WATCh STAFF

Alex Vukovich, Program Administrator
406.693.2272 ext. 1004
Alex has been with CCCS since December 1999.  He holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Montana, a Master’s of Divinity from Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Institute, and has completed post graduate course work in counseling from the University of California at Berkley. During his 30-year career, Alex has worked as an Assistant Principal in an American International School in Egypt, a Counselor and Assistant Dean in Bahrain, and a Chaplain for the United States Navy.

Mike Boston, Clinical Treatment Supervisor
406.693.2272 ext. 1023
Mike has worked as a Chemical Dependency Counselor since 1985.  He has degrees from both Montana Tech of the University of Montana in Butte, Montana, and the University of Nevada-Reno.  Mike has worked with a variety of addictive populations and has specialized in the treatment of compulsive gamblers.  He has co-authored several published research papers on compulsive gambling.  In addition, Mike reviews research papers on addictions for the American Psychiatric Association.  He is a nationally certified counselor through NAADC and the American Academy of Health Care Providers in addictions.  Mike's hobbies include softball, gardening, and collecting antiques.

Deborah Kunnari, Licensed Addiction Counselor
406.693.2272 ext. 1014
DeBorah came on board in July 2003, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in the chemical dependency field.  She has been licensed in Minnesota since 1991.  She was educated at the University of Minnesota in Duluth and has attended the Hazelden Foundation Chemical Dependency Counselor Training Program. 

Dave Coleman, Licensed Addiction Counselor
406.693.2272 ext. 1028
Dave began his employment with CCCS in January 2007 as a Security Technician with the START program, and was promoted in September 2007 to a Case Manager at the CCP-West program.  He was previously a Program Manager at the Job Service for nearly 6 years.  Prior to that, he served 20 years active duty in the Navy, retiring in 1998.  Dave holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies from Montana Tech of the University of Montana in Butte, Montana. He is currently the District 8 Commissioner of Butte Silver Bow County (BSB), and is also the Music Director UCC Butte.  Dave is a member of the following: B.P.O.E. Elks 240; Disabled American Veterans Chapter 6; American Legion Post 1; Veterans of Foreign Wars 1448; and the Marine Corps League.  He is also a Board Member of the following:  Butte Public Housing Authority; National Affordable Housing Network - Butte; BSB Fire Advisory Council (Vice-Chair); BSB Council Finance and Budge (Vice-Chair); BSB Council Judiciary (Chairman); BSB Democratic Central Committee (Chairman). 

Russell Larson, Licensed Addiction Counselor
406.693.2272 ext. 1013
Russell started is employment with CCCS on September 5, 2009. Prior to that, he was employed at Kids Behavioral Health (KBH) in various capacities including Safety Officer and Resident Advocate for five years. Russell has also worked at MCDC as a Treatment Aide while going to school to obtain his Addiction Studies minor. Additionally, he has worked in retail and sold real estate.  Russell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice at the University of South Dakota at Vermillion, SD.  He is MANDT certified and was the CPR and First Aid trainer at KBH.  He enjoys gardening, watching sports, doing Sudoku puzzles, reading and investing.

Donna Benson, Licensed Addiction Counselor
406.693.2272 Ext. 1015
Donna began her CCCS employment with the WATCh Program, located in Warm Springs, in July 2004.  She is a Licensed Addiction Counselor with an Associates degree in Addiction Counseling from the University of Great Falls  and a  Bachelor's degree in Social and Criminal Justice from Ashford University-Iowa.  She has been active throughout her community in volunteer work and assisting those with disabilities. 

Tina Hellekson, Licensed Addiction Counselor
406.693.2272 Ext. 1010
Tina joined the WATCh Program on October 5, 2010. She previous was employed as a LAC at the Montana Chemical Dependency Center in Butte, Montana, where she worked for five years. Tina earned her Associates degree from the University of Great Falls. She has been an EMT Ambulance attendent in the past. Born and "raised in Anaconda, Tina has traveled all over the world while her husband served in the military.

