Vice President: Kate Peila

Greetings!

My name is Kate Peila and I am a second grade teacher at Arrowhead Elementary School. I am entering into my fourth year of teaching here in Billings. 

Prior to teaching, I managed youth programming for a local nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and families in poverty. Through my work with this organization, I saw first hand the transformative power of literacy in people's lives. Reaching beyond simple enjoyment, personal literacy skills enable people to compete in today's work force, advocate for themselves and their families, and give back to the community. As a result of this experience, I am extremely passionate about enriching literacy instruction for today's youth and partnering with local organizations to provide literacy enrichment in our community and beyond.

In addition to my work with MERC, I love to read, write, bike, and play with my mischievous puppy, Hans. My husband is a law student at the University of Montana, so I spend a lot of time in Missoula enjoying the mountains and trails.

I look forward to being a part of the growth of MERC and supporting educators and other literacy organizations in our community!