About Our Staff

Kevin Sylvester

Executive Director

Kevin joined Eagle Mount in the fall of 2019 and works with the board and staff to forward all aspects of the organization’s mission. Kevin holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut and a Masters in Public Administration from MSU. Kevin is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and a Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning (FCEP). Outside of work, Kevin loves spending time with his wife Carolynn and their daughters Ruth and Gwen, fixing up their home, and exploring Montana.

ksylvester@eaglemount.org | (406) 602-4425

Pearl Nixon

Director of Finance and Operations

Eagle Mount has been a part of Pearl’s life since she started volunteering with the Horsemanship Program as a teenager, where she discovered that helping others enjoy something you love is truly rewarding. However, her passion for supporting friends and neighbors with disabilities started when she was lucky enough to have inclusive classrooms in the Bozeman schools. Pearl joined the staff in 2013, and has a special place in her heart for activities that offer adults with developmental disabilities lifelong recreation.

pnixon@eaglemount.org | (406) 602-4417

Heather Thomas

Director of Development

Heather joined Eagle Mount in July 2024 as the Director of Development. She works with the staff and board to raise support for Eagle Mount’s incredible mission. A proud graduate of Trinity College (Hartford, CT), she brings more than 20 years of professional development experience, including at Humanities Nebraska, the University of Virginia, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. As a parent of an Eagle Mount participant, Heather is passionate about celebrating all abilities and providing access to big adventures in Montana’s spectacular nature. An adventurer at heart, she and her family love to hike, fish, camp and cross-country ski. Making collage cards fills her creative spirit. She and her family and their English cocker spaniel, Skipper, split their time between Bozeman and Paradise Valley.

hthomas@eaglemount.org | (406) 602-4430

Trevor Olson

Operations Manager

Born and raised in Bozeman, Trevor learned about Eagle Mount while obtaining his degrees in Physics and Mathematics at Montana State University. After college, Trevor spent several years fixing wind turbines by rappelling off of them and spending his winters as an adaptive snow sports assistant for Eagle Mount. During that time he obtained his Level 1 Alpine and Level 2 Adaptive PSIA certifications, and helped lead the Eagle Mount Bridger and Big Sky programs. The love of Eagle Mount kept pulling at Trevor and in the winter of 2020 he accepted the position of Director of Operations. In his free time, Trevor enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, and spending time in the outdoors, be it rock climbing, skiing, camping, or any of the other plethora of outdoor opportunities that we get to enjoy by living in the treasure state.

tolson@eaglemount.org | (406) 602-4414

Sailor Neale

Facilities Manager

Sailor grew up in Vancouver B.C., mountain biking, snowboarding, and sailing. Upon moving to Bozeman over a decade ago, Sailor immediately discovered Eagle Mount and began volunteering with Bridger Ski Program alongside the ice-skating program. Sailor is excited to be keeping all the buildings and equipment running at top notch, ensuring the Eagle Mount programs can run effortlessly for all.

Sailor spends his free time attempting to teach his cat, Shuri, to be just a little less feral, and can be found mountain biking, four wheeling, or making metal art.

sneale@eaglemount.org | (406) 602-4427

Andrew Flakker

Administrative Assistant

Andrew is a native of Glendive, Montana and attended several universities throughout state before coming to work at Eagle Mount in January of 2020. As a child, Andrew was treated by the Shriners Hospital for Children in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is overjoyed to add his experience of disability self-advocacy and disability community support to Eagle Mount’s already decades long commitment to adaptive recreation.

aflakker@eaglemount.org | (406) 602-4411

Olivia Firth

Development Manager

Born and raised in Bozeman, Olivia grew up skiing, hiking, and making art. She later earned degrees in mathematics and computer science from MSU and began working as a mathematics instructor and academic mentor shortly after. As a graduate student, she began volunteering with Eagle Mount as a ski volunteer at both Bridger Bowl and Big Sky. Olivia is passionate about the psychology of learning and loves helping individuals gain confidence through problem solving and skill development – whether that is through academics or the many recreation programs offered at Eagle Mount. She also has experience as a project manager in both the non-profit and for-profit world and is excited to join Eagle Mount’s Engagement Team.

ofirth@eaglemount.org | 406-602-4410

Terrence Gotz

Philanthropy Officer

Terrence moved to Bozeman in 2001 from Minnesota to be closer to the mountains and the resorts he grew up skiing—Big Sky and Bridger Bowl. He first came to Eagle Mount as a volunteer ski instructor with the Big Sky ski program. Currently his youngest daughter enjoys skiing, swimming, and riding horses with Eagle Mount as a participant. He brings over a decade of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. Terrence, his wife Robyn, and two daughters can often be found on the trails around town, biking or on the slopes of Big Sky Resort.

