Stefan Kolis, Esq, got his start in the law through his AmeriCorps services, helping low income Montanans file civil cases on their own at the Self-Help Law Center in Great Falls and Kalispell. Discoveringpersonal value helping others, he went to work for Montana Legal Services Association for two years, until he decided he could do more to help those in need with a law degree. During his law school career at the University of Montana School of Law, he was a Volunteer Hearing Officer for Missoula Housing Authority, ex officio board member of the Montana Justice Foundation, on the Montana Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission’s Law School Partnership Committee, and organized law students to volunteer for Missoula’s End of Life Document Clinic. Stefan graduated in 2017, and received the 2017 Equal Justice Works Public Interest Law Award.

Born in Illinois, but growing up in Havre, MT, the mountains and open space always demanded his attention; he grew up fishing, hunting, camping, and generally living on the Hi-Line. When his family moved to Wisconsin, he knew he would always return to the West. Stefan went to college at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, was Captain of the Men’s Soccer Team his senior year, and graduated in 2010 with honors with a degree in Sociology and Anthropology. After college, Stefan moved back to Montana, where he taught himself how to fly fish, telemark, mountain bike, and backpack. He now spends as much time as possible exploring Montana’s wild areas.

Stefan was hired at Montana Elder Law in the spring of 2017, and specializes in writing estate plans for Montanans. He writes plans for folks which allow middle class families to pass on their most cherished assets, while ensuring they get the care and assistance they will need. He views this work as protecting families from sliding into poverty. Stefan also drafts Special Needs Trusts, which allow disabled individuals to receive supplemental income while still receiving government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. Finally, Stefan works on probate matters, assisting families administer their loved one’s estate in what is often the most difficult period of life.

Chelsea Sweeney is fairly new to the Montana life and she is enjoying every minute of it. Growing up in a small farming community in Southern Minnesota, she always had a passion for the outdoors which she brought with her when she attended Gustavus Adolphus College. Graduating in 2013 with a degree in Biology, with a focus on native plants, she knew she had to live somewhere that offered both easy access to the outdoors and the big town life. Moving here just over 3 years ago, Missoula became the perfect place to call home. She started working for Target as an HR Team Member and then was hired on at Montana Elder Law in the Summer of 2017. On days off you will find her, along with her dog Kringle, either hiking new trails or fly fishing on the river. They will take any excuse to explore what the State of Montana has to offer.

Tammie Lund Smith graduated from the University of Great Falls with a degree in Paralegal Studies in 1986. Since that date she has been practicing primarily in Probates, Trusts, Real Estate, Estate Planning, Indian Law and some Family Law. Tammie chose this area of law because it is a time in a person’s life when they need someone who cares, not someone who has zero empathy for others. Tammie has raised 3 beautiful children of her own, and 4 amazing step children. She is now a grandmother to a bouncing baby boy and a beautiful granddaughter. Tammie is also the Payee