About Us
Our Mission
Bozeman Area SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association) is a coalition of families, teachers, administrators, and other advocates united in the effort to promote quality education and services for individuals with special needs and their families. The group was formed on April 7, 2008, as the first district-wide Special Education PTA in the Bozeman School District No. 7 and neighboring schools in the Bozeman area. SEPTA provides a forum enabling parents, teachers and experts in the field of Special Education to share their knowledge and experience.
We offer in person IEP buddies in the greater Gallatin Valley area. Phone and email support is offered state wide. To set up a phone appointment, please fill out the contact form below
Our MISSION is to network, educate, and provide a unified voice for the rights of our children to quality education and services.
Bozeman SEPTA Board
NANCY DESROSIERS, PRESIDENT
shelly dowdle, vp of technology
Kat Patterson, board treasurer
more coming soon
Kat Patterson, board treasurer
shelly dowdle, vp of technology
Kat Patterson, board treasurer
I’m the mom of two non neurotypical kids. My older one has autism. I’m a strong believer in quality public education for all children and there is no “one size fits all” model to achieving that.
The best way to achieve this is with strong collaboration between educators, school administrators, healthcare professionals and families. It really does take a village.
shelly dowdle, vp of technology
shelly dowdle, vp of technology
LESLIE ROGERS, vp of COMMUNICATIONS
I'm the mom of two boys on the autism spectrum, age 32 and 18. My oldest was also born with kidney failure and has been through many surgeries, dialysis, tube feeds, therapies and a kidney transplant.
They both started spec ed preschool at age 3 and received special education services through all their school years. They have now both g
I'm the mom of two boys on the autism spectrum, age 32 and 18. My oldest was also born with kidney failure and has been through many surgeries, dialysis, tube feeds, therapies and a kidney transplant.
They both started spec ed preschool at age 3 and received special education services through all their school years. They have now both graduated from high school in Belgrade.
I have seen firsthand how hard it is to advocate for your child with a chronic life threatening condition, but add in the need for special education and it can be more than a full time job.
Being able to support and advocate for other parents who are struggling with similar battles helps me feel like I will continue to make a difference and help others avoid the "speed bumps" that we have hit along the way.
LESLIE ROGERS, vp of COMMUNICATIONS
LESLIE ROGERS, vp of COMMUNICATIONS
LESLIE ROGERS, vp of COMMUNICATIONS
I'm Leslie, with over eight years as a Pk-12 special education teacher and now an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Montana State University. My work centers on enhancing outcomes for students with disabilities through research, teaching, and community support. I’m here to assist Montana’s educators, parents, and our amazing s
I'm Leslie, with over eight years as a Pk-12 special education teacher and now an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Montana State University. My work centers on enhancing outcomes for students with disabilities through research, teaching, and community support. I’m here to assist Montana’s educators, parents, and our amazing students by sharing insights from evidence-based practices, promoting empathy and understanding in parent-teacher relationships, and providing resources to support effective learning experiences. I enjoy working with SEPTA because everyone is passionate about working together to create positive, inclusive environments for all students.
MOSEY HARDIN, SECRETARY
LESLIE ROGERS, vp of COMMUNICATIONS
MOSEY HARDIN, SECRETARY
I am a special education teacher with experience across all grade levels, supporting a diverse range of students and families. I have extensive training in trauma-informed care and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) issues. Additionally, I serve as an adjunct lecturer at MSU, where I prepare future educators for careers in teaching
I am a special education teacher with experience across all grade levels, supporting a diverse range of students and families. I have extensive training in trauma-informed care and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) issues. Additionally, I serve as an adjunct lecturer at MSU, where I prepare future educators for careers in teaching and supporting inclusion. I have spent the bulk of my career focused on middle grades, educational equity and engagement.
On a personal note, I am a mother of three, a CASA/guardian ad litem, a CAP mentor, and a small business owner.
ALYSSA ROHR,
LESLIE ROGERS, vp of COMMUNICATIONS
MOSEY HARDIN, SECRETARY
Hi, my name is Alyssa Rohr. I was born and raised in Montana, which truly feels like home to me. I graduated from Bozeman High School back when it was the only high school in town! I'm married, and we have a wonderful 4-year-old son named Zephyr. He's in the SPED program in our school district, and I’ve dedicated myself to being his adv
Hi, my name is Alyssa Rohr. I was born and raised in Montana, which truly feels like home to me. I graduated from Bozeman High School back when it was the only high school in town! I'm married, and we have a wonderful 4-year-old son named Zephyr. He's in the SPED program in our school district, and I’ve dedicated myself to being his advocate, as he’s currently unable to advocate for himself. I love working with children, and I’m studying at MSU to earn a teaching degree in elementary education. Alongside school, I work part-time as an RBT in an ABA pediatric therapy clinic. In our free time, you can find us outside, hiking to water destinations, swimming, and playing at parks! I believe that, while I may be just one person, each of us can help create positive change in the community, striving together for the equality and equity everyone deserves.