Brandi Johnson
Program Manager
Brandi joined the Early Childhood Project in 2006 and has since held a variety of positions allowing her to gain a complete understanding of operational procedures at the Project. In her current role as Program Manager she provides fiscal and contract management along with administering program accreditation scholarships and final review of Practitioner Registry applications. Before joining the ECP, Brandi was the Director of Family Services at a local Child Care Resource and Referral agency. Brandi is a 5th generation Bozeman native and earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Montana State University. In her free time she enjoys all things outdoors.
Caterina Jones
Program Assistant
Caterina (Trina) joined the Early Childhood Project in March of 2023 as our Program Assistant. In her role as Program Assistant, she processes registry applications, answers phones and emails, run our social media accounts, and helps with anything else around the office. She is currently working on her degree in Early Childhood Education at Montana State University in Bozeman. Before joining the ECP Trina worked in childcare both here in Montana and back in her home state of New Mexico. In her free time, she loves to be with her family and friends, cooking and baking, decorating cakes, and dancing.
Cathy Martin
Registry Manager
Cathy joined the Early Childhood Project in 2020. Her primary role is organization administration, managing registry accounts, and assisting with registry issues for users. Before joining the project, Cathy worked as a Preschool Special Education teacher and Elementary Librarian in Virginia. Cathy was born and raised in Virginia and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Virginia, a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from George Mason University, and a Master’s degree in Library Science from Texas Women’s University. Cathy moved to Bozeman to be closer to Yellowstone and spends most of her available time in the park or serving her cats, Arthur and Penelope.
Dawn Zimdars
Special Projects Coordinator
Dawn joined the Early Childhood Project in February, 2020. Her role as Special Projects Coordinator provides oversight of the Montana Early Childhood Apprentice Program (MECAP) and the Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Montana high school students. Dawn acts as a liaison between the Early Childhood Services Bureau and the Department of Labor and Industry while actively recruiting and marketing the MECAP Program in Montana. Before joining the ECP, she was the Program Coordinator for the Early Childhood Education Department at the University of Montana Western. Dawn grew up in Oregon and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Portland State University. In her free time, she enjoys soaking in hot springs and creating adventures with her three children.
Joanne Perino
Research/Data Analyst
Joanne joined the Early Childhood Project in 2024 as the Data and Research Analyst. She provides database management and support by analyzing and generating reports regarding key areas of professional development about the early childhood workforce in Montana. Before joining the ECP, she taught preschool and worked as an admissions evaluator supervisor at Montana State University, Bozeman. Joanne grew up in Springfield, IL and earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from MSU, Bozeman. In her free time, she enjoys trail running, outdoor adventures with her family, and game nights with family and friends.
Madi Campbell
Professional Development Coordinator
Madi has been a part of the ECP team for almost two years and has worked a few different positions, which has given her plenty of experience with the Registry. Madi started out as Program Assistant in the summer of 2021, then moved to Data Research Analyst, learning the ins and outs of the Registry system. Most recently, Madi has taken over as Professional Development Coordinator. She takes care of course/event approval, processes PDS and Director Credential applications, and approves individual training requests. Madi graduated in the Fall of 2020 with a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from Montana State University in Bozeman. Madi enjoys reading, being with her friends and family, and traveling in her free time.
Tabitha Horton
System Support Coordinator
Tabitha joined the Early Childhood Project in April of 2023 as the System Support Coordinator. She graduated from Montana State University in May of 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Human Development & Family Sciences and a minor in Sociology. Tabitha was born in Ohio but grew up in Montana and has lived in Bozeman since she was in middle school. She hopes to continue to pursue higher education and eventually go back to school to get her Masters in a human service-related field. Tabitha enjoys hiking, movies, and true crime podcasts, and in her free time she likes to hang out with her husband, friends, and family.
Taylor Boylan
Director
Taylor graduated from Montana State University in 2015 with a degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development. She has previously worked at Child Care Connections and worked as the Registry Manager at the Early Childhood Project before becoming the Director. Taylor is passionate and dedicated to improving the quality of programs for young children and families as well as supporting the Early Childhood Workforce. She currently lives in Bozeman and enjoys fishing, hiking, crafting, and taking care of her two dogs.