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.
Hannah loves being involved in the Missoula community and has particular interests in working with and supporting families, women empowerment, and education. In her spare time, Hannah is with her dogs, Gunner and Bentley, exploring Missoula or enjoying food at a variety of her Montana Munchie Locations. Email Hannah. |
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 |
Joan Bartkowski Family Education Director |
Joan graduated with a Masters degree in Education with an emphasis in Adult and Higher Education from Montana State University-Bozeman and an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Montana in Missoula. She has lived in Missoula for over 25 years and loves the community. She is happy to have the opportunity to be a part of the Families First Learning Lab and their mission to strengthen families.
She spends her free time with her rescue dog, Bean and enjoying all that Missoula has to offer. |
Tessa McCarty AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer |
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. |