New BASE Staff

John Howard, BASE Coordinator

John works with youth between the ages of 13-24 finding job shadow experiences, mentors, and internships. He also facilitates BASE programs and teaches Communication through improv to high school students. BASE programs include: YODA (Youth Opening Doors through Advocacy), BALLS, Poetry Workshop, All Ages Comedy, 4Real Dance, Adaptive Yoga, Game Night, Podcasts, Base Improv, and Base Art Group

New BALLS Facilitators
BALLS (Building Advocacy and Leadership Learning Skills)

Lauren Venaglia, BALLS / BASE Art Group (BAG) Facilitator

Hello! My name is Lauren Venaglia. I run the Base Art Group with Cara Wherley and I am the art curator for BASE’s art gallery. I’m excited about BASE’s mission of building community for people with and without disabilities. Recently I’ve been hired by Summit as a BALLS facilitator and working with high school students on the topics of disability history and advocacy. I’d like to thank Jude and Michael for giving me this opportunity to be more involved in making our community a better place.

Kirsten Neihart, BASE Dance Teacher / BALLS Facilitator

Hello my name is Kirsten Neihart. I am the dance teacher at BASE and I also was hired by Summit Independent Living Center to be a BALLS facilitator. I just graduated from high school, am pursuing college, and looking forward to joining the workforce. I am happy for what I am involved in.

Tiara Lee, BALLS Facilitator

Hi, I am a 2016 graduate of Big Sky High School (BSHS). This is where I was first introduced to the BALLS classes. I knew that I wanted to work with people with disabilities after high school and was interested in working with Summit. After graduation, I talked with Mike Beers and my vocational rehabilitation counselor. In August I completed the BALLS facilitator training and have since co-facilitated in BSHS and Hellgate High.