If you said “yes,” to one or more of the questions to the right, then you will be a great fit!

As we are expanding our programs, we are in need of individuals to join us in teaching and spreading compassion by using mindfulness and art.

Please fill out the form below if you are interested in volunteering, or to continue to volunteer to let us know your availability.

Do you want to be even more involved and play an essential role to our organization? Please apply for a position on our board, by completing the application and email it to compassion.pject@gmail.com

We are looking for board members with experince in following areas:

  • Finance

  • Social Media/Marketing

  • Grant Writing

Calling All Volunteers!

  • Are you looking to give back in a meaningful way that will have exponential benefits to the community?

  • Do you want to learn more about mindfulness and compassion?

  • Do you have any special talents that align with our mission that you can share with the community?

  • Do you want to reduce your anxiety and stress, and teach others how to do the same?

  • Do you want to be provided with thorough training so that you can feel confident and successful in your position?

Our Team

Sarah Montano she/her/hers

  • Sarah has always been passionate about spreading compassion throughout the Bozeman community primary through her career in education, but also other endeavors. She is ecstatic to be able to combine all her professional experiences to contribute to the vision and mission of Compassion Project as the Executive Director.

    Sarah holds a BS in Secondary Education, and an MS in Educational Leadership. She taught in Bozeman for nearly fifteen years at various capacities; Bozeman School District, Montana State University, Gallatin College, and through her tutoring and consulting business, where she has strived to assist individuals to reach their full potential. Her economic and business background, whether through teaching, running her own businesses, and as an economic research specialist, alongside with her personal passions of practice of mindfulness and compassion, will enable her to set goals to help support, lead, and expand the valuable impacts of Compassion Project.

    In her free time, you will catch her outside biking, rafting, skiing, and enjoying life with her two sons, Sage and Asher, and her dog, the best girl ever, Wiley.

Heide Arneson she/her/hers

  • Heide always loved airplanes and looking at clouds, so she combined them by becoming an aviation meteorologist. She served in the U.S. Air Force, worked as a missile systems engineer (yes, she is a real rocket scientist), an airline weather forecaster, and an aviation instructor. When she moved to Bozeman over twenty years ago, she became involved in the education community first as a volunteer, then as a program director, and finally as the weather instructor in the Gallatin College Aviation program. Heide was asked to volunteer with the Compassion Project, and after a workshop, she was hooked. As the director of a nonprofit for eleven years, she gained valuable insight into accounting and business practices, which she now applies to CP. In her spare time she hunts wild mushrooms and berries, gardens, and cooks – sharing her bounty with friends and neighbors. She lives with her husband, son, two giant dogs and a parrot.

Jesine has long, brown hair and light skin. Her head is tilted slightly as she smiles, wearing a gold shimmery shawl and blue striped shirt.

Jesine Munson she/her/hers

  • Jesine Munson does her best to embody Compassion Project’s mission everyday as an artist and educator. She believes that through the practice and power of mindfulness and creative acts we are able to connect with one another more compassionately. She believes that this vulnerable process is essential for community dialogue and forward thinking and is eager to continue this work – the heartwork, as she calls it. Jesine holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Art History, and a BFA in Ceramics. She is currently working on her PhD in American Studies and teaching as an adjunct in the School of Art. When Jesine is not painting pet portraits in her home studio or on campus, you can find her outside (preferably out-of-service) embracing everything that Montana has to offer.

Amy has long blond hair, light skin, and brown eyes. She's wearing a dark orange sweater and seated in a golden armchair.

Amy Gaudielle she/her/hers

  • Amy first learned about the Compassion Project by attending a workshop. As someone who appreciates the arts, she was truly drawn to the mission and vision. With a heart full of compassion and learning more about how they have helped the community, she knew she wanted to get more involved. Amy graduated from MSU, earning a degree in Marketing. She is currently in the tech space helping clients by being a good partner. Amy takes any chance she can get to experience live music. She also enjoys cooking, skiing, and floating the river in the summer.

Michelle has short brown hair and blue eyes. Her shoulders are angled slightly as she smiles, wearing a flannel hat with a small brim, red sweater, gray vest, and tortoise shell glasses.

