Mentors

Abby Brown

Hi! I'm Abby Brown and my hometown is Paradise, California, however I was forced to move to Fort Collins, CO, due to a fire and graduated from Rocky Mountain Highschool in 2022. I am a Sophomore majoring in Native American Studies and working to minor in Climate Change Studies. I am hoping to continue to meet people through leadership roles much like the DHC Ambassadors, Learning Assistants and thorough intramural and club sports. When I am not in classes or studying you can find me in the campus rec center climbing or lifting, playing sports with campus clubs or my friends, or on the many rivers in Montana fly fishing.

Alison Blee

I’m Alison Blee, a PoliSci and Spanish double major at UM. I absolutely love being a student at the University of Montana so I strive to make the most of my experience by getting involved in various activities and groups. As a DHC mentor, I hope to connect students with the many incredible opportunities that await them here in Missoula. My hobbies include tennis, art, and music. On the weekend you’ll find me walking around town, studying in the library, or staying in with friends.

Alysa Curry

Hi! I am Alysa Curry. I was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana. I am currently a junior at the University of Montana on the pre-law track. I am involved in the DHC, UM College Democrats, Model UN, GLI, the Gender Equity Resource Center, and ASUM! I have done internships through SEA Change and the political science department. Outside of school, I love traveling, shopping, trying new coffee shops, getting tattoos, watching dance moms, going on hikes, and going to concerts! 

Anna Imes

Hi! My name's Anna Imes and I'm going into my third year here at UM as a biology major with a minor in Global Public Health and the goal of a future career in healthcare. I'm originally from Duluth, Minnesota but I also spend a good amount of my summers in Juneau, Alaska. Here at the University of Montana I'm involved in the Learning Assistant Program, am a DHC Ambassador, and spend time as an undergraduate research assistant in a genetics lab on campus. I love hiking, fishing, paddle boarding, spending time with friends, and I'm always ready for an adventure.

Caitlyn Sena

Hello :) My name is Caitlyn Sena and I grew up as a military kid so I’ve lived all over (Germany, Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, Georgia, Italy, Poland, Montana, Arizona) but I spent all four years of high school in Helena, Montana. I am a fourth year but I am a transfer student so this is my second full year at UM! I am majoring in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a concentration in Ecosystem Science and Restoration and am minoring in European Studies. At UM I work as a tour guide and am involved in a variety of ways including that I am a UM Advocate, president of Chi Alpha (a campus Christian group), a member of the grizzly hurling team (an Irish sport), founder of the grizzly Gaelic football team (another Irish sport), and am involved in intramural sports (last year I played volleyball and softball). When I’m not on campus I can be found hanging out with my dog (a mini Aussie named Maisie), playing music, or just doing something outside with my friends and dog :))

Elizabeth Kamminga

Hi! I’m Elizabeth Kamminga and I’m from Billings, MT. I am a sophomore double majoring in Physics and Mathematical Computer Science, minoring in Spanish, and getting a certificate with Franke GLI. I am apart of DHC ambassadors, HSA, Women in Physics, and I work in the planetarium part-time as a presenter! I’m also in TRIO as a first generation  student and apart of a work study where you can find me at Big Sky Grill in the UC Food Court! When I am not on campus, I’m most likely skiing (in the winter time), at the gun range (I am a competitive shotgun shooter!), or hammocking with my friends!! Fun fact about me: I saw Taylor Swift in Seattle this year!!

Emily Tschetter

Heyo, I'm Emily Tschetter and I'm from Billings, Montana. I'm a senior majoring in journalism and political science. I am the social media manager for the DHC and the editor-in-chief of the Montana Kaimin, UM's newspaper by and for students. I lived in the Honors LLC my freshman year, and I've been a learning assistant in the honors college and a DHC Ambassador. Outside of school, you can find me playing my cello, expanding my vinyl collection, going to concerts, finding the best food and cocktails in town and playing games with my friends! Hit me up if you want to be destroyed at Nintendo Switch Wheel of Fortune :)

Ian Azvedo

Hi, I am Ian Azevedo and I am originally from the central valley of California. I am a junior major in in business management and I am trying out the entertainment management part of that. I forge weapons, I fight, and I exercise a lot. When I am not sweating, I am in the pool giving kids swim lessons.

Isabelle Johnson

Hi! My name is Isabelle Johnson! I'm originally from Kalispell, Montana, graduating from Glacier High School in 2020. I'm a senior pursuing a degree in Biology, applying to medical school this year. I'm involved with Grizmed, Student Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, and Montana10! I have research experience and I'm currently working at the hospital. I love the outdoors, going for hikes and walks, or spending time with my friends!

