Meet the Team

I have the privilege of managing the overall operations, programming, and staffing at ELCS.

Pronouns: She/Her

First Job: I worked in a trendy clothing store in my town’s local mall.

Where are You From: Southern California

Projects: Building support across campus to integrate ElevateU across the curriculum and co-curriculum.

Credentials: My doctorate in Educational Leadership and Masters and BA in Sociology come in very handy in my work!

Liaison to UM’s Career Office in College of Business, College of Humanities & Sciences, Davidson Honors College, Missoula College, Alumni Association

Pronouns: She/Her

First Job: In high school I got a job as a hostess at a buffet-style restaurant, but in college my first job was a work-study student employee at the Law School’s Career Services Office, never suspecting that  a decade later I would enter the career services profession!

Where are You From: I grew up in California and have lived all over the state (Los Angeles, Fairfield, Vacaville, Davis, Sacramento). In 2021 moved to Missoula to be near family.

Projects: Career Council, Career Peer Program, Griz Career Skills, Griz Pathways to Success Instructor, UM Graduation Survey

Credentials: M.S. in Counseling, Career specialization; Strong Interest Inventory® Certified

Liaison to all students, faculty, staff, and employers for internship support. I lead our Experiential Learning, Employer Relations, and Communications teams and manage the Experiential Learning Scholarship Fund.

Pronouns: She/Her

First Job: In high school, I worked at a small jewelry and accessory shop while moonlighting for a children’s party entertainment company on the weekends (most often playing Belle and painting faces!).

Where are You From: I grew up in the Midwest, but I’ve lived in 6 different states and the country of Jordan. I have a hard time figuring out which is my hometown!

Projects: Experiential Learning Scholarship Fund, the Community Resilience Initiative, internship alignment and expansion, career engagement data and reporting, employer – student engagement strategies, CTE courses, supporting faculty in integrating experiential learning opportunities,

Credentials: M.A. Interdisciplinary Middle Eastern Studies; B.A. in Communication Studies; Student Success Analytics Certificate

Associate Director of Curriculum Design & Integration

Leads efforts to integrate Career Readiness Competencies and High Impact Practices into the curriculum and co-curriculum. Collaborates with faculty, staff, and administrators to create learning opportunities, evaluate program outcomes, and refine resources to ensure inclusive prosperity in preparing students for post-graduation success.

Pronouns: She/Her

First Job: I started babysitting when I was 11, but my first position in a workplace setting was in my extended family’s Italian restaurant at 15, where I worked in carry-out and food prep. There, I realized how transformative it would be if everyone had work experience in the service industry—it fosters patience, resilience, critical thinking, and empathy.

Where are You From: I’m originally from St. Louis, MO. In 2004, after finishing my undergraduate degree in the fine arts, I moved to Missoula to participate in an AmeriCorps program. What started as a temporary adventure became 20+ years of calling this Valley home.

Projects: Career Readiness Community of Practice, Career Champions program, Career Readiness Summer Institute, Faculty Fellows program, curriculum development, training, technical assistance, and consultation.

Credentials/Specialization: M.Ed. with a Special Education Endorsement (proud to be a Griz) with certification and specialization in secondary transition, work-based learning, supporting students with disabilities, discovery, customized employment, systematic instruction, functional behavioral analysis, low-incidence disabilities, soft skills, and instructional design.

406.243.2555
melissa.dadmun@umontana.edu

Marketing and Communications Manager

Keely is the marketing, design, and communications guru here at ELCS. She handles everything from our monthly newsletter, to our social media, to our swag supply, and even our office decor.

Pronouns: She/Her

First Job: Cashier at Ben Frankilin Crafts (but before that I spent ever summer of my pre-teen years volunteering as an art smart (assistant camp counselor) for my local art museum.

Where are You From: Helena, Montana

Projects: Social Media, Monthly Newsletter, Swag Design, Event Marketing, Office Decor, Initiative/Project/Brand design, UM Marketing Minds

Credentials: Bachelors of Marketing, Certificate in Nonprofit Social Media Marketing and Fundraising

Liaison to all students, faculty, staff, UM Partners, and employers.

At the University of Montana, I collaborate with student support offices and academic departments to lead student-centered career initiatives. I focus on students’ career goals, academic interests, and departmental needs to connect underrepresented students with meaningful careers through strategic programs and experiential learning. I also refine employer outreach to match student aspirations and workforce needs. Additionally, I serve as a Strategic Advisor, building sustainable systems and leadership among team members to ensure ongoing success.

Pronouns: She/Her

First Job: My first role was as a Migrant Education Coordinator, where I supported the educational advancement of migrant students, laying the foundation for my commitment to inclusive prosperity in education.

