Have you ever worked with someone who seemed to instinctively know the right moves to make and the intuition on how to implement them? And then grew the organization in leaps and bounds? We at the Writing Coaches of Montana have had five years of that luxury through our work with Cassie Sheets, our present but soon-to-be-departing ED. What’s a nonprofit to do?
Continue that tradition.
We introduce to you our new Executive Director Shan Rao: Missoula-based, creative thinker, community focused, deft at juggling multiple projects, an experienced fundraiser, and someone with a brain invigorated by dynamic working environments.
Anyone who experiences the hard work of nonprofits has an inkling of the talents required to do the job. At the top of the list: deep listening, successful fundraising, strategic planning, effective project management, an ability to prioritize—and then reprioritize—tasks and projects and, in the case of WCM, a knack for seeking volunteers who love working with students on their writing assignments.
Shan is all this. It’s her nature to respect the work others have done, then embellish and strengthen it, all with the goal of helping students become confident and competent writers, and ultimately, think critically and communicate effectively through writing.
With an extraordinary appreciation for Cassie’s work in evolving our program beyond our wildest dreams, the WCM board is thrilled to welcome our new Executive Director, Shan Rao.
But there’s more! Thank you to Kat Jackson, WCM’s outgoing Missoula & Ravalli Coordinator (and before that, WCM’s inaugural intern!) of four years, who will depart at the end of this school year. She was pivotal is helping to grow Missoula & Ravalli programming, not to mention grant and fundraising efforts, all while gracing our organization with her creative thinking, storytelling, and innovative approaches to her work. Kat, you will be missed!
In her stead, we welcome Becca Escobedo, WCM’s new Missoula & Ravalli coordinator! Becca’s passion for volunteerism and K-12 programming will be pivotal in continuing the strong relationships WCM has established in Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley.
And thank you to Jeanne Wdowin, our Flathead coordinator, always going above and beyond, who will continue her effective and caring work, and whose snack basket for coaches keeps us all coming back for more.
As always, WCM’s staff is supported by a dedicated board of directors. Together, we look forward to sustaining coaching’s impact on Montana students for years to come.
