After 5 years in the classroom, Michaella resigned from her local position as an elementary educator to explore the non-profit sector. A few months later, the 2020 pandemic presented a unique invitation to problem-solve outside the scope of mainstream education. Opt Out was founded with 6 families, 10 students and a shared vision for experiential education.

Armed with an unshakeable passion for youth and die-hard entrepreneurial spirit, Michaella has committed her life’s work to providing alternative education for the next generation of students here in the Gallatin Valley. She remains inspired by the incredible strength, dedication and wisdom teachers everywhere exemplify day-in and day-out. Opt Out became a non-profit in 2022 and our small board of 3 was installed to share vision as well as the burdens of developing a sustainable school model. These are people who like to solve problems!

To keep the balance, you can find Michaella on local trails with her four-pawed friends, listening to an audiobook, practicing yin yoga, or chasing her toddler down.

More about Michaella.

Chance Mildenberger has passion for upcoming generations and shaping the future of education to continually adapt to our ever changing world. He serves as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors, leveraging his business acumen and experience to provide financial oversight and strategic planning for OptOut as we continually evolve the existing microschool for students and their families, and look to expand community offerings in the future. He's always looking for more ways to get involved with the community and leverage his unique, well-rounded skills to help local businesses thrive and maximize their potential.

Chance grew up in Hamilton, MT and graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting. He started his career in Silicon Valley working for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in venture capital tax and audit assurance primarily in the software, internet, and cybersecurity industries; he provided technical accounting and financial consulting and served as a business development partner for a growing regional Bay Area accounting advisory firm, and most recently held international financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and strategic roles with Stitch Fix, notably in their United Kingdom office.

Lisa is a graduate of Colorado State University, with a BS in Business Administration with a Finance and Real Estate emphasis. Lisa brings nearly 15 years of nonprofit accounting experience, working with the Yellowstone Association and moving on to Bridger Ski Foundation in 2014. She believes in strategically assisting business owners by implementing solid systems of support so they are freed up to do what they do best!

Lisa grew up in Colorado and resides in Bozeman with her husband, menagerie of foster/foreign exchange/adopted children and three dogs.