Billie is the lead teacher at Evergreen Kids Corner, creating a nurturing and engaging environment for young children. She oversees classroom operations, lesson planning, student progress, behavior support, and team coordination, while maintaining strong communication with families and staff. A dedicated member of BELN for over eight years, Billie discovered her passion for early childhood education during her teaching internship at Evergreen Kids Corner. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Prekindergarten–3rd Grade Education, an Associate’s in Early Childhood Development, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology. With over a decade of teaching experience, Billie brings deep expertise and commitment to supporting children and families in the Bitterroot Valley.
Meet the dedicated professionals of BELN bringing passion, expertise, and a shared commitment to supporting children, families, and early childhood systems in the Bitterroot Valley.
Admin
Ariella Wells
Executive Director
Email: ella@beln.org
Direct Line: (406) 209-8246
Ariella (Ella) is the Executive Director of the Bitterroot Early Learning Network (BELN), where she leads the organization’s vision, strategy, and daily operations. With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, she brings both heart and expertise to her work, guided by a strong commitment to families, children’s rights, and community collaboration. Ella holds a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University and is dedicated to building high-quality early learning systems that support a healthy community across Ravalli County.
Ariella spent her childhood moving through more than 20 homes across the country, but the natural world was her playground and grounding force. She grew up exploring nature and spending long days and nights immersed in adventure.
Dakari Smilanich
Early Childhood Systems Navigator
Email: dakari@beln.org
Direct Line: (406) 201-9629
Dakari leads provider support, early childhood education advocacy, and community programs for the Bitterroot Early Learning Network (BELN). She heads the Bitterroot Early Childhood Coalition and the Ravalli Child Care Advantage (RCCA) program, focusing on family support, community engagement, and helping early childhood educators thrive. With over 20 years of experience working across Alaska and Washington, Dakari brings expertise in program development, coaching, and early childhood initiatives. She holds a B.A., M.Ed. in ECSE, and a graduate certificate in PBS/ABA, and is dedicated to fostering growth through collaboration and diverse perspectives.
Josephine VanDenburg-Crossman, MA
Program Coordinator
Email: josephine@beln.org
Direct Line: (406) 201-9766
Josephine (Josie) is the Program Coordinator for the Bitterroot Early Learning Network (BELN), managing daily operations, staff, and programs that support families and children across the Bitterroot Valley. A Montana native and Evergreen Kids Corner alum, she earned dual B.A. degrees in Anthropology and International Studies from the University of Utah and previously managed afterschool and summer programs in Boise, Idaho. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Arts, Culture, and Nonprofit Management, Josie brings her experience in education, outdoor programming, and nonprofit management to support BELN’s mission.
One of Josephine’s favorite memories at Evergreen Kids Corner was visiting the EMU Farm or enjoying the Christmas Program. Another cherished childhood moment came at age seven during a family trip to Mesa Verde, where earning her Junior Ranger Badge and leading part of the tour down to the Puebloan Dwellings sparked her lifelong love of nature and history.
Karen Martinez
Communications Coordinator
Email: karen@beln.org
Direct Line: (406) 363-1688
Karen is the Communications Coordinator at BELN, where she manages social media, the website, stakeholder communications to ensure consistent and effective messaging. She also teaches Spanish at Evergreen Kids Corner, providing engaging language experiences for children. A Montana native, Karen previously worked as an Assistant Teacher and Summer Camp Leader at Evergreen Kids Corner before teaching English as a second language in Spain. She holds a B.S in Business Administration from the University of Montana and combines her business expertise with a passion for early childhood education to support children and families across the community.
Her favorite childhood memories revolve around spending time in the great outdoors with her brother. Whether it was enjoying summer days with her family at Lake Como, sledding and building snowmen during the winter, or playing outside with neighborhood kids—making mud pies and riding bikes around the block—she found joy and adventure in every season spent outside.
