METS Staff

Jeannie Origbo is the Director for the Montana Educational Talent Search grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. She holds a bachelor's degree in Writing and Literature and a master's degree in Higher Education. Jeannie has worked in education since 2005 with experience at both the secondary and post-secondary level. She worked as a teacher for Hays-Lodge Pole School district for six years before beginning work with the Montana University System. She is committed to providing educational opportunities for all students.

Derek Calvert is the Program Manager for the Montana Educational Talent Search program. Derek graduated from the University of Montana with B.A.s in Social Work and Psychology. His passions are rooted in helping others. Through mentoring, education, and believing in our youth, Derek believes that they will develop their strengths and overcome any obstacles in their lives.

Maria Lillrose is the College Access Manager for the Montana Educational Talent Search program, seeking to assist students returning to school at the post-secondary level. Maria has a BA in education and a TEFL certificate. She has over 10 years teaching experience in a variety of settings, including the Peace Corps and the IEFA program within the Helena School District. Maria is passionate about helping students to discover and achieve their potential in all areas of life.

Vacant

Richard Mittens is the Pre-Advisor for the Blackfeet target are, serving the school districts of Heart Butte and Browning. He grew up in Badger, MT located next to Heart Butte and Browning and graduated from Heart Butte High School. He attended school at the University of Montana and obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration in Fall 2019. Before working with Educational Talent Search, he was focused on Intercultural communication between Native American and Non-Native American communities. His passions are helping youth develop skills that will be used later in life such as leadership, communication, and management skills. He also hopes to help ease the difficulty of transitioning to a different grade, and the difficulty of choosing options after high school.

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Shonna Dillon is the Pre-College Advisor for the Crow Target Area, serving the school districts of Hardin and Lodge Grass. She is a Crow Tribal member with Ogalala Sioux and Irish heritage. She is a mother and grandmother to many beautiful children. After obtaining her A.A.S at Little Big Horn College in 2002 she went on to receive her B.S in Science from Rocky Mountain College in 2005. She has experience in many areas as she worked as a Teacher and Advisor for Little Big Horn College as a faculty member, at TRIO Student Support Services for Chief Dull Knife College as Director, and most recently at the Crow Tribal Headstart program as the Disabilities/Mental Health Coordinator. She believes in supporting the youth in her community to help expand their experiences and help make their educational dreams become a reality.

Rory is a Pre-College Advisor for the Flathead Target Area, serving Polson Middle and High School and the St. Ignatius school district. He was born in California during the relocation program for Native Americans, spent his early childhood next to St. Mary’s lake and attended school k-12 Missoula. After serving in the US Navy, he graduated from the University of Montana with 2 Bachelor degrees in English Literature/Spanish & Psychology. He then moved to the CSKT reservation to continue his career serving Indian Country.

Carla is a Pre-College Advisor for the Flathead Target Area, serving Ronan Middle and High School and Two Eagle River School. Upon completing her B.A. in Communication Disorders at Louisiana State University, Carla’s career serving children and their families started with the Louisiana CASA Association, followed by the New Orleans Teen Court Program, then onto California at UCSB as a home visitor to families with special needs infants. She believes that a critical key to resiliency is mentorship and is honored to immerse herself in the Flathead communities through METS by supporting students’ post-secondary preparation and career goals.

Cody Hogan is the Montana Educational Talent Search Pre-college Advisor for Great Falls High School and East Middle School. He is from Great Falls and went to high school at CMR. After high school, Cody attended MSU- Bozeman earning his degree in secondary education. He then returned to Great Falls and worked at East Middle School for 2 years as a teacher. During those years Cody spent a lot of time working with students on goal setting and staying on course for those plans. He is looking forward to working with all of his students.

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