking, or biking through the mountains—spending time with his family, or experimenting in the kitchen.
Lisa "Kersch" Kerscher
Program Director
Lisa "Kersch" Kerscher is Brightways Learning’s Program Director, managing programs and people, along with providing training and support to clients using our software applications. She moved from Ohio to Missoula, Montana in 1989, where she cultivated her expertise in the sciences - especially ecological systems - and journalism/media. These endeavours led her to work in educational and interactive media design, recognizing the power in learner choice and the importance of active engagement with content. Since Kersch first joined Brightways Learning in 2005, she has visited many schools, particularly across Montana and Alaska, supporting teachers, administrators, and students in their varied learning and community environments. Those experiences drive her passion for schooling systems and the relationship dynamics between administration, staff, and students in shaping school climate, whole-student success, professional growth, and staff retention. Beyond Brightways, Kersch gets jazzed developing K-12 science instructional materials and lives out her nature as a "wander woman" - exploring wherever her feet take her!
Jamie Wheeler
Financial Manager
Jamie has been with Brightways Learning since 2004. She holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Montana and has worked in her field for over 20 years. Jamie loves traveling with her husband, spending time with friends and family, and spoiling her two corgi pups.
Tina Hamilton
Partnership Development Specialist
Tina has more than 20 years of experience in the K–12 educational technology field, with a focus on developing strategic partnerships that support organizational growth. At Brightways, she leads partnership development efforts, including cultivating relationships with schools and districts that generate revenue and advance the mission. Tina earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana and recently returned to her home state after many years in Seattle. She lives in Helena with her husband, Morgan. Outside of work, Tina enjoys traveling, cooking, and dragon boat racing in the summer.
Megan Brown
Marketing & Communications Manager
A Missoula native with a B.S. in Management Information Systems from the University of Montana, Megan brings a versatile background and over a decade of experience in marketing, communications, and event management. For the past three years, she has played a key role in brand development, visual design, and strategic content creation across print and digital platforms. She leads efforts in promotional design, social media management, and building lasting donor engagement. Outside of work, Megan enjoys traveling, spending time with her son, and staying actively involved in the Missoula community.
Beth Buchanan
Teaching, Learning, & Resiliency Specialist
Beth has spent nearly three decades supporting youth. As a former teacher and coach, she transitioned to helping educators and parents create trauma-resilient environments and develop personal and professional resilience. Inspired by her own experience parenting adopted and fostered children with trauma, Beth delved into neuroscience to improve mental health and performance in schools for both students and educators. Beth holds degrees in secondary education, curriculum & instruction, and leadership education. Her expertise includes trauma-informed education, social-emotional learning, and youth & adult resilience.
Derek Peterson
Integrative Youth Development Creator
Derek has almost four decades of experience as a child/youth advocate in Alaska and worldwide. He guides local, state, national, and international policy makers and program leaders to see and understand youth through a new lens. Derek created Integrative Youth Development (IYD) and its Student Support Card assessment, transforming the complexity of youth development into an easy-to-understand framework that guides the best practices of numerous programs, communities, and school districts through Brightways Learning’s Kaleidoscope Connect.
Amy Killian
Resiliency Specialist
Amy has more than two decades of experience in K-12 education, including English Language Learning, classroom teaching, Lead Teacher, and School Counselor. She has a Bachelor’s in Linguistics, a K-8 Type B Teaching Certification, and a Master’s in K-12 School Counseling. She has worked in youth development since she started in education. Looking at the youth and the world around them has been a passion for her as she focuses on supporting youth. She continues learning from top leaders in the youth development field. Currently, she leads Kaleidoscope Connect events with both youth and adults in the United States and Canada. She also provides support and supervision to Regional Leaders throughout the state of Alaska as they implement the Integrative Youth Development framework and related activities in their areas. Amy provides a fresh look at youth development as she continues to work in multiple school districts and youth and tribal organizations in Alaska and outside the state.
David "Pav" Pavish
Resiliency Specialist
David's combined 20 years of experience working with youth in direct care and administration in both the private and public sector has equipped him with a unique lens through which to see youth in Alaska and beyond. He was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and has had the privilege to live in that state's rural communities, as well as Northern California. Throughout his career, the training he has received from some of the top youth and experiential education professionals in the U.S. and Canada provides him with a solid understanding of what youth need to succeed. David brings a fresh perspective on supporting and guiding youth through their life and career paths; understanding that life is a journey in which growth and learning have no end.
