Staff

Dean Wells

Executive Director of the Yellowstone AIDS Project

A native of Eastern Montana, Dean graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Montana State University in Bozeman. After that, he moved to Washington State where he spent over 15 years working with nonprofit organizations and became a member of various Boards of Directors as well as a frequent speaker at statewide conferences. During this time, he also received a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and gained experience in nonprofit management.

After deciding to return to Eastern Montana, Dean was excited to learn about an opening with Yellowstone AIDS Project due to his belief in the organization’s mission. After meeting the quality staff and Board Members, he was happy to accept the position of Executive Director. Dean believes in the ability of the organization to empower individuals as well as the entire community.

Melissa Maurisak

Program Associate

Melissa worked in the for-profit sector for the majority of her life. Growing up, her family owned and operated several resteraunts in several different states , where Melissa gained a lot of experience in every aspect of the restaurant business. In 1989 she moved to Montana and did a variety of odd jobs before attending school to become a Paralegal in 1991. Finding little demand for Paralegals in Billings, Melissa used the computer knowledge she gained in school to take a position at Sutton's Sportswear where she worked as the Accounts Recievable/Collections person for 15 years. Laid off in 1998 from Sutton's, Melissa pursued Massage Therapy, for which she is now certified & licensed. When a short-term, part-time position opened at the Yellowstone AIDS Project (YAP), Melissa took the job and was sad when it ended. Thus, when a long-term opportunity arose, she jumped at the chance. Melissa works on the Client Services side of YAP and is very happy to work with such wonderful staff and clients.

Allison Corbyn

Community Outreach Coordinator

Originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, Allison moved to Billings in 2006 to attend Rocky Mountain College where she received her Bachelor's degree in History & Political Science with a minor in Biology. As an eternal idealist, Allison believes that everyday we should work to make the world a better place and she feels as though the Yellowstone AIDS Project achieves that daily. She is very commited to HIV awareness, community outreach and supporting Morgan on prevention efforts.

Becky Taylor

Client Service Coordinator

Becky Taylor believes that we each have the power to be the change we want to see in the world and that belief has led to her involvement in PFLAG, Montana Pride Network, Seeker’s Harbor Faith Community, AIDSpirit, and Not in Our Town.  She is thrilled to be part of the team at YAP and looking forward to getting to know all of the clients.  Part of her role is to connect clients with resources at YAP and in the community.

Morgan Ditto

Prevention Coordinator

Born in Lousiana, Morgan is a Southern girl at heart, but has lived the majority of her life here in Billings, Montana. She has eleven years of experience in public relations & customer service and has a genuine compassion for others. Morgan joined the YAP team in December of 2010 and upon completing her testing training, Morgan knew that this job is her calling in life. She is a firm believer that knowledge is power and we all deserve to be empowered. Her favorite quote is "A loving heart is the begining of all knowledge"-Thomas Carlyle.

About YAPMT

Board Members

Skip Godfrey - President
Community Volunteer

Dr. Ron Smith - Vice President
Retired Physician

Lana Rae - Treasurer
CFO - Planned Parenthood of Montana

Mark Hilaro - Secretary
Attorney - Harper & Hilario, PLLP

Dr. Claire Oakley - Co-Secretary
Professor of Biology - Rocky Mtn College

Debbie Brown - Member
Case Manager - RiverStone Health

Jace Dyckman - Member
Health Specialist - RiverStone Health

Major Kevin Jackson - Member
Corps Officer - The Salvation Army

Dr. C. Jane Estelle - Member
Depth Psychotherapist - Private Practice