Administrative Staff

Mariel Butan is the Executive Director of Morningstar Learning Center, managing MLC’s finances, development, advocacy, and community outreach, ensuring that MLC can continue serving families for years to come.

Mariel earned her master’s degree in Education Administration and has over a decade in education and nonprofit management experience. She has worked with local, national, and international organizations on strategic planning, finances, and operations, and she cares deeply about using her skills and experience to help people live better lives. Creating better opportunities for teachers, working families, and their children is a major driver of her work.

In her role with MLC, Mariel is determined to improve access, affordability, and quality of early learning not just in our community, but across the sector, as she champions early childhood education’s critical importance for brain development and the economy. So far, that work has included launching need-based tuition assistance, leading the board through a strategic planning process, improving enrollment and operating systems, speaking with business leaders and elected representatives, and raising over $2.7 million to keep MLC open and to support increased pay, housing, and professional development for teachers.

Mariel is grateful to have called Big Sky home since 2017 and has many loves and hobbies; she wouldn’t want to make any of them feel bad by highlighting another as her favorite. Contact Mariel with questions about supporting, partnering with, or advocating for Morningstar and early learning.

Shannon Brennan is the Center Director of Morningstar Learning Center. Her mother opened a licensed in-home childcare when she was 2 years old; Shannon has been enamored with the world of child development and education ever since. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree from Boise state she has worked in both childcare and administration. In her past roles she has coordinated the implementation of curriculum and has encouraged staff towards professional development opportunities. She believes that the strongest resource we as a community have for our children’s development is the individual teachers that dedicate their time, talent, and energy into their classrooms. 

Shannon is excited to be back in Big Sky after leaving in 2021. Having lived in many different mountain towns throughout the west from Leavenworth, WA to Breckenridge, CO, Big Sky has always been the one that felt most like home. Shannon cannot wait to further engrain herself as a member of the Morningstar team and the larger Big Sky community. When not at Morningstar you can find her in the mountains skiing, climbing, rafting, hiking, or sitting in her hammock with a cup of tea and a good book.

Originally from New Jersey, Kim moved to Big Sky in August 2022 with her husband Jeremy and their three boys. She graduated from The Culinary Institute of America with a Bachelor’s Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts Management and has since worked in many hotel pastry kitchens along the Las Vegas Strip. After having her children, her focus shifted from tiered wedding cakes to tenacious toddlers and she brings her management experience and interpersonal skills to her position as MLC’s Office Manager. In her free time, Kim enjoys baking with her kids and exploring the beautiful Big Sky community they now call home.

Stacy is originally from Newton, MA and moved to Big Sky in April 2023 with fiancé, Rob, and 2-year-old son, Chase. She has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Westfield State University. Prior to moving to Big Sky she was an Administrative Assistant with the Needham (MA) Police Department and an Emergency Dispatch Supervisor with the Newton (MA) Police Department. She loves spending time outdoors with her family boating and at the beach in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. Stacy is looking forward to being an involved member of the MLC and Big Sky community.

Stephanie Kissell grew up in Washington State and moved to Big Sky with her husband in December 2005. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education with an Elementary Education endorsement and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Literacy Specialization. She taught elementary grades at Ophir School for eight years before taking time off to raise her children.  In 2016 she became the Executive Director of Morningstar, however, she desired to serve MLC in a different capacity after the birth of her son.  Becoming a member of the board seemed a logical way to merge her passion for education with service.  She hopes that her background as an educator and as former director of MLC will be an asset to this board and to the children and families of Big Sky.

I am excited to be a part of the Morningstar Board as a business owner, community member and a parent. With a BS in Business from the University of Georgia, and as the owner of two businesses in Big Sky, I am looking forward to bringing my expertise to the organization. As a long time community member, I have always felt grateful to call Big Sky home. My husband and I have two children, both of which have attended Morningstar and one happy dog named Sonny (who has not). I look forward to serving my community and our children as a board member.

Marie Goode has lived in Big Sky full time since the fall of 2002 and together with her husband Mark raised their three children here. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and has nearly 15 years of experience in the business side of education. She previously worked as the district clerk at the Big Sky School District for 9 years then for almost 5 years as the business/office manager of Big Sky Discovery Academy. Marie was also a charter member of a local Early Childhood Enrichment Fund Board which was responsible for raising funds and awarding scholarships for early childhood programs. Her passion for education and children led her to serve on the Morningstar Learning Center Board of Directors. She wholeheartedly believes in and supports Morningstar’s mission and vision for the Big Sky community.

I was born while my parents lived in Big Sky, MT, but was raised outside of Bozeman.  I returned to Big Sky a few years ago to join my law firm with another Big Sky attorney and open Griffith & Cummings, PLLC.  My practice focuses primarily on contracts (business, real estate, construction and Owner Association law.) My husband works for the Big Sky School District as the IT director, where our nine year old attends school.  Before leaving Bozeman, I volunteered for and served on the Board of a number of non-profits, including Eagle Mount and Reach, Inc.  I also represent a number of Montana Non-Profits.  I hope that my experience with other non-profits will serve MLC.

Wes Hoecker owns and operates Two Pines Properties in Big Sky with his wife, Alex. Wes is an outdoor enthusiast with a commitment to facilitating community partnerships.

Ben is a husband to Kim, father to Isaiah, Dominic, Lincoln, coach of many sports, and jack of all trades. He joined Lone Mountain Land Company in 2015 with 12 years’ experience in the construction industry and a Master’s of Architecture from Iowa State University. As Director of Property Management, he oversees all of LMLC’s residential and commercial properties from Big Sky to Four Corners. Since moving to Big Sky, Ben has been actively involved in building community through service on multiple non-profit boards and committees.

Allie Epstein Poalino originally hails from the East Coast, but has called Big Sky home since 2017. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy and Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Movement Science from the University of Vermont. She currently practices as a local Physical Therapist and is the Director of Marketing at Lone Peak Physical Therapy. With her first-hand management experience, Allie understands the unique demands Big Sky places on our local businesses and workforce. Following the recent birth of her son Levi, Allie is highly motivated and committed to working hard as a Board Member at MLC to further establish childcare solutions and early childhood education for local families in our community.