Kneedler named to lead West Mont
Laura Kneedler has been named the new CEO/president of West Mont.
Her official start date for her full-time role is July 1, David Peretto, West Mont board chair, said in a May 31 letter to staff, supporters and the community. Kneedler served as on the West Mont board of directors since 2022, until her resignation to apply for this position.
Kneedler is replacing Ashleigh Heimbach, who left for another job in a different industry, Peretto said.
West Mont is a Helena-based nonprofit organization that has been caring for Montanans since 1973. It offers services for people with disabilities.
Kneedler has worked in the disability sector for over 15 years in education, health care, and vocational services. She has a long record of creating relationships with community, philanthropic, corporate and government decision-makers to drive business and fundraising development.
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She has her bachelor of science degree in education, health and human development from Montana State University.
Kneedler also has a masters of education in special education from Concordia University-Portland.
“Her resume demonstrates her experience and passion,” Peretto said. “She will be a steward of West Mont’s mission and values, as well as a visionary for the organization.”
She will conduct weekly meetings during June, primarily with the West Mont leadership team, as she transitions from her prior employer
Dolechek hired at Great West
Gavin Dolechek
Gavin Dolechek has joined Great West Engineering as part of the Municipal Group based in Helena.
A spring 2024 graduate from Montana Technological University, Dolechek holds a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering.
He grew up in Laurel and enjoys fishing, hiking, grilling and watching sports and movies.
Orthopedic nurse joins St. Peter’s
St. Peter’s Health Medical Group welcomes new orthopedic nurse practitioner, Amy Vander Giessen.
Amy Vander Giessen
Vander Giessen earned her master of science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner at Walden University in Minneapolis.
She received her bachelor of science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She is a member of American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
She is providing care at the St. Peter’s Health Medical Group – Orthopedic clinic at 2550 Broadway.
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