Montana School Nutrition Association: Full Schedule

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8:00am MDT

Welcome to Day 2 - Agenda Overview

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:00am - 8:05am MDT

Missouri Conference Center

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:00am - 8:05am MDT
Missouri Conference Center

General Session

8:05am MDT

Beef It Up: How to Bring Montana Beef into Your School

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:05am - 9:05am MDT

Missouri Conference Center

More cattle than people — so why isn’t Montana beef on every school menu? In this energizing session, you’ll discover four proven approaches other schools are using right now to add Montana beef to their school meal programs. Plus, you'll hear about two new approaches being piloted-tested by Central Montana Schools. These are real-life stories from Montana schools making Montana Beef for Montana Kids happen — from partnering directly with a local rancher for a full animal donation (including processing!), to working with Montana CattleWomen, to working with restaurants, to forward contracting calves, to launching creative fundraising models that build strong school and community support to keep Montana beef in their school long term. If you’ve ever thought serving Montana beef sounded expensive, difficult, complicated, or out of reach, this session will give you six ideas for adding Montana beef to your program that are cost-effective, simple, easy, and already working for schools. Walk away with practical ideas, partnership strategies, and a path that might work for your school.

Speakers

KayAnn Miller

Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger (MT-PECH)

KayAnn is Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger (MT-PECH). Formerly with Montana No Kid Hungry, she has advanced Indigenous food systems, Indigenizing school pantries and bringing Indigenous foods to MSU dining. With a background in... Read More →

Chaley Harney

Montana Beef Council

Tara Becken

Crazy Peak Cattlewomen

Staci Skogas

Food Service Director, Fairview School

Matt Pierson

5th Generation Montana Rancher & Founder & President, The Producer Partnership

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:05am - 9:05am MDT
Missouri Conference Center

General Session

9:05am MDT

Break

Wednesday June 24, 2026 9:05am - 9:15am MDT

Break

9:15am MDT

Navigating Stress in the Workplace

Wednesday June 24, 2026 9:15am - 10:30am MDT

Missouri Conference Center

Work can be stressful! It's often difficult to maintain positivity, productive collaboration and professionalism when we're feeling stressed, overwhelmed or anxious. "Navigating Stress in the Workplace" will normalize your experiences of stress, contextualize them to the reality of Montana schools, and provide tangible strategies to move yourself from a place of reactive overwhelm to a place of conscious engagement and connection. You are already an asset to your school communities, and this presentation will help you navigate workplace stress and engage your leadership role with intention and understanding for yourself and others.

Speakers

Dr. Katey Franklin

Faculty Member - Department of Counseling; Director of the Center for Mental Health Research & Recovery, Montana State University

Dr. Franklin is faculty member in the Department of Counseling at Montana State University, Bozeman. She has over 20 years of experience as a licensed counselor working in and supporting Montana school communities. She serves as the rural school liaison, School Counseling program... Read More →

Wednesday June 24, 2026 9:15am - 10:30am MDT
Missouri Conference Center

General Session

10:30am MDT

Break

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:30am - 10:40am MDT

Missouri Conference Center

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:30am - 10:40am MDT
Missouri Conference Center

Break

10:40am MDT

Accommodating School Meals for Disabilities (Allergies)

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:40am - 12:30pm MDT

Yellowstone

In this session, participants will explore the requirements and best practices for Accommodating School Meals for Disabilities (Allergies). The class covers topics such as the medical statement requirements and template, implementing safe meal preparation techniques, and ensuring full compliance with USDA regulations. You will leave with the tools and knowledge to safely and effectively meet the needs of all students that may have allergies in your cafeteria.

Speakers

Sydney Dickinson

Registered Dietitian, Montana Office of Public Instruction

Sydney is a Registered Dietitian at OPI as a School Nutrition Program Specialist. She holds a Master of Science in Dietetics Systems Leadership from Montana State University. Sydney has previously worked for organizations like Alternative Energy Resource Organization (AERO) and Abundant... Read More →

Valerie Evans

Registered Dietitian & Public Health Professional, MSU Extension Nutrition Education Program

Valerie is a Registered Dietitian and public health professional dedicated to supporting school nutrition and statewide wellness initiatives. She brings experience from MSU Extension Nutrition Education Program, with a focus on practical, evidence-based strategies to support. Valerie previously... Read More →

Sarah Kuhn

Registered Dietitian - Summer Food Service Program Specialist, Montana Office of Public Instruction

Sarah is a Registered Dietitian joining the OPI team as the Summer Food Service Program Specialist. She received her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of North Dakota and has 20 years of experience as a Dietitian in several sectors such as clinical nutrition, wellness... Read More →

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:40am - 12:30pm MDT
Yellowstone

Workshop

10:40am MDT

Better Wages, Better Community Support

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:40am - 12:30pm MDT

Boulder

Leadership and higher pay start with mindset—and grow through action. This interactive training is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to become a recognized, respected voice within your school district and to leverage that position into better pay for you and your staff. Participants will learn how to develop a leadership mindset that commands attention, create a relationship with your superintendent and school board to support your food service program as a whole within your school district, advocate effectively for higher wages, position themselves as essential members of the district team, leverage the school wellness committee to increase community engagement and support for both school meal programs and better wages. Walk away with practical tools, renewed confidence, and a clear strategy to elevate your voice, your impact, and your paycheck.

