Drea O’Donnell
With 25 years of experience in education, Drea has had the privilege of teaching at almost every level, from grades K-8 through college classrooms. Her journey in instructional
leadership includes serving as the Curriculum Director for Shepherd Public Schools from 2017 to 2019, before stepping into the current role as Superintendent in 2019.
Drea earned my Bachelor’s degree from Montana State University (Go Cats!) and later completed a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Rocky Mountain College. In addition to her dedication to Shepherd schools, students, and educators, she is blessed with a wonderful husband and two amazing children.
Being a part of the ACE board allows her to help directly influence the futures of thousands of kids by empowering both educators and school leaders: students learn more when adults learn!
Superintendent Shepherd Schools
7842 Shepherd Rd
Shepherd, MT 59079
(406) 373-5300
Dan Grabowska
Dan Grabowska has been in education for over 25 years, with 20 of those years spent as an administrator. He served as Park City Schools Superintendent and 7-12 Principal from 2014-2025 and now leads the Roberts School District. ACE has been an excellent organization for schools in its ever-increasing region. ACE offers some of the best professional development opportunities in the state, as well as innovative curriculum development. He finds it a challenge to work with an organization that is
so progressive and serves as such a valuable resource for our schools.
Superintendent Roberts Schools
106 Maple St
Roberts, MT 59070
(406) 445-2421
Nicole Hanson
Nicole Hanson has been an educator for over 20 years. She graduated from Montana State-Billings in 2003 with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught in Idaho for 6 years before returning to Montana, where she taught in Roundup for 10 years. Nicole earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Rocky Mountain College in 2014. Nicole has been married to her husband Ben for 19 years and has two beautiful children, Ian and Rylan. She has been Lavina’s Superintendent since 2020.
Nicole believes in the power of education to shape students’ futures. An essential part of education is embedded in ACE’s mission to provide a meaningful curriculum and relevant resources that build educators’ capacity as they support students in achieving proficiency.
Superintendent Lavina School
PO Box 290
Lavina, MT 59046
(406)636-2761
Kelly Kinsey
Kelly Kinsey has been in education for 28 years. He is currently the Assistant Superintendent at Lockwood Schools. He has served as an administrator in Lockwood for 13 years. He
has been a board member of MAEMSP and SAM for the past four years. Kelly is married to Stacy, and they have two children, Sloan and Briggs. Kelly believes ACE gives schools the best professional development and curriculum leadership.
Kelly Kinsey/Assistant Superintendent
Lockwood Schools
1932 U.S. Highway 87 East
Billings, MT 59101
406-252-6022
Sheila Chouinard
Sheila Chouinard is a lifelong educator with over 37 years of service in the Independent School District—as a teacher, librarian, technologist, principal, and superintendent. She is eager to dedicate her time and effort to building a network of professionals who work together to support students, teachers, and school communities creatively.
Serving as an ACE board member, Sheila is committed to supporting educators through meaningful professional learning, mentorship, and innovative curriculum resources—driven by her belief that strong schools start with empowered people.
Superintendent Independent School
2907 Roundup Rd
Billings, MT 59105
(406) 259-8109
Heather Jarrett, Board Chair
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius
From an early age, she wanted to be a teacher because she loves learning and school. In 2002, she graduated from Montana State University – Billings with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education. Heather continued her education by completing a Traffic Education endorsement and a Family and Consumer Sciences degree, and taught in Absarokee, Big Timber, and Reed Point. With Heather’s love of learning and teaching, it became evident that instructional leadership would be her next career goal. In 2014, Heather graduated from Rocky Mountain College with a Master of Educational Leadership. Upon completing her degree, Reed Point Schools offered her an assistant administrator position, which included teaching duties. For the 2018-2019 school year, she became the superintendent and principal of Reed Point Schools. Confucius was right; Heather chose her dream job and looks forward to it daily.
Serving students and teachers is her personal and professional goal, which underpins her interest in serving on the ACE Board of Directors. Heather would like to help further the organization and the services it provides to schools. ACE has provided her school with high-quality professional development that would not have been possible otherwise. The growth she has personally received over the years is something that she wants to both pass on and pay forward.
Superintendent Reed Point Schools
PO Box 338
Reed Point, MT 59069
406-326-2245
Mark Wandle
Mark has taught social studies and health enhancement in North Dakota and Montana since 1992. He has spent 20 years in the Huntley Project School District, serving as a teacher and coach (1999-2009), principal (2009-2017), and currently as superintendent (2017-present). Mark feels blessed to have a wonderful wife, Sarah, and two wonderful daughters, Brynn and Raegan. Mark loves being outdoors, learning through hands-on experiences, and values the US Military and the sacrifices made by those who serve and their families.
Mark chose to serve on the ACE board to help analyze and assess areas of ongoing curriculum support that benefit member schools. He believes that collaboration among ACE school districts is valuable and helps them meet the ongoing demands and changes in curriculum and professional support. The practical and positive connection is a valuable resource.
Superintendent Mark Wandle
1477 Ash Street
Worden, MT 59088
406-967-2540 ext 601