PEAK Staff

Ms. Jane McDonald

Ms. Jane McDonald grew up in the Midwest along the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio.  She received her BA in Sociology and Elementary Education from John Carroll University, as well as her Masters of Education in the field of Administration with Elementary Principal certification.  She continued post-graduate work in gifted education and program design at Kent State University and The Ohio State University.  Most of her career has been in the field of teaching, coordinating, and developing gifted and talented education in positions at Kent City Schools and Shaker Heights Schools in Ohio and Helena School District in Montana.

       En route to Montana, Ms. McDonald directed an afterschool program for two years in Cedar City, Utah.  In the short two years, the program tripled in numbers and grant funding.  This experience helped to build the foundation for the PEAK Afterschool program in Helena. PEAK Afterschool and Summer program were national award-winning programs.

      In addition Ms. McDonald has developed state and national education and wildlife programs including: Project HELP, WILD SITE, BATS! COMMUNITY CARES and PEAK, and has authored textbooks and guides to accompany each project.  She has received numerous grants and awards including Teacher of the Year, OSU Environmental Teacher Award, Spirit of the Land Environmental Education Award, A Pledge and a Promise Environmental Award, and the National School Board Association’s After School Award.

      Ms. McDonald lives on Hauser Lake with her wonderful husband, Ken, and golden retriever.  They have four terrific kids who have graduated from college, and seven fantastic grandchildren.  They enjoy hiking, canoeing, riding/training horses, and building (houses, barns, furniture).