Meet Our Staff
Meet our great staff! Their experience with and passion for families is why Families First can offer such a variety of effective programming and cover so many important topics for so many people. From the family that struggles with a teething toddler or a testing teen, to the family who wants a safe place for their little ones to explore and create, to the family who grieves the death of a family member—for all of these families, Families First staff strives to listen and teach and create programs and places that are helpful, safe and inclusive of all families.
Families First's Management Team:
Barbara Cowan, Executive Director
Barbara received her B.A. in History from The University of Washington and Masters in Social Work from The University of Montana. Ms. Cowan brings over 25 years of experience in non-profit administration, community organizing, development work and facilitator training in the areas of youth and families, voter education, disability and health, and social justice work. Ms. Cowan considers herself fortunate to call Western Montana home, where she resides with her husband and three children.
Anya Vasquez , Operations Manager
Anya oversees the financial health of the organization as well as the daily operations of Families First. Her organizational and communication skills combine with her professional training to make her a perfect fit for Families First. Anya received a double Bachelor's Degree for the University of Montana in Fine Arts and Psychology. Anya and her husband recently welcomed their first daughter, Lily, to their family.
Karin Fodness, LCSW, Parenting Programs Director
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Karin brings years of valuable experience in working with families in various settings. Her experience includes working as a counselor in the areas of adoption, domestic violence and rape, working within the juvenile justice system, and providing health and wellness education to pregnant and parenting mothers. At Families First, she develops and oversees Parenting Programs, and also provides direct service. Karin received a B.A. in Psychology from Augustana College and a Master’s of Science in Social Work from The University of Wisconsin. Karin has two sons.
Cathy Scribner, Program Director of SEASONS
Cathy received her B.A. in Philosophy from the College of Wooster and M.Div. from Yale University. Cathy has 18 years of experience working in non-profit and educational settings and has worn many hats, including humanities teacher, pastor, clinician, Outward Bound instructor, and mentor for teens. Cathy continues to train with the School of Lost Borders in CA as a council facilitator and vision fast guide for both youth and adults. A recent transplant to Montana from northern NH, Cathy is a part-time as a chaplain/bereavement coordinator for Hospice of Missoula. She is an avid skier, surfer, martial artist and gardener and is very happy to be living in the “sunny” west again. Cathy lives in Missoula with her partner, their dog and cat.
Stacy Ohrt-Billingslea, Children's Museum Director
Stacy brings years of experience to the Children's Museum as the Director. Her experience includes working in various positions in the drama field, such as the Head of Drama at Yakima Valley Community College and as the Arts and Humanities Coordinator for the YMCA. She holds a MFA in Acting from the University of Montana. In addition to her job directing the Children's Museum, Stacy works as an assistant adjunct professor for the drama department at U of M. Stacy loves working with children and brings bounds of energy to the Children's Museum.
Families First's Core Staff:
Brad Boylan, LCPC, Divorce Services Educator
Brad has been a Parent Educator and counselor at Families First since 2004, specializing in adjustment to divorce and anger management. Brad received a B.A. in Psychology in 1993 and an M.A. in Counselor Education in 2002, both from the University of Montana. He is an LCPC, currently has a private practice in Missoula and is a parent.
Kaitlyn Richards, Bookkeeping Assistant
Kaitlyn recently joined Families First as the bookkeeping assistant, handling the day-to-day billing and financial affairs. Kaitlyn received her Bachelor's degree from Union College in Anthropology and Environmental Studies. She enjoys any time that she gets to spend outside, most recently having worked as an environmental educator and wilderness trip leader in Washington state. Kaitlyn is glad to be a part of the Families First team and to call Missoula home.
Nicole Payton, Parenting Program Coordinator
Nicole grew up in Miles City, Montana and has made Missoula her home for the past 8 years. She holds a B.A. in Photojournalism from The University of Montana.
Matt Bremmer, Computer Specialist
Matt started as the Computer Specialist at Families First in September of 2006. His knowledge and skills in technology allow us to maintain and update our computers and information systems. Matt is working on his Computer Science degree at the University of Montana and works as an umpire in addition to his job at Families First.
Jen Stone, Children’s Museum Operations Manager
Jen began at the Children’s Museum in 2002 as a volunteer and quickly rose to Program Coordinator and now is Operations Manager…and a mom at home. She received a B.A. in Fine Arts with a Minor in Psychology in 2001 from the University of Montana. I have an awesome little man in 2nd grade who is the Museum’s #1 volunteer/museum guide!
Jordan Green, Administrative Assistant
Jordan joined Families First in September of 2006 as the administrative assistant. She is from Libby, MT and is a freshman at the University of Montana. She is currently working towards a degree in Accounting. Jordan's enthusiasm and energy show through whether she is working with our clients or on office projects.
Babette Eisner, Program and Volunteer Coordinator
Babette has a degree in Environmental Education, and has shared her passion for the natural world as an educator at science centers, a variety of non-profits, and a private school in New England. She moved to Montana in April of 2006 and enjoys the incredible beauty of this place in any way she can- kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, skiing, camping, etc.! As the Program Coordinator at the Children's Museum, Babette plans, prepares and finds facilitators for a wonderful array of educational programs, including the "Play Date with an Artist" arts and culture program and the "World of Wonders" science, discovery and technology program. She is also responsible for recruitment, recognition and coordination of volunteers at the Museum.
Haley Newberg, Exhibits Coordinator
Haley recently joined the Children’s Museum staff. Her creativity and talent have enhanced each exhibit in the museum. Haley has a master’s degree in environmental education and owns a small graphic design business called “Wildlife and Whimsy.” She is the mother of a one and a half year old son.
Karen Kilgore, Children’s Museum Outreach Coordinator
Karen has held many roles at the museum. She started as a “Museum Assistant” and was quickly promoted to “Birthday Party Coordinator.” She recently changed directions again and is now in charge of outreach at the museum. Karen is a Missoula native, but hopes to attend Corban College in Oregon in the fall to pursue a degree in Student and Family Ministries. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, being outdoors and spending time with the people she loves.
Suzin Kratina, Program Manager of SEASONS
Suzin came to Missoula in 2001 from Miles City, MT, where she owned a health food store. Suzin grew up in New Jersey and New York City and moved to Montana in 1976 to attend MSU, where she started out as a pre-med student. Suzin received her BS degree from MSU in Film & TV/ Photography Option, and went back to school to get her teaching certificate in art. Currently in graduate school at U of M, her professional work has been primarily focused on fundraising and organizing within the non-profit sector. Some of her many projects have included: grass roots organizing with Montana Conservation Voters and Northern Plains Resource Council, program development for Women’s Opportunity and Resource Development, connecting families and their children’s schools as a Family Outreach Specialist. Suzin resides with her husband and two daughters in Missoula, where they enjoy hiking, biking, cross country skiing and canoeing.