Diane Olsen - Executive Director
diane.olsen@bearmt.org
Diane knows BEAR 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 loves the work of connecting resources to BEAR'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 BEAR 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 loves the work of connecting resources to BEAR's programs so that youth can meet their potential and experience the clarity and solace that can come with being in the outdoors.
Mallory Ijames - Program & Site Coordinator
mallory.ijames@bearmt.org
Mallory has worked with youth most of her life; from volunteering in elementary school classes as a kid, being a summer camp counselor, after-school care leader and more, she has always had a passion for working with youth. She has a degree in Outdoor Recreation from Humboldt State University and was a kayak and backpacking guide in Northern California. She is an outdoor enthusiast who especially loves fishing, mushroom hunting and backpacking. She loves working with youth and getting them more connected to the outdoors!
mallory.ijames@bearmt.org
Mallory has worked with youth most of her life; from volunteering in elementary school classes as a kid, being a summer camp counselor, after-school care leader and more, she has always had a passion for working with youth. She has a degree in Outdoor Recreation from Humboldt State University and was a kayak and backpacking guide in Northern California. She is an outdoor enthusiast who especially loves fishing, mushroom hunting and backpacking. She loves working with youth and getting them more connected to the outdoors!
Ethan Saulnier - Program Leader
ethan.saulnier@bearmt.org
Ethan recently finished an Environmental Philosophy program at UM, and joined BEAR after spending a summer at Cultivating Connections farm in Hamilton. He's excited to help BEAR's youth deepen their relationships with their peers and community, with themselves, and with the natural world. Originally from Ohio, he never wants to take the mountains for granted and tries to practice conscious gratitude for their majestic beauty everyday. He's especially interested in regenerating degraded ecosystems, creating biodiverse foodsheds, and building community resilience. Ethan finds immense satisfaction in hiking, mountain biking, slacklining, playing soccer, and reading.
ethan.saulnier@bearmt.org
Ethan recently finished an Environmental Philosophy program at UM, and joined BEAR after spending a summer at Cultivating Connections farm in Hamilton. He's excited to help BEAR's youth deepen their relationships with their peers and community, with themselves, and with the natural world. Originally from Ohio, he never wants to take the mountains for granted and tries to practice conscious gratitude for their majestic beauty everyday. He's especially interested in regenerating degraded ecosystems, creating biodiverse foodsheds, and building community resilience. Ethan finds immense satisfaction in hiking, mountain biking, slacklining, playing soccer, and reading.
Breeze McCormack - Program Assistant
breeze.mccormack@bearmt.org
Breeze is wildly passionate about outdoor activities; spending time with her two horses and corgis is on the top of her list, along with skiing in the winter, kayaking, hiking, and fishing. Growing up in Montana definitely put her at an advantage for being able to enjoy, learn and share many outdoor activities. She looks forward to connecting with our community and youth while at BEAR!
breeze.mccormack@bearmt.org
Breeze is wildly passionate about outdoor activities; spending time with her two horses and corgis is on the top of her list, along with skiing in the winter, kayaking, hiking, and fishing. Growing up in Montana definitely put her at an advantage for being able to enjoy, learn and share many outdoor activities. She looks forward to connecting with our community and youth while at BEAR!
Will Buzzell - Program Assistant
will.buzzell@bearmt.org
Born and raised in Montana, Will has always had a love of the outdoors. Will spent his early adult years working for the Forest Service as a wildland firefighter. During those same years he was on the Ravalli Search and rescue team and served in the Montana Air National Gaurd. Recently, Will has worked more closely with people as a school teacher and personal trainer, and now runs his own martial arts school in the valley. Mentoring others while spending time in the outdoors is a perfect fit for Will!
will.buzzell@bearmt.org
Born and raised in Montana, Will has always had a love of the outdoors. Will spent his early adult years working for the Forest Service as a wildland firefighter. During those same years he was on the Ravalli Search and rescue team and served in the Montana Air National Gaurd. Recently, Will has worked more closely with people as a school teacher and personal trainer, and now runs his own martial arts school in the valley. Mentoring others while spending time in the outdoors is a perfect fit for Will!