Meet Our Team
Access & Success Team
Ariel Donohue
Associate Vice President for Access & Success
In her role as Associate Vice President for Access & Success, Ariel works alongside her team to design and deliver high-quality programs and support systems that uplift students from a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences. Ariel earned a master’s degree in higher education from MSU and bachelor’s degrees in women’s and gender studies and elementary education, both from The College of New Jersey. Since joining MSU in 2009, Ariel has dedicated her career to strengthening student opportunity and belonging. She has worked within the MSU Office of Student Engagement and the Student Commons leading student support programs and educational programming. Across each role, she has championed environments where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. Grounded in MSU’s land-grant mission, Ariel believes deeply in expanding access and opportunity. She is driven by the conviction that every student should be able to see themselves reflected at MSU—and to feel confident, empowered, and equipped to thrive both academically and personally.
Madison McKenzie, M.A.
Administrative Manager
Tiffany Kostelnik
Business Operation Manager
Christine Sommers-Austin, M.S.
Student Success Strategist for Access & Success
Prior to Access & Success, Christine spent many years leading program management at
higher education institutions, research organizations, and non-profits, as an educator
at traditional and alternative schools, and continues to teach as a certified wellness
instructor for the past 25+ years. Her goal is to lead with compassion and engage
with young people to support and help them grow through all areas of life. The values
of relationships, curiosity, and generosity drive Christine to make positive impacts
and to continually seek opportunities to serve others and the greater Montana community.
Christine obtained a B.A. in Communications and Media, and Economics from the University
of Minnesota - Morris, a M.S. in Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education from
Utah State University, and a Graduate Certificate in Place-Based Education and Natural
Sciences from the Teton Science Schools Graduate Residency Program. She is grateful
for family and friends, and appreciates exploring different cultures, teaching fitness
classes, participating in the arts, and spending time in the outdoors hiking, skiing
and gardening.
Deborah Albin, M.S.
Director - Adult Education, Access, and Success Programs
MSU students are the problem solvers and leaders of tomorrow, and it is Deb Albin’s privilege to help prepare them for these roles. Having previously spent over a decade working as an educator for the MSU Extension Service, being a native Montanan, a first-generation college student, and a proud two-time alum of MSU (Sociology ’09, Public Relations ’16), Deb knows first-hand the importance of investing time and resources in Montanans and supporting students from communities throughout the state.
In her role overseeing the Montana’s Own Scholars, 1893 Scholars, and Return-to-Learn Scholars programs, Deb identifies promising MSU upperclassmen, returning students, and adult learners and works with them to shape their life and career goals and complete their undergraduate studies feeling strong and confident. Utilizing one-on-one meetings, group workshops, social and networking events, and personalized action plans, scholars in these programs augment their time at MSU examining their personal interests, strengths, and skills. Combined with their academic knowledge, these scholars are fully prepared to embark on lives and careers of meaning and purpose.
Jennifer White-Dobbs, M.A.
Return to Learn Program Manager
Jennifer joined AYCSS in 2019 and Return-to-Learn in 2021. Working with returning students is a fantastic opportunity and it is always exciting to learn someone’s story and find out their goals as they work to complete their degree. She enjoys helping students navigate campus resources, build a plan for a successful school/life combination, and develop the college experience they desire. With a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Maine, Orono and a M.A. in Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program, Jennifer’s previous work experience is in museum education and collections. She moved to Bozeman with her family to enjoy the beautiful outdoor lifestyle. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, horseback riding, and exploring.
Monica Hall, Ph.D.
Montana's Own and 1893 Scholars Program Manager
Monica supports Montana’s Own and 1893 Scholars in fulfilling their dreams of obtaining a degree from Montana State University. She enjoys meeting students one-on-one to help them navigate their educational and collegiate experience through thoughtful listening and questioning to learn their interests, perspectives, and aspirations.
As a first-generation college student with a Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Monica knows a university degree offers countless benefits and can transforms lives and communities. As a scientist, she has mentored over a dozen students during her research adventures before joining the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success. She brings broad life experience having served as an Intelligence Analyst in the U.S. Army, a business entrepreneur in the family home remodeling business and has worked multiple roles in food service. She is currently attaining her Business Management Certificate from Gallatin College.
