Staff Positions
Whitney Dudley
Whitney Dudley, an Idaho native and University of Idaho graduate, holds a BS in Psychology and Organizational Science with a Certification in Nonprofit Leadership. A mother of three, Whitney has dedicated over 10 years to schools as a volunteer, PTA board member, and classroom aide. She now works part-time on the Reading Team at Dalton Elementary and serves as the Executive Director for GTS, driven by her passion for education.
Executive Leadership
Julie Morris
Julie Morris is thrilled to be joining the Growing the STEM team. Julie, a Whitworth University graduate with a BS in math, has been tutoring for two decades and volunteering at Hayden Meadows Elementary. After living in Alaska and Texas, Julie settled in Hayden, Idaho, in 2018. She is currently the President and also is our Program Coordinator.
Mara Thorhaug
Mara Thorhaug is an Environmental Health Scientist at Alta Science and Engineering. With a BA from Cornell University and an MPH from the University of Minnesota, she has worked on various environmental health projects. Mara first learned about Growing the STEM through her children’s participation in their programs. A Coeur d’Alene resident for over 20 years, Mara is passionate about educational opportunities for underserved populations and serves as the Board Secretary for GTS.
Joanna Litalien
Bio Coming Soon!
Board Chair Positions
Nick Ebner
Nick Ebner is a Principal Engineer at ACE Solutions and a licensed engineer in 8 States, including Idaho, Washington, and Montana. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Gonzaga University. Residing in Coeur d’Alene with his wife and two children, who attend Winton Elementary, Nick was inspired to join Growing the STEM through his professional experiences, believing that diversity strengthens the engineering industry. He currently serves as the Governance Chair for GTS.
Heather Mangini
Heather Mangini is a teacher at Fernan STEM Academy in Coeur d'Alene, teaching fourth grade. With a bachelor's degree in elementary education K-8 and special education K-12, and a master's degree in special education from the University of Idaho, Heather has taught grades 2-5, special education, and advanced learning. A Math is Cool advisor for six years, she deeply believes in Growing the STEM's mission and serves as the Chair of the Human Resources Committee.
Kristin Thomas
Kristin Thomas, a K-5 STEM instructor at Fernan STEM Academy, holds degrees in English language arts and education. A former Dalton Elementary PTA board member and Girl Scout troop leader, she combines her passion for public education and girl empowerment. Kristin hosted the pilot GTS Health Science Club for the '23-'24 school year, where she gained firsthand experience of GTS’s reach and impact. Kristin continues to host GTS clubs and currently serves as the Youth Development Committee Chair.
Breland Tommerup
Breland Tommerup, a dedicated Idaho educator, earned her master's degree in educational leadership from Lamar University. With 10 years of experience as a classroom and gifted and talented cluster teacher, she is now the Region 1 & 2 GT facilitator for Idaho. Inspired by her daughters' experiences with GTS, Breland serves as the Education Chair on the GTS Board of Directors.
Ashley Williams
Ashley Williams, a Senior Project Manager at Welch Comer Engineers, holds a BS in civil engineering and an MS in water resources from the University of Idaho. She volunteers with the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association and serves on the advisory board for UI Civil Engineering. Ashley, drawn to GTS to foster early STEM interest, serves as the STEM Industry Chair on the GTS Board.
Student Board Members & School Representatives
Alistair Smith
Coeur d'Alene High School
Alistair Smith has been involved with Growing the STEM for as long as he can remember as both of his older sisters co-founded the organization. He has been participating through 5th grade and coaching younger students since 6th grade. He loves competitive math and remembers winning Math is Cool Masters in 4th grade and qualifying for MathCounts Nationals in 8th grade. At school, Alistair stays busy running on the cross country team, competing with the CHS math team, and
Samuel Smith
Lake City High School
Samuel Smith is excited to be serving as a Student Coach and Student Board Member. He is an active leader in his school community, involved in Business Professionals of America, Youth in Government, Speech and Debate, and DECA. He also serves as a Junior Representative on Student Council, plays lacrosse, and performs on the double bass in Orchestra. He looks forward to contributing to GTS and supporting its mission of expanding STEM opportunities for students.
Madilyn Dinning
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy
As a 12th-grade student, Madi demonstrates a passion for Biology and a deep dedication to her community. She currently serves as Vice President of National Honor Society, a Student Body Representative, a school tutor, and a violist in her school’s orchestra, along with being an active volunteer at Growing the STEM, Kootenai Hospital, and Beacon Clinic. She looks forward to representing her school and broadening the outreach of GTS for students.
Mady Witherwax
Coeur d'Alene High School
Mady Witherwax is excited to be serving Growing the STEM as a Student Board Member. She enjoys learning STEM subjects and teaching them to students. She plays soccer for a local club, engages with community service, and hopes to study both chemistry and criminology in college.
Maya Martin
Coeur d'Alene High School
Maya Martin is a passionate member of her communities. As is a student teacher within her sport and student leader for North Idaho YoungLife, she connects with many different groups within the community. She has been a GTS coach for multiple programs and is grateful to be apart of the GTS board as a representation for her school.
Thank you to all our board members for their dedication and the energy they bring to our projects and mission!