Board of Directors
Molly Wood
President
“I began working with adolescents as a college student, and knew early on that I had a passion for spending time with this age group. I appreciate the humor, candor, and always-changing nature of teens. When I founded a middle school in San Francisco, the principal purpose of the school was to open avenues for students who may not otherwise have them. This has remained a passion of mine throughout my career, whether working as a teacher, a principal, a coach, or a mentor to my former students. I am excited to work with BYEP because I believe in the power of relationships, especially for adolescents, and in finding and pursuing our passions.”
Melissa McKeithen
Vice President
“Growing up in a small town, I was fortunate to be involved in an Explorer Post focused on outdoor adventure, including climbing, hiking, and wilderness camping. The young couple who led our group of teens instilled in us a lifelong love of the outdoors. More importantly, they never gave up on us, even when we misbehaved, and taught us to never give up on ourselves. I believe that experience was instrumental in my becoming the person that I am today; and I believe that BYEP has the same impact on the lives of the young people they serve. I am excited to help offer this opportunity to young people in the Bozeman area and to let others know about the great work that BYEP is doing in the community.”
Wendy Wigert
Treasurer
”BYEP brings together my passion for youth development and community. Through mentorship and experiential adventures, BYEP enables participants to develop skills, learn about themselves, and reach their potential. One of my values is building community — I have been engaged in youth mentoring, child care advocacy, anti poverty and homeless issues, social justice, and leadership development. Volunteering brings me joy and I hope I can give BYEP back as much as I receive. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about BYEP and help move forward our mission of providing opportunities for vulnerable teenagers to experience success, and become contributing members of their community.”
Ersin Ozer
Secretary
“I had the opportunity to be a part of BYEP in its early years as a volunteer mentor, when many of the expanded offerings we see today were just on the road map. Now I’m thrilled to have the incredible opportunity to be a part of BYEP’s growth and future success by serving on the Board. I have seen BYEP make positive impacts on the future trajectory of youth, and have seen those youth grow to become assets to their own communities. As a mentor for BYEP for three winter and two summer seasons from 2004-2007, I witnessed self-esteem blossoming out of individuals who previously doubted themselves, I saw trauma-inflicted faces learn how to smile, and I saw individuals commit themselves to a program that made their lives better. Since that time I have started a career and a family, and now I am back, ready to make a larger impact. I believe in BYEP, and my passion now is to help the organization grow as it helps kids grow.”
Jim Clubb
Katie Finch
“When my family moved to Bozeman in the summer of 2018, we entered a whole new world of outdoor experiences and possibilities. I’m excited to be a part of an organization that helps open up those possibilities to young people in our community while providing support and mentorship at such a critical time in their development and lives.”
Bennett Kern
“As a youth growing up in Bozeman, I witnessed the powerful support BYEP provided for my friends and family. I was eager to get involved in any capacity. After working for BYEP on various levels from volunteer to staff member, I can confidently say I deeply embrace the mission and values of the organization. Being a teenager is hard, and mentorship can help facilitate monumental changes, growth, and self-discovery. A sense of community and strong connection to the natural world can greatly benefit teens. BYEP gives kids a chance to be vulnerable and real with each other, whether sitting on a chairlift or sharing in a group workshop. These spaces for connection in a safe and supportive environment allow kids to be themselves and redefine their future selves.”
Peter Mathieson
“I had the opportunity to work as a counselor at a youth summer camp in New Hampshire when I was in college. The experience was the catalyst of understanding the need for youth mentorship and jump started a life-long dedication to the cause. Post-college, I volunteered aid to a non-profit by attending to at-risk children while their parents received counseling to prevent child abuse. I became a very young Director at this same organization and continued serving in other like-minded associations throughout my life. I believe all youth need mentors in their lives. Everyone can benefit from counseling and mentorship. I see how BYEP is here to help fill in the missing pieces in young lives. I learned about BYEP from a current Board member, and immediately saw the alignment with my own values around the need for youth mentorship.”
Hillary Morin
“I have fostered a personal and academic interest in the teen experience since my own adolescence. BYEP presents a wonderful opportunity to combine my expertise in adolescent development, my commitment to community engagement, and my love of the outdoors. The program has had a wonderful impact on our community of teenagers over the past 20+ years, and I am honored to be part of the board to continue to cultivate its growth in the years to come.”
Michael Ochsner
“I have an 18-year-old sister who lives out of state. I have a tremendous love and empathy for her and for children living in the current social environment. BYEP is a tremendous program and a way for me to support kids in my sister's position.”
Shantel Waller
“As someone who struggled with the physical, mental and emotional changes that the teenage years bring, I was fortunate enough to have a strong support system and an outlet through close friendships and sports. I hope for all teens to have access to a support system at this pivotal time of life. I am excited to be involved with BYEP, an organization that helps teens navigate these difficult times by providing them with a safe place to process, understand, and develop strategies for dealing with these challenges. BYEP changes the way that teens look at themselves and the world by providing them opportunities for growth through outdoor adventures, connection with peers and mentors, and mental health support. It reflects the values of inclusion, connection, and community that I hope to instill in my two daughters' lives.”