Monica believes mentoring is wildly essential. She thrives on connecting her scholars with the people and resources they need to develop life-skills and strategies to be successful both at MSU and beyond. She is deeply committed to helping Montana's Own and 1893 Scholars complete their studies fully prepared for lives of meaning and purpose.
Karen Dove
Montana 10 Program Director
I’m Karen Dove, the Director of the Montana 10 Scholarship and Student Success Program, and I’m incredibly excited to work with this program at Montana State University and the amazing Montana 10 scholars the program supports. Enabling Montanans to be able to pursue and achieve their educational goals is something I care deeply about, and I’m inspired by the passion, resilience, and determination of Montana 10 scholars at MSU. I’m proud to be part of a program that helps break down barriers and opens doors to opportunity for Montana’s future leaders.
Missy Grinnell, M.Ed
Montana 10 Assistant Director
Missy is a proud two-time MSU alum, who bleeds blue and gold. She helps scholars find purpose, build connection, and feel a true sense of belonging. Drawing from her background as a certified coach, ordained pastor, and nationally certified interpreter for the Deaf, she shows up with heart, curiosity, and a people-first mindset. Outside of community-building, she’s hiking the Bridgers on weekends or greeting the day atop the M in the early mornings.
Kaila Seay, M.A.
Lead Student Success Advisor
Kaila joined MSU's Office of Student Success as a Success Advisor in the spring of 2025. Born and raised in Indiana, she discovered her passion to work with students after mentoring during her undergraduate years at Indiana University - Bloomington. Her passion reignited after moving to Bozeman in 2021, becoming an assistant preschool teacher, and realizing that she wanted to have more complex conversations with older students.
She has a genuine interest in helping others succeed and is always willing to share her advice and knowledge. Kaila's goal is to help her student clients succeed by advising them on how they can take ownership of their college experience and feel empowered to make decisions that promote personal growth and fulfillment.
When Kaila is not advising, she enjoys hiking, reading, and being a guest teacher in the local school districts.
Janet Barkow, M.A
Student Success Advisor
Janet graduated from Colorado State University in Psychology and eventually received a M.A. in Experiential Education from University of Colorado/Boulder. She taught elementary education for 14 years in Broomfield , Colorado. Reconnecting with the family’s Montana roots, Bozeman seemed like a great place to thrive with her family, with a university and mountains all around.
Janet joined AYCSS as a Success Advisor, a perfect fit with her enthusiasm and passion for education. She enjoys working with students, supporting their academic experience and challenges through efficient effective ways to learn. In success advising, Janet helps students connect with all the amazing resources MSU offers so she can support their educational journey right onto graduation!
William C Kuba, ED.D., CPC
Student Success Advisor
Dr. Kuba has over 30 years of experience in education which includes K-12 / Higher
Ed in public and for profit environments. His most recent work before returning to
Montana was at a small University in Iowa as the Department Head / Professor for Physical
Ed, Exercise Science, and Recreational Leadership.
Sonja Chandler
Student Success Advisor
Whether teaching math and science at public schools on the Kitsap Peninsula of Washington, instructing mathematics at Gallatin College or even teaching preschoolers their letters and numbers, Sonja relishes the joy of students understanding something new. She joined the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success in the fall of 2021. After growing up in California, Sonja began her Montana adventure, earning her Bachelor of Science degree at Rocky Mountain College (emphasis in Mathematics and a Minor in Art) and her teaching certificate from MSU Billings. Sonja moved to Bozeman after meeting and marrying her husband, Doug, and perhaps most of her experience advising and teaching is with her own four children, who attended Bozeman Public Schools, the University of Montana, and the University of Utah. These combined experiences have cemented her passion for helping students succeed and knowing that the factors for success are widely varied. In her spare time, Sonja loves to travel, hike, work on a building project or two and spend time visiting with family and friends. She is energetic and optimistic that all students can be successful and education is a beneficial element toward that goal.
Toots Taszut, M.S., R.S.
Student Success Advisor
Toots retired from Montana State University in 2017, as an Environmental Health Specialist/ Health Inspector. Her love of being a part of MSU’s mission as a land grant university and engaging with students led to her to return to MSU.
In addition to working as a Student Success Advisor in the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success (AYCSS), she has a Food Safety consulting business. Toots received her B.S. and M.S. degrees from MSU and has worked with students, staff, and faculty on the MSU campus for 17 years.