Jack Kuney

Hey there, my name is Jack Kuney. I am a senior studying Geosciences and a member of the DHC. I am from Helena Montana. I am in my first season as an ambassador and excited to help out and be a familiar face on campus. I have traveled the globe, fought fires internationally, and am an avid potter. I love the outdoors and am always up for a good nap. Stop me and chat if you see me around campus, or find me in the DHC where we can mingle and talk shop about college, Missoula, or life in general

Jackie Olexa

Hi! My name is Jackie Olexa. I’m a senior who’s dual majoring in Computer Science and Wildlife Biology. I’m from Bozeman, MT and have spent most of my life outside or curled up with a good book. At UM, I’ve been involved in on-campus research since my freshman year and currently work in Jeff Goods lab studying mice and snowshoe hares. I’m an ambassador for the DHC and a returning mentor. I lived in the DHC LLC my freshman year and spend a lot of time hanging out in the lounge. When not on campus, I spend time hiking, riding my horse, playing DnD, and cooking!

Katia Chavez

Hello! I'm Katia Chavez and I'm from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Wildlife Biology and minoring in Spanish. I am also part of the GLI program and intend to travel abroad my Junior year to a Latin American country. I am involved in many different extracurricular activities on campus including Bird Cub, The Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society, SACNAS, Hiking Club, Programming Activities Council, and Honors Student Association. Off campus, I enjoy volunteering at Soft Landing Missoula where I engage in many activities with refugee students. I lived in the Honors LLC my freshman year in Miller Hall, and I continue to live in Miller Hall this year. I enjoy going on walks around Missoula with my friends! 

Kyle Wonders

Hi my name is Kyle Wonders! I’m originally from Newbury Park, California, but here in Missoula I am a Senior studying Wildlife Biology. I also have 3 minors in Climate Change Studies, Nonprofit Administration, and Wilderness Studies, with a certificate in environmental ethics. When I’m not in class you might find be in one of my roles as a UM Advocate, DHC Ambassador, or ZooCrew Student Section Leader (Go Griz!) I also work as the Citizen Science Coordinator at a local nonprofit called Watershed Education Network, and would love to help get you out into some field sampling experience if you’re interested! I love birds, hiking, and a good competition, and I am excited to get to know you! 

Kylie Thompson

Hello, I'm Kylie Thompson! I am originally from Prior Lake, MN, a small city south of Minneapolis. I am a Sophomore here at UM majoring in Human Biology with minors in Biochemistry and Psychology. I am a Pre-Med/PA student and hope to work with children with complex needs in my future career. I am also a Learning Assistant for Intro to Honors this year. I currently work as a CNA at two different senior living homes as well as a respite and hospice home for children. When I am not in class or working you can find me doing a large variety of activities. If there is a football or hockey game you can almost bet I will be there. I also enjoy spending time with my friends outdoors, cooking, and going to concerts.

Madalie Kershner

Hi! My name is Madalie Kershner and I am from Great Falls, Montana. I am a sophomore majoring in Mathematics with a concentration in Pure Mathematics and a minor in Media Arts. I took part in the Schwanke Summer Program in 2022 and am an honors Learning Assistant for Intro to Honors this year. I work at Stockman Bank off campus, but in my free time I love hanging out with my friends, watching movies, walking around campus, playing card games, visiting my family, studying in the library, or sleeping if time allows.

Maia Huebner

Hello, I'm Maia Huebner and I am from Soquel, CA, but live in Missoula full time with my pup, Scout. I am a biology major with a concentration in genetics and evolution. I am a Learning Assistant in organic chemistry and statistics, a Learning Assistant Mentor, and have been bouncing between research assistant positions for the past couple of years. I spend a lot of my time on campus so you'll most likely find me in the chemistry building or the UC commons. I am an ex-jazz musician and an enjoyer of art as well as a hiking and birding enthusiast. I am excited to get to know our new DHC members and welcome them to campus!

Kayla Bridges-Payne

Hello! My name is Kayla Bridges-Payne, I am a Junior here at UM but I am from Helena, Montana. I am studying Psychology with a minor in human family development, my goals are to become an early intervention occupational therapist. I transferred to UM myself just this last spring semester, and while I am still trying to find the best ways to get involved in other aspects on campus, being apart of the DHC and this program really helped me get through my first semester at UM and would love to lend a hand to other as they go through this transition process this upcoming semester. This coming semester I plan to get involved with UM advocates and a few clubs degree and hobby specific. I understand this can be a stressful experience while one tries to navigate through the start of their college experience. With that said, I do have my dog Boomerang on campus. He is an ESA, so if you ever need a dog fix or to spend some time with a crazy chocolate lab that may help bring down some stress levels for a bit,  just let me know! :) and welcome to the DHC!  

