Diane Olsen - Executive Director

Diane knows B.E.A.R. well, serving on the Board of Directors for 8 years before becoming part of the staff.  She also taught environmental education in Redwood National Park, led backpacking trips for 3 years at a therapeutic wilderness program and spent 4 years as the Youth Services Coordinator at a program serving survivors of domestic violence.  She loves the work of keeping the necessary funding and administration going so that youth can meet their potential and experience the clarity and solace that can come with being in the outdoors.


B.E.A.R. Inc.
310 North 4th Street
Hamilton, MT 59840
Phone: (406) 363-5410
Diane: X121 Meghan: X122 Sean: X123
Michele: X124  Barb: X125


Barb Lucas, M.A. - Family Outreach Coordinator
Barb is ready to serve the families of our youth with creativity, enthusiasm, knowledge, and care.  In addition to her private counseling and coaching practice,
Barb has spent several years serving youth and their families in the Bitterroot Valley as a mental health professional in places such as Riverfront Counseling in Hamilton and Full Circle Counseling Solutions in Stevensville.  Barb is always on the trails throughout the Valley, biking around town, or skating on quad skates at Mobash. 
Her family includes two righteous teens and her most excellent fiancé, Tom.  The
four of them consider themselves beyond fortunate to live and play in the most beautiful place on the planet, side by side with the best people on Earth.




Sean MacNee - Program Leader

Sean is an extreme backcountry outdoorsman with a wicked sense of humor and enthusiasm for life that's contagious.  Sean is a member of Ravalli County Search
and Rescue’s Mountain Rescue & Swiftwater Rescue teams...seriously skilled!  Sean's best memories working with youth include his roles as: camp counselor, lifeguard, swim instructor, ski & snowboard instructor and being a Big Brother. Our youth have
a world of possibilies opening to them under his leadership!





Meghan Kanle - Program Leader
 











Brent Thompson - SK8 Montana Coordinator







Michele Thompson - Administrative Assistant

Michele has lived in Hamilton for many years and recently joined B.E.A.R. She
assists in the administrative department and helps the whole organization to
run smoothly. She loves being outdoors and enjoys cross-country skiing. She
is an incredible woman who is full of stories and is always ready to have a
interesting chat.









Because Connections Make Us Stronger
Meghan is a world traveler recently returned home with a passion for outdoor adventures and high places. She has spent the last 5 years in the climbing community as a rock loving enthusiast, instructor, and guide. Her background in art and dance as well as her smile and true excitement for life make her a fun loving infectious person to be around. The desire to positively impact and connect with the youth and people around her make her a great asset to B.E.A.R. and the extended community.