Meet the Staff

Jeannie Origbo

Director 

Jeannie Origbo is the Director for the Montana GEAR UP grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. She holds a bachelor's degree in Writing and Literature and a master's degree in Higher Education. Jeannie has worked in education since 2005 with experience at both the secondary and post-secondary level. She worked as a teacher for six years before beginning work in 2011 with the Montana University System. From 2013-2023 she worked primarily with MUS TRIO. She is committed to providing educational opportunities for all students.

Karen Wilson

School Grant Manager

Karen Wilson is a first generation graduate of Montana State University. Most of her career, Karen has served the needs of students kindergarten through college. She’s been with the State GEAR UP Team since October 2018. In her off time, she enjoys playing pinochle and creating art.

John Kilgour

Program Manager 

John grew up in Maine but has lived in the West ever since graduating from college. After attending graduate school at the University of Montana, John moved to Colorado, where he taught high school social studies at a school near Boulder. John moved to Helena several years ago and is excited to be working in education again as part of the GEAR UP team. In his free time, John enjoys hiking and backpacking with his wife, taking their dog out on the trails, and taking pictures of the places they explore together.

Jake Troyer

Communication Manager

Jake graduated from the University of Montana leading to an extensive career in communications, including owning his consulting business, and five years with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. He’s also worked as a substitute teacher for the Helena School district at all grade levels. During his free time, Jake can be found enjoying Montana's outdoors with his family.

Alex Sutherland

Data Analysis Manager

Alex was born and raised in Billings and graduated from MSU Bozeman with a degree in Computer Science. After college, Alex and his wife moved to Texas for a brief 2 years where he worked in data. Two years in Texas was enough for him and his wife to decide that Montana is where they belong. Alex joined the GEAR up team in February 2025 and is working on becoming the GEAR UP team's data expert. Outside of work Alex plays a lot of guitar, goes on hikes with his dog, and enjoys cooking delicious meals with his wife.

Madie Moore

Senior Project Manager
Madie has a bachelor's degree in environmental science from the University of Portland and a master’s degree in education from the University of Montana. Madie has spent most of her career working in education in both the traditional and non-traditional classrooms. She's run environmental education programs with the Montana Conservation Corps to teaching high school science in Frenchtown. Madie is passionate about engaging in community service and providing career experiences for youth. In her free time, Madie enjoys doing everything and anything that involves moving around outside with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Angelina Fillinger

Accounting Specialist

Angie was born and raised in Helena and has worked as an Accountant for the State of Montana for nearly 23 years. She received her degree in Accounting from Liberty University. In her free time she enjoys chasing her grandkids, cuddling with her many cats, and putting as many miles on their Harley as she and her husband can before winter.