MEET THE TEAM
Melissa Miller
Executive Director
Melissa is the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Montana, providing leadership and oversight for the organization’s programs, operations, and community partnerships. A Montana native with a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Montana, Melissa brings a background in coaching, outreach, technical assistance, and relationship-centered work. She is committed to building inclusive, supportive spaces where young people and mentors feel seen, heard, and connected.
Jenny Zilliox
Community-Based Program Coordinator - Missoula
Hi, my name is Jenny. I grew up in Missoula, left for college in Texas, did travel nursing for about 4 years and finally made my way back home with my husband and our two daughters. I have been an emergency room nurse for the past 20 years, serving our local community for the last 16. I decided to step away from nursing for bit, transitioning into my new role here as Community Based Project Coordinator. I feel that this job is the perfect mix for me; I am passionate about volunteering in our community, love to work with children, plan events and help with fundraising. I was a Big in college myself and have volunteered with BBBS for the past 2 years on their advisory council, so this seemed like a natural next step. I have deep rooted connections here in Missoula from growing up here and my time spent volunteering in many different capacities over recent years. In my spare time I love to take dance classes, sing, hike, camp and play board games with friends and family.
Megan grew up in Montana and graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor's degree in Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Management. She has spent most of her career working with children, whether it was as a wilderness guide for a camp or running a recreation program for kids.
Megan has volunteered as a Big on and off through High School and College, so she feels a connection to the volunteers that come through the program. She spends her free time with her two daughters and husband. She enjoys bike rides around the block with her kids, baking, and exploring new hobbies like embroidery and watercolor- though never really reaching beyond mediocre level!
Katherine Johnson
Site-Based Program Coordinator - Kalispell
Kat is the Site-Based Program Coordinator in our Kalispell office. Her passions include writing and working with local nonprofits, and she values education, mentorship, and community involvement. She has a BA in English- Writing from Montana State University and spent five years in magazine publishing before turning her attention to teaching writing. Kat is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in English: English Education at MSU. Post-graduation, she will use her research in English education and creative writing to establish a creative writing community-based organization for 6-12th graders in the Flathead Valley.