Nate Adams

Howdy! I am Nate Adams and I am from Denver, Colorado. I am a Sophomore in Computer Science- Mathematical Sciences. I am also part of the Esports team on campus and work for UMIT. I am tech savvy and if you are looking into anything computer related I am the person to go to. Fun Fact: I rarely go outside so if you see me its your lucky day.

Noah Squires

Hi. I'm Noah Squires and I am originally from Denton Montana where I graduated in 2020. I am a combat medic in the army national guard and have been in the military for 3 years. I am a sophomore in college working on my prerequisites for the pharmacy program. I am a member of the DHC embassadors as well as the Dean's advisory committee. When I'm not working on school work I like to connect with new people and enjoy brightening everyone and anyone's day. I can often be found in the DHC lounge or the rec center on campus as well as swing dancing on Tuesdays and Saturdays. 

Parker Friday

Hello! My name is Parker (she/her), and I am an undeclared sophomore interested in Political Science, Environmental Studies, Multidisciplinary Studies, and Climate Change Studies. On campus, I'm involved with the DHC Ambassadors, Intro to Honors Learning Assistant Program, UM Advocates, and University Choir. I also love to participate in DHC traditions like Friday morning hikes and Tea Time with Tim! Outside of academics and my involvements at UM, I love spending time with my family and my dog (a.k.a my pride and joy!), listening to music, watching my favorite series and new films, and spending time in and around the water- whether that’s swimming at Grizzly Pool, wading in Flathead Lake, or paddle boarding on lakes near my hometown of Billings, MT. I also love attending concerts/live music events and UM and Missoula Community Theater productions.

Raegan Osentowski

My name is Raegan Osentowski and I am from Great Falls, Montana. I am a junior majoring in Geoscience with a minor in International Development Studies. I am the president of the Student Recreation Association and a member in the International Development Studies Club. I also work in a biogeochemistry and hydrogeology lab. I studied abroad in Athens, Greece last year and am going to Vietnam this spring. Aside from school activities I spend majority of my time outside running, climbing, and hiking!

Riley Comstock

Hi there, my name is Riley Comstock, I am a sophomore double majoring in Environmental Science and Journalism, and getting a minor in Wilderness Studies. I am a DHC ambassador, I work at the pool on campus, and I play for the men’s ultimate team. In my free time I love to hike, backpack, and snowboard!

Sebastian Driver

Hi! My name is Sebastian Driver and I have lived in Montana for the past 10 years, and in my early childhood I moved the southeast because both of my parents were in the Army. My favorite place I lived was North Carolina because I was born there and Kure Beach. I am a senior and as a part of UM's Wildlife Biology 4 + 1 I am studying Wildlife Biology and I am working toward a Master's in Public Administration. I serve as the Honors Student Association president, a member of the Moratr Board chapter, member of The Wildlife Society, a member of the UM Birding Club, member of Griz Catholic,  Montana10 and I partake in all the events that I can with the Honors College.  I have experience with work study and working in research labs on campus. Outside of school you can usually find me with my two dogs and exploring the Missoula area.

Sophia Boughey

Hi there! I'm Sophia Boughey and I am from Red Lodge, MT, though I graduated from Billings Central High School. I am a junior double majoring in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and Psychology. I hope to become a speech therapist some day. I am a DHC student employee, Ambassador, Learning Assistant, and a returning Peer Mentor. I lived in the Honors LLC my freshman year and participated in the Western Regional Honors Conference. When I'm not lounging in the DHC or taking classes in the basement of Curry, you can find me snuggling with my black cat, Niko, working to improve neurodiversity inclusion on campus, or spending time with my friends outside. I'm looking forward to meeting you all!

Wyatt Ploot

Hey! I’m Wyatt Ploot and I’m from Kalispell, MT, though I’ve been in Missoula for the past 6 years when I transferred high schools to play some Ice Hockey here. I’m a senior majoring in Neuroscience on the pre-medical path. Here at UM, I’ve been involved in neuroscience research, student gov, the pre-med and neuro clubs, the UM ice hockey team, and worked the summer camps for a year. I enjoy skiing, mountain biking, and going out with friends.