About

mission

to empower, inspire and prepare Montana’s next generation for future success through professional media arts instruction, engaging community service and compassionate mentoring

vision

a world which values the voice and work of all youth and supports them in creating successful futures

Hailing from Michigan, Hunter moved to Hamilton, Montana, in 2018 and, with the help of some locals, learned about MAPS. Originally, he only planned to become a MAPS student, but with a heap of techno-experience, he was offered the position of teaching assistant on the crew. Nowadays, he helps MAPS in various ways, including assisting with facility maintenance, designing digital and print media for MAPS, and being the local IT wizard.

Superpower: Turn electricity into art

As a student-centered educator since 2004, Arielle Rhodz (M.Ed) is skilled in building strong relationships based on mutual respect. Her candid counsel encourages students to optimize self-reflection and ignite their potential for personal empowerment. Arielle has always championed MAPS and has connected students with the opportunities it provides for many years. After serving on the Board of Directors (2018 – 2023), Arielle joined the MAPS Team to share her skills and support instructors as Lead Teacher.

Superpower: Ignition Specialist

Craig grew up in Three Forks, MT, where he spent most of his time trying to avoid school. For a person who struggled in school, education became a huge part of his life. He went on to earn degrees at Montana State University, Dawson Community College, and Helena College of Technology.

It wasn’t until he became an Industrial Technology teacher that Craig found his true calling. He taught for 32 years at Harlem High School, where he put his education and training to work.

Craig’s approach to teaching relies on connecting with students and building trust while throwing in some life lessons as he goes. He works to nurture naturally curious minds and awaken hidden passions. Drawing upon his own early school experience, he aims to reach students who are trying to identify their interests and understand how to fulfill their potential.

Superpower: Making S**t Happen

Kathy, the parental unit of a long-time Lewis & Clark County Program MAPSter, gets inspiration from the energy and creativity of the MAPS students. A technical writer and data scientist with a background in environmental planning and engineering applications, Kathy enjoys sharing with the students how the creative skills they are learning have very concrete STEAM and practical applications for their future.

Hunter started with MAPS as one of Craig Todd’s students at Harlem High School, where he jumped into every afterschool program he could find. His interest in filmmaking took off, and his work was featured in regional film festivals in 2018.

After graduating high school in 2019, Hunter earned two Associate Degrees from Aaniiih Nakoda College – one in Computer Information Systems and another in Business Technology. His mix of tech skills and connection to the Fort Belknap community makes him a key part of the MAPS team.

When he’s not working with MAPS, Hunter makes music, explores Montana with friends, and dives into whatever interests catch his eye. His ability to merge technical know-how with creativity while staying genuine makes working with him a highlight for everyone at MAPS.

Superpower: Tackling New Challenges

Amilia has wanted to be a filmmaker since childhood when she wore down VHS tapes of her favorite movies! She participated in numerous MAPS workshops from 2018 to 2022 when she attended Harlem High School near the Fort Belknap Indian Community in North Central Montana. Several of the films she co-directed won regional awards. Two were nominated for the National High Student Production Awards from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (the organization behind the Emmys). The films are powerful and intimate stories exploring the struggle to preserve the Aaniiih and Nakoda ways of life, cultural identification, and blood quantum. In the summer of 2023, Amilia served with MAPS as a Summer AmeriCorps. She continues to co-design and develop workshop ideas to make sure MAPS programming is relevant and connects with all youth.

Superpower: Compassionate and BOLD storyteller

A citizen of the U.S. and Mexico, John is neck-deep in technology, video-making, and all things science. In addition to being featured on the Discovery and Science TV channels, John has a B.S. in Science Education from Montana State University and directs the Bitterroot College Fabrication Lab. He holds a B.A. in Science Education from Montana State University, and teaching high school across the state has honed his ability to motivate students to be capable and curious creators. John wants to help people transform the best of their imagination into real-world solutions.

Superpower: Copying and giving people’s powers to myself and others

Sienna’s family moved around the country every few years due to her father’s army service until she was 15. While friends, houses, and states changed, art remained her constant. She found solace in learning about and drawing various animals while exploring different mediums. Sienna holds an MFA in Sequential Art (a fancy term for comics and storyboarding) from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she honed her illustrative skills and learned storytelling techniques. Passionate about inspiring and empowering younger artists, Sienna shares her art knowledge—a resource she wishes she had while growing up.

Superpower: Animal Whisperer

Jake Ryan is an artist from Great Falls, Montana. Art has been a lifelong passion for this creative spirit. Now a father, husband, and small business owner, Jake produces music, videos, and graphics while hosting events at Soulfire Studios in downtown Helena. As an independent contractor, Jake also works with Xroadz Construction doing drywall and painting. The opportunity to inspire youth and be part of a great community drew him to MAPS. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Superpower: Turning thoughts into things

Kaelianna was born and raised in Helena, Montana, an environment rich with creativity. Inspired by her mother, a 25+ year local high-school art and photography teacher, she developed a deep appreciation for the arts. Now a mother of two creative children, Kaelianna maintains a home filled with arts and crafts supplies to nurture her family’s artistic spirit. Since 2006, she has specialized in body art and airbrush tattoos while pursuing her passion for tie-dying, fashion design, and decorating. You can find her at Soulfire Studios, where she produces and sells vibrant creations.

Superpower: Color healer