tgotz@eaglemount.org | (406) 602-4424

Ashley Lowrey

Foundation Relations Officer

Ashley joined Eagle Mount in September 2026 as the Foundation Relations Officer. Originally from Oregon, Ashley first moved to Bozeman in 2005 after graduating from the University of Montana. She holds a BS and MS in Environmental Science and Education. Ashley has over 15 years’ experience in development and organizational leadership for community-based organizations and is passionate about making recreation and outdoor pursuits accessible to all. In her spare time, Ashley, her husband Blake, two children and their big fury dog, Moose, can be found on the slopes, trails and rivers of SW Montana.

alowrey@eaglemount.org | (406) 602-4412

Nichole Meeks

Event & Sponsorship Manager

Nichole has lived and worked in the Gallatin Valley for over a decade. Originally from Connecticut, Nichole earned a degree in Graphic Design from Champlain College in Burlington, VT. After working in the adventure travel business, she transitioned to specializing in grant writing, donor relations, and project coordination for community-focused nonprofits. Outside of work, Nichole, her husband and two children enjoy hiking, skiing, horseback riding, and traveling. Nichole was drawn to Eagle Mount for the opportunity to combine her professional expertise in nonprofit development with a passion for the outdoors.

nmeeks@eaglemount.org | (406) 602-4426

Melia Swirsky

Marketing & Communications Manager

Born and raised on O’ahu, Melia came to Bozeman to study at Montana State University. She earned a degree in Business Marketing and a minor in Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship. During her time at MSU, she was actively involved in the All-Women Outdoors Club, the Boardroom Bobcat program, and the American Marketing Association. Her passion for inclusive outdoor experiences drives her work at Eagle Mount. In her free time, Melia enjoys hiking, skiing, swimming, arts and crafts, and petting all the dogs on Peet’s Hill.

mswirsky@eaglemount.org | (406) 602-4415

Brian Guido

Recreation Program Director

Brian joined the Eagle Mount team August 2024. Brian grew up in Pullman, Washington. Coming from a white water back ground, he river guided for ten summers on the salmon river, then shifted to working in Adaptive skiing in Colorado for the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center. Brian achieved his under graduate and graduate degrees at the University of Idaho in Recreation Administration and has since continued in the Adaptive field in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah Hospital Rehab for Trails, as well at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Adaptive program/ Teton Adaptive, in Jackson Wyoming.

bguido@eaglemount.org | (406) 577-8479

Paige Robison

Recreation Assistant Director

Paige is originally from Northern California, she moved to Bozeman 10 years ago for school at MSU where she studied Early Childhood Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education. She started volunteering with Eagle Mount in 2017 in our Ski Program and it was the highlight of her ski seasons. This is where she fell in love with Eagle Mount and the mission, her “Golden Eagle Moment” was being hired on in 2022 as an adaptive ski instructor. This is where her passion for adaptive recreation flourished, and she knew she wanted to make a career out it! When not on the ski hill with Eagle Mount or at Adventure days you find can her camping, biking, hiking, and enjoying time in the good ole outdoors!

probison@eaglemount.org | (406) 577-8481

Beth Wilson

Recreation Associate Director (Big Sky)

Beth is originally from Michigan, but lived in Colorado for 11 years before coming to Montana in 2016. Her teaching background is working with children with autism in both public schools, and in an Autism Center. While earning her BA degree in Special Education, she volunteered for the STARS adaptive ski program in Steamboat Springs, CO. In the summer of 2010, she was a backcountry/wilderness therapy guide in Utah where she discovered her passion for teaching outdoors. Since Beth’s arrival in Big Sky, she has supervised the locals Skiwees program at Big Sky Resort, but has spent most of her time raising her two boys. Beth is grateful for the opportunity to combine her passion for outdoors and her passion for supporting those with special needs at Eagle Mount. Beth has a husband (Chad) and two boys (TJ and Levon), and a German Shorthaired Pointer (Emerald). They can be found doing a variety of outdoor activities including skiing in the winter, and mountain biking or rafting in the summer.

bwilson@eaglemount.org | (406) 577-8480

Drew Asaro

Recreation Associate Director (Cycling and Bridger Bowl)

Drew was born and raised in Boise, ID, moved to Bozeman 2016 to ski and mountain bike. In January of 2018, he broke his back in a ski accident, leaving him paralyzed from the belly button down. He then joined Eagle Mount as a participant in the snow sports program. After that, he joined the Eagle Mount adaptive skiing teaching team and by the end of the 2019 season, he was just barely good enough to teach beginner/ intermediate sit ski lessons. Now he runs the Bridger Bowl program.

aasaro@eaglemount.org | (406) 577-8483

Summer McGuire

Adaptive Recreation Program Coordinator

Summer grew up in Utah where her involvement in adaptive sports started volunteering at the National Ability Center. She attended the University of Vermont and interned with Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports in their mountain biking and downhill skiing. She started working at Eagle Mount as a seasonal staff member and is now the program coordinator. She is passionate about outdoor recreation and loves to spend time outside skiing, biking, climbing, running, and more!

