Executive Director

Kevin Sylvester

Kevin joined Eagle Mount in the fall of 2019 and works with the board and staff to forward all aspects of the organization’s mission. Kevin holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut and a Masters in Public Administration from MSU. Kevin is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and a Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning (FCEP). Outside of work, Kevin loves spending time with his wife Carolynn and their daughters Ruth and Gwen, fixing up their home, and exploring Montana.

Director of Finance and Operations

Pearl Nixon

Eagle Mount has been a part of Pearl’s life since she started volunteering with the Horsemanship Program as a teenager, where she discovered that helping others enjoy something you love is truly rewarding. However, her passion for supporting friends and neighbors with disabilities started when she was lucky enough to have inclusive classrooms in the Bozeman schools. Pearl joined the staff in 2013, and has a special place in her heart for activities that offer adults with developmental disabilities lifelong recreation.

Director of Programs

Bruce Anderson

Bruce is a fourth generation Montanan who happily returned to Montana after serving 30 years in the Navy as a helicopter pilot and naval officer. After living in a variety of locations around the states and Europe, he and his wife Kristi realized there is nowhere quite like Bozeman and returned in 2015. Since then he has volunteered at Eagle Mount in the winter programs and cycling in the summer. The prospect of becoming involved at Eagle Mount in a full time capacity was too much to pass up and he happily welcomed the opportunity to get involved as

Director of Programs. Before his time in the navy, he worked as a hired hand on a ranch and for the Forest Service as a Missoula Smokejumper. He enjoys fishing, hunting, hiking, gardening, and half ironman triathlons.

Operations Manager

Trevor Olson

Born and raised in Bozeman, Trevor learned about Eagle Mount while obtaining his degrees in Physics and Mathematics at Montana State University. After college, Trevor spent several years fixing wind turbines by rappelling off of them and spending his winters as an adaptive snow sports assistant for Eagle Mount. During that time he obtained his Level 1 Alpine and Level 2 Adaptive PSIA certifications, and helped lead the Eagle Mount Bridger and Big Sky programs. The love of Eagle Mount kept pulling at Trevor and in the winter of 2020 he accepted the position of Director of Operations. In his free time, Trevor enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, and spending time in the outdoors, be it rock climbing, skiing, camping, or any of the other plethora of outdoor opportunities that we get to enjoy by living in the treasure state.

Sponsorship and Events Manager

Aidan Young

Aidan moved to Bozeman from the beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in 2015 to pursue higher education at Montana State University. While working towards her B.S. in Business Marketing, she fell in love with Bozeman and all the community has to offer. Through volunteer hours at Eagle Mount, Thrive, and the HRDC, she quickly found her place in the nonprofit world. In May of 2022, Aidan obtained a Master of Science Degree in Public Administration at MSU. When not in the office, you can find her on the golf course, on the river, roaming some of the many local trails, or inside baking up a storm and crushing crossword puzzles.

Grants Administrator

Anna Smoot

After growing up in Colorado, Anna earned BAs in English and Secondary Education from the University of Wyoming and completed her Certified Fundraising Executive, CFRE, in 2017. Anna has spent her career raising support for causes from education to mental health and substance abuse, spending eight years in healthcare philanthropy at UCHealth in northern Colorado and Bozeman Health Foundation prior to joining the Eagle Mount team. Anna, her husband Doug, and their three young sons live in south Bozeman with their energetic lab mix, Ginger, and spend their free time hiking, skiing, camping, grilling in the back yard, gardening, and enjoying all that Montana has to offer.

Development Coordinator

Emma Ferrie

Growing up in the Brainerd Lakes Area of Minnesota, Emma learned early on how important community was. During her time at Minnesota State University Moorhead studying Entertainment Industry Business, she got the opportunity to work with multiple non-profits in her hometown before moving to Bozeman in July of 2021. She began volunteering with Eagle Mount in the spring of 2022 and fell in love with the organization, going on to join the staff in September of that same year. In her free time, Emma enjoys exploring Montana, going to see a show, and walking around town with her reservation dog Freyja.

Design Coordinator

Liz Jones

Liz moved to Bozeman from Minnesota for school at Montana State University where she studied Graphic Design and Studio Art. She moved to be closer to the mountains for skiing and hiking and to join the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association at MSU. Liz first got involved with Eagle Mount in 2018 volunteering with the ski program and was super excited when a design position opened up! When she’s not designing or creating art, Liz can be found riding horses in the mountains, playing subpar fiddle tunes, or camping out of her beloved mom van, Betty.