Before retiring from MSU, Toots worked with various departments on campus such as Auxiliary Services, Safety & Risk, Facilities Services, Office of Sustainability, and the Dean of Students. Connecting with a culturally diverse student population, she provided support to many student-led campus events which included the International Food Bazaar, Catapalooza, “Bug Buffet,” and the American Indian Council Pow Wow.
Toots is passionate about helping students develop strong life skills, build confidence in their capabilities, and form relationships for the goal of advancing and receiving full benefit of their education.
Toots enjoys spending time with her 2 dogs and 4 cats, floral designing, painting, gardening, reading, and spending time on her family farm in Wyoming.
Career Services
Elizabeth Feary, MBA
Director of Career Services
Elizabeth serves as the Director of Career Services at Montana State University, where she leads university-wide efforts to connect students with meaningful, career-building experiences. She works closely with employers, alumni, faculty, and community partners to expand access to internships, on-campus jobs, and applied learning opportunities that align with regional workforce needs. Elizabeth is deeply committed to building talent pipelines that strengthen Montana’s economic resilience and ensure all MSU students are prepared for success beyond graduation.
Before joining MSU, Elizabeth led complex, multi-stakeholder workforce initiatives across high-risk and remote regions—spanning Arctic economic security, civil-military coordination, and cross-sector partnerships. She is a workforce strategist with over 25 years of leadership experience across public and private sectors, including work with USAID and the Outdoor Industry. She brings a global systems perspective to creating local impact.
Elizabeth holds a BSBA in International Management from Boston University and an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Montana’s mountains with her husband and embracing an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Halley Perry, M.S.
Assistant Director, Industry & Employer Relations
Halley is a 3rd generation alumnus from Montana State University and has worked in the nonprofit sector for 10 years. During her time as a student at MSU, Halley worked as a student associate for Career Services. She is excited to return to The Allen Yarnell Center of Student Success and to apply her skills she learned throughout her career.
As the Assistant Director of Industry & Employer Relations, Halley is excited to help students find their career path by connecting them to industry leaders. She knows MSU students have a reputation of being innovators, critical thinkers, and all-around talented individuals. She will be working hard to develop on-campus recruiting efforts and opening opportunities to MSU students.
Cimberli Kearns, Ph.D.
Lead Career Education Coach
Cim works primarily with graduate students navigating career transitions, professional identity, and next-step decision making. She enjoys supporting students who are exploring multiple directions, reframing their expertise, or translating advanced academic work into meaningful professional paths.
She holds a B.A. from Swarthmore College, a Ph.D. from Indiana University, and a master’s degree in Learning Technology from the University of St. Thomas. Over the course of her career, Cim broadened her path beyond traditional academic roles into learning design, onboarding, and professional development across industries including technology, life sciences, and higher education. Through this work, she gained a grounded understanding of today’s workplace and what employers value beyond a résumé.
In coaching sessions, Cim focuses on helping students gain clarity, articulate their strengths, and move forward with confidence and intention in an evolving professional landscape. Outside of work, she enjoys long walks, movement-based classes, and exploring a wide range of texts—academic, creative, and otherwise—that spark curiosity and new ways of thinking.
Nicole Bachich, B.A.
Career Education Coach
Nicole is a Career Education Coach within the AYCSS. With a strong philosophy of work/life balance, Nicole is excited to guide students through resources and self-exploration to choose a career path.
Nicole is looking forward to introducing as many students as possible to the services provided within the AYSCC, ensuring that all students have access to the tools that can help guide them to a more holistic approach to career exploration.
Nicole attained her Bachelor of Arts from Humboldt State University in Recreation Administration and has worked in the Outdoor Industry for over two decades.
Kristen Gregg, MPH
Career Education Coach
As a career coach in Career Services at MSU, Kristen helps students gain career confidence by delivering personalized, student-focused coaching. Her education and background in public health are supporting factors in her success in this role as she is passionate about helping people and making a difference.
Growing up on a ranch in rural Oregon, Kristen was introduced to hard work early in life. She enjoyed the lifestyle and learning that came along with ranching alongside her family. She attended Oregon State University and received her bachelor’s degree in public health before earning her master’s degree in public health (MPH) from George Washington University. In 2019, Kristen and her husband and three children moved to Bozeman to pursue career opportunities and enjoy the amazing Southwestern Montana lifestyle.