Terri Beede
Principal & Lead Teacher
Terri completed her undergraduate degree with a double major in Elementary and Special Education, emphasizing in Supportive Employment from Montana State University-Billings. While living in Glasgow, Montana, teaching a range of 3rd Grade and PreK-12 Special Ed, she earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Level Leadership from the University of Montana. She gets great satisfaction in providing support to and collaborating with home-educators and working with the innovative staff of Brightways Learning. Terri enjoys partnering and learning facets of new business, from restaurants and home staging to trucking and currently resides with her husband and two dogs in Billings, Montana.
Tonya Plass
Certified Teacher & Reading Specialist
Tonya is a certified elementary teacher and reading specialist with a diversified teaching path. Her career began with educating Hutterite students in a Montana colony, followed by teaching 4th-8th grade farm students in a two-room country school. After moving to Alaska, she taught preschool students in a remote Native Alaskan village, and then partnered with homeschooling parents for 21 years at an Alaskan homeschool program. Five of those 21 years included working with military homeschool families overseas. After retiring, Tonya moved back to her home state of Montana and joined the Brightways Global Academy team to continue working alongside homeschooling families. Her other interests include skiing, traveling, running, reading, and spending time with family.
Kim Troxel
Certified Teacher & School Counselor
Kim has over 25 years of experience working with correspondence schools, serving students across Alaska and internationally. She is dedicated to working as a team with parents to select curricula that align with their child's interests and abilities while respecting each family's unique educational philosophy. Kim has extensive experience working with a variety of educational approaches, including faith-based, classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Waldorf, and online learning. Holding endorsements in K-12 Special Education, K-12 Reading, K-8 Elementary Education, and K-12 School Counseling, she supports students from early childhood through the college application process. With a personal background in both Chinese and American cultures, Kim has a special interest in cross-cultural education. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys reading, cooking, knitting, and exploring Alaska’s trails through running, hiking, and Nordic skiing with her dog.
Melinda Haynes
Content Specialist
Melinda has lived in various places in the United States, but she has spent most of her time in Ohio, Montana, Utah, California, and Alaska. She has been a teacher for nearly two decades. During five of those years, she taught students from Fort Irwin, California, and she has also taught in a small Eskimo village in Alaska. Since 2004, she has provided services to homeschool families, including creating computer-based math courses. Melinda lives north of Anchorage in a converted barn, spending time outside in the beautiful state of Alaska and traveling.
Pat Cole
Content Specialist - Special Education & Early Learning
After graduating from Montana State University, Pat began teaching special education preschool and conducting Early Education Child Development Clinics for children birth through five. She worked to screen, identify, and support parents of preschoolers with possible learning disabilities. Pat and her staff followed up with early intervention services to support each child’s individual educational needs. She then worked with challenged, suspended high school students to continue their educations. After working as an educational contractor on the local reservation, and providing distant special education services for small schools, Pat took a full-time position teaching first and second grade Special Education. Pat lives on a farm with her husband and a variety of animals. Pat is a true child advocate who believes that all children deserve equal educational opportunities, regardless of their learning styles.
Todd Glaser
Content Specialist - Science
Todd has been an educator in the Glasgow Public Schools in Montana for over 25 years, along with a brief two years working for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Todd’s background includes a double major in Composite Science and Biology as well as a masters degree in Learning Development. The majority of Todd’s time has been spent teaching high school chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, with a few years of middle school math and science. He has thoroughly enjoyed his years in public education not only teaching prudent course work but also involving himself in the community serving on various boards. Todd is a big believer in helping others and it will be paid back to you.
Emily Hendriksen
Family Support Representative
Teaching, learning, and the arts are Emily’s passion. In her early college years, she majored in music education and liberal arts with a focus on clarinet performance. After college, she met and married the love of her life and they’ve been happily married for 18 years. A few years after their marriage, her husband joined the foreign service, and they have since lived in many countries around the world. Emily and her husband have four children whom Emily has home-schooled for the past 10 years as they’ve trotted about the globe. During those homeschooling years, Emily taught music lessons and Spanish, headed co-ops, led story times and literature groups, and facilitated learning of all kinds. Emily is currently finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Marriage & Family science with an emphasis in Human Services and Family Counseling, with plans to begin her Master’s studies in clinical and arts therapy.
Board of Directors
Kim Tucker
Board President
From foster care to public radio, Kim has helped nonprofits develop programs, attract funding, and expand the delivery of their mission. Today, Kim is leading Impact Foundry in partnership with an engaged Board and stellar staff team. In 2006, Kim joined 3fold Communications to launch the nonprofit division, focused on capacity building for faith and community-based organizations, and serving the interests of corporate community benefit programs. Local, statewide and national foundations engaged 3fold to help strengthen grantee organizations; and Kim and her team developed grantmaking programs and training modules to help nonprofit organizations improve upon and demonstrate their impact. In 2015, 3fold sponsored Kim to assume the helm at Nonprofit Resource Center, and to lead its expansion and transformation to Impact Foundry. Today, Kim is having the time of her life creating new pathways of impact within the nonprofit sector in her role as executive director. Kim believes our future depends on well-equipped, engaged youth. Kim is from Alaska, where she grew up playing with bears and catching salmon with her bare hands. Most of the time, she tells the truth.