Marketing and Engagement Manager

Max Rabidue

Originally from Minneapolis, Max moved out to Montana to study at Montana State, getting a degree in Political Science. Max then spent five years at Bridger Brewing in a variety of roles, culminating as their Marketing Director. He first got introduced to Eagle Mount through his role at Bridger Brewing and fell in love with the organization solely based on his interactions with the mini horses. Just kidding on that one, he knew he wanted to work at Eagle Mount after touring campus for the first time and seeing all of the amazing things that Eagle Mount does for the community, not just the mini horses. In his free time, you can find him hanging out with his cat Pygmalion, playing many games of Dungeons and Dragons, or trying tasty new beers around the world.

Philanthropy Officer

Terrence Gotz

Terrence moved to Bozeman in 2001 from Minnesota to be closer to the mountains and the resorts he grew up skiing—Big Sky and Bridger Bowl. He first came to Eagle Mount as a volunteer ski instructor with the Big Sky ski program. Currently his youngest daughter enjoys skiing, swimming, and riding horses with Eagle Mount as a participant. He brings over a decade of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. Terrence, his wife Robyn, and two daughters can often be found on the trails around town, biking or on the slopes of Big Sky Resort.

Marketing & Engagement Intern

Emily Fettig

Emily is spending the summer with Eagle Mount as a Marketing & Engagement Intern. Originally from Washington State, she moved to Bozeman to study Business Marketing at Montana State University and is going into her final year. She is excited to spend the summer growing her marketing education and getting involved with all the amazing opportunities that Eagle Mount provides! In her free time she enjoys, reading, hiking, and spending time outdoors!

Adaptive Horsemanship Director

Claire Brunner

Claire, a Midwesterner, moved to Livingston, MT with her husband in 2013. Being a PATH International Certified Horsemanship Instructor, she was immediately welcomed by Eagle Mount and started as a volunteer instructor. In 2019 her dream job was realized and she became a full time staff member. She loves making Adaptive riding fun and spending time with her favorite horse, Wilbur.

Horsemanship Program Assistant

Emma Morgan

Originating from Ohio, Emma moved west in 2019. Hopping between Colorado and Montana during that time, she landed on Bozeman in the Spring of 2023. As a PATH International Certified Horsemanship Instructor, she was immediately drawn to Eagle Mount and the vast array of programs that they offer. She is passionate about creating an environment in which dreams can become a reality, especially when it involves horses and the outdoors. When she isn’t in the barn, you will most likely find her on the river hoping to land a fish or in the kitchen cooking and baking something new.

Adaptive Horsemanship Barn Manager

Joanna Rodgers-Liston

Joanna grew up in central Connecticut but quickly fell in love with the mountains after moving to Montana for college in 2011. While gaining a BS in Animal Science with an equine emphasis at MSU, Joanna was a part of the IHSA team and horse driving club, in addition to volunteering and interning at Eagle Mount in the adaptive horsemanship program. After graduating, Joanna gained valuable horse experience at various barns in the valley before returning to Eagle Mount to join the horsemanship staff in November 2019. She is currently on track to be a PATH instructor and enjoys spending time with her cats, llamas, and her own retired Eagle Mount horse, Harley.

Adaptive Horsemanship Assistant Director

Kate Johnston

Kate is originally from Memphis, TN and grew up spending time in Montana each summer where she fell in love with the mountains. She volunteered at an adaptive horsemanship program in high school, and decided that is what she wanted to do. After finishing college in Santa Barbara, CA, she became a PATH Intl. certified CTRI and worked at a program there before moving to Bozeman in 2023. Kate spends her free time with her dog hiking, camping, biking, climbing, making art, and exploring everything the area has to offer!

Adaptive Horsemanship Volunteer Coordinator

Nikki Lorton

Nikki is originally from Arizona. She moved to Bozeman in 2010. Nikki began volunteering at Eagle Mount with adaptive horsemanship, aquatics, and summer programs. Nikki is a certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Her love of teaching and helping others be their best selves has been fulfilled in her 25 years in education in Arizona and Montana. It’s a new and exciting chapter for her. In Nikki’s time off, she loves being with her husband, two dogs, a cat, and a horse.