Admin Office Dogs
Freya
Magpie
Tilly
Evergreen Saplings
Cassidy Buchanan
Infant and Toddler Lead Teacher
Email: saplings@beln.org
Cassidy is the Lead Infant and Toddler Teacher at Evergreen Saplings, where she creates a nurturing and engaging environment for young children. She plans and leads daily activities, supports children through routines, and guides their early learning. Cassidy also oversees classroom operations, collaborates with her team, and builds strong, supportive relationships with families. Her passion for early childhood education shines through in her commitment to each child’s growth and development.
Cassidy’s favorite childhood memories is sitting beside her great-grandmother learning how to play piano. Those cherished moments were filled with warmth, love, and gentle guidance, as her great-grandmother patiently taught her each note. It was during those quiet lessons that Cassidy not only discovered a love for music but also formed a deep and lasting bond with someone she dearly admired.
Amy Wensel-Therrien
Infant and Toddler Assistant Teacher
Email: saplings@beln.org
Cassidy is the Lead Infant and Toddler Teacher at Evergreen Saplings, where she creates a nurturing, engaging environment for young children. She plans daily activities, supports routines, oversees classroom operations, and builds strong relationships with families. A Bitterroot Valley native, Cassidy brings a unique blend of agricultural experience and musical creativity to her teaching. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is beginning her bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. Cassidy is passionate about fostering early learning and supporting children and families during these formative years.
Amy’s childhood unfolded at Kiwanis Park and along the banks of the Bitterroot River, places that became the backdrop of her most cherished memories. She and her siblings spent endless days building forts and carving out trails, catching frogs, tadpoles, and water skippers, and swimming or ice skating only feet from their backyard.
Taylor Finley
Health and Nutrition Coordinator
Email: healthysaplings@beln.org
Taylor is the nutritionist for Evergreen Saplings, creating balanced, age-appropriate meals and snacks for children 6 months to 3 years and supporting families in building healthy eating habits. Diagnosed with type one diabetes at age four, she developed a lifelong passion for nutrition and healthcare. Originally from Washington, Taylor studied at North Idaho College and Montana State University–Billings, played collegiate softball, and earned a bachelor’s in Food and Nutrition and a master’s in Dietetic Systems Leadership from Montana State University. A registered dietitian, she brings her expertise and love for children’s nutrition to Evergreen Saplings.
One of Taylor’s favorite childhood memories is participating in fundraisers and walk-a-thons with her family and friends to support the American Diabetes Association and raise money for a cure for Type One Diabetes. She and her mom often gave speeches about their experiences as a family coping with a T1D diagnosis, and in 2007, Taylor was honored as the Washington State Youth Ambassador for their advocacy and efforts toward finding a cure.
Evergreen Kids Corner
Billie Grady
Lead Teacher
Email: ekcpreschool@beln.org
Billie’s favorite childhood memory is exploring the woods with her twin brother. They would spend hours wandering through the trees and letting their imaginations run wild. Whether climbing trees, building forts, or simply enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature, these adventures created a bond between them and sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Karen Daniels, MA
Assistant Teacher
Email: ekcpreschool@beln.org
Karen is the Assistant Teacher at Evergreen Kids Corner, supporting the Lead Teacher in creating a nurturing and engaging environment for preschoolers. She helps implement daily activities, assist with routines, provide one-on-one support, and ensure families feel supported in their child’s learning. A retired teacher with experience from elementary to high school and teaching abroad in Japan, she holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, a Master’s in Applied Linguistics, and a Spanish teaching endorsement. Fluent in Spanish, Japanese, and some French, Karen returned from retirement to follow her passion for working with young children.
Karen’s favorite childhood memories are of playing outside with neighborhood kids in suburban Philadelphia—riding bikes, playing baseball, jump rope, digging in the dirt, making “jewelry,” and chasing fireflies on summer evenings. She cherishes the freedom to explore and create, which made for some of her best memories.
