Meet The Team
The MYDA Team is comprised of a strong group of individuals all across Montana all with a direct connection to Type 1 Diabetes. Our team ranges from long time Type Ones, parents of Type Ones, Pediatric Endocrinologists from all across the state, Certified Diabetic Educators and nutritionists. Everyone has a connection. Led by our fearless leader Tonya Fuhrmann, who stepped up to make sure Type One kids in Montana have a safe Diabetes camp to go to right here in our beautiful state. She is flanked by mission-driven board members that help make this mission a reality!
The MYDA Board

Founder & Executive Director
Tonya Fuhrmann
I've been type 1 since I was 9 years old. For the past 22 years I have been involved with camp. I created MYDA with the help of Karen Giesy in November of 2019. In March of 2020 the 9-person board and 34-person committee was brought together to ultimately form the best non-profit volunteer group one could ask for.

Medical Coordinator
Jodie McIlvain
Hi, I’m Jodie. I have had type 1 diabetes for 41 years and now work as a PA in diabetes. I was a camper as a child and credit my camp experiences for much of my success with my own diabetes. I continued to work as a volunteer as a young adult until I took some time off to raise my three amazing boys, Riley, Braden and Kade with my husband, Corey. I feel passionately about helping kids with diabetes and am excited to serve as the medical coordinator for MYDA and help make Camp MYDA the best experience possible.

Board Member & Marketing Chair
Jeremy Rolfsmeyer
I am a father of a 13 year old Type One Diabetic named Thaymen. I have been working at Harley-Davidson for the last 7 years as the Marketing Manager and enjoy long walks on the beach. I am very active on a lot of the Online T1 parent support groups, and have been a repeat guest on the Juicebox Podcast. My only goal in life is to make sure my sons life is as full as it can be.

Board Member & Secretary
Mary Tripp
Hello! I am Mary, and I have had T1D for 26 years! Camp has been such a passionate thing in my life as I was a camper myself at a young age. I am here to share my life experiences with other kids as well. I have other passions as well, like hunting, fishing, camping, and my family. I have been a cosmetologist for 12 years and an owner of a salon for 6 years, and although T1D can be challenging, I choose to live my best life and have control of it the best I can!

Treasurer & Projects and initiatives
Merna Terry
I became involved with Type1 when my son was diagnosed in 2016 as a young adult. I feel camp experiences can be some of the best memories and learning experiences available when you are a child. I want to ensure that all kids with T1D can also have an opportunity for those experiences. That is why I am so excited to be involved with MYDA.

Board Member & Fundraising Support
Karen Giesy
My name is Karen Giesy. My grandson Jayden was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 9 and my life changed forever! It was my goal to do what I could to help Jayden have a promising future. That’s when Tonya and I decided to start a nonprofit to assist kids and families with TID.
I grew up in Rudyard, MT where helping your neighbors was a way of life. It was my good fortune to spend my career working in Glacier National Park. I am now retired and giving back to the community however I can. My life is great with my husband Roger, son Ryan his fiancé Janay, daughter, Abreon her husband David along with 3 amazing grandchildren Jayden, Jazmine and Dominic.

Board Member
Marci Butcher CDCES
I am a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist. My career has been entirely with the diabetes world for 31 years now. In addition my husband Jason of now 30 years, was diagnosed a couple years after we were married. I currently work for the MT Diabetes Program at the state health department. My role includes helping increase access to diabetes care and education across the state. I also lead a statewide workgroup on diabetes care at schools. We are blessed with two sons- Andy and Sam. I enjoy hiking and fishing in north Helena.

Board Member & Medical Liaison
Michele Danichich MD
Michele is an endocrinologist who has been in practice in Missoula since 1999. She is a Montana native who moved back home after completing her medical training in Seattle, Portland and San Diego. She is a big fan of all of the outdoor opportunities western Montana has to offer and is thrilled to be part of MYDA and helping make Camp MYDA an unforgettable week to look forward to every summer!

Board Member & Media Specialist
Mike Collins
I have had type 2 diabetes for 20 years. I was born and raised in Havre, Montana and now live in Kalispell. I have had a varied work career including jobs in gas and oil exploration, machinist for the BN Railroad and worked in the IT field for the last 25 years in various industries. I retired from paid work in 2019 and have been dedicating my time trying to make my community and Montana a better place. I have been involved with diabetes charities through the Lions Club since 2005. It is a great pleasure to be involved with MYDA.

Board Member & Fundraising Support
Susan Nicosia
Susan M. Nicosia, was appointed city manager of Columbia Falls in June 2011. She has over 30 years serving local governments in different capacities, including external and internal auditor, finance director, elected official, and consultant. She holds a B.O.S Business Admin. Degree and a Master of Public Administration Degree and is a Certified Public Accountant. Her daughter was diagnosed with type 1 at a young age. She has since then become an advocate for kids with type 1 as she knows how important it is to have the utmost support for these kids and their families.

Board Member
Jennifer Hurst CDCES - RD
Jennifer Hurst (Troupe) is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with over 20 years experience caring for people living with diabetes. She has served in a variety of roles during her career, which include direct patient care (inpatient and outpatient), technology training on insulin pumps and continuous glucose sensors, administration, patient engagement and advocacy. Jennifer has two daughters and lives in the Bitterroot Valley. She currently is a student at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana to pursue her lifetime dream of a career in law and advocacy.
Medical Committee
We are also supported by many medical specialists and volunteers in and outside of camp.

Pediatric Endocrinologist
Nathan Bingham MD PhD
MYDA Medical Provider / Director
Logan Healthcare

Adult Endocrinology
Claire Steinberg CPNP-PC, BC-ADM
MYDA Medical Committee
Medical Volunteer Coordinator
Logan Healthcare

Dietitian Diabetes Educator
Brooke Foth RD CDCES
Lead MYDA Dietitian
Logan Healthcare

Pediatric Endocrinologist
Colleen Wood MD
MYDA Medical Provider
Billings Clinic

Pediatric PA
Kathrine Flass PA-C
MYDA Medical Provider
Logan Healthcare

Pediatric Endocrinologist
Anita Azam MD
MYDA Medical Provider
Billings Clinic

ICU RN
Jennifer Miller
MYDA Medical Committee
St. James Helthcare

Internal Medicine
Justen Rudolph MD
MYDA Medical Committee
St. Vincent Healthcare

Adult Endocrinology
Jordan Teller NP
MYDA Medical Committee
St. Vincent Healthcare

Pediatric Endocrinologist
Marwan Bakhach MD
MYDA Medical Provider
Benefis Health System