Our former Executive Director, Cassie (workhorse) Sheets, has taken advantage of an offer she and her husband couldn’t turn down: childcare offers from her family in Michigan–an offer that also opened up opportunities for Cassie’s academic pursuits. As you may know, Shan Rao is now our multi-talented Executive Director.
Being the Flathead Coordinator at the time when Cassie took the wheel at WCM, I remember my first conversation with her. It was interview-ish. Business-like. That “all business” relationship soon morphed into an extraordinary duo of teamwork and enthusiasm for our work and mission. Under Cassie’s leadership, I watched WCM take giant leaps in terms of the number of students coached across the counties we serve.
Program Growth Under Former ED Cassie Sheets
2019–2020 2024–2025 % growth
# sessions 2,016 3,365 67%
# students 1,094 2,738 150%
# teachers 16 42 162%
Our board pursues a broad array of initiatives guided by this vision: that all Montana students become effective writers and think critically about their writing so they can become effective writers. And as any nonprofit board member knows, a lot of energy goes into behind-the-scenes work: fundraising, relationship building, communicating, managing volunteers. And the list goes on.
What I learned most during Cassie’s leadership is to keep my eyes on the ball: our mission, vision, values, and the students we coach. Doing so is admittedly a challenge at times, but it is possible by keeping student coaching session experiences top of mind. From board meetings to growing teacher relationships to writing thank you notes, Cassie kept her eyes on our mission and vision while remaining ever personable and enthusiastic about our work.
I’ll share some words from other staff and board members who had the chance to work with Cassie during her five years with WCM:
Annette Thomas, former WCM board member: “From day one as ED of WCM, Cassie made students, volunteers, board members, and school staff feel respected, valued, supported, and needed. Cassie’s unending energy and enthusiasm moved WCM ever forward. She is an exceptional professional. She is an amazing and caring human being.”
Linda Whittlesey, another former WCM board member, remarked: “One thing I recall is that Cassie never failed to handwrite the best individual thank you notes to donors, board members, and supporters. A real class act.”
Denise Mahrer, WCM board member & Vice President shared: "Cassie was a powerhouse of positivity. Her can-do attitude was maybe my most enduring memory of her. No matter what was going on, she would always say 'We can do this, let's work out a way forward. And where can we get coffee?'"
A few words from Jeanne Wdowin, Flathead County Coordinator:
"Compassionate for all people
Accomplished at growing WCM
Seriously enthusiastic about education
Sincere in her beliefs
Insightful vision for the future
Eloquent in word and text
Cassie welcomed me to WCM with open arms. She respected my experience and made me feel that I was a valued member of a high functioning team. She included me on the projects she was spearheading and considered my input. She was a joy to work with. A young woman mentor who brought heart and intellect to every endeavor. She has left her mark on WCM and my life has been enriched by knowing her."
Cassie’s work solidified the organization's foundation and took it to new heights. Now Shan, along with every board member, is poised to welcome more teachers and students into our program.
Stefan Olson, a recently departed board member who created an online coaching platform when the pandemic broke out, remarked: “There are few things more invigorating and momentum-building than fresh leadership with fresh goals.” And so, we carry on with Shan Rao at the wheel!
Thank you, Cassie, for every little, big, and giant thing you accomplished for Writing Coaches of Montana. We appreciate all of your work. Cheers & Good Luck!
