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Our Staff
Family Promise is helmed by people who represent the best in their respective fields and truly live our mission.
Christel is a Bozeman native and graduate of Montana State University. Upon graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management, Christel received her Masters of Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Walden University. After a decade of experience in the nonprofit industry, Christel went on to receive her CFRE, which is an internationally recognized fundraising certification. She has served as Program Coordinator for HRDC Head Start, Early Learning Director for the Gallatin Valley YMCA, Development Director for Central Asia Institute, and Executive Director of Befrienders. Christel and her husband were married in 2008, and are the parents of two wonderful boys aged 11 and 12. In her spare time, she enjoys mentoring individuals who are just starting their nonprofit careers, serving on local nonprofit boards, enjoying the outdoors, and spending her weekends cheering on her two sons on the pool deck.
Christel Chvilicek, CFRE
Executive Director
Michelle has lived in the Gallatin Valley since 2001. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communications from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Michelle has a diverse business background which included working in a group home setting that served adults, followed by dipping her toes into the fields of advertising, communications, and human resources for businesses in the corporate sector; and then worked as a Paraprofessional in the Belgrade School district. During her time with Family Promise, she earned her aPHR (Associate of Professional Human Resources) certification. She’s also volunteered at non-profits around the Valley. Michelle enjoys going to group fitness classes, cooking, reading, hiking, camping, and spending time with her family.
Michelle Thorn
HR and Operations Director
Catherine has been a part of Family Promise’s Early Learning Center since its opening in January of 2022. First, as a lead teacher for the young 1’s room, and recently transitioned to the assistant director of the evening program. Since 2018, Catherine has professionally been a part of the early childhood field working in multiple facilities. She absolutely loves working with kids and their families to help accomplish their developmental and educational goals. As a teacher, she also wants to create a safe environment for kids to have the ability to set them up for success. Our kids are our future, and they need to continue to have the right education and right resources for success.
Catherine Purcell
Early Learning Center Co-Director
Robin is a Bozeman native and graduate of Montana State University. Robin has a passion for making an impact in our community through engagement, relationship building, and effective communications strategies. Prior to joining Family Promise, Robin worked as HRDC's Outreach and Events Coordinator for 7 years. Her responsibilities included marketing and fundraising for 7 service areas. Robin is an avid volunteer with Reach, the Help Center INC, and the Orchid Club. In her spare time, Robin enjoys reading, spending time with her family and two pups, and being outdoors and near water.
Robin Mayer
Development Director
Carrie is native to Montana and has a deep love for this valley. Carrie graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Criminal Justice and has spent the last 25 years working in the nonprofit sector in Bozeman.
Carrie is passionate about understanding the dynamics of homelessness in our communities and working to improve the lives of the kids and families that call the Gallatin Valley home. Carrie lives in Three Forks with her husband and an excessive amount of animals.
Carrie Gilbertson
Director of Family Services
Coming Soon!
Brittany Helm
Early Learning Center Coordinator
Coming Soon!
Kate Reedy
Early Learning Center Coordinator
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