Robert Snizek, CEO
Robert Snizek graduated from MSU-Billings with a master's in rehabilitation counseling in 2000 and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). His passion and expertise are in the fields of customized job creation, job retention, and self-employment. During his career, he has helped and supported numerous persons with disabilities in finding and keeping employment with several of them becoming successfully self-employed throughout Montana. Prior to launching Montana Employment Consultants, LLC in 2017, he was the medical care manager of the Headway Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program at St. Vincent Healthcare for 13 years. Before that, he was the director of MontanaWorks, a job placement agency he started in affiliation with the University of Montana in Missoula for people with disabilities. Robert has served as a board member of the Montana Brain Injury Alliance and as a board member and President of the Montana Association of Rehabilitation (MAR). Robert has spoken at numerous conferences on the subject of brain injury and employment facilitation for people with disabilities including the National APSE Conference in Washington D.C. and in Las Vegas, NV; and the Dallas Lone Star chapter of APSE. He has also presented at the Family and Professional’s Conference sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of Utah; the Montana Association of Rehabilitation; North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation and Annual Native American Traumatic Brain Injury conferences.
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Billings Team Members
Marika Kuhn joined the Billings MEC team in May 2025. A lifelong resident of Billings, she brings over 15 years of experience in human services, health care, and education, along with compassion, administrative expertise, and creativity. Marika has dedicated her life to uplifting individuals in need—whether serving as a psychiatric technician, administrator of senior living facilities, mental health assistant, or community liaison supporting youth in crisis.
She holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Western Governors University and is nationally certified as a psychiatric technician, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and meaningful service.
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Outside of work, Marika is a talented performer and culinary enthusiast who enjoys exploring global cuisines and musical styles. She lives by the motto, "Happiness is not a destination; you can find it in every day," and strives to bring that spirit into everything she does.
Melissa Hoffman joined the Billings MEC team in September 2025. She holds a bachelor's degree in Human Services from Montana State University–Billings. Melissa has extensive experience working with people with disabilities, having served for ten years with AWARE as a case manager—first with youth and later for six years providing case management to adults with developmental disabilities. In 2018, she began working as an Employment Specialist with Job Connection, where she was employed for years.
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Outside of work Melissa enjoys searching for agates on the Yellowstone river with her child and has very large collection of agates and other cool rocks they have discovered that over the years. She shared that "I have always enjoyed the outdoors with my family and friends. I enjoy pour painting in my spare time, as not every painting is ever the same, as we are all different in a very unique way."
Kari Whitney joined the Billings MEC team in June of 2023. Kari has 25 years experience in successfully managing and growing larger non-profit programs, facilitating systems change, and administration. Kari spent the breadth of her career in Eugene Oregon helping teens exit gangs. She has worked to bring services to many vulnerable populations throughout her career, including youth and family services, addiction services, crisis and mental health services and domestic violence services. Kari has a BSW from the University of Montana and is a Certified Mediator.
She and her husband have two daughters in college and two dogs. She loves cooking, gardening and coaching.
Megan White joined the Billings MEC team in Oct 2023. She has almost10 years of experience working with people with disabilities at STEP Inc in Billings, MT in several direct service and management roles. Megan has been trained and certified in Crucial Conversations and Person-Centered coaching.
Megan shared: "At STEP I focused on helping our clients reach their life goals and live meaningful lives, while building personal connection and pushing the barriers of inclusion. I am a natural advocate, a strong supporter of those in my community, and strive to make a positive difference. I value my role as a first-time mom, and I spend most of my time with my family and friends. I love to be creative through art, and hope to own a business one day that is focused around suicide prevention and awareness."
Lexie Watson joined the Billings MEC team in March 2024 to build our program in Billings, Hardin, and the Crow Agency. She grew up and lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado for most of her life. Lexie has a strong heart for helping others, and believes everyone should be treated with empathy, respect, and warmth. She is currently working on continuing her college education in child psychology, and deviant behavior. After college, she has plans to help children who are struggling with mental disorders. She has currently earned her Associates Degree in Psychology.
Lexie loves spending time with family and friends, going on hikes, doing outdoor activities,
baking, learning the piano, and playing video games.
Drew Bruhnke in November 2025 decided to come back to work with the Billings MEC team. Drew is a Montana native and has also worked with people with disabilities with Missoula Developmental Services Corporation and has volunteered with the Special Olympics. He has worked for many years in various construction industries including for his family's business in the masonry field. Drew enjoys spending time with his family, playing the guitar, hiking and hangin out in the gym.
Butte Team Members
Travis Jackson joined the Butte MEC team in October of 2023. He is a life-long resident of Butte and comes to our organization with over 16 years of experience in management, advocacy, and customer service. Travis also happens to be self-employed, is an incredible baker and is highly sought after for his amazing cookie creations! Travis is passionate about his advocacy work for people with disabilities as an organizer of the Butte Circle of Parents and runs a support group dedicated to children with mental health issues. Having raised a child with a significant disability, Travis brings this critical personal perspective to his work with MEC. In addition to cooking he also enjoys working on building projects, watching football and spending time with his family.