Adaptive Aquatics Director

Amy Mullen

Amy splashed into this world in Billings, spending her first 11 years of life there. She started swimming competitively at the age of 5 and water has been a part of her life since. After earning top Montana state rankings in her 10 and under years, she moved to Oregon at 11 and joined the highest ranked team in Oregon where she continued her swim journey, finding her strengths in sprint freestyle and all of butterfly, consistently placing Top 3 in the state. Through a successful high school career, she graduated and attended Colorado State University and where she trained with Amy Van Dyken for her first year. However, shoulder injuries forced her to retire from further collegiate swimming pursuits, thus making her decision to transfer to Rocky Mountain College where she obtained a degree in Biology.

In 2006, she was left bedridden for the next 2 years from a car accident. After her first major surgery, she was able to begin the process of relearning how to walk and talk properly again. Using her swim mantra of “No Pain, No Gain” Amy found her way back to the pool for therapy walking, and then testing the waters by trying to begin to swim horizontally again. She became the head coach of the Peak Waves Swim Team in 2008 and discovered her joy of coaching. Encouraged by her youthful swimmers, she began training herself in a new modified way and entered her first swim meet shortly thereafter. She qualified for nationals in 5 events, placing in the Top 5 in all 5 events, including 2nd place in both her spring freestyles. During this time, she also pursued a second degree in Graphic & Web Design (and IT). She moved to Bozeman in 2018 with her family, where her daughter quickly found her own love and home in the world of swimming and swim teams. No matter what career path Amy has dove into, she has always found herself back near the water and has always found herself most content in the world of helping others.

She has found her utmost passion in both her world of coaching youth swimmers as well as the community of Eagle Mount with the commonality support of the rest of the staff in her life’s philosophy: to make sure every person she crosses paths with each day feels seen, heard and has space held for them no matter how that space is needed.

Adaptive Aquatics Instructor

Ajax Geddes

Born in Lafayette Louisiana, Ajax Geddes has been living here in Bozeman for almost seven years. He is currently working through college and will be starting his sophomore year in the fall. He is working towards a major in psychology, and a minor in sociology. Ajax’s hobbies include timber sports, swimming, and art. He first got introduced to Eagle Mount while coaching a local swim team at Eagle Mount’s aquatic center. He quickly decided that this was the place he wanted to work. This was then further confirmed when Ajax went through his life guard certification with some of the other eagle mount staff. When not working Ajax can often be found playing board games, and hanging out with friends and family.

Adaptive Aquatics Program Assistant

Maddie Erickson

Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Maddie moved to Bozeman in 2019 to study at Montana State University. She graduated in the summer of 2023 with a degree in Community Health. From her education and internship at Eagle Mount with the Adventure Days program, she became passionate about adaptive recreation. Maddie would describe herself as a jack of all trades as she continues her journey to collecting as many hobbies as possible. She absolutely adores adventure and loves to go rock climbing, skiing, and pretty much any outdoor activity that is new or exciting. When she not out outside she enjoys crocheting, cooking, and banjo playing (just to name a few hobbies.)

Young at Heart Aquatics Instructor

Pat Whitlock

Pat Whitlock was born in Montana, grew up in the midwest, and received degrees in Phys. Ed in Iowa and later a Masters in Health and Human Development here at MSU. Pat was teaching at MSU when she fortuitously met Greta Mathis in a water aerobics class in Romney Pool. Her relationship with Greta and Bob Mathis, Eagle Mount founders, developed into a 25+ year friendship. When the Bob and Greta traveled during their retirement from military service, Pat would regularly dog sit for Tuffy and Trooper. Eagle Mount’s early aquatics programming rotated locations across Bozeman, including hotel pools and even the Mathis’ pool at their home. As Eagle Mount’s aquatics programming developed, Greta brought her friend Pat along. Pat still jokes that Greta wanted the Barnard Pool for Pat to share her talents and loving approach with our many participants. Pat served as the Aquatics Program Director until semi-retiring in 2014. Now, 30 years after diving in with Eagle Mount, Pat still teaches Young at Heart water aerobics five days a week.

