Marianne Smith

CEO

Marianne Smith is a founder of Code Girls United and created and taught the Code Girls United program. She was an adjunct Computer Science Professor at Flathead Valley Community College.  She is an engineer with BS and MS degrees and has over 25 years of technology and business experience including NASA engineering experience..

Jennifer Turcotte

COO

Jennifer was born and raised in the state of Montana.  Formerly a high school English teacher, purchasing manager, banker, and tiny home builder, she is excited to join the executive team of Code Girls United as they advance their mission to empower young girls and teach them the skills necessary for success.

In her spare time Jennifer enjoys hiking, hot yoga, reading, puzzling, and hanging out with friends and family.  She is hoping that she might even learn how to program code herself and add that to her list of new favorite pastimes.

Melissa Dunning

Fund Development director

Melissa comes to us from a varied career background in education and non-profit work. Having been a certified English Educator, she taught in the State of Georgia and at Rossyln Academy International School in Nairobi, Kenya before entering the non-profit sector in managerial and development roles with City Year Denver and Boys & Girls Clubs. Though a North Carolina native, she is mother to a Montana native, Asher. They enjoy skiing together and exploring the rivers and wild places in this beautiful state. .

Jessica Johnston

chief program Officer

Jessica is a proud third-generation Montanan with a myriad of passions, including a deep commitment to her community and the empowerment of young women through education and opportunity.

She brings extensive experience in administration, operations, and community relations, and is honored to serve as the Chief Program Officer of Code Girls United. Jessica is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission and expanding its dynamic programming across the state, opening doors for the next generation of innovators and leaders.

caity Dyson

executive Administrator

Catherine is the Technical Administrator for Code Girls United. She is responsible for providing technical support for all programs and for our organization in general.  She is a lifelong Montana resident and loves all things outdoors, gardening, cooking and exercise and mom to two wonderful boys. As part of Code Girls United, she brings her diverse background in bringing innovative ideas and fun to the team.

kathy eckhart

Program director

In her tenure as Program Director for Code Girls United Kathy has led double digit growth in both program locations and number of girls served in Eastern Montana. Kathy has extensive experience in management, operations, and training. She is passionate about providing Montana girls STEM and business education opportunities as a way of setting a path toward exciting career choices.

Kathy loves meeting new people and networking, she is always ready to make a new friend over a good cup of coffee. Outside of work Kathy enjoys crafting, hiking and paddle boarding.

crystal evans

Program coordinator

Crystal is Blackfeet and was born on the Blackfeet Reservation in Northern Montana. She is a first generation college graduate. She has an extensive background in clinical psychology, human services, and higher education including both direct instruction and academic research.  During her interview, she confided that she is looking forward to joining an organization that is making a difference in the lives of young women throughout the state. She is excited about being part of such a great opportunity.

Darian SHACKELFORD

program coordinator

Darian’s love for Code Girls and their mission began when she instructed two Code Girls classes, and led one of her teams to place 2nd in the CGU App challenge. She is now a Program Coordinator for CGU and is excited to continue making an impact.

In her free time, she loves herself some sunshine. You can find her on a pickleball court, at the CrossFit gym, or on walks with her family, which includes her husband, two year old future Code Girl, Murphy, and adorable Corgi Aussie pup. Darian is perennially curious. She loves to read, learn new things and expand her capabilities. She has a knack for graphic design and problem solving, and Code Girls United is the perfect outlet for those things.

EMMA ANDERSON

intern

Emma Anderson is a senior at Stillwater Christian School and has been part of the program as a student and teacher for 8 years. She loves the sun and the outdoors, and plans to pursue law in university.

isabelle ashley

intern

Isabelle Ashley is a homeschooled high school senior. She joined Code Girls United as a participant in fifth grade, and found her love for computer science through the program. She plans to pursue a computer science degree after high school.