smcguire@eaglemount.org | (406)-602-4418

Claire Brunner

Horsemanship Director

Claire, a Midwesterner, moved to Livingston, MT with her husband in 2013. Being a PATH International Certified Horsemanship Instructor, she was immediately welcomed by Eagle Mount and started as a volunteer instructor. In 2019 her dream job was realized and she became a full time staff member. She loves making Adaptive riding fun and spending time with her favorite horse, Wilbur.

cbrunner@eaglemount.org | (406) 577-8474

Danielle Higgins

Horsemanship Barn Assistant

Danielle grew up in South Florida and discovered her passion for horses at age six. She rode both competitively and for fun before moving out West in 2023 to work in Yellowstone. After relocating to Bozeman in 2024, she began volunteering with Eagle Mount’s Adaptive Horsemanship program and is now continuing that passion as a staff member. Danielle spends as much time as she can with horses and believes learning never ends—especially in horsemanship.

dhiggins@eaglemount.org | (406) 586-1781

Carol Johnson

Horsemanship Instructor

Long-time resident of the Gallatin Valley, Carol lives with her family (husband, son, and horses, dogs, cats and a peacock) north of Belgrade. She taught ecology (mostly plants) for years, filling “spare” time with riding, training, & raising horses. Her various horse-partners did racing, dressage, (low!) jumping, mountain trails, and shared uncountable pleasurable hours. Volunteering at Eagle Mount in horticulture and horsemanship in 2021 led her to become a PATH-certified therapeutic riding instructor in 2024. She loves working with and learning from the people and horses at Eagle Mount!

cjohnson@eaglemount.org | (406) 586-1781

Madalynn Bryne

Horsemanship Assistant

Madalynn supports Eagle Mount’s Adaptive Horsemanship Program through lesson assistance, horse care, and fostering a welcoming, confidence-building space for participants. She earned her B.S. in Animal Science from Montana State University in Spring 2025 and brings experience as a veterinary technician, wrangler, and leader within the MSU IHSA program. Outside the barn, Madalynn enjoys spending time with friends, horseback riding, and finding fun things to do around town. She loves watching participants connect with horses and grow through the unique moments the program creates.

mbryne@eaglemount.org

Maggie Lowry

Aquatics Director

Maggie has been with Eagle Mount since 2013, first as Assistant Aquatic Director and then hosting Saturday Night Out, Kids’ Night Out and Sibling Night Out, and founded the Parent Support Group with SEPTA in 2015. Maggie has enjoyed growing the family support offerings into a full-fledged program, and feels the future holds endless opportunities! In her free time, Maggie is an artist creating sculptural paintings, enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, and is an enthusiastic cyclist.

mlowry@eaglemount.org | (406) 577-6636

Niccole Wandelear

Adaptive Aquatics Assistant Director

Niccole grew up in southern Connecticut and moved to Bozeman over 20 years ago. After a long career as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist with the federal government, she decided it was time to shake things up and pursue her passion for adaptive fitness and connecting with others. As a yoga instructor and past Eagle Mount volunteer, she knew exactly where to start! Niccole joined Eagle Mount in the Spring of 2026 as the Assistant Director of the Adaptive Aquatics Program. She is excited to help grow the aquatics community within the Gallatin Valley and beyond! In her free time, Niccole enjoys gardening, crafting, camping, birding, and rafting with her husband and dog, Juniper.

nwandelear@eaglemount.org | (406) 602-4421

Finn Connors

Arts and Horticulture Director

Finn grew up hiking, fly fishing, and skiing in the Gallatin Valley. After receiving their degree in Visual Communication Design, Finn moved back home and jumped into opportunities to reconnect with the community, serving as a leader for the MT Conservation Corps Youth Programs, maintaining city parks, and volunteering with GVLT. Walking into the Eagle Mount campus for Snow Sports volunteer orientation, Finn immediately felt at home. They volunteered with downhill skiing at Bridger Bowl, and then Adventure Days, Horticulture, and Horsemanship. Their role leading Eagle Mount’s Adaptive Arts program is the perfect way to combine their skills in art with their passion for building community.

fconnors@eaglemount.org | (406) 201-5522

Lucy O’Hagan

Arts and Horticulture Program Assistant

Lucy is originally from Iowa, and moved to Bozeman almost 10 years ago to attend school at Montana State University. She studied English Education and Global Health, and has since taught in the classroom, spent time farming, and worked in various outdoor education settings around the Bozeman area. She started volunteering with Eagle Mount in 2017 with the aquatics program and quickly got involved in the family engagement and snow sports programs as well. Being with everyone at Eagle Mount and learning more about adaptive recreation quickly became one of her all time favorite things, and she is beyond excited to get the chance to be a member of the staff! When she is not at Eagle Mount, you can find Lucy spending time skiing, biking, camping, cooking, and having game nights with friends and family.

lohagan@eaglemount.org