Speakers

KayAnn Miller

Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger (MT-PECH)

Lisa Lee

Professional Development Chair, Montana School Nutrition Association

Lisa is Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger (MT-PECH). A dedicated leader in ending childhood hunger, she previously led Montana No Kid Hungry (2012–2023), securing over $3 million to expand school breakfast and summer meals statewide... Read More →

Craig Crawford

Training Director, Montana Contractors Association

Craig recently retired as superintendent of Stanford Public Schools in Montana, concluding a 24-year career in education. A former Domino’s franchise owner, he has held numerous leadership roles and was named 2023–2024 Central Montana Superintendent of the Year. Craig now serves... Read More →

Skylar LaBrie

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:40am - 12:30pm MDT
Boulder

Workshop

10:40am MDT

Cooking with Herbs

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:40am - 12:30pm MDT

Stillwater

How to use fresh herbs, what they pair well with, hands on experience preparing them for use.

Speakers

Chandra Plakke

President, Montana School Nutrition Association

Born and raised in Montana, Chandra served 4 years in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Mechanic. I presently work as the Food Service Director at Superior School District #3 and serve on the MTSNA board as your President Elect. I am married to my awesome husband of over 20 years, and... Read More →

Lisa Hallford

Membership Chair, Montana School Nutrition Association

Lisa has a beautiful family: two kids, two granddaughters, and a wonderful new husband. I have been the Food Service Director at Florence-Carlton K-12 School for seven years. I have always wanted to be a lunch lady. I joined MTSNA six years ago and joined the Board three years ago... Read More →

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:40am - 12:30pm MDT
Stillwater

Workshop

10:40am MDT

How to Set Up Salad, Soup, Ramen & Potato Bars

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:40am - 12:30pm MDT

Gardner B

If you've ever wondered about having a salad, soup, ramen, or potato bar, then this workshop is for you. Should they be offered to all grade levels, what are the benefits, and is it cost effective? Laurie Hopper, Kate Huston, and other directors will answer these questions for you.

Speakers

Laurie Hopper

Newsletter Editor; Awards Chair, Montana School Nutrition Association

Laurie has been in food service for over 40 years. I started my food service career by working in the food service department at Billings Senior High School while I was still in school. I have managed numerous restaurants and bakery/delis. I have been the food service director... Read More →

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:40am - 12:30pm MDT
Gardner B

Workshop

10:40am MDT

One-on-One with Your Peer Educators

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:40am - 12:30pm MDT

Gardner C

Are you a brand new or newer Food Service Director? This session is to help make connections with experienced Directors in your area who are willing to help you and others. Start building a support system to help you work with more confidence and gather helpful resources to improve your job. Directors can share experiences, recipes, food networking resources, time management ideas and employee management ideas, and how to talk to your administration or school board.

Speakers

Haven Murphy

Peer Educators

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:40am - 12:30pm MDT
Gardner C

Workshop

10:40am MDT

Student Voice in School Food Choice

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:40am - 12:30pm MDT

Bighorn

Gathering student feedback is essential for developing healthy and appealing school meals. This input is crucial for creating new recipes that align with current youth trends and preferences, and ultimately encouraging student participation in the school meal programs by fostering a sense of ownership. Join us to discuss how students can be involved in the menu planning, development, & evaluation process.

Speakers

Rachel Ariaz

School Nutrition Program Specialist, Montana Office of Public Instruction

Rachael is a School Nutrition Program Specialist with the Office of Public Instruction. She graduated from Montana State University with a B.S. in Food & Nutrition. Rachel has worked a variety of jobs related to food, education, and social work. Some of her favorite opportunities... Read More →

Ryan Beaudoin

Executive Chef & Culinary Educator

Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Service Management and an Associate of Science in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University. He is completing his Master of Science in Dietetics at the University of Vermont, with a concentration in School Nutrition, expected May 2026. Ryan... Read More →

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:40am - 12:30pm MDT
Bighorn

Workshop

12:30pm MDT

Lunch

Wednesday June 24, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT

Missouri Conference Center

Wednesday June 24, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Missouri Conference Center

Break

1:30pm MDT

Six Schools. Six Stories. One Local Food Revolution.

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT

Boulder

What happens when six schools commit to building hyper-local food systems? Big ideas. Bold partnerships. And more Montana-grown foods on students’ trays. This dynamic, three-part session kicks off with a fast-paced panel featuring six schools, each sharing one unique strategy they’re using to bring more Montana foods into their school meals. Learn how the three-year Investing in School Food Systems to Reach 33 x 33 grant is fueling innovation—and how a growing statewide collaborative is transforming efforts to get more local food on school trays. After the panel, session attendees will be the first to hear about (and have the opportunity to sign up for!) 2026 Land to Lunch experiential training opportunities. Best of all, in part three of this session, attendees participate in live cooking demos and taste tests featuring school-ready recipes made with Montana-grown bison, beef, and rye, all integrated into the new Montana Menu Cycle supporting cost-effective Montana food purchases by schools and meeting all upcoming school nutrition changes and requirements. Come hungry—for ideas and for samples.

