Celebrating and Supporting Montana School Counselors

2026 Advocate of the Year: Kelly Cresswell, Reach Higher Montana

Kelly Cresswell leads a talented team of student advocates dedicated to helping Montana students explore postsecondary education and training opportunities. Under her leadership, Reach Higher Montana has become an essential partner to school counselors, providing tools, resources and guidance that directly support students in planning for their futures and overcoming barriers to access.
 
Kelly’s curiosity, creativity and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable ally to school counselors and an unwavering advocate for Montana students. Her work has strengthened school counseling programs, expanded educational opportunities and ensured that students – regardless of background or geography – are better prepared to pursue their goals.
 
Colleagues describe Kelly as someone who “works tirelessly to improve Reach Higher Montana’s resources and expand them for the benefit of school districts and students across the state.” Her dedication, vision and impact make her a deserving recipient of the 2026 Advocate of the Year Award.
 

2026 Montana School Counselor of the Year: Morgan Barber, Manhattan Middle School

We are proud to recognize Morgan Barber as the 2026 Montana School Counselor of the Year. This award honors school counselors who demonstrate excellence in delivering a comprehensive, data-informed program aligned with the ASCA National Model®.
 
Morgan consistently exemplifies this standard through intentional systems that support students’ academic and social/emotional growth. Her work includes structured classroom lessons, data-informed interventions and strong collaboration with staff and families, ensuring all students receive meaningful support.
 
Known for her creativity and innovation, Morgan has introduced engaging, hands-on approaches to counseling and launched impactful initiatives such as a middle school Student Council and an Adopt-a-Family program that supports families in the community.
 
Most important, Morgan’s work has a direct and lasting impact on students. She fosters strong relationships built on trust and care, helping students grow in confidence, resilience and self-awareness while contributing to a more connected and supportive school environment.

Morgan’s dedication and passion make her a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
 

2026 Montana School Counselor of the Year Runner-Up: Mandy Eike, Moore Public Schools

Mandy Eike exemplifies excellence in school counseling through her dedication to supporting students across academic, career and social/emotional domains. Trained in the ASCA National Model®, she skillfully applies its principles within the unique demands of a K–12 Class C school and is widely respected as a trusted resource for college and scholarship guidance.
 
Serving all grade levels, Mandy supports the developmental needs of young learners while guiding juniors and seniors through postsecondary planning with competence and care. Through goal setting, graduation planning, scholarship support and career exploration, she ensures students are prepared for success beyond high school.

Her innovative approach has expanded career-readiness programming, increased scholarship access and strengthened partnerships with community and postsecondary institutions. In her rural setting, Mandy is deeply committed to ensuring students have equitable access to opportunities by making a meaningful and lasting impact.
 
Contact Elizabeth Clark, MSCA Nominations & Elections chair, at eclark@mtschoolcounselor.org.