Jolee Thompson joined the Butte MEC team in October of 2024. She is a graduate of the
University of Montana Western where she was magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in
Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, and modern history. Her favorite subject is Montana History, specifically the Anaconda Company in Butte and Anaconda. Jolee has extensive knowledge of the area including growing up in Butte. Her degrees inspired her passion for research, and approaches each situation and individual with an open mind and with dedication. In addition to her education, she has worked in the customer service field for the last six years in Butte. She has a big heart and enjoys understanding and helping people pursue their dreams. Jolee enjoys reading and writing. She has a passion for all things history and takes pride in her work.
Elyse Graves joined the Butte MEC team in October of 2024, with a background in psychology and philosophy. She brings expertise in child care and development, and has extensive experience in customer-oriented roles, which has shaped her ability to create strong connections and provide supportive services. Elyse is passionate about helping others and looks forward to supporting her clients in finding their strengths and achieving success. Outside of work, Elyse enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her two cats her dog, along with exploring new baking and cooking recipes.
Tyler Fletcher joined the Butte MEC team in March 2025 and brings with him ten years of experience in human services field, including the Montana Developmental Center, Youth Dynamics and the Montana Chemical Dependency Center. He has worked with a wide-range of individuals, including those with developmental disabilities, individuals overcoming chemical dependency, and at-risk youth. He is passionate about the independence and empowerment that can be fostered through employment.
Tyler is working toward furthering his education in psychology at the University of Montana. Outside of work, he enjoys riding dirt bikes, flying RC planes, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in the winter.
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Craig Sweet joined the Butte MEC team in October 2025 and has called Montana home for over half his life, including Anaconda, where he has lived since 2018. Craig has more than 40 years of experience in community service and entrepreneurship, including serving as the Executive Director of the Anaconda Community Resource Center, and on the Missoula City Council and well as volunteering in many worthwhile causes. He is passionate about job coaching and training individuals to reach their full potential. Craig holds certifications in Nurturing Parenting, Stress and Anger Management, Visit Coaching, and Life Skills Training, which help him create personalized and supportive training programs that encourage growth and independence. Outside of work, Craig loves spending time outdoors—whether fishing or hiking, he enjoys exploring Montana’s beautiful landscapes.
Shelby Flink joined the Butte MEC Team in November 2025. She grew up in Butte, Montana, and now lives in Sheridan with her blended family, continuing to stay close to the communities and values that shaped her. She is a devoted mom to two young daughters who keep her inspired and on her toes. Shelby brings more than a decade of hands-on caregiving experience to her work at Montana Employment Consultants. She has spent six years supporting older adults—many with Alzheimer’s and dementia—and another six years assisting individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. Through these experiences she has developed deep patience, strong advocacy, and a genuine commitment to helping others thrive.
When she’s not working, Shelby loves spending time in the mountains with her family, baking new bread recipes, exploring new skills and hobbies, and enjoying the slower pace of life in the Ruby Valley. She values meaningful connections, laughter around a campfire, and creating lasting memories with her friends, children, and her two dogs.
Bozeman Team Members
Karlin Sprecher joined the Bozeman MEC team in August 2025. She has over a decade of experience in direct service roles, supporting individuals with disabilities including children in navigating the foster care system, and adults facing mental health and substance use challenges. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and is a certified Mental Health Coach through the American Association of Christian Counselors.
At home, Karlin and her husband are the proud parents of three teenagers. When she isn’t working or mentoring, she loves getting outdoors—especially hiking—and curling up with a good book.
Mikinley Hoffer joined the Bozeman MEC team in August 2025. She was born and raised in Helena, Montana, and moved to Bozeman in 2021 to begin her college education. She is set to graduate at the end of 2025 with her bachelor's in media studies communication. Before joining MEC, Mikinley gained extensive experience working in the childcare industry and the customer service sector. She also serves as a board member for The Compassion Project, which teaches mindfulness practices to underserved members of the Bozeman community. She has experience supporting children with disabilities and is passionate about fostering inclusive, supportive environments where everyone can thrive.
Outside of work, Mikinley is most often creating, as she is passionate about art. She runs a small business where she upcycles old clothing into wearable art pieces. When she isn’t creating, she finds inspiration in the great outdoors of Montana. Whether she is hiking, camping, or sitting by the river, she loves exploring the beauty of the place she calls home.
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Havre Team
Chris Johnsrud joined the MEC team in July, 2025 to help establish our presence in the Havre, MT area. Chris is a dedicated disability rights advocate who grew up in Havre and continues to live close to his mother and two children. Raised with strong Montana values, He enjoys volunteering, hunting, fishing, and working on cars—interests that reflect his practical, hands-on approach to life and community.
After various careers in management and technology, including roles as a Wireless Network Manager at Triangle Telephone and a Technical Advisor for GE Transportation, Chris became physically disabled five years ago. This event became a turning point, leading him to explore self-advocacy and to become engaged in helping others with disabilities.
Chris currently serves on the Montana State Independent Living Council (as a Governor-appointed board member and current President), contributing to the Montana Youth Transitions Committee, and working directly with individuals as a Peer Support Specialist and Community Programs Facilitator at North Central Independent Living Services.