Speakers

KayAnn Miller

Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger (MT-PECH)

Lisa Lee

Professional Development Chair, Montana School Nutrition Association

Haven Murphy

Laura Toeckes

Cathy Campbell

Betty Mirza

Gloria Mullennax

Robert Worthy

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
Boulder

Workshop

1:30pm MDT

Be Ready to Meet the New School Meal Pattern

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Gardner C

Join this interactive session to brush up on decreasing sugar and sodium and understand the milk requirements in school meals. Discover menu planning and purchasing strategies, learn how to read a food label and share tips with other school nutrition professionals. Be in the know and feel good about the new meal patterns!

Speakers

Amber Lewis

Farm to School Specialist, School Nutrition Program

Amber is the Farm to School Specialist on the School Nutrition Program Team. Amber has a background in Hospitality and Food Service Management obtaining her bachelor’s degree from Johnson & Wales University. In previous roles she worked as an OPI School Nutrition Specialist and... Read More →

Molly Stenberg

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & Co-Director, Montana Team Nutrition Program

Molly is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Co-Director of the Montana Team Nutrition Program. Molly enjoys working with school food service staff, school administrators, teachers, students and parents in promoting health through healthy school environments, school wellness... Read More →

Haley Scott

Program Lead, Montana Team Nutrition

Haley Scott serves as the Program Lead with Montana Team Nutrition at MSU where she gets to support Montana’s school nutrition professionals in serving delicious meals. She also coordinates farm to school projects to connect schools with garden resources and local food opportunities... Read More →

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Gardner C

Workshop

1:30pm MDT

Food Crediting Class

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Yellowstone

Join us to learn more about how your menu credits! The session will focus on how to accurately credit food components, using the Food Buying Guide effectively, and more. Bring your menu and associated recipes to receive 1-on-1 assistance with crediting! Make sure your recipe includes the number of servings and serving size for us to be able to provide assistance.

Speakers

Sydney Dickinson

Registered Dietitian, Montana Office of Public Instruction

Rachel Ariaz

School Nutrition Program Specialist, Montana Office of Public Instruction

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Yellowstone

Workshop

1:30pm MDT

Growing Green Thumbs with School Gardens

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Stillwater

Speakers

Dawn Bauer

Dawn currently manages the front end of the elementary school and also has created a school garden and pantry. Our garden teaches STEaM lessons, pollinating facts and allows kids who have never been exposed to growing their own foods a chance to experiment and eat what they grow... Read More →

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Stillwater

Workshop

1:30pm MDT

Harvest of the Month ART - Play with Your Food

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Gardner A

When food becomes art. Make colorful dips, while learning about color patterns and just as colorful foods. Paint and play with your food while learning about nutrition, color, and the tasty things in life! This class will teach introductory cooking with easy-to-pick-up knife skills, mixing, and blending to make tasty dips. We will learn how to make dye from our food and then how to paint using our new ingredient!

Speakers

Kate Huston

Coordinator of the Peer Education Expansion Program (PEEP), Montana Team Nutrition

Kate is the coordinator of the Peer Education Expansion Program (PEEP) through Montana Team Nutrition. Through PEEP, Kate supports and trains new School Food Service Directors in menu planning, culinary training, effective use of USDA foods and DOD Fresh foods, budgeting, and much... Read More →

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Gardner A

Workshop

1:30pm MDT

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Gardner B

We all deal with staff from various backgrounds. Conflicts will arise. Staff members just don't hit it off. Teachers and administration try to tell us how to do our jobs. This workshop will explore ways to make your food service staff work together as one unified team, and how you can work with teachers and administration to make work enjoyable for all.

Speakers

Laurie Hopper

Newsletter Editor; Awards Chair, Montana School Nutrition Association

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Gardner B

Workshop

1:30pm MDT

USDA & DOD Fresh & Sensational Salad Bars

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Bighorn

Join Erin Benson and as we present USDA foods, DOD fresh and Sensational Salad Bars. See what is coming next year for USDA Foods, how to order USDA foods, what you can order through DOD fresh and how to set up a visually appealing salad bar. Ask questions and share advice in this entertaining workshop. Will have a panel of Food Service Directors. If you are a new food service director, you will not want to miss this class.

Speakers

Erin Benson

Food Distribution Manager for School Nutrition Programs, Montana Office of Public Instruction

Erin is the Food Distribution Manager for School Nutrition Programs at the Montana Office of Public Instruction, where she oversees the ordering and delivery of USDA Foods and USDA DoD Fresh to sponsors of the National School Lunch Program. Prior to coming to OPI, she worked in... Read More →

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Bighorn

Workshop

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