BIG SKY KIDS DIRECTOR

​Erika Driver

Originally from northern California, Erika developed a love of mountains, snow and outdoor recreation at an early age. The concept of inclusive and adaptive recreational opportunities led her to pursue her undergraduate work at San Jose’s State University’s Recreational Therapy program. As a certified therapeutic recreation specialist Erika has had experience working with an adaptive snow sport program, a camp for youths with physical impairments, and nature-based therapies for local youth and adolescents experiencing mental health disturbances. As a cancer survivor herself, Erika is thrilled to have the role as Program Director of Big Sky Kids oncology camps. When not at summer camp, you can find Erika with her snowmobile and snowboard, deep in the backcountry.

Big Sky Kids Assistant Director

Camden Alford

Originally from Eastern North Carolina, Camden made her way to Bozeman by way of Big Sky after graduating from the University of North Carolina. Camden has split her time since college between seasonal jobs as a Trip Leader with Backroads, an active travel company, and as a Ski School Supervisor in Big Sky. Her passion for community and outdoor recreation led her to Eagle Mount where she works with Big Sky Kids oncology camps. Camden’s passions include skiing with kids, cooking for friends, and reading historical fiction. She is taking recommendations for campfire stories and songs!

Adaptive Recreation Associate Director (Adventure Days)

Addi Sherrill

Addi is originally from North Carolina and moved to Bozeman with her husband, Cole, summer of 2023! Addi grew up skiing and has always loved the mountains and is grateful to be here doing what she loves as part of the adaptive recreation team at Eagle Mount! Addi is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and loves seeing individuals of all ability levels participate in recreation of all kinds and now gets to do that as part of the Adaptive Recreation team at Eagle Mount!

Adaptive Recreation Associate Director (Big Sky)

Beth Wilson

Beth is originally from Michigan, but lived in Colorado for 11 years before coming to Montana in 2016. Her teaching background is working with children with autism in both public schools, and in an Autism Center. While earning her BA degree in Special Education, she volunteered for the STARS adaptive ski program in Steamboat Springs, CO. In the summer of 2010, she was a backcountry/wilderness therapy guide in Utah where she discovered her passion for teaching outdoors. Since Beth’s arrival in Big Sky, she has supervised the locals Skiwees program at Big Sky Resort, but has spent most of her time raising her two boys. Beth is grateful for the opportunity to combine her passion for outdoors and her passion for supporting those with special needs at Eagle Mount. Beth has a husband (Chad) and two boys (TJ and Levon), and a German Shorthaired Pointer (Emerald). They can be found doing a variety of outdoor activities including skiing in the winter, and mountain biking or rafting in the summer.

Adaptive Recreation Associate Director (Cycling and Bridger Bowl)

Drew Asaro

Drew was born and raised in Boise, ID, moved to Bozeman 2016 to ski and mountain bike. In January of 2018, he broke his back in a ski accident leaving him paralyzed from the belly button down. He first joined Eagle Mount as a participant with the snow sports program January 2019 with his second sit ski lesson, coincidentally falling on the anniversary of his accident. By the end of the 2019 season, he was just barely good enough to teach beginner/ intermediate sit ski lesson with his first experience volunteer coaching being at 2019 Veterans Retreat. He studied Medical Coding at Gallatin College 2020, got a job as an optician, continued volunteering with the ski and cycling programs till the fall of 2022 when he joined Eagle Mount as a part time adaptive snow sports instructor, now he’s leading Bridgers snow sports, cycling, and climbing programs.

Adaptive Recreation Coordinator

Paige Robison

Paige is originally from Northern California, she moved to Bozeman 10 years ago for school at MSU where she studied Early Childhood Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education. She started volunteering with Eagle Mount in 2017 in our Ski Program and it was the highlight of her ski seasons. This is where she fell in love with Eagle Mount and the mission, her “Golden Eagle Moment” was being hired on in 2022 as an adaptive ski instructor. This is where her passion for adaptive recreation flourished, and she knew she wanted to make a career out it! When not on the ski hill with Eagle Mount or at Adventure days you find can her camping, biking, hiking, and enjoying time in the good ole outdoors!

Summer Recreation Assistant

Allen Anderson

Summer Recreation Assistant

Chris Blake

Chris Blake has loved in Gallatin Valley for eight years. Chris has over a decade of creating outdoor experiences with people from all walks of life in a wide variety of activities from playgrounds to mountain tops. If he isn’t in a canoe with his fiancé and dog, Chris can be found holding a banjolele.

Summer Recreation Intern

Ella Roe

Ella Roe was born and raised here in Bozeman, Montana. She knew about Eagle Mount her whole life but wanted to learn more about adaptive recreation and get involved in the Eagle Mount community this summer. She is currently a student at Colorado College studying Sociology with a Health and Society concentration. Ella hopes to combine her love for the outdoors and her desire to learn about adaptive recreation into having a fun summer with Eagle Mount!

Summer Recreation Assistant

Emmy Goode

Emmy is originally from Atlanta, GA. She went to school in Birmingham, AL and finished in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. She had planned on going into special education, however ended up moving west to Paradise Valley. Last summer, she spent her Wednesday’s volunteering with Adventure Days, and continued volunteering through the winter as a snow sports instructor. As soon as she was hired for the summer recreation assistant position, she was beyond excited to lengthen her time with Eagle Mount.

Summer Recreation Assistant

Kasady Brehm

Originally from Nebraska, Kasady interned for Eagle Mount in 2018 while completing her degree in exercise science at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. She moved to Big Sky five years ago for the snowboard season and stayed for the summers and rafting season. Her passion for facilitating experiences in the outdoors brought her back to Eagle Mount and she’d love to continue evolving in world of adaptive outdoor recreation. When she’s not playing outside in the sun, you can find her being creative with crocheting or making jewelry.

Summer Recreation Assistant

Payton Wilson

Payton Wilson graduated from Plymouth State University in 2020, and since then has been living in the Bozeman area. She has been working in recreation for 10 years and started getting involved in Eagle Mount last winter volunteering for ski lessons in Big Sky.

Summer Recreation Assistant

Sydney Wilson

Hi, my name is Sydney Wilson! I am originally from Washington state, and recently moved to Bozeman in December. I went to school in Oregon where I studied Kinesiology and played soccer. Throughout my time in university, I was involved with the local Special Olympics program where I coached soccer and eagerly volunteered at any additional events I could find. In my free time, I enjoy trail running, playing soccer, and frolicking in the mountains. I love seeing how sport and recreation can bond a group of people, provide opportunity for self-growth, and allow confidence to blossom. I am eager to provide adaptive recreation to the Eagle Mount community and be inspired by the wonderful individuals we work with.

Family Engagement & Adaptive Arts Director

Maggie Lowry

Maggie has been with Eagle Mount since 2013, first as Assistant Aquatic Director and then hosting Saturday Night Out, Kids’ Night Out and Sibling Night Out, and founded the Parent Support Group with SEPTA in 2015. Maggie has enjoyed growing the family support offerings into a full-fledged program, and feels the future holds endless opportunities! In her free time, Maggie is an artist creating sculptural paintings, enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, and is an enthusiastic cyclist.

Arts and Family Engagement Assistant

Finn Connors

Finn grew up hiking, fly fishing, and skiing in the Gallatin Valley. After receiving their degree in Visual Communication Design, Finn moved back home and jumped into opportunities to reconnect with the community, serving as a leader for the MT Conservation Corps Youth Programs, maintaining city parks, and volunteering with GVLT. Walking into the Eagle Mount campus for Snow Sports volunteer orientation, Finn immediately felt at home. They volunteered with downhill skiing at Bridger Bowl, and then Adventure Days, Horticulture, and Horsemanship. Their role leading Eagle Mount’s Adaptive Arts program is the perfect way to combine their skills in art with their passion for building community.

Theater Intern

Erika Chapin

Erika is from Massachusetts and came to Bozeman in 2021 to attend Montana State University where she is studying Graphic Design. She has been passionate about theater and art throughout her life, as well as being an avid outdoor recreationalist.

Administrative Assistant

Andrew Flakker

Andrew is a native of Glendive, Montana and attended several universities throughout state before coming to work at Eagle Mount in January of 2020. As a child, Andrew was treated by the Shriners Hospital for Children in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is overjoyed to add his experience of disability self-advocacy and disability community support to Eagle Mount’s already decades long commitment to adaptive recreation.

Facilities Manager

Sailor Neale

Sailor grew up in Vancouver B.C. mountain biking, snowboarding, and sailing. Upon moving to Bozeman 10 years ago, Sailor immediately discovered Eagle Mount and began volunteering with Bridger Ski Program alongside the ice skating program. Sailor is excited to be keeping all the buildings and equipment running at top notch, ensuring the Eagle Mount programs can run effortlessly for all.

Sailor spends his free time herding his two cats, Shuri and Katara, and also enjoys mountain biking, four wheeling, and making metal art.