Where are You From: I’m a Mexican American with roots in Tecate, Mexico, and Dillon, Montana. My journey through these culturally distinct environments deeply shapes my perspective, combining the vibrant heritage of Mexico with the rugged beauty of rural Montana.

Projects: connecting underrepresented students with career pathways, employer-student engagement strategies, partnership building UM’s cultural groups: American Indian Student Services and Tribal Relations, Veterans, Montana 10, TRIO, the Office of Disability Equity, Branch Center, and Athletics.

Credentials: M.S. Arts Administration; B.S. Elementary Education and Art Education; Graduate Certificate in International Education.

Finance Manager

I support the rest of the staff by keeping the ELCS finances in order. I was the NSE Manager for 4 years so I also help out with NSE

Pronouns: She/Her

First Job: HR Assistant at Lockwood Greene Engineers, Inc. I was one f those students who had no idea what she wanted to do with her life. My favorite job has been working in ELCS at UM. I had no idea that Higher Education would be the best fit for me.

Where are You From: I grew up in Atlanta, GA but spent the better part of my life living in San Francisco and Point Reyes National Seashore, a national park in the Bay area. But I had wanted to live in Montana since college and finally moved to Missoula in 2014. I love Montana!

Projects: Various financial and grant projects.

 
406.243.2586
kathy.peters@umontana.edu

Liaison to College of Education, Trio Student Support Services, Office for Disability Equity

Pronouns: She/Her

First Job: Newspaper carrier for the Erie Times-News

Where are You From: Erie, Pennsylvania

Projects: Student appointments and presentations, 1^st Generation Celebration, ‘Becoming’ video series, Safety Committee

Credentials: NCDA Certified Career Services Professional (CCSP), Strong  Interest  Inventory®  Certified, Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE), Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), Dare to Lead Trained

Liaison to College of Health and Graduate School Students. I also help students interested in participating in National Student Exchange (NSE), an opportunity to study at other colleges or universities in the US.

First Job: I started delivering newspapers for the Bozeman Daily Chronicle when I was nine years old until my freshman year in high school.

Where are You From: Bozeman, Montana

Projects: General Career Coaching Appointments, guiding graduate students, assisting College of Health students, National Student Exchange (NSE)

Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Master’s degree in Higher Education with an emphasis on Student Success, Academic Advisor certification.

Liaison to College of Forestry and Conservation, Military and Veterans Services, UM Wellbeing

Assistant Director of Student Engagement and AI Integration, Career Coach

I specialize in AI-driven career tools, federal advising, and personalized student support. I’m passionate about helping students from all backgrounds discover their path, build competitive application materials, and feel confident navigating career decisions. Whether you’re exploring your options, applying for federal jobs, or building your resume, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity and purpose.

First Job: Right after graduating from college, I got a job at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, working in the Writing Center. I ran the computer lab, helped students with papers and GRE prep, and worked with ESL students on reading fluency. I definitely didn’t always know what I was doing, but I had a great time, and it’s what sparked my love for working in higher ed.

Where are You From: Washington State, California, Oregon, Michigan, Illinois, Virginia, Texas, and now Montana!

Projects: Student Appointments, Career Peer Program, AI Education Initiatives, Federal Resume Support and Resources, Your Journey to Public Service Instructor, AI Tech Tips Podcast

Credentials: Certified Federal Resume Writer, Certified Federal Jobs Advisor, Artificial Intelligence, Strong Interest Inventory® Certified

Jenah helps students explore complex issues, gain skills, and make a positive impact in their community by connecting them to meaningful volunteer projects, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.

Pronouns: She/Her

First Job: I was a portrait artist at an amusement park in my hometown!

Where are You From: Muskegon, Michigan

Projects: Alternative Breaks, Service Saturdays, University United Food Friday, Holiday Helpers, Advising students on internships and volunteer opportunities, Supporting faculty in developing and funding experiential learning opportunities for students.

Credentials: Wildlife Biology, Minor: Nonprofit Administration; Master of Science: Environmental Studies, Focus: Environmental Education; NAI Interpretive Guide, Montana Master Naturalist, NLA Certified Nonprofit Professional

Liaison to College of Arts and Media, American Indian Student Services, Indigeneous First Generation Experience

Pronouns: She/Her

First Job: I cleaned motel rooms and moved to washing dishes at the Wagon Wheel Café and Motel

Where are You From: Drummond, Montana

Projects: Student Appointments, Griz Career Skills, Griz Pathways to Success Instructor, Career Champions

Credentials: NCDA Certified Career Services Professional (CCSP), Strong Interest Inventory® Certified, BA History, University of Montana, Co-Active Coaching, Workforce Development Career Coach