Name |
Biography |
Beth Bakken |

Beth grew up on the prairies of eastern Montana and has lived here all of her life except for a few years during college. Her 25 year teaching career came to a close recently, but she's not done learning yet! Beth has been tutoring students who have dyslexia for the past year and totally enjoys the one on one interaction. She loves to go on hikes with her husband and two dogs. She also enjoys bicycling, paddle boarding, reading and traveling. Beth teaches at Onyx Wellness and other locations. At Onyx she loves the yoga, of course! |
Rabbi Uri Barnea PhD |
Uri Barnea
A native of Israel and naturalized U.S. citizen, Uri Barnea is a musician as well as an ordained rabbi. Along with college courses in music, he also took classes in Biblical and Jewish studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem (B.A.) and the University of Minnesota (M.A. and Ph.D.).
He is fluent in Biblical, medieval, and modern Hebrew, and has a basic knowledge of Aramaic and Yiddish. He has taught courses in the Old Testament for over 15 years.
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Krista Blomquist |
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Joe Brandl |
Joe Brandl is a seasoned outdoor educator, survivalist, and historian with decades of experience in wilderness skills, Scouting leadership, and historical interpretation. He has lived and worked in some of the most remote regions of the American West, including the Gros Ventre Wilderness, and was featured on the international survival series Naked and Afraid.
Joe holds a degree in wildlife management and has taught outdoor education, leadership, and team-building courses for corporate groups, dude ranches, and Scouting organizations.
Through his business, Legacy of the Wild, Joe offers hands-on instruction in traditional survival techniques with a focus on self-reliance, character development, and respect for the natural world. Known for his authenticity, discipline, and deep knowledge of frontier life, Joe continues to inspire others through teaching, public speaking, and personal storytelling.
Learn more about his work on Facebook at
Legacy of the Wild: Outdoor Skills & Leadership.
Joe Brandl wilderness survival instructor, outdoor educator Billings MT, survival skills trainer Montana, Scouting leadership and outdoor team-building expert, historical interpretation educator, Naked and Afraid Joe Brandl, Legacy of the Wild wilderness classes, traditional survival workshops Montana, Joe Brandl outdoor skills and self-reliance teaching
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Aimee Carlson |
Aimee Carlson
Aimee Carlson is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach and founder of She Force, a wellness movement designed to help women in midlife and beyond reconnect with their power, passion, and purpose. She brings warmth, insight, and deep listening to her work, creating a supportive space where women feel seen and energized.
Drawing on her expertise in mindset, metabolic health, and stress recovery, Aimee offers both individual coaching and group programs focused on real-life transformation. Whether it’s helping someone feel more rested, more grounded, or more in control of their health, Aimee meets people where they are and supports them in creating sustainable change.
She is also the host of the She Force Podcast and a dynamic community builder who believes that strong connections are at the heart of well-being. Her programs blend education, creativity, and coaching to help women move forward with clarity and confidence.
Visit Aimee's website
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Tim Castro |
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Ray Dicken |

Ray was raised in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming and spent most of his life in Buffalo before making Billings, Montana his home for the past 20 years. A lifelong artist, Ray earned national recognition in 1981 by winning the U.S. VICA Olympic Gold Medal in Commercial Art and went on to represent the United States in the World VICA Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. He has received numerous art awards throughout his career and holds a Bob Ross Landscape Level One Instructor Certificate. Ray enjoys teaching a variety of artistic mediums, including acrylic, watercolor, oil painting, and sculpture, and brings both passion and experience to every class. |
Micayla D’Ambrosia |
Micayla is the heart and hands behind Grown Cozy, a creative brand born from her passion for crafting and connection. A Montana native with a love for cozy textures and calming spaces, she started hand-knitting chunky blankets as a way to unwind and bring comfort to her home. What began as a personal creative outlet quickly grew into a small business that now brings joy and warmth to people across the country.
With a background in education and a gift for making others feel at ease, Micayla's classes are as inviting as her blankets. She believes everyone has the ability to create something beautiful with their hands—and she’s here to guide you through every step. Whether you're new to crafting or just looking for a cozy new hobby, Micayla makes the experience feel fun, approachable, and inspiring.
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Matt Firestone |
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Steve Gillis |
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Joe Halligan |
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Jamie Henneman |
Jamie Henneman is a life coach and a language enthusiast who has been teaching foreign language for over 15 years. She has a passion for helping communicate at a higher level in their own language, as well as making new connections with others via foreign language study. She has an M.A. in International Relations and is a Certified Life Mastery Consultant with the Brave Thinking Institute. Her classes offer students the opportunity to learn to express themselves more comfortably (in any language), as well as guided courses in personal growth. |
Julie Hornby |
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Sarah Kary |
Sarah is a Certified Professional Organizer who owns From Mess to Blessed. Trained and certified by Dorothy Breininger from the Emmy award-winning show *Hoarders*, Sarah has collaborated on multiple episodes as part of Dorothy the Organizer's team.
She is a founding member of Dorothy the Organizer's Boss Organizers and a proud member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO). Sarah brings compassion, energy, and expert guidance to every organizing project, helping others move from overwhelmed to empowered.
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Joanna Krogstad |

