School Health Information & Nurse Education (SHINE)
Monthly, statewide sessions for Montana school health teams. Now hosted with our partners at the Montana Professional Learning Collaborative (MTPLC)
In many Montana schools, a nurse may be the only accessible healthcare professional—and in nearly half of our counties, there isn’t one at all. Often, health responsibilities fall to teachers, administrators, coaches, office staff, or other professionals.
SHINE supports these teams by providing practical, youth-focused learning on common student health needs like mental health, asthma, Type 1 diabetes, and complex medical care. Originally launched in 2023 as DiSH-MT®, the program has grown to reflect the real needs of Montana schools.
Beginning in the Fall of 2025, SHINE sessions will be hosted in partnership with the Montana Professional Learning Collaborative (MTPLC), making it easier to register, connect statewide, and earn OPI Renewal Units with an even larger collective of school professionals.
Who should join:
- Anyone working in a Montana school setting
- Nurses, administrators, teachers, counselors, and support staff who may be responsible for the health needs of students during the school day
- Coaches or volunteers supporting student activities who may be responsible for student health during after-school activities like sports or clubs
When: Second Thursday of each month, October through May, 3:00-4:00 PM MT
Where: Online via Zoom hosted by MTPLC
Each session features a short expert presentation and open discussion.
Together, we’re building a supportive network of school health professionals from across Montana.
Click here for 2024/2025 SHINE sessions
2025/2026 SHINE Sessions
November 13, 2025, 3:00-4:00 PM
Type 1 Diabetes 101
Presented by Tonya Fuhrmann, LPN
December 11, 2025, 3:00-4:00 PM
Supporting Students with Depression: Warning Signs, Response Strategies, and School-Based Resources
Presented by Kayleigh Brown, COO of the Rural Behavioral Health Institute
February 12, 2026, 3:00-4:00 PM
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in Schools
Presented by Margan Bowser, M.A., CCC-SLP, Kara Green, M.O.M. Montana Fammily to Family, Dr. Patricia Notario, MD
March 12, 2026. 3:00-4:00pm
Healthy Sleep for Growing Minds and Bodies
Presented by Cara Palmer, PhD
April 09, 2026, 3:00-4:00 PM
Beyond Awareness: Practical Ways to Support Students with Autism
Melia Shamblin, BCBA, LBA-NV
May 14, 2026, 3:00-4:00 PM
TBD