Sonia Chessin, Mental Health Professional
406.693.2272 ext. 1029
Sonia came on board May 14, 2007.  She previously worked at Walla Walla College and interned at Providence Center in Missoula.  Sonia earned a Bachelor's in Liberal Arts from the University of Montana - Missoula, a Master's in Social Work from Walla Walla College in Missoula, and is working towards achieving licensure.  She has received special training in Brief, Trauma, and Emotive Therapies.  She enjoys playing music, hiking, doing yoga, and reading.

Jeff Hartwick, Aftercare Coordinator
406.693.2272 Ext. 1020
Jeff started his CCCS career as a Case Manager for the CCP - West program in July 2009 and was promoted to WATCh Aftercare Coordinator in August 2010. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Montana. Jeff is actively involved in the Shriners and the Montana East-West Shrine Game. He also coaches football, wrestling, and baseball.

Kevin Doherty, Registered Nurse
406.693.2272 ext. 1012
Kevin came on board in May 2004.  He previously worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for the A-1 Ambulance Company.  He holds a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.

Jennifer Pentecost, Registered Nurse
406.693.2272 ext. 1012
Jennifer started at WATCH in January 2007.  Prior to coming on board, she worked as an RN at the Gold Street Clinic in Butte.  She holds a Bachelors Degree in Nursing.

Kate Kingston, Registered Nurse
406-693-2272 ext. 1012
Kate joined WATCh in April 2009. She previously worked as a Registered Nurse for BSW, Inc. Kate earned her Bachelors degree in Nursing from the Montana Tech of the University of Montana in Butte, Montana.  She was born and raised in Butte and moved to Los Vegas after high school graduation.  She attended her first year of college at the University of Los Vegas, but soon missed her home town.  Upon returning, she finished her degree at Montana Tech. 

Tisha Brunell, Licensed Practical Nurse
406-693-2272 ext. 1012
Tisha joined the WATCh Program in May, 2010. She worked at the Powell County Hospital and continues to work there as a relief nurse. Tisha earned her LPN degree in Nursing from the Montana Tech of the University of Montana in Butte, Montana and is working on her RN degree through Excelsior College, School of Nursing.

Charles "CJ" Bugni, Security Coordinator
406.693.2272 ext. 1031
CJ has been with CCCS since October 1995 and was previously employed at the Butte Pre-Release Center prior to coming to the WATCh Program.  CJ attended North Idaho College and has been involved in numerous trainings throughout his 10+-year correctional employment.  He has also been working as the deputy coroner for 10 years in Silver Bow County. CJ was born and raised in Butte and enjoys the outdoors especially hunting and fishing. 

Tim Rademacher, Security Technician Supervisor
406.693.2272 ext. 1018
Tim has been at the WATCh Program since January 2002.  Tim served four years as a U.S. Air Force Police Officer, and provided security for one of the largest companies in Butte for over three years. 

Paul Smith, Security Technician Supervisor
406.693.2272 ext. 1000
Paul came on board in January 2002.  Prior to that, he worked at the Montana Chemical Dependency Center and earlier as a recreation aid at Galen, for a total of nearly 14 years with the state of Montana.  Paul is currently certified as an instructor in First Aid, CPR, and AED.  He's trained in fire tactics, including prevention, rescue, evacuation, and extinguishment.  He's also completed supervisor training for first line supervisors including non-violent crisis intervention, H.E.L.P. and M.A.N.D.T.  He is currently a member of the Opportunity Volunteer Fire Department, where he has served as a volunteer for the past 16 years.

Ed Burch, Security Technician Supervisor
406.693.2272 ext. 1000
Ed joined CCCS on November 4, 2002.  He previously served as a Police Officer for Anaconda - Deer Lodge County, where he later served as the Assistant Chief for 23 years.  Ed earned an Associate's in Police Science from Dawson College in Glendive, Montana.  He also attended the Law Enforcement Academy.  Ed has received First Aid and CPR training.  He is a member of the Anaconda Hibernians and KC's.  His hobbies include bowling, golf, home repair and remodeling. 