Joanna owns Serve It Safe, LLC, and is a retired culinary arts teacher with over 23 years of classroom experience. She is a Certified ServSafe Instructor/Proctor and Certified ServSafe Alcohol Instructor. Joanna helped build and lead the nationally recognized Take Charge Today financial literacy curriculum at the University of Arizona. She has served on multiple state boards supporting Family and Consumer Sciences education. Originally from Deer Lodge, her favorite place is beautiful Georgetown Lake. She now enjoys teaching food safety, being outdoors, and making memories with her many grandchildren.
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Ross Magnuson |
Ross Magnuson is a professional photographer with over 45 years of experience behind the lens. He holds both a Master of Photography Degree and a Master Craftsman Degree from the Professional Photographers of America.
A dedicated educator for more than 30 years, Ross is passionate about helping students succeed—regardless of their skill level or experience. As a proud Montana native, he brings a diverse background in various photography genres and a genuine commitment to helping others capture exceptional images.
Learn more about Ross’s work on his Facebook page:
Treasure State Photography
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Ross Magnuson photography instructor | Master of Photography | Montana professional photographer | photography teacher with experience | instructor for DSLR class | photography courses Billings | photography education Montana | Professional Photographers of America | Master Craftsman photographer | learn from expert photographer | Treasure State Photography Facebook page
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Cathy Manhart |
Cathy Manhart holds a BS and MEd in Business Education from the University of Wyoming and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, respectively. Cathy has taught at the high school, community college, and university levels since 1982. She teaches business and computer application courses for the Career Advancement program through Adult/Community Education at Lincoln Center/Billings Public Schools. Cathy also coordinates and develops the Career Advancement business curriculum and develops specialized training for community businesses. |
Lee Peters |
Lee Peters is a Certified Art Practitioner and the creative force behind
Nlist Wonders.
Her journey into art therapy began as a deeply personal one—after the loss of her father and a close friend, Lee found healing and happiness through art. In particular, recreating and preparing dragonflies symbolize renewal, peace, and the enduring power of creativity.
Through Nlist Wonders, Lee now shares that joy with others. Her workshops and art experiences invite people to create and connect with themselves, others, and the healing process.
Whether you're picking up a paintbrush for the first time or rediscovering your creative side, Lee's mission is to help you “Find yourself in art.”
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Jesse Sauskojus |

Born in the "Middle of Nowhere" Montana (Google it!), Jesse has been going "somewhere" most of his life. He has been a teacher, counselor, coach, spouse, father, leader, follower, kayaker, x-country skier, motorcycle rider, etc. He has learned that "somewhere" can be elusive, yet self-awareness and personal growth can enhance relationships, giving meaning to the journey.
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Ashley Schlosser |

Ashley Schlosser discovered her love of baking in the kitchens of her mother and grandmother, where she learned that the best desserts are both beautiful and delicious. What began as an artistic outlet has grown into Schlosser Treats—a passion project that brings sweet additions to special occasions and everyday celebrations.
In addition to running her home-based bakery, Ashley works as a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist and clinical microbiologist at St. Vincent Hospital. She lives in Shepherd with her husband and their two children.
Ashley believes food has a way of bringing people together, and she’s excited to share her love of baking through hands-on classes that are fun, approachable, and full of heart. Whether you're piping cookies or learning the perfect pie crust, she’s here to help you create treats worth celebrating.
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Brenda Segna |
Brenda Segna, Phlebotomy Technician from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (PBT-ASCP),
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) |
Miles Torno |
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Kayla Vokral |
Meet Your Instructor: Kayla
Kayla is a Business Advisor and Training Manager at the Small Business Development Center in Billings. Before that, she spent nearly a decade in the food industry doing just about everything—from dishwasher to barista, bakery prep to bartender, and even owning her own café.
She brings real-life experience and a deep love of food to the kitchen. Kayla is passionate about helping others build confidence through cooking and believes that simple, from-scratch meals can be both empowering and joyful.
Her approachable teaching style and years of hands-on restaurant knowledge make her the perfect guide for anyone ready to ditch the boxes and start cooking with confidence.
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Nickie Welsh |

Nickie is dedicated to empowering adults with practical technology skills, ensuring they never have to rely on teenagers for tech help again. With a focus on building confidence in technology use, her mission is to make technology accessible and comprehensible for everyone, fostering a sense of inclusion and confidence in the digital age.
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Maicie Wolfe |
Hi! I’m Maicie Wolfe, born and raised right here in Billings, MT!
I’m excited to help you build confidence with technology in a supportive, stress-free
environment. People often tell me they appreciate how I make learning about computers
approachable and easy to understand—without ever making them feel overwhelmed or
embarrassed.
I have an Associate Degree in Computer Applications and over 20 years of experience
in tech support, training, and troubleshooting a wide range of software and devices. I’ve
worked with everything from PCs, Macs, iPads, and iPhones to Chromebooks, servers,
printers, scanners, and even lasers! Throughout my career, I’ve helped students,
parents, educators, and Fortune 500 corporations navigate technology—whether it’s
mastering the basics or tackling high-level troubleshooting and software testing.
I know technology can feel intimidating, but that’s where I come in! My goal is to make it
simple, practical, and maybe even a little fun. Whether you’re brand new to computers
or looking to sharpen your skills, I’ll guide you with patience, real-world examples, and a
few laughs along the way. |
Wai Man Woo |
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Akalia Woods |
Akalia Woods has pursued artistic endeavors since childhood, working in a variety of art and craft-related fields and selling many of her handmade creations. Seven years ago, she began an apprenticeship at a local stained glass studio, where she learned both traditional and modern techniques. For the past five years, Akalia has taught fused and stained glass classes, sharing her knowledge through the Community Education Program. Her passion for craftsmanship and creativity shines through in every class, as she helps students build confidence while creating beautiful, lasting works of art. |