April Anderson
Health and Nutrition Coordinator
Email: healthyekc@beln.org
April oversees healthy meal and snack planning at Evergreen Kids Corner, ensuring they meet dietary guidelines and support children’s well-being. She leads nutrition education, engages families around food, and champions farm-to-school initiatives. With a background in gardening and culinary arts, she engages children in hands-on food experiences to foster lifelong healthy habits. After 25 years in Oregon, April returned to Montana and rediscovered her passion for early childhood education through BELN’s Summer Explorers program. She holds an associate degree in education and loves the energy and curiosity children bring to every day.
April grew up in a soccer-loving family, traveling often to support her brother’s competitions. A memorable trip to Utah included visiting The Lagoon amusement park, where she watched her dad ride a giant swing and enjoyed her favorite water ride. The joyful family adventure left a lasting impression, and she hopes to return as an adult to relive the fun.
Substitutes
Brecklyn Jessop
Substitute
Brecklyn is a Substitute Teacher at BELN, providing reliable support across classrooms and helping lead teachers keep the day running smoothly. She engages children in hands-on activities and fosters a safe, welcoming, and encouraging environment. A recent high school graduate and licensed esthetician, Brecklyn also brings experience from nannying. She is excited to support BELN’s mission and help create a positive, nurturing space for children.
Brecklyn’s favorite childhood memory is the annual “staycation” she took with her grandma and cousins. Each year, they would travel to Missoula, spend the night together, and go shopping the next day. That special time with her grandma and cousins was a highlight of her childhood.
Stephanie DeBiasio, MA
Substitute
Stephanie is a Substitute Teacher at BELN, supporting classrooms and engaging children in hands-on, interactive learning. She helps create a positive, nurturing environment where students feel supported and excited to explore. With 11 years teaching sixth-grade science and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, Stephanie combines her education and science background to foster curiosity and a love of learning. She is currently focused on raising her two-year-old daughter, Ginger.
Stephanie’s favorite childhood memories were summers spent with her grandmother in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. One summer, Stephanie tackled a tough hike with the local outdoors club, reaching the summit thanks to a patient counselor. The experience taught her perseverance, the value of nature’s lessons, and the impact of kindness.
Jacquia McLeod
Substitute
Jacquia is a Substitute Teacher at BELN, providing flexible classroom support and previously serving as Assistant Summer Camp Leader for the Summer Explorers program. A Montana native and high school senior, she brings warmth, energy, and a playful spirit to every interaction, supporting lessons, routines, and a positive learning environment. Active in sports, Jacquia has developed teamwork, leadership, and dedication, and she is excited to gain hands-on early childhood experience, build connections, and grow as she prepares for her next chapter.
One of Jacquia’s favorite childhood memories is going on summer fishing trips with their grandpa. They would pack up their gear and head to scenic lakes, spending the weekend surrounded by nature. These trips weren’t just about catching fish, they were about sharing stories, building traditions, and creating lasting memories together.
Volunteers
Our volunteers provide extra support in the classroom, always under the supervision of our staff.
Rejoice Ralph
Classroom Volunteer
Rejoice graduated from Hamilton High School in 2025. Originally from Alaska she moved to Montana in 2022 with her mom, Dakari, and twin brother, Liam. She loves volunteering at the animal shelter, art, bowling, cooking, crocheting, camping, and cheer choreography. As a classroom volunteer, Rejoice enjoys spending time with the children reading, playing, and assisting teachers with tasks—always ready to lend a helping hand.
Kate Boyd
Evergreen Saplings Music Teacher Volunteer
Music has been central to Kate’s life since age five, when she began singing, acting, and playing piano. As a parent, she’s seen firsthand how transformative music can be, with her own children attending classes since six months old. Teaching early childhood music since 2023, Kate’s classes are interactive, engaging, and personalized, ensuring each child feels seen and each family feels welcome, supported, and connected through music.
