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 Executive Director |
Hannah graduated with her Masters in Public Administration, with a focus in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Montana. She has a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in 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. 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 or enjoying food at a variety of her favorite restaurants. Email Hannah. |
Cody Meyer Family education Director |
Cody graduated with his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Montana in 2019, and he is currently working towards his Master of Social Work. He has spent his last year working with children in the school setting which has driven him to want to work with more families throughout Western Montana. Cody is especially interested in breaking the wheel that is generational poverty, and working towards a world where every individual has the same opportunities despite income.
Cody also enjoys rooting on the Griz, being with his family, and getting outdoors as much as possible. In the winter you can catch him in the mountains snowboarding with his wife, and in the summer he’ll be at the river with his dog! Email Cody |
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 |
Tessa McCarty Outreach & education coordinator |
Tessa just graduated with her Masters in English from Montana State University with her thesis being titled “The West: a Close Look at a Mother’s Role in Aryn Kyle’s, The God of Animals.” She is excited to be joining the team at Families First Learning Lab during such an exciting time! The city of Missoula is a new home for Tessa, but nonetheless a community that she wants to nurture and help grow, and she can help with that through her work here at Families First.
Tessa’s affinity for the outdoors stems from her growing up near the base of the Bridger Mountains. Her free time is filled with hiking alongside her dog, Opie, skiing with her husband, and boating with her many nieces and nephews. |
Dylan Wright WELLNESS COORDINATOR |
Dylan Wright is currently completing his Master’s degree in school counseling at the University of Montana. He is currently serving two internships simultaneously. In School Counseling, the completion of his internship will enable him to graduate with Montana state certification to work in schools. His second internship is with Families First Learning Lab where he spends a majority of his time working on The Montana Happiness Project curriculum, including research and development. Dylan also has nearly thirty years of experience in professional theatre. Since 2000, he has worked with the Missoula Children’s Theatre International Tour. He trains, teaches, and coaches college graduates for the tour project to ensure they have the skills needed to bring joy, success, and pride to children and adults in communities across all 50 states and overseas. 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.
|