Rhonda Knudsen
Board Secretary and Treasurer
Rhonda has more than 20 years of experience leading diverse teams, program/project management and strategy development in the life science, medical device and technology sectors in both for-profit and non-profit settings. She has held leadership roles in sales and marketing, human resources, operations, and business administration. Rhonda earned her Bachelor's degree in French from the University of Montana, a Certification to Teach English as a Second Language from Seattle University, and an MBA in Global Leadership from City University of Seattle. She believes that education is vital to providing baseline skills to survive and ultimately achieve as adults in the world. Regardless of geography, economic circumstances or cultural differences, all children deserve the opportunity to receive a quality education. Rhonda is passionate about world travel and continuous learning. She lives in Seattle and enjoys painting in her spare time.
Diane Ryssel
Diane holds advanced degrees in mental health and has worked as a clinical psychologist, serving the mentally ill who were either adjudicated or awaiting adjudication based on crimes committed that were associated with their mental illness. Additionally, she has counseled women dealing with issues associated with domestic and childhood sexual abuse, children and adults in the context of individual and family therapy, along with veterans dealing with homelessness and substance abuse. She hails from Alaska, having grown up in Anchorage. Her love for nature and the outdoors was born early during her Alaska years and remains a vital component of her character and well-being. Since leaving Alaska in 1995, Diane has lived in southern and northern California, and now resides close to the capital of Idaho. Presently, she involves herself in activism, including issues associated with social and racial justice. She also currently serves as an adjunct professor in a Master’s counseling program for a university in California. She has a keen interest in young folk and believes that many youth today carry a heavy load, often lacking access to healthy communities and sufficient support systems that teach effective social skills. Diane holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Biola University, a Master of Arts Degree from Azusa Pacific University, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University.
Scott MacManus
Scott is the State & Federal Programs Director at Yukon-Koyukuk School District in Fairbanks, Alaska, where his interests have led him to specialize in funding and managing an array of projects and programs that improve the quality of education and life for communities in rural Alaska. He has been professionally involved in education for nearly 30 years. Scott grew up in an Inupiat village in Northwest Alaska, where his family lived a subsistence lifestyle. After high school, he enlisted and did an overseas tour of duty. Returning to Alaska, he completed an apprenticeship in the trades while attending the University of Alaska to earn degrees in Political Science and Education. As well as being a teacher and administrator, Scott has variously worked as a mason, carpenter, restaurateur, riverboat pilot, and fisherman, among others. These life experiences serve him well in his current position, where he works with people from a range of backgrounds to design and manage projects that range from one-to-one programs, preschools, residential summer schools, performing arts, and vocational-technical programs, to projects in curriculum and evaluation management, and facilities. He is currently working toward a doctorate in Education Policy. He has two grown sons and currently lives with his wife in Fairbanks.
Jesse Darling
Jesse is an established web developer and marketing professional with 15 years of experience in diverse sectors. Jesse’s journey began at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Web Development, Information Technology, and Business. Since then, he’s honed his skills in both government and private sectors, working on projects ranging from website development to video production and marketing campaigns. Growing up in Nulato and living in various parts of Alaska has instilled in Jesse a deep appreciation for unique challenges and opportunities. Jesse is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience to help others thrive, both professionally and personally. In his free time, Jesse enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the great outdoors, and teaching his daughters about their cultural heritage. Jesse is excited to join the Brightways board and looks forward to collaborating with our talented team to empower learners of all ages.
Facilitators & Apprentices
Dante Huffine
Danté Huffine is an Alaskan-born educator with over a decade of experience working with grades K-12. Danté is a Paraeducator on Prince of Wales Island and has been known to wear many hats. From basketball coach to Career Counselor to Drama Teacher, he steps in wherever his skills are most needed. Danté is passionate about empowering youth and fostering emotional growth. He easily connects with youth and models healthy relationships with adults. Dante is committed to making a difference in the lives of young people with creativity and support through events such as PHlight Club, PHlight Camp, and WebMasters. As a Facilitator for Brightways, Danté travels all over Alaska and parts of Montana delivering the message, framework, and power of Webs of Support.