Kristen has been described by others that work with her as a supportive, welcoming, and a genuinely caring person. She finds that most situations can be gracefully navigated if you lead with kindness and curiosity. These values are woven into her work and everyday life.
Outside of work, Kristen stays busy with her family. They enjoy hiking, skiing, camping, and generally being outdoors in every season. She also enjoys fitness, reading, volunteering for important causes, and cheering on her kids at sporting events (watching biathlon has become a new favorite).
Molly Wood
Career Education Coach
Molly is a Career Education Coach dedicated to helping students explore their passions and unlock their full potential. With over 25 years of experience in education—including roles as a teacher, principal, school leadership coach, and school board member—she views each student as an individual with unique talents. She’s continually inspired by the creativity, resilience, and ingenuity of students at MSU.
Molly’s diverse background includes founding KIPP Bayview Academy, a middle school in San Francisco, and coaching principals for Aspire Public Schools. She holds an MBA and an MA in Education from Stanford University, which deepens her ability to support students in their academic and career pursuits.
Originally from Evergreen, Colorado, Molly has lived in Bozeman since 2021 with her family. When she's not coaching, she enjoys traveling, hiking, skiing, reading, cooking, and tackling jigsaw puzzles.
Office of Financial Education
Keith Hamburg, B.A.
Senior Financial Coach
Keith serves as the Senior Financial Coach in the Office of Financial Education at Montana State University and has done so since August of 2013. Keith’s goal is to help his student clients pay for school while taking on as little debt as possible, allowing them to “Live like a college student today, so they don’t have to tomorrow.” He has the privilege to work with students, assisting them to engage and take control of their finances with budgeting, scholarship searching, credit, and more. Keith has been in Bozeman since 1994, and before coming to MSU, he owned his own business and also worked for MetLife Financial Services.
Keith’s belief is to always meet a client where they are at on their financial journey. He is a first-generation college student with a degree in Communications (1990).
Jennifer White-Dobbs, M.A.
Financial Coach
Jennifer joined AYCSS in 2019. She enjoys working with students to learn strategies for successful budgeting, find creative ways to pay for school, and develop their future financial goals. Engaging with students through coaching as well as offering clinics and teaching class sessions are her favorite parts of the job. Feeling confident about finances is a challenge and a valuable life skill to learn in college. With a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Maine, Orono and a M.A. in Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program, Jennifer’s previous work experience is in museum education and collections. She moved to Bozeman with her family to enjoy the beautiful outdoor lifestyle. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, horseback riding, and exploring.
Vanessa Chau, MBA
Career Services & Financial Education Program Manager
Vanessa serves as the Career Services & Financial Education Program Manager in AYCSS.
Prior to joining MSU, Vanessa worked at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas
for 16 years and served in multiple roles such as, Human Resources Professional, Business
Operations Manager, and Project Manager. Now Vanessa will be bringing her experiences
to work closely with administrative leadership, faculty, staff and students.
As a Career Services & Financial Education Program Manager, Vanessa will focus on
supporting her teams and with minimal contact with the students. However, she is available
to answer questions over the phone or walk-ins who needs help to navigate AYCSS website, studentaid.gov, search for CAT scholarships, complete FAFSA financial aid, and federal loans forgiveness
information. Her goals are to develop, plan, and implement strategies to expand the
Career Services and Financial Education programs in 2023.
When not in the office, Vanessa enjoys experimenting with cooking at home, horseback
riding when the weather permits, and traveling.
Pam Bittner, MBA
Financial Coach
Pam Bittner joined the Office of Financial Education in 2022 after a career in the private sector. She is an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®). Mostly self-employed, her finance career has included real estate finance, tax preparation, private wealth accounting, business start-up accounting consulting, acting as CFO for a private hedge fund, and financial coaching for Gen-Z professionals. She has streamlined these experiences into sharing her enthusiasm for a successful financial life with young people. Pam received her MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and her degree in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University. Pam loves spending her time skiing, hiking, biking and backpacking, and spending time with her sons (one of whom is a Bobcat). Nala, the dog, often accompanies her adventures.