Our Staff
Meet the Families First Learning Lab Team! These experienced and dedicated people bring their passion for enriching the lives of families to work every day. Whether you’re looking for advice for helping a teething toddler or a testing teen, or your family seeks fun experiences to learn through play – these are the people who are there to listen, teach and create programs that are helpful, safe and inclusive of all families.
Hannah Zuraff, MPA Executive Director |
Hannah graduated with her Masters in Public Administration, with a focus in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Montana. She has degrees in Psychology and Sociology: Inequality and Social Justice, which fuel her passion for making a difference in our community and in the lives of the families FFLL serves. Hannah is currently a student in the PhD of Public Health and the Masters in Social Work program at the University of Montana where she hopes to focus her studies on intergenerational trauma in families and public health impacts. She is very passionate about partnering with other organizations to provide a coordinated approach to social services in Missoula and surrounding areas.
Hannah is particularly interested in impacting generational poverty, empowering women, and educating families in order to strengthen the likelihood for positive life outcomes later on. In her spare time, Hannah is with her dogs, Gunner and Bentley, exploring Western Montana. Email Hannah. |
Jed Liston Director of impact |
Jed recently retired from the University of Montana after serving as an administrator in Admissions & Financial Aid, Marketing and Alumni Relations. He is honored to join this team of passionate professionals and exceptional humans. Jed and his wife, Jorrun, attended a Families First parenting workshop in 1998 and came away with some valuable skills and an even more valuable sense that they were NOT alone in their parent experiences. He has served as an emcee for many local fundraising events over the years and currently serves on the Missoula Downtown Association Board.
Jed is a fifth-generation Montanan who is very proud of his three children and the adults they have become. Everyone in his household graduated from the University of Montana and are passionate Griz fans. Their dog, Boomer, is now the most recognized family member on campus. They all enjoy spending time together, especially at Flathead Lake. Email Jed |
Katie Little child enrichment Director |
Katie joined Families First Learning Lab in 2018. Before working for the organization, she volunteered on the Families First Board of Directors. Katie has been in Missoula working for Non-Profit Organizations for almost 20 years. Her biggest passion is spending time with kids and families, especially her own two children.
Katie’s hidden talent is fort building or, so her son thinks. She loves the magic of play, especially when it comes from the minds of kiddos. Katie can’t wait to explore and dream up fun with you and your family. Be on the lookout for our our new mobile exhibits! Email Katie |
Jeanice Robins Family Education Director |
Jeanice graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work and has experience with trauma-informed practices, family support, and mental health services. She finds importance in addressing the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), she is particularly interested in the power of connection and resiliency.
Jeanice made the move up to Missoula in 2022 and is especially excited about the sense of community Western Montana has to offer and the access to the outdoors. She is excited to explore and have a new place to call home! Email Jeanice |
Dylan Wright, NCC, PCLC WELLNESS Education COORDINATOR |
Dylan Wright is a National Certified Counselor™ with an M.A. in Counselor Education from the University of Montana. During his final year in the UMT program he served as an intern at Families First Learning Lab, spending a majority of his time doing research and curriculum development for the Montana Happiness Project. He also served as a School Counselor Intern at Frenchtown High School where he was able to implement the Montana Happiness Project’s exciting new evidence-based programs.
As the Wellness Education Coordinator at Families First, Dylan enjoys working with parents in one-on-one consultations, and presenting to groups and organization on an array of topics from cultivating a well-lived life, to working with parent educators, to raising healthy and happy families. As a father himself, he especially enjoys running the Dads & Dialogues group at Families First. When taking a break from all the “irons in the fire,” Dylan relaxes with long bike rides, and by spending time with his very supportive wife and daughters. Email Dylan |
Jessica Carrol Child Enrichment Coordinator |
Jessica is new to Missoula and is so excited to be a part of the city and the FFLL family! Jessica relocated from beautiful Bend, OR and is currently attending University of Montana, go Griz! She is continuing her education in the biological sciences program and loves exploring her new campus.
Jessica is passionate about animal welfare programs and women in science organizations. Her goal is to be a fun, positive, and productive addition to the community. In her free time she enjoys exploring western Montana! But she always has time to sit down with a good book at the end of the day. Email Jessica |
Sydney Driver Child Enrichment Ambassador |
Sydney was born and raised in Missoula and recently graduated from the University of Montana with her bachelor's in biology. She has always been passionate about hands-on learning and has years of experience working with kids at spectrUM Discovery Area. Her current favorite animal is an echidna (a hedgehog-like animal from Australia), and she is well-known for her extensive sticker collection! Email Sydney
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