Board of Directors

Dan McGee

Past President

President, Building Mind & Body, LLC in Missoula, Montana

Years on Board: 6

“Two and a half years ago, Camp came into my life. At that same time, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. During his treatment, I had a conversation with him about the opportunity to do something for kids with cancer. He perked up and said I had to do it. Many prayers where said asking for help in getting through his treatments and the future loss of my dad. My prayers were answered as I continue to help make Camp a special place for all who experience it.”

Blake Underriner

Vice President (& Former Camper, Volunteer & Summer Staff)

Managing Partner, Underriner Honda

Years on Board: 2

“For me Camp is home. It is a place where you can be yourself and be around people who understand you.”

Andrew Larson

President

Vice President, Commercial Lending, First Security Bank in Missoula, Montana

Years on Board: 4

“My father-in-law died of cancer. He lived his life as a servant. I donate my time because the mission at Camp is that of a servant with the goal of affecting peoples’ lives in a positive manner.”

Dr. Laurie Carter

Camp Medical Director

Pediatric Hospitalist in Missoula, Montana

Years on Board: 4

"Ever since first volunteering at Camp in 2015, I have witnessed the amazingly positive impact that Camp has on kids similar to ones I see during my work as a pediatrician. Camp allows them the opportunity to 'get away from it all,' meaning the physically and emotionally painful aspects of having cancer. I feel honored to work with the wonderful Camp staff to create the environment that enables these special days at Camp."

Aaron Neilson

Neilson, Swanson & Dietrich, A Northwest Law Firm

Years on Board: 2

“I joined Camp Māk-A-Dream’s board because the organization does so much good. Whether it’s a laugh or a tear-filled memory, Camp Māk-A-Dream’s volunteers support, befriend, and help bring joy to campers and their families during trying times. Cancer took my grandpa when I was a teenager. And it tried to take one of my best friends when he was a child; thankfully, he survived, he authored a cancer memoir about his journey overcoming cancer that has impacted thousands, and he continues to help children and their families fight cancer in the U.S. and internationally. As a director, I hope to help Camp Māk-A-Dream as well as the campers and families it serves, succeed long into the future.”

Kylie Kretz, RN, BSN, CPN

Pediatric Oncology Nurse in Washington, DC

Years on Board: 1.5

I found camp when I was a freshman in college and was feeling uncertain of my career choice in nursing. It took less than an hour volunteering in Gold Creek to know that camp was truly someplace special and I would be back. Fast forward six years and many roles at camp later, I now work as a pediatric oncology nurse and am pursing my passion further in nurse practitioner school. Camp impacts people in a way that is indescribable by creating a community of hope and companionship. After years of seeing the first-hand affect camp has on its participants, continuing to serve the community is an honor.

Keith Fichtner

Treasurer

Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Missoula, MT

Years on Board: 1.5

"Cancer is everywhere and affects every person in some manner. My father is a testicle cancer survivor. My brother-in-law is also a nasopharyngeal cancer survivor. Their cancer journey's have affected so many in their community's and extended families. Their extraordinary determination and will to survive have inspired many people including myself. Camp's mission is to honor not only cancer survivor's, but everyone affected by cancer. Being on the board is one small way I can give back and I'm excited to work with an organization that empowers survivors and their families to live with and beyond cancer."

Kelly Scariano

Private Practice- LCSW

Years on Board: Joined September 2021

Cancer took my mom's life. Witnessing her suffering and walking with her and our family motivated me to become involved with Camp Māk-A-Dream. This is one small way I can give to others and be part of an amazing organization which touches the lives of both campers and their families. It is an honor to serve as a Board Member.

Laura Churchman

Marketing Communications Manager, ALPS Insurance Agency

Years on Board: Joined October 2021

Before succumbing to the seven-year itch of ad agency life, Laura Churchman cut her teeth as a copywriter at Callahan Creek Marketing and Advertising in Lawrence, Kansas and Spiker Communications in Missoula, Montana. Starting in 2007, Laura worked as a Technical Writer at the University of Montana, providing technical support to the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program and the Forest Service Northern Region University. In tandem, she pounded the pavement as a freelance marketing and advertising copywriter. In fact, ALPS was one of her freelance clients before they offered her the opportunity to join their in-house marketing team in 2011. Laura is now using her marketing and writing background to promote ALPS lawyers’ malpractice insurance as well as the company’s risk management service arms for the legal community. Laura graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa with a BA in Journalism in 2000. Laura serves on the Board of Trustees for Community Medical Center. Laura also enjoys camping, hiking, and overnight rafting adventures on Montana’s pristine rivers.

Dr. Allie Maffit

Pediatric Oncologist

Logan Health Children's

Years on Board: Joined March 2022

Dr. Maffit is a born and raised Montanan. She grew up in Helena and completed her undergraduate work at Carroll College. While attending High School she was able to volunteer at Camp Māk-A-Dream which helped ignite her passion for pediatric oncology. She earned her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska and performed her residency in pediatrics at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She completed her fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon prior to moving back to Montana. While in fellowship Dr. Maffit obtained a Masters of Since in Healthcare Management, participated in research focused on the bone marrow microbiome, and served as a children’s health care advocate to encourage policy changes for children both locally and nationally. When she’s not at the clinic, Dr. Maffit enjoys taking advantage of our great outdoors by hiking, kayaking, biking with her family.

Jenny Baker

Pharmacist, Oncology

Community Medical Center

Years on Board: Joined November 2022

Jenny is a pharmacist at Community Medical Center who is focusing on developing its oral chemotherapy program. She also has an MBA with a past career running a medical device company. Personally, she herself is a cancer survivor. And, most importantly, she is passionate about supporting programs such as Camp given her life experiences and commitment to helping others! Jenny volunteered at Camp during summer 2022 helping our Teen HUC participants check in their medications.