MS. TARAH    |    TEACHER

Welcome to Big Sky Preschool Academy, my name is Tarah Hillesland. I live in Missoula with my husband Terran and our four children, Finn, Anders, Helli, and Soren. I am originally from Missoula and love spending time outdoors with my family. This will be my 11th year teaching. I taught first grade in Lambert, MT for four years, and two years at Bright Beginning Preschool in Sidney, MT. I have enjoyed the last four years teaching at BSPA here in Missoula and am looking forward to many more! Since Graduating in 2011 with my BA in Elementary Education from U of M, I have continued to grow as an educator through countless trainings and conferences. Some Include national direct instruction conferences in Chicago, IL, Science of Reading for early childhood, and most recently an Orton-Gillingham certification. I am excited to share my passion for teaching with you and your family! 

"A person's a person, no matter how small" - Dr. Seuss

 MS. CONNIE | LEAD TEACHER

I was born and raised in Helena, Montana. I moved to Missoula when I started college at the University of Montana in 2016. After spending a couple semesters invested in an English major, I decided to change directions and major in Early Childhood Education. It was the best decision I’ve ever made! I finished my degree last November after student teaching at Hawthorne Elementary School in a kindergarten classroom. Since then,I’ve been hired on as a Building Substitute at Hawthorne which has given me a lot of valuable experience in grades K-3.

In my free time, I like to take my golden retriever Winnie for hikes and walks, color, cook, and hang out with my friends and family. I also like to play my guitar and listen to music. I love being outdoors and trying new things. I am so looking forward to meeting each and every one of you! Enjoy the lovely spring weather and I’ll see you all soon!

MS. ELISE | LEAD TEACHER

My name is Elise Harris and I am a lead teacher at Big Sky Preschool Academy.

I earned my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Montana State University- Billings with a focus in Early Childhood Education.  I have spent the last 8 years teaching at the primary level (kindergarten through 2nd grade). I am a certified teacher in both Montana and Texas, and have loved learning and growing as an educator over the last decade.

I am overjoyed to have found a home with BSPA, and look forward to dedicating my mornings to the academic and social-emotional growth of my 3 and 4 year old students. I have a true passion for making connections with students and their families, and creating a positive learning environment for children through purposeful play and research based curricula.

I am a mom to four amazing daughters; Henley (10), Harper (8), Hollyn (5) and Hayden (2). My husband, Nathaniel, and I are both Montana natives and are still pinching ourselves that we are back in my hometown of Missoula, as we have spent the last ten years moving around in pursuit of his basketball coaching career. We love cheering on Grizzly athletics, spending time with grandma's, grandpa's, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and relaxing at home together as a family.

I am so excited about the upcoming school year, and look forward to each and every child and family I will have the opportunity to work with!

MS. RACHEL | LEAD TEACHER / TUTORING

My name is Rachel Kamura and I have taught Elementary School for the last twelve years at various grade levels. I have spent the last two years working as an academic interventionist with an emphasis in reading intervention. Recently, I was trained in the science of reading for grade levels preK through 6th grade. I am passionate about students finding confidence and enjoyment in learning. I have also taught and run many summer camps including; Camp Invention, dance camps, and other various learning camps. I am looking forward to meeting my new students at BSPA this summer!

MS. KATHY    |    SUBSTITUTE - ART

My name is Kathy Brauer and I am excited to share my passion for children and the arts with the Big Sky Preschool Academy! I grew up in Sitka, Alaska and attended the University of Maine for two years.  After graduating from U of Montana in 1984 with a degree in Elementary Education, I worked as a pre-school teacher at Angel Childcare in Missoula.  Shortly after that I worked at Community Medical Center in the Pharmacy department as a technician that helped train students in the preparation of sterile products.  For the last 20 years I have worked as a sterile products lab instructor at the University of Montana School of Pharmacy.  I plan on retiring from that position this coming Fall.  

     I have served on Advisory boards at Hawthorne grade school and Missoula College in the past years.  Currently, I am on the board of a non-profit called HOPE, which helps people with all types of cancer as they navigate their treatment journey.  

     I am married and have two grown children.