Jack Powers, Education Specialist
406.693.2272 Ext. 1019 
Jack joined CCCS in November 2005. He previously worked as the Chief of Education and Habilitative Services at the Montana State Prison, Workfare Director for Butte Silver Bow County, YACC Director for the Bureau of Land Management, Superintendent of Schools, and Teacher/Coach.  Jack earned a Bachelors of Science in Education and a Masters of Education at the The University of Montana - Western, formerly Western Montana College in Dillon, MT.  Butte born and raised, Jack has been Chairman of the Developmental Disabilities Council, which serves 11 counties, and also volunteers with the United Way. 

Dennis Grose, Life and Employment Skills Instructor
406.693.2272 ext. 1019
Dennis has been with CCCS since September 1999 and was previously employed at the Connections Corrections Program prior to coming to WATCh.  Dennis has a Bachelor's degree from Carroll College and was director of college and media relations for 21 years at Montana Tech.  Dennis additionally served as the Executive Director of the Helena Chamber of Commerce for two years and is actively involved in numerous organizations which seek to assist those in need.

Ashley Wolstein, Case Manager
406.693.2272 Ext. 1022
On January 9, 2006, Ashley joined CCCS as a Juvenile Corrections Officer at the RYO Program.  She earned her Bachelor degree in Sociology with emphasis in Criminology from the University of Montana - Missoula, Montana.  Ashley enjoys reading and outdoor activities such as fishing, camping and hiking. 

Kevin Noctor, Case Manager
406.693.2272 ext. 1005
Kevin has been with the WATCh Program since November 2002.  Kevin obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Montana State University and prior to WATCh, Kevin was employed as a Juvenile Probation Officer in the Bozeman area for over five years.  Kevin served in the U.S. armed forces and is a veteran of Desert Storm.  He has received specialized training in the area of youth probation and correctional detention services.

Mark Blaskovich, Counselor Technician
406.693.2272 ext. 1005
Mark came on board at RYO in November 2002 with a 27-year career in law enforcement from which he retired as the Assistant Chief of Police of Anaconda, Montana.  Mark has completed extensive hours in all aspects of Law Enforcement and Detention training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy.  He serves on the Rock Creek Youth Camp Board of Directors and the Anaconda DARE Board of Directors.  Additionally, he is a member of the Police Association Local #1, the State DARE Association, and the Montana Peace Officers Association. Mark is a certified Handle with Care Instructor.

Ann Watson, Administrative Assistant
406.693.2272 ext. 1002
Ann joined CCCS in September 1993.  Prior to coming on board, Ann worked in both part-time and full-time positions in various business offices in Butte while raising her two children.  She has had extensive on-the-job training and experience as an administrative assistant.  Ann is involved with the American Cancer Society, particularly the annual Relay For Life fundraiser. 

Jodie McDonald, Administrative Assistant
406.693.2272 ext. 1003
Jodie joined CCCS in June 2004. She previously worked as a Personal Assistant/Bookkeeper for a law firm. Jodie earned an Associate's in Accounting from Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Washington, where she lived for 20 years. She has received training in First Aid and CPR.  In her spare time, she enjoys gardening.

Dana Liebel, Food Service Coordinator
406.693.2272 ext. 1021
Dana began her employment with CCCS in January 2010. Prior to that, she worked for the Hot Lunch Program at a local school and at the Crest Nursing Home. Dana is a Certified Dietary Manager.  She was born and raised in Butte, Montana.

Rick Krantz, Institutional Probation and Parole Officer (IPPO)
406.693.7550
Rick began at WATCh on July 25, 2007, when he transferred from the Treasure State Correctional Training Center (TSCTC or Boot Camp).  He was previously an IPPO at the TSCTC.  Rick has been with the Department of Corrections since July 25, 1977.  He attended three years in post secondary at the Flathead Valley Community College.

This page was last updated on 01/25/12.

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