School Health Information & Nurse Education (SHINE)

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

2026/2027 SHINE Sessions

September 10th, 2026, 3:00-4:00 PM

Recognizing and Managing School Injuries

Presented by Ryan Baker, MD

October 8, 2026, 3:00-4:00 PM

Concussion Detection and Management in the School-Aged Child

Presented by Jill Olson, PT, CLT

November 12, 2026, 3:00-4:00 PM

Supporting Students through Grief and Loss

Presented by Kathy Van Tighem, LCPC, Children’s Bereavement Coordinator for Peace Hospice, Director of Camp Francis, and Co-Creator of Darcy’s Hope

December 10, 2026. 3:00-4:00pm

Insulin Pumps, CGMs, and Modern Diabetes Care at School

Presented by Courtnie M. Shatwell, RD, CDCES

February 11, 2027, 3:00-4:00 PM

The Warning Signs We Overlook: Eating Disorders in Schools

Presented by LEDE Lab – University of Montana

March 11, 2027, 3:00-4:00 PM

Tobacco Awareness

Presented by Jessica Brown & Beth Dominicis, Tobacco Use Prevention and Education Specialists, Montana Office of Public Instruction

April 8, 2027, 3:00-4:00 PM

Autism Awareness Month – Empower, Equip, and Understand

Presented by Shelley Burbank, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

May 13, 2027, 3:00-4:00 PM

TBD

What would you like to see at a SHINE event? Tell us here!