Kymberly Lacrosse
Kymberly Lacrosse was born in Watsonville, CA where her heart will always reside. At a young age, Kym developed a love for the outdoors, adventure, and nature. She lives a down-to-earth DIY lifestyle and has a deep sense of community. She has been a community leader for the last 40 years. She served on her first Board of Directors at 15 and has lived a life of service since. Her formal education includes Cabrillo College, UCSC, SJSU, and the California Institute of Integral Studies. She is currently working on a PhD in Transformative Studies. Kymberly brings a heartfelt passion to youth development, social justice, experiential education, and community engagement that is rooted in an undeniable commitment to see individuals and communities to be inspired, powerful, and unstoppable. Her commitment to equity and justice drives her to work diligently to change the systems in place for a more equitable and thriving world. Her work has earned both local and national recognition. She is also a non-profit consultant. She currently runs the non-profit she established in 2021, Growing Greatness. The organization’s work focuses on youth, women, and families - connecting them to nature, local resources, and each other. Kym loves to travel, work in her garden, sew, paint and craft. Most of all, she loves her family, which includes her two large dogs, Max and Bella.
Stephanie Damery
Stephanie Damery has 20+ years of experience in K-12 education. She earned a B.Ed. Generalist Degree with an Educational Psychology Minor from the University of Alberta, Canada. She has served the Alberta education system in a variety of roles including classroom teacher, Instructional Learning Coach, Jurisdictional Learning Services Coordinator, PACE Provincial Curriculum Writing Team Member, and Assistant Principal. Stephanie is passionate about supporting teachers in their professional growth by focusing on relationships, student learning, and data-based decision-making. An educator from her core, Stephanie is an enthusiastic and empathetic leader motivated to foster a culture of collaboration among students, staff, parents, and community stakeholders, in pursuit of success for every student. As a reflective educator, lifelong learner, and advocate for student success, Stephanie has worked within her school and community, to bring Webs of Support to life! She ihas joined Brightways as a consultant to share her passion for youth development with other communities.
Charlie Black
Charlie Black believes that everyone has a steadfast call and purpose in life. His life experiences and adventures have uniquely prepared him to make an enormous impact as an apprentice with Brightways Learning. With a mission to ensure that every individual is seen in Full Color for their true selves and appreciated for their unique beauty and talents, Charlie is deeply devoted to serving the organization's mission. He is passionate about helping the world understand that every child, youth, and adult needs their personal village—a strong and healthy Web of Support. From his vibrant life experiences and deep self-exploration, Charlie realized that his purpose is to inspire others to thrive regardless of circumstances. As a school counselor in Hastings, MN, since 2004, he has lifted up his students, helping them live their most rewarding lives. Witnessing the powerful impact of a strong Web of Support firsthand when it was introduced in Hastings in 2013, Charlie became a champion for the work and led initiatives like Helping Kids Succeed - The Hastings Way, which transformed his professional approach and personal life. His roles with the United Way of Hastings and Rise Up Recovery further solidified his commitment to community and nonprofit leadership, preparing him for his current role as the Executive Director at Kalos Eidos Foundation. The Kalos Eidos Foundation was founded in 2024 with a mission to make the invisible world around youth and within them visible, coherent, and actionable through their self-agency by using the comprehensive and coherent framework uncovered and articulated by Derek Peterson, the founder of Integrative Youth Development™ and the Full-Color Webs of Support™ framework.
Deb Fassnacht
Deb Fassnacht holds a Master's in Education, a Bachelor's in Forestry, Natural Resource Conservation, and Secondary Science teaching certification from the University of Montana. She is one of the founders and the current Executive Director of Watershed Education Network (WEN). WEN is a partner with Brightways Learning for the RISE Challenge Big Sky Program, and Deb serves as an instructor and coach. Deb has over 25 years of science teaching, nonprofit leadership, and citizen science education experiences to bring to a myriad of education programs. She is a writing team leader with Oregon State University's YEA Climate Change Curriculum Project. She enjoys wandering in creeks and rivers, hiking, skiing, sailing, and spending time with family and friends.
Maureen Stone
Maureen Stone has years of experience as a certified school counselor and certified school administrator. She served as the Director of Student Services in a suburban New York school district for over a decade. She has a passion for helping young people grow to their full potential and enjoys working with adults to provide the best support in a variety of ways. Maureen is a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation and a Positive Intelligence Coach. She coaches school leaders through the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education Leadership Coaching Program and Ministry Leaders through the Center for Career Development and Ministry and the Presbyterian Coach Network. She also is a certified trainer in Restorative Practices. Additionally, Maureen has provided training in Social-Emotional Learning to school staff and also provides training in Motivational Interviewing to those who work in the New York State Department of Criminal Justice. She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers.. She obtained an MS in Counselor Education, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Counselor Education, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration. Maureen received a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education.