Molly Kimmel, OTR/L, is the director of MonTECH and its umbrella organization, The Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities. Molly first connected with MonTECH in 2012 in the course of her work as an occupational therapist. “I realized the value of having access to innovative equipment and tools and the importance of sharing this resource with my community,” Molly explains. “From that day on, I have been a fierce supporter of the MonTECH program and its mission.” Molly was an occupational therapist at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula for nine years. She serves as the Montana State Coordinator and Occupational Therapy Core Faculty for the Utah Regional Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (URLEND) program, is a certified stroke rehabilitation specialist, an instructor in infant massage, and a frequent volunteer. If you would like to contact Molly directly, please write molly.kimmel@mso.umt.edu.
Michelle Allen, B.A., ATP, is the Assistive Technology Professional for MonTECH. Michelle has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Family Relations/Child Development from Oklahoma State University. In 2019, she became a certified Assistive Technology Professional. While working with children with developmental delays, she developed a love for assistive technology. She has experience working with equipment from low-tech to high-tech and strongly believes people can achieve their full potential with the right tools. Michelle enjoys problem solving and says there is nothing better than helping people find an item that enhances independence and increases participation in their community. Michelle has lived in Missoula for 13 years and enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Liz Kuehn, PTA, is the Eastern Clinic Coordinator at MonTECH’s Eastern Outreach Center in Billings. Before coming to MonTECH, she worked for seven years as a physical therapist assistant for Billings Public Schools where she discovered a love for adaptive equipment and assistive technology. She has a bachelor’s degree in disability studies and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in assistive technology studies and human services. When she isn’t working or studying, Liz enjoys all kinds of outdoor recreation, travel, and spending time with friends and family.
Dave Gentry, B.S., is MonTECH’s Assistive Technology Resource Coordinator and has been with MonTECH since March, 2014. He manages the shipping and receiving of MonTECH items. He is also an expert in the use of low-vision equipment and regularly demonstrates that equipment. Dave has a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Frostburg State University in Maryland. He has had a long career in human services, working with the Housing Authority, WORD, Summit Independent Living, and in the Senior and Long-term Care Division for the state of Montana. Dave likes working with people with disabilities, playing a part in improving their quality of life. In his off-time, Dave is a classic-car enthusiast. His favorite completed project is a beautiful ‘57 Chevy two-door, hardtop Bel Air, which he rebuilt using parts from 15 different cars. Dave also enjoys live music and traveling the globe.
Lauren Kelso Hanna, MSW, is the Program Coordinator for MonTECH and specializes in customer service and program management. She started on the life path of helping people early on while growing up with two siblings who needed assistive technology to live their best lives. Lauren has an extensive professional background in human services with a focus on youth, families, and communities at high risk of physical and psychological trauma. Her personal and professional experiences have sparked an intense interest in improving services to community members in a manner that is trauma-informed, accessible, and supportive of individuals who have disabilities and/or are neurodivergent. Outside of the office, you will find Lauren trying to keep up with her very active children who love to go in opposite directions.
Shawna Hanson, B.A., is the Associate Director and Media Outreach Coordinator for MonTECH. With degrees in journalism and English, and seven years working in academic publishing, she is pleased to promote MonTECH through presentations, print, and social media. Her unorthodox career path has permitted her to work with people facing a wide range of both physical and mental-health challenges. She is also the mother of an adult son who is autistic and nonspeaking. His use of an iPad to communicate has been life changing and powerful personal evidence of the difference assistive tech can make. When not writing or talking about MonTECH, Shawna is engaged in the daily struggle not to be outwitted or outplayed by her sons.
Wisam Raheem, B.Sc., joined MonTECH’s team as our Accessibility and Media Design Specialist in January 2020. He has a bachelor’s degree in Applied Laser Physics and a Higher Diploma in Computer Science from the University of Technology, Baghdad. Wisam troubleshoots tech issues, assists with more complex demos, and repairs tech as problems surface. He also employs his considerable talent in design to create professional and accessible publications for MonTECH and other Rural Institute programs. He values the challenge of learning how new assistive devices work and being employed in a field that allows him to help others. Outside of MonTECH, Wisam enjoys cooking, baking, and handcrafting. He is an accomplished chef and co-owner of Kamoon Arabian Cuisine in Missoula.
Dr. Julie Williams (she/her), Ph.D., joined MonTECH in March 2021 as a Media Information Specialist, doing outreach in Eastern Montana for the Montana Assistive Technology Loan Program. She earned a Ph.D. in English from the University of New Mexico, where she continues to work part-time in the Department of Film and Digital Arts. An educator and activist at heart, she has taught at universities in Montana, New Mexico, and California, and worked with programs for disabled veterans, substance recovery programs, and mutual aid groups bringing health care to uninsured and homeless populations. She served on the Government Relations Advisory Committee for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society from 2018-2020, doing research and lobbying members of Congress to enact paid family leave, expand Medicare, and include people with disabilities in disaster planning efforts. She grew up in Eastern Montana where she developed a lifelong passion for flying, and hopes to finish her certification for a private pilot’s license soon.
Madi Kelly, B.S., officially joined the MonTECH team in August 2021. She wrapped up her undergraduate studies at the University of Montana in Spring 2022 with a B.S. in Exercise Science. She has an extensive background working with adults and children with disabilities, propelling her to pursue a career in occupational therapy. Through 2023, Madi was an Assistive Technology Ambassador for MonTECH’s Missoula office, specializing in assistive technologies for memory support, aging in place, home health, social interaction, and smart home support. In December 2023, she transferred to the Billings location where she will support consumers while she works toward completing her occupational therapy degree Outside of the office, you will find Madi cuddling her kitty, spending time on the water, or hiking throughout beautiful Montana.
Kendra Lewis, OTR/L, was raised in the small town of Geraldine, MT. After rodeoing and obtaining her bachelor’s degree at Montana State University, Kendra was eager to begin a career of helping others help themselves. She received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Rocky Mountain College and is now a professor for the program. She is also the Founder/Executive Director of the Cutting Fences Foundation. Through the foundation she hosts the Cutting Fences Podcast, where she interviews individuals in agriculture who have continued to farm and ranch despite disability or injury. Kendra is MonTECH’s Public Education Specialist and also serves as an Assistive Technology Ambassador. She is passionate about advocating for how occupational therapy and assistive technology/adaptive equipment can help to improve independence, mental wellness, and quality of life.
Shea Kasenga joined the MonTECH team in May 2024. She is an assistive technology assistant
who provides support to MonTECH team members and consumers. Shea loves working at MonTECH because she gets to learn about assistive technology, specifically communication devices, and work with amazing team members and consumers. She will graduate in May of 2025 from the University of Montana with bachelor’s degrees in Communicative Sciences and Disorders as well as minors in Human and Family Development and Psychology. She plans to attend graduate school to become a speech-language pathologist in the Fall of 2025. Outside of school and MonTECH, Shea loves to spend time traveling and outdoors with her friends and family, as well as going on hikes with her dog.