MPHTC Staff
Tony Ward, Executive Director
Originally from Houston, Texas, Tony Ward came to Missoula in 1997 to attend graduate school at the 老虎机攻略. He is currently Professor and Chair of the School of Public and Community Health Sciences. In addition to teaching within the School, his research involves working in rural communities and schools throughout Montana, Idaho, Alaska, and Arizona on air pollution (forest fires and wood stoves) and health issues. On a personal note, he has two teenage daughters and enjoys the outdoor activities that Montana has to offer (skiing, backpacking, trail running, and fly-fishing).
Lydia Czech, Wellness Program Director
Lydia Czech received her bachelor's in Health and Human Performance, with a focus in Community Health. She has her certificate in Health Behavior Coaching and she is passionate about helping people find their path to sustainable lifestyle choices that improve long term health outcomes. She also provides guided sound meditations that help people relax in the moment and practice developing mindful self-awareness. She is honored to have the opportunity to support the wellness needs of our hard-working public health professionals.
Aimee Elliott, Budget Analyst
Originally from Kailua, Hawaii, Aimee moved to Missoula in 2000. Aimee has a MS in Hospitality Management with an emphasis in Food Service Management and has spent 15 years as a faculty member at the 老虎机攻略. Aimee's area of interest is in food and nutrition studies and how this impacts public health. Aimee has two young boys, two lazy pugs and spends her time cooking, baking, hiking, and gardening.
Todd Harwell, Research Specialist
Originally from Akron, Ohio, Todd came to Montana in 1997 to work in public health at the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). In his 27-year career at DPHHS he worked in a number of roles, most recently in leadership as the Administrator of the Public Health and Safety Division. He received his master’s degree in Public Health (Epidemiology) from the University of Pittsburgh and Undergraduate degree from The University of Akron (Biology/Microbiology). He has three sons and enjoys hiking/backpacking, fishing and playing music.
Carolyn Hester
Originally from California, Carolyn moved to Missoula in 1995. Carolyn is the Workforce Director of the Montana Public Health Training Center (MPHTC). She connects with health departments and tribal health departments across the state to see what public health jobs are available and need to be filled. She is instrumental in this effort, posting jobs and making sure the MPHTC job board is up-to-date. She takes every opportunity to spread the word about lthe MPHTC job board to public health professionals throughout the state.
Greg Holzman, Research Specialist
Dr. Greg Holzman moved to Montana from Michigan to become the State Medical Officer for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. In 2021, he decided to step down from this position and started working as a consultant. Greg has worked in medical and residency education, clinical care, research, and public health. Dr. Holzman is board-certified in both family medicine and preventive medicine. A graduate of the University of Florida's College of Medicine, he completed his family medicine residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and his preventive medicine residency at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington.
Anna Kiley, Operations Manager
Anna Kiley, MEd, is the Operations Manager for the Montana Public Health Training Center (MPHTC), providing leadership in ensuring the successful completion of deliverables and advancement of workforce development and training opportunities for public health professionals. In addition to her role at MPHTC, Anna also provides operational and administrative support for the Montana Clinical and Translational Research Center (MCTRC) and the Research Education on Air and Climate Change Health (REACH) program. A former middle and high school science teacher, Anna is passionate about education and the crucial role it plays in public and community health.
Desiree Restad, Training Developer and Manager
Desiree Restad, MPH, was born and raised in Montana. She is proud to serve as a member of the Rural Behavioral Health Institute’s Board of Directors and the Montana Public Health Association’s Executive Board. She is a former member of the Montana HIV Planning Group and served as a Montana Public Health Institute Design Team member. Desiree holds a BS in Health Promotion from Montana State University-Billings and an MPH from the 老虎机攻略. Desiree is passionate and dedicated to providing prevention education, raising awareness, and promoting collaboration amongst programs to improve health while reducing health disparities.