Meet our board of directors
The Eureka Early Childhood Development Organization is led by dedicated community members, educators, and specialists passionate about nurturing our youngest minds in Eureka, Montana.
Educators & Leadership
Karyn Leonard
President
Karyn is an original founding member of the Eureka Early Childhood Development Organization and continues to serve as our dedicated Board President. From the earliest stages of our organization, Karyn has played an instrumental role in shaping our mission, guiding our growth, and advocating for quality early childhood education in our community.
As a retired educator with extensive experience in reading, mathematics, and SPED endorsement, Karyn brings an exceptional understanding of childhood development, individualized learning, and the importance of inclusive educational environments. Her years in education have equipped her with the knowledge, patience, and leadership necessary to support both the children and families we serve, as well as the educators who care for them.
Her commitment to educational excellence, community collaboration, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive has been a cornerstone of EECDO's success. As Board President, Karyn remains an invaluable part of our foundation, providing steady leadership while helping guide the continued growth.
Trudy Will
Vice President
Trudy is one of the original founding members of the Eureka Early Childhood Development Organization (EECDO). Recruited by Board President Karyn, Trudy became an instrumental part of the group of dedicated women who helped establish our organization and bring the vision of quality early childhood education to the Eureka community.
With an impressive 34 years of experience in education, Trudy brings a wealth of knowledge from her many roles within the educational field. Her professional background includes serving as a paraprofessional, an Arts in Education facilitator, and a liaison between the Gillette, Wyoming, School District and the Arts in Education program at the CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities. Through these roles, she helped connect students and educators with meaningful opportunities for creative expression, hands-on learning, and educational enrichment.
As Vice President of EECDO, Trudy continues to play an important role in supporting organizational leadership, strengthening our programs, and guiding the growth of Bright Skies Daycare. Her decades of educational experience, organizational strengths, and dedication to community involvement make her an invaluable part of our foundation.
Visionary Community Roots
Leslie Graves
Treasurer
Leslie Graves is the original visionary behind the Eureka Early Childhood Development Organization (EECDO). As the owner and founder of Pintler Billing Services, LLC, Leslie recognized the growing need for accessible, quality childcare in our rural community. Driven by her commitment to supporting local families, she brought together a group of dedicated women who shared her vision, ultimately leading to the founding of EECDO and the development of Bright Skies Daycare.
Her professional background includes serving as Secretary/Treasurer of the Montana EMS Association and maintaining active involvement in professional and community organizations. With a strong emphasis on integrity, continuing education, and sustainable growth, Leslie remains a valuable leader and advocate for EECDO's mission to strengthen early childhood opportunities for families in our community.
Specialized Care and Clinical Expertise
Mandy Erickson (M.S., CCC-SLP)
Secretary
Mandy (M.S., CCC-SLP) is a Speech-Language Pathologist and the owner of Wild Roots Speech & Language in Eureka, Montana. With a strong passion for early childhood development, Mandy brings specialized knowledge in speech, language, communication, feeding, and swallowing development to the Eureka Early Childhood Development Organization.
Through her professional practice, Mandy emphasizes neurodiversity-affirming approaches and child-led therapy that encourages meaningful, engaging, and rewarding learning experiences. She works closely with families to provide education, guidance, and valuable resources that support children's developmental milestones and individual needs.
As a valued member of EECDO, Mandy offers an important perspective on developmental differences, early intervention, and inclusive learning environments. Her expertise helps strengthen our organization's commitment to supporting the whole child, empowering families, and ensuring children of all abilities have opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
"Having leaders who truly know our children, understand early learning, and live right here in our valley makes all the difference for our community's future."
-Eureka Early Childhood Development Organization
Become a Member of Our Board
Are you passionate about early childhood education and making a lasting difference in the Eureka community? We welcome community leaders, parents, and dedicated advocates who want to help guide our non-profit mission. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about board membership, volunteer roles, and how you can support our growing programs.
