The Montana Gerontology Society (MGS) was formed in 1982. A group of professionals, volunteers and educators founded the organization in order to provide opportunities for individuals interested in gerontology to share common concerns and ideas. MGS is governed by volunteer Board of Directors.
The Montana Gerontology Society is dedicated to enhancing professional development and understanding among providers of services, seniors, volunteers, researchers, educators, students, and others associated with the field of aging.
Objectives of MGS
- To stimulate and encourage networking among persons in the field of aging
- To develop regional training for professionals, paraprofessionals, and the general public in the field of aging
- To present an annual conference and membership meeting that brings together national and state leaders in the field of aging
- To recognize significant involvement with MGS
Board of Directors
Daniel J Koltz, President
Daniel J Koltz, Ph.D., Gerontologist, is an Assistant Professor and FCS MSU Extension Gerontology Specialist at Montana State University in Bozeman. Dan completed his doctorate degree in Gerontology from Concordia University -Chicago and his research is focused on improving the lives of older adults who reside in dependent care environments. Additionally, he is the founder and President of a local non-profit, Summit Well Inc that utilizes student interns to provide activity for older people living in affordable housing apartment complexes. Dan enjoys being in the outdoors camping, backpacking, hiking, fishing, and watching sunsets with his life-long partner and spouse.
Joe Purcell, Treasurer
Joe Purcell is a Montana native. Born and raised in Helena, he now lives in Hardin for the past 29 years. Joe is a registered nurse and the Director of Nursing of Big Horn Senior Living (formerly Heritage Acres). He started his career in geriatrics in 1994 as a CNA and completed LPN school in 1995. Joe continued in the geriatric field as a charge nurse, MDS manager and interim Director of Nursing. He completed his RN in 2006 at which time he began his career as a Director of Nursing. Through experience, training and certifications Joe has gained vast knowledge related to elder care and the field of geriatrics. He has been actively involved in community leadership roles ranging from Marketing Committee Chairman, to 4-H Leaders Council President, to current Mayor elect of Hardin. Joe looks forward to bringing his experience, knowledge and leadership to the MGS board and giving back to his profession.
Laurie Miller, Past President
Laurie Miller has worked as a registered nurse in Montana since 1990. She has enjoyed working in various roles in healthcare throughout her career ranging from acute and long term care nursing, to community based services, and healthcare management. Her passion has always been working with and advocating for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Laurie is currently an active member of the Montana Alzheimer’s and Dementia workgroup, the Montana Gerontology Society and the Alzheimer’s Association Montana Chapter Board of Directors. When not working, Laurie and her husband, Tim, dedicate much of their time to their busy family which includes very active parents, four children and their spouses, and ten grandchildren.
Renee Brooksbank
Renee Brooksbank, JD, MA, LNHA, is the Associate Director of the Montana Geriatric Center at the University of Montana. She is also a Montana licensed nursing home administrator, with a masters degree in aging services and a law degree from the University of Baltimore. Renee has operated as a change agent at life plan communities, assisted living and skilled nursing communities, acting as an advocate for a dynamic shift in the delivery of aging services for residents, families, and staff alike. Her approach includes swinging the paradigm of aging services from hospital to hospitality, building vibrant innovative teams to reach pioneering goals, and always trying to find a way to get to ‘Yes’. Renee’s family calls Missoula home.
Madison Reynolds, Student Representative
Madison Reynolds is a Montana native; born and raised in Lolo, MT. She had the opportunity to swim competitively from 2004 until graduating from Morningside College (now Morningside University) with a B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Chemistry in May 2018. Madison wanted to continue to pursue an education and applied to the University of Montana Skaggs School of Pharmacy. She entered the pharmacy program in August 2018, and is currently in my final year of the pharmacy program with a gerontology minor. Her interest in the field of gerontology became peaked during her time in pharmacy school as she was able to get more interactions and understand the demand needed in helping to improve patient outcomes associated with medication therapy. As she progress throughout her last year of school, she will be applying for residencies to hopefully progress her skills and eventually board certify in geriatric pharmacy.
Jeri Delys
Jeri Delys holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Communication from the University of Montana. Jeri has a background in Sales and Marketing, as well as Development. She is committed to her community, and is active in board and community service. When she is not at work, you will most likely find her training for triathlons, playing racquetball, continuing her training in martial arts, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
Joanna Legerski McCormick
Joanna Legerski McCormick, Ph.D., joined the Montana Gerontology Society in 2019. She is a clinical psychologist and received her Ph.D. from The University of Montana, Missoula, MT. Dr. McCormick holds a Bachelor of Science in Family in Human Development from Utah State University in Logan, UT. She has a strong background and interest in rural mental health, trauma treatment and family systems. Dr. McCormick joined the Montana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System in 2012. Currently, she is a Staff Psychologist and Director of Psychology Training Programs at Fort Harrison Medical Center. Since joining the VA, Dr. McCormick completed specialized training in geropsychology and is recognized as a Veterans Affairs Advanced Geriatric Scholar.