Michelle Potts she/her/hers

Ali Everts she/her/hers

  • Ali Everts heard about Compassion Project when she was attending MSU, and was very thankful for the support it gave the community through art and healing. Fast forward years later she joined a workshop and was amazed at the opportunities it gave to connect with community members of all different age groups and how it always filled her cup. Ali volunteered for a couple years, leading workshops and knew her love of compassion project needed to broaden -with joining as a board member!


    Ali grew up in Bozeman, went to Montana State University, where she completed two degrees and has worked at the Bozeman Health ER for nine years. Recently she got into med school and is excited to continue to support Bozeman with the complement of creativity, art and mindfulness she finds at Compassion Project. Something she thinks is essential for a healthy, balanced life!

  • Michelle took a winding path to the Compassion Project. She started off as a corporate lawyer for a big firm, fully inhabiting her analytic side. With nothing more than a gut feeling that something was missing, she left the regular paychecks and went out to search. She found lots of things, including a yurt, a husband, some children, a few dogs, and eventually a more spiritually fulfilling career in social justice. She now works at the Montana Legal Services Association, using her life energy to help ensure that justice is for everyone, regardless of income. As with any human life, Michelle also found her share of suffering. Fortunately, she found a path of compassion and daily meditation to nurture her connection with peace and joy. A Compassion Project workshop offered for civil legal aid staff at her workplace showed that it just might be possible to skillfully share this path and help more people uncover their own inherent wisdom, freedom, and compassion.

Welcome Our Newest Volunteers

  • Ali Everts

    Ali Everts (she/her)

    Ali has worked in the Emergency Room at Bozeman Health for many years. In this role and as a long-time resident of Bozeman, she has seen a great need for compassion-building in our community. From the young people who may struggle with coping mechanisms, to caregivers in our community suffering with burnout, and everyone in between who are reaching for a way to stay connected - compassion is important. Painting, meditating, and practicing compassion with others in real time is just the healing our community needs. She fully believes in the Compassion Project and its huge efforts to aid in these struggles.

  • Eva Ticknor

    Eva Ticknor (she/her)

    Eva has worked as an educator in Montana public schools for 10 years. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree from Montana State University in School Counseling. She works part-time for Montana PBS on their Learning Media production team. Eva participated in the Montana Mindfulness Project's 16-week mindful schools implementation. She also volunteers for the HRDC’s summer lunch in the parks program. She believes that compassion starts from within and enjoys spending time soaking in hot springs, creating art, and loving on her shaggy pup, Juniper.

  • Katie Banner

    Katie Banner (she/her)

    Katie has been on her own self-compassion and mindfulness journey for the past several years. The opportunity to learn from others within the Compassion Project and connect with different parts of the Bozeman community through art, mindfulness, and compassion drew her into the organization. She works in academia at MSU and sees a need for more mindfulness and compassionate practices within the system. She hopes to bring what she learns to her students, colleagues, and collaborators and spread “ripples of compassion” throughout the MSU community.

  • Alex Pasin

    Alex Pasin (she/her)

    Alex is a New Yorker who was drawn to Bozeman by the northern Rockies. She is currently a student at MSU pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling, and works as a crisis counselor at the Help Center. She is at her best when she is out hiking or skiing with her dog Cabot, and when she gets quality time with the people she loves. Alex joined the CP team because she believes in the power of community and connection, and thinks that we thrive in spaces that allow us to be human together.

Thank you to our Alumni

Tia Goebel, Former Executive Director

Dr. Kayte Kaminski, Founder and Board Member

Jade Lowder, Board Member and President

Demi Feder, Board Member

Khoi Huynh, Board Member

Molly Basta, Board Member

Tyler Smith, Board Member

Sean Graves, Board Member

Hilary Parker, Board Member and President

Sonja Bahr, Board Member and Treasurer

Kim O’Neil, Board Member

John Melick, Board Member

Ira Westbrook, Board Member and Treasurer

Elaine Westbrook, Board Member and Secretary

Naomi Worob, Community and Classroom Facilitator

Kelsey McPherson, Volunteer and Classroom Facilitator