Montana Statewide Independent Living Council (MTSILC)

MTSILC BOARD MEMBERS

As of September 22nd, 2026

Chris Johnsrud, Chairman of the SILC
Person with a Disability
cjohnsrud72@gmail.com
Great Falls

Jean Schroeder, Vice-Chairman of the SILC
Person with a Disability
jschroeder@mtempowermentcenter.org
Vaughn

Julie Williams, Secretary of the SILC
Representative from a State Agency that Provides Services for Individuals with Disabilities
julie.williams@mso.umt.edu
Livingston

Jennifer Banna
Parent of a Child with a Disability
jennifer.banna@mso.umt.edu 
Missoula

June Hermanson
Person with a Disability
jguenzler@hotmail.com
Helena

Tami Hoar
Center for Independent Living Director, Person with a Disability
thoar@summitilc.org
Missoula

Nichole Lowrance
Person with a Disability
nlowrance@jobconnection.org
Billings

Gina Lytle
Person with a Disability Employed by a State Agency or Center for Independent Living
gina.lytle14@gmail.com
Helena

Layla Riggs
Youth Representative
laylariggs109@gmail.com 
Missoula

Savanah Smith
Parent of a Child with a Disability
savvyrs07@gmail.com
Poplar

Hannah Thompson
Person with a Disability
hthompsonsilc@gmail.com
Missoula

Brandon Viall
Designated State Representative, Vocational Rehabilitation
brandon.viall@mt.gov
Missoula

Scott Williamson
Person with a Disability
swilliam4989@gmail.com
Ronan

Vacancies:
Indian Health Representative

Every state and U.S. territory are required to establish and maintain a Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC). The Council and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) within the state work together jointly to advocate for individuals with disabilities.

The MT SILC is a Governor appointed autonomous Board comprised mainly of members with disabilities from across the state. The Board advocates for individuals to integrate into the community by providing individuals with the opportunity to live independently with appropriate support services.  Thus, individuals can live, work, and play in the communities of their choice.

Additionally, the SILC and the CILs work together to develop a State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The SPIL is a document required by law that indicates how the Independent Living Network outlines the policies and recommendations that guide the state’s independent living program over a three-year time frame. It identifies the needs and priorities of consumers, providers, and other stakeholders and sets forth goals, objectives, and timelines for implementation.

Another critical function of the SILC is to identify barriers that limit independent living and to work collaboratively with Centers for Independent Living, Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS), and other stakeholders to remove those barriers. Through these partnerships, the SILC seeks to strengthen the supports and services necessary to expand independent living opportunities for individuals with disabilities across the State. Additional MTSILC activities include sponsoring public hearings, holding quarterly public meetings, leading educational and outreach initiatives, providing information to public officials and community organizations, and conducting studies and research.

Letter from Administrator 

1.1 SILC Beliefs

1.3 SILC General Information

1.4 Funding Overview

1.5 Acronyms Used by IL

2.1 SILC Member Job Description

2.3 Leadership and Committees

2.4 Reimbursement and Meeting Budget

2.5 Travel Policy

2.6 Policies Not Covered Elsewhere

3.1 Explanation of SPIL and PPR

4.1 Annual Program Performance Report (PPR)

5.1 SILC Bylaws

5.2 SILC Policy and Procedures Manual

6.1 Commons Programs at Centers for IL

6.2 CIL Maps

6.3 CIL Contacts

6.4 History of Independent Living

6.5 Important Dates for Independent Living

6.6 The Designated State Entity

6.7 Philosophy and History of VR

6.8 Montana Voc Rehabilitation Offices

Additional Information:

SILC responsibilities under Rehab Act

If a different version is needed, please don't hesitate to contact the MT SILC office or email mtsilc@mt.gov mtsilc@mt.gov.

SILC Quarterly Meetings

The Montana Independent Living Council (MTSILC) is committed to providing access to our events. Please contact Julia.arnold@mt.gov to request disability accommodations. Captioning is provided for every meeting, other accommodations will need 7-day advance notice to arrange for accessibility needs.

Legislative Day:  January 27, 2025, Montana State Capital, Helena

Rally Day:  March 19, 2025, Montana State Capital, Helena

Governor's Reports downloads