Executive Director

Kevin Sylvester

Originally from Connecticut, Kevin led recreation and conservation programs throughout the U.S. When he moved to Montana over a decade ago, he became a ski volunteer at the Eagle Mount program in Billings. He has served as Program Manager at Montana Conservation Corps and Executive Director of Family Promise of Gallatin Valley. At Eagle Mount, Kevin 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 loves spending time with his partner Carolynn and their daughter Ruth, 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.

Marketing and Communications Manager

Brittany Yeley

Brittany returned to Bozeman in early 2021 after spending seven years working in New York and California. A Montana native, Brittany attended college in New York where she graduated with a degree in English, minoring in communications. Brittany spent several years managing the brand of a Fortune 500 company before returning to Bozeman. In her free time, Brittany enjoys hiking, gardening, reading and spending time with her husband Colter and their two cats Beatrix and Athena.

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.

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.

Adaptive Horsemanship Assistant

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 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 Program Assistant

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 Aquatics Director

Ryan Maruyama

Ryan was born and raised in Denver Colorado and moved to Bozeman in 2019 to pursue his degree in Psychology. He discovered Eagle Mount that winter and started teaching all abilities swim lessons. Ryan then began helping with more tasks in the Eagle Mount aquatics center the following year. When Ryan is not at school or work he enjoys climbing, skiing, kayaking and being outside!

Adaptive Aquatics Assistant

Jesse Franc

Jesse was born and raised in Laramie, Wyoming where it is not uncommon to see more pronghorn then people on certain occasions. Pursuing a college education led him to the beautiful town of Bozeman surrounded by fierce mountains that would intimidate the ranges back home. He has always had a passion for swimming and mental health so joining the aquatics department has been a natural fit. When not at Eagle Mount you can find him exploring nature or creating art.

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

Bri Daniels

Originally from Wisconsin, Bri moved to Bozeman, MT in 2019 to attend Montana State University. She had recently recovered from her second bout with childhood cancer and a leg amputation. Bri was introduced to Eagle Mount during her freshman year of college when she participated in the Adaptive Snowsports Program and relearned how to downhill ski. She attended Young Adult Retreat the following summer and fell in love with camp! Since then, she has participated, volunteered, and now worked for different programs at Eagle Mount and is overjoyed to be the Big Sky Kids Assistant Director. Eagle Mount has been transformative in her journey of recovery, and she is excited to help create opportunities for young people impacted by cancer to experience the incredible wonders of Montana. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to music, and playing guitar.

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.

Adaptive Fitness Instructor

Liz Ann Kudrna

Liz Ann was originally introduced to Eagle Mount in 2008 after she sustained a spinal cord injury. She participated in the Swim Program, with the Horses, Skiing, and Cycling programs. Liz Ann started working for Eagle Mount 2012-2017 as an Assistant in the Nordic Program and developed and set up the wheelchair accessible gym. She is excited to be back working in the gym and helping people be as functional as possible in their body. Liz Ann has taught Pilates, breathwork and movement out of her own studio in Bozeman since she moved here in 1999. Previous to that she worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant using Pilates as a modality. After her injury she became even more passionate about human movement and working with those with disability or mobility issues. She is thrilled to reinvigorate the gym at Eagle Mount! She looks forward to meeting you!

Adaptive Recreation Director

Patrick Quinn

Patrick was introduced to adaptive recreation in 2004 as a volunteer for a snow sports program in Massachusetts. Since then, he has worked as a summer camp recreation director, river guide, challenge course manager, ski instructor, and snow sports supervisor. Eagle Mount became a large part of his life as a volunteer for the Adaptive Snow Sports, Adventure Days, and Family Support programs. In his current title as CEO “Chief Enthusiasm Officer”, Patrick hopes to create recreation opportunities that empower, educate, and support the Bozeman Community.

Adaptive Recreation Assistant Director (Bridger)

Colleen Smith

Colleen is a licensed Occupational Therapist whose heart is in community-based programming and outdoor recreation. Before joining Eagle Mount, Colleen spent her time balancing her educational pursuits and her love of adventure. Her excursions include cross-country road trips, long distance backpacking, bike touring, and spending time hiking and organic farming in the mountains of Argentina. Colleen has volunteered and worked in several adaptive sports programs and camps across the US, serving a wide variety of participants, which has prepared her for her journey with Eagle Mount. Colleen is excited to be in a position to create year-round opportunities for people to have access to the outdoors and enjoy the place she loves the most, Montana.

Adaptive Recreation Assistant 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.

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.

Adaptive Arts and Family Engagement Assistant

Jess Lee

Growing up in Montana for Jess has encouraged a love of all things that are adventures. As a teenager, she started volunteering at Eagle Mount with the Horsemanship Program for several years. From a young age, she was an avid dancer and musician, and enjoyed making connections through the performing arts. After high school, Jess took a deep dive into the world of theater and found a home with several theaters in town. This passion was what ultimately brought her back to Eagle Mount as a volunteer instructor for the arts, giving back in a creative and adaptive way to an amazing community. Since accepting a position as a staff member in May 2021, she has been excited to keep exploring possibilities on this journey. When not knee deep in cool art projects, you can catch Jess out camping, on the ski hill, or taking in live theater.

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.