Board of Directors
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Invertebrate Ambassadors
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Board of Directors

• Jen Marangelo, President
  Jen moved to Missoula, MT to return to school and earn a degree in Wildlife Biology.  Turns out, she ended up studying wildlife that was smaller than she anticipated -- insects. Her work in a research lab studying dung beetles led to involvement in school presentations and other educational programs. Stemming from a desire to combine her passions for natural history, science education and entomology, the idea for the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium was born. Jen returned to school to get a Master's degree in Museum Exhibit Design and Curriculum Development. Since graduating, she launched the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium and serves as the President of the Board of Directors.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Glenn, black lab Mono, cat Hemi...and a growing array of invertebrate pets.
  
  
• Lisa Verlanic Fowler, Vice President 
  Anaconda native Lisa Verlanic joins the Butterfly House board with 17 years of experience teaching T-1 and 1st grade at Florence Carlton School.  Lisa was inspired by friend and colleague Byron Weber to protect the environment and to share our natural world with her students.  As a participant in the ECOS program at the University of Montana, Lisa was instrumental in the Florence Carlton Outdoor Classroom's certification as a Schoolyard Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.  The children in Ms. Verlanic's room can watch the intricate movements of Rosie the tarantula and love to feed crickets to Lizzy, the bearded dragon.  In addition to serving on various committees at school, Lisa enjoys spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga and traveling.
  
  
• Alison Perkins, Treasurer
  Alison came to The University of Montana in 1991 to pursue a Master of Science degree in Wildlife Biology.  While working as Editorial Assistant for an academic journal of ornithology, she became interested in integrating mass communication and education to enhance science literacy.  She completed a second master’s degree in Radio-Television Production, and a PhD in Forestry and Conservation from The University of Montana.  During her studies, Alison was fortunate to receive a GK-12 Fellowship from the National Science Foundation to engage local teachers in ecology education outside of their classrooms – to share the wonders of the wild world that are so tangible in our own backyards.  She has been active in curriculum and workshop development using birds and pollinators to promote ecological science in our schools and our community.
  
  
• John Wells, Secretary
  John is one of the founding partners of MacArthur, Means and Wells Architects. A Missoulian from the age of two, John is pleased and proud to have had the opportunity a built a career in his hometown. He and his lovely wife Leslie live in the university area and occasionally get to see their son Jay who is a student at the University of Montana. When not working they enjoy the wonderful outdoor opportunities in Montana – hiking, rafting, kayaking, snowshoeing, and huckleberry picking.
  
  
• Bryce Christiaens, Board Member
  Bryce is a Montana native from the Rocky Mountain Front and is the founder/owner/farmer of Native Ideals Seed Farm; focusing on growing local, native wildflower seed for ecological restoration projects throughout the Northern Rocky Mountains. Bryce's interests include native plant and insect community conservation, native plant propagation, gardening, hiking, fishing, hunting and generally being outside enjoying Montana.
  
  
• Glenn Marangelo, Board Member
  Glenn has lived in Missoula, MT for the past 15 years and works with Five Valleys Land Trust as their Development Director. Among other positions, Glenn's resume includes a 7 year stint as Development Coordinator for Wilderness Watch, working for the Clark Fork River Technical Assistance Committee, as well as volunteer work with several local organizations. He received a Master of Science degree in Resource Management and Administration from Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, NH and a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Business and Economics from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. In his spare time, Glenn enjoys backpacking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, birding ...and of course, observing insects.
  
  
• Eleanor Morris, Board Member 
  Eleanor studied forestry and ecology at the University of Montana and now works on ballot measures and state policy across the West. She enjoys backpacking, biking and knitting. She is looking forward to her two nieces and nephews enjoying the Missoula Butterfly House when it opens!
  
  
• In Honor of Deceased Board Member - Byron Weber
  It is with great sadness that we inform you that our dear friend, Byron Weber, passed away on August 27, 2010. 
  We encourage you to learn more about his extraordinary life here. 

Former Board Members

• Ronni Flannery
  Ronni has been practicing environmental law and advocating on behalf of the environment since graduating, cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1993.  She has provided legal services and advocacy to public interest organizations on a wide range of issues, including public lands, endangered species, clean water, land use, and non-profit law.  She has also served as legislative advocate for a statewide environmental organization in California.  More recently, she has concentrated on the protection of private lands through conservation easements and other land conservation tools.