Staff
Jonathan Carter, Program Manager
Pronouns: He, him, his
Office: Aber Hall 311
Phone: (406) 243-5545
Email: jonathan.carter@umontana.edu
After graduating from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in psychological sciences and a minor in philosophy, Jonathan moved to the Treasure State to advance educational equity through AmeriCorps service. Following two years of service (first with spectrUM Discovery Area and then as Montana Campus Compact’s Senior Leader), Jonathan received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his 4,185 hours dedicated to Montana communities. In January 2023, he coordinated MLK Read for Peace events across 11 elementary schools in Missoula, engaging 1,266 students in a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy. Jonathan is excited to continue his college attainment work through Upward Bound and empower high school students with the skills and experiences they need to graduate from college. In his free time, he enjoys learning about other cultures and past decades through the power of film.
Dannette Fadness, Director
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Office: Aber Hall 312
Phone: (406) 243-2219
Email: dannette.fadness@umontana.edu
Dannette Fadness is the TRIO Upward Bound Director at the University of Montana (UM). She has a diverse background and a strong passion for education and community service and is a proud TRIO Student Support Services Alum.
Dannette has had significant involvement in promoting college attainment and education in Montana. Serving on the Montana College Attainment Network Leadership Committee for over seven years and holding the position of Leadership Council Chair since 2021 underscores her commitment and leadership in this important area. Her dedication to this role demonstrates her ongoing efforts to support educational opportunities and initiatives in the state of Montana.
Dannette is the spouse of a 22-year retired Air Force veteran. She and her husband had the opportunity to live both abroad and in the United States during his military service. They are proud parents of four daughters and have the joy of nine grandchildren, including a bonus one. Dannette and her husband are originally from Anaconda, Montana, and they decided to retire in Montana, settling in Missoula.
Education is her passion, and she is pleased to join the UM Upward Bound team to support students to be successful and cultivate the knowledge, skills, and motivation to be college graduates.
Prior to her role as the TRIO Upward Bound Director, Dannette served as the director of Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) AmeriCorps at the university for eight years. During this time, she engaged 470 MTCC AmeriCorps College Coaches in college attainment service at various colleges and high schools in Montana, assisting numerous students in their path to college. She also has experience as an AmeriCorps member herself, working with displaced youth in art therapy and leading a team of MTCC AmeriCorps Members focused on literacy, food insecurity, and homelessness.
Dannette values lifelong learning and has made significant contributions during her time at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UM (MOLLI). She co-authored a chapter in a cognitive fitness book titled "Enhancing Cognitive Fitness in Adults." Dannette holds undergraduate degrees in counseling psychology and fine arts. At UM, she has earned extensive undergraduate credits in Anthropology, Forensic Science, and Media Arts. Her graduate work spans school psychology, counseling, the Science of Managing Organizations, and human development from the University of Providence in Great Falls.
She is actively involved in child injury prevention and is a member of Safe Kids Missoula Coalition. Dannette’s long-standing service as the Be SMART Montana Lead for nearly a decade demonstrates her deep commitment to promoting gun safety and protecting children in her community. The Be SMART program focuses on educating families about responsible gun storage to ensure the safety of children.
Her dedication to this cause not only reflects her passion for keeping children safe but also highlights her efforts to raise awareness about the importance of responsible gun ownership. By providing education and resources to families, she plays a vital role in reducing the risk of firearm-related incidents involving children.
Dannette’s certification as a QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Instructor with Project Tomorrow Montana and the Missoula County Health Department is indeed a testament to her strong commitment to mental health and suicide prevention within the community. Her expertise in teaching others to recognize the signs of individuals at risk for suicide and how to offer help and support is invaluable for addressing this critical issue. Additionally, her initiative to turn the University of Montana Main Hall purple and teal in honor of those who have lost their lives to completed suicide is a moving and impactful way to raise awareness and remember those affected by this tragedy. It serves as a visual reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support, fostering a more compassionate and understanding campus and community.
For anyone in crisis, the provided text number, "HOME" to 741-741, offers free 24/7 crisis support, making it easier for individuals to seek help when needed.
Dannette enjoys participating in the Zootown Arts “Monster Art” Project, a fundraiser to support the Arts in Missoula. In her free time, she loves spending quality time with her family, playing with her grandchildren and dogs, and creating art.
Overall, Dannette Fadness is a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience in education, community service, and leadership roles, and she continues to contribute positively to the Missoula community and beyond.
Hannah Spotted Eagle, Browning Academic Advisor
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Office: Browning High School
Phone: (406) 338-2745 ext. 4417
Email: hannahs@bps.k12.mt.us
As a recent graduate of Montana State University, Hannah Spotted Eagle applies her bachelor's degree in human development and family science to empower Indigenous high school students to attain higher education. She enjoys helping Browning students gain the knowledge and skills they need to explore potential careers and break the cycle of poverty. When Hannah is not in the office, she reads books, is out in nature, takes a mindfulness walk, or swims in mountain lakes.
Xavier Xtravaganza, Missoula Academic Advisor
Pronouns: He, him, his
Office: Aber Hall 313
Phone: (406) 243-2218
Email: xavier.xtravaganza@mso.umt.edu
Xavier Xtravaganza is a dedicated member of the TRIO Upward Bound team at the University of Montana. Originally from out of state, Xavier made Montana his home in 2011. In 2015, motivated by a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference in his community, he decided to pursue his bachelor's degree in Multidisciplinary Studies at the University of Montana.
Xavier's academic journey has been a diverse one, reflecting his wide-ranging interests and commitment to personal growth. His coursework encompasses fields such as Psychology, Sociology, Communications, and Non-Profit Studies, reflecting his holistic approach to education and social change.
During his time at the University of Montana, Xavier demonstrated his dedication to service and civic engagement through his involvement with AmeriCorps Montana. Over the course of eight years, Xavier served an impressive six terms with AmeriCorps through Campus Compact, channeling his energy and enthusiasm into projects aimed at improving the lives of others.
In 2023, Xavier found his calling within the TRIO Upward Bound department at the University of Montana. Initially drawn to the program through a summer position, Xavier's compassion and dedication quickly made him an invaluable member of the team. His commitment to excellence and his unwavering belief in the potential of every student shine through in everything he does.
As a member of the TRIO Upward Bound team, Xavier plays a vital role in supporting and empowering high school students from underserved communities to achieve their academic and personal goals. Whether he's providing academic support, mentoring students, or organizing enriching activities, Xavier's impact on the lives of those he serves is immeasurable.
Outside of work, Xavier enjoys exploring Montana's natural beauty, spending time with friends, and continuing his journey of personal and professional growth. With his positive attitude and tireless dedication, Xavier is a true asset to the TRIO Upward Bound team and the University of Montana community as a whole.
Juniper Fadness, MTCC AmeriCorps College Coach
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Office: Aber Hall 311
Email: juniper.fadness@umconnect.umt.edu
June Fadness is a current student at UM, and is serving with Upward Bound through the AmeriCorps College Coach program ran by Montana Campus Compact as a part of her work study while studying psychology. She previously worked with Montana Campus Compact as the AmeriCorps College Coach Program Coordinator.
Her hobbies include video games, especially RPGs, and getting out into nature with her friends.