At B.E.A.R., the following values are important to us, and exist through all levels of the organization: • Competency • Connectedness • Flexibility • Inclusiveness
• Integrity • Strengths-Based Approach
• Integrity • Strengths-Based Approach
Diane Olsen - Executive Director
diane.olsen@bearmt.org
Diane knows B.E.A.R. well, serving on the Board of Directors for 8 years before becoming part of the staff. She also taught environmental education in Redwood National Park, led backpacking trips for 3 years at a therapeutic wilderness program and spent 4 years as the Youth Services Coordinator at a program serving survivors of domestic violence. She leads the Camping Club, co-facilitates the Shooting Starz Hamilton program and loves the work of connecting resources to B.E.A.R.'s programs so that youth can meet their potential and experience the clarity and solace that can come with being in the outdoors.
diane.olsen@bearmt.org
Diane knows B.E.A.R. well, serving on the Board of Directors for 8 years before becoming part of the staff. She also taught environmental education in Redwood National Park, led backpacking trips for 3 years at a therapeutic wilderness program and spent 4 years as the Youth Services Coordinator at a program serving survivors of domestic violence. She leads the Camping Club, co-facilitates the Shooting Starz Hamilton program and loves the work of connecting resources to B.E.A.R.'s programs so that youth can meet their potential and experience the clarity and solace that can come with being in the outdoors.
Val Aerni- Program Coordinator
val.aerni@bearmt.org
Val is delighted that her work with B.E.A.R. utilizes her skills as a leader and environmental educator to support youth in their own exploration of the natural world. Val served three terms of service as an AmeriCorps volunteer for the Montana Conservation Corps and led service-learning trips for students at the University of Montana. She loves to spend time outdoors, especially with her wonderful husband Greg, their son Calvin, and dog Oatis. She enjoys trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking, learning new words, and engaging youth in experiential learning to help them reach their own goals.
val.aerni@bearmt.org
Val is delighted that her work with B.E.A.R. utilizes her skills as a leader and environmental educator to support youth in their own exploration of the natural world. Val served three terms of service as an AmeriCorps volunteer for the Montana Conservation Corps and led service-learning trips for students at the University of Montana. She loves to spend time outdoors, especially with her wonderful husband Greg, their son Calvin, and dog Oatis. She enjoys trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking, learning new words, and engaging youth in experiential learning to help them reach their own goals.
Tom Kresan- SK8 Montana Leader
Tom Kresan lives and works in Hamilton. Tom’s day job is a Case Manager at the Mental Health Center, but working with youth, coupled with his preference for getting out and doing it, make him a perfect fit to support the BEAR Sk8 program! Born and raised in Southern California, Tom spent 13 seasons working for the Forest Service, mostly in fire suppression, but also doing three seasons on a fire lookout, before moving to Montana in 1983. His son lives and skis out of Jackson Hole and his daughter graduated with a BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design. Athletic and active, he loves the outdoors, hiking, climbing, camping and true to his So Cal roots, loves being around water, swimming, snorkeling, and hot springs! Married to his beautiful wife Barb, a local therapist, Tom supports the quarterly Sk8 program and loves to ride himself!
Tom Kresan lives and works in Hamilton. Tom’s day job is a Case Manager at the Mental Health Center, but working with youth, coupled with his preference for getting out and doing it, make him a perfect fit to support the BEAR Sk8 program! Born and raised in Southern California, Tom spent 13 seasons working for the Forest Service, mostly in fire suppression, but also doing three seasons on a fire lookout, before moving to Montana in 1983. His son lives and skis out of Jackson Hole and his daughter graduated with a BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design. Athletic and active, he loves the outdoors, hiking, climbing, camping and true to his So Cal roots, loves being around water, swimming, snorkeling, and hot springs! Married to his beautiful wife Barb, a local therapist, Tom supports the quarterly Sk8 program and loves to ride himself!
Justine Pearson- SK8 Montana Leader
Born and raised in Montana, Justine has always had a deep fondness for the outdoors. Hiking, biking, camping, and nature walks are a few of her favorite activities of the abundant to do here in Montana. Graduating from the Rocky Mountain School of Photography a few years ago, Justine has now added wildlife and nature photography to her list of loves for the outdoors. Recently, she fell in love with country dancing, so most week nights she can be found dancing the night away learning the swing, two step, cowboy cha cha, or any other country dance available to learn! Life goes by so quickly, so she chooses to make as many moments as possible fun, educational, and full of adventure!
Born and raised in Montana, Justine has always had a deep fondness for the outdoors. Hiking, biking, camping, and nature walks are a few of her favorite activities of the abundant to do here in Montana. Graduating from the Rocky Mountain School of Photography a few years ago, Justine has now added wildlife and nature photography to her list of loves for the outdoors. Recently, she fell in love with country dancing, so most week nights she can be found dancing the night away learning the swing, two step, cowboy cha cha, or any other country dance available to learn! Life goes by so quickly, so she chooses to make as many moments as possible fun, educational, and full of adventure!
Leslie Green- AmeriCorps VISTA
Leslie grew up in Northwest Montana and is excited to be back in the state after 7 years away. She brings professional experience in youth programming and environmental education with the National Park Service, Student Conservation Association, and Girls Inc. An avid supporter of public lands and outdoor spaces, Leslie loves exploring our national parks and enjoys hiking, camping, skiing, biking, napping in hammocks, and aspires to add rock climbing to the list. She is grateful that AmeriCorps provides her the opportunity to serve with B.E.A.R. and engage with her personal passions and the broader efforts to strengthen communities through access to the outdoors.
Leslie grew up in Northwest Montana and is excited to be back in the state after 7 years away. She brings professional experience in youth programming and environmental education with the National Park Service, Student Conservation Association, and Girls Inc. An avid supporter of public lands and outdoor spaces, Leslie loves exploring our national parks and enjoys hiking, camping, skiing, biking, napping in hammocks, and aspires to add rock climbing to the list. She is grateful that AmeriCorps provides her the opportunity to serve with B.E.A.R. and engage with her personal passions and the broader efforts to strengthen communities through access to the outdoors.
