Staff

ANTHONY WARREN

TRIO PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

Anthony Warren is the TRIO Pre-College Programs Director at the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. With a decade of experience as a rural school superintendent on Montana’s Hi-Line, Anthony has been dedicated to fostering student success in underserved communities. His passion for education and commitment to helping students achieve their goals drive his work supporting TRIO programs. Anthony is excited to bring his leadership experience to the role and continue advocating for student success across Montana.

DAWES ELWOOD

METS COLLEGE ACCESS MANAGER

Dawes Elwood is the College Access Manager for the Montana Educational Talent Search program. After graduating from the University of Montana with a B.A. in English, he taught high school in Cut Bank and East Helena for five years. Dawes believes in making public education more equitable, especially for disadvantaged groups and individuals. He hopes to bring an educator’s perspective to support services for students pursuing post-secondary education in Montana.

CARLA GUARISCO

FLATHEAD AREA PRE-COLLEGE ADVISOR II

Carla is a Pre-College Advisor for the Flathead Target Area, serving Ronan Middle and High School and Two Eagle River School. Upon completing her B.A. in Communication Disorders at Louisiana State University, Carla’s career serving children and their families started with the Louisiana CASA Association, followed by the New Orleans Teen Court Program, then onto California at UCSB as a home visitor to families with special needs infants. She believes that a critical key to resiliency is mentorship and is honored to immerse herself in the Flathead communities through METS by supporting students’ post-secondary preparation and career goals.

ELIZABETHE MALONEY-BARRETT

GREAT FALLS AREA PRE-COLLEGE ADVISOR

Elizabethe has worked as a middle and high school English teacher for 13 years previous to accepting her position as the Great Falls Pre-College Advisor. She is excited that this position will allow her to help the same students but in new, fun, and exciting ways. Elizabethe has spent a lot of time in the classroom teaching kids about interviews, scholarships, career exploration, and post-graduation goal setting, so this will be a seamless transition for her. Elizabethe loves to see what her former students have accomplished and cant wait to guide another generation!

COLLENA BROWN

CROW AREA PRE-COLLEGE ADVISOR

Collena Brown is a Pre-College Advisor for the Crow area, where she serves Hardin and Lodge Grass Public Schools. Collena returned to Educational Talent Search after exploring other careers in the educational field as a HiSet Instructor, Crow Tribal Headstart homebase teacher, and Resource Specialist. Collena is excited to rejoin ETS advisors in helping students prepare for and research careers, colleges, and their futures. She believes in the value of post-secondary education, providing students with tools and opportunities to help them excel in life.

MANDY MORAN

FLATHEAD AREA PRE-COLLEGE ADVISOR

Mandy Moran is a Pre-College Advisor in the Flathead Target Area, where she serves St. Ignatius and Polson Public Schools.  After graduating with a B.S. in Elementary Education, she has worked in public schools in various positions, and education is where her heart is.  Mandy has three children who are the light of her life. With Montana Educational Talent Search, she hopes to show secondary students various educational opportunities and help guide them toward enjoyable and fulfilling careers.

ANNSLEY PUGH

GREAT FALLS & BROWNING AREA PRE-COLLEGE ADVISOR

Annsley Pugh is a devoted education professional who joined the Montana Educational Talent Search team in July 2024. Before transitioning into this role, Annsley was a middle school teacher and has a passion for empowering students. She graduated from Montana State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, focusing on science education, and earned a graduate certificate in STEAM education from Clemson University in 2024. As a first-generation college graduate, Annsley is committed to supporting students who face similar challenges. She is dedicated to helping students discover their passions, continue their education, and grow in their careers.

 

ROWLAND WILBER

GREAT FALLS AREA PRE-COLLEGE ADVISOR

Rowland retired from the Air Force in 2020 after serving for 23 years. He then transitioned into education and accepted the position of Great Falls Pre-College Advisor. Prior to this role, he worked as a teacher's aide, substitute teacher, and Paraprofessional, specializing in special education. Rowland is excited to support students with their educational transitions to college or trade school settings. He plans to use his past experiences to guide and mentor students with real-world strategies that will help them navigate complex college and job environments. Rowland believes that mentorship is critical to student success and sees this job as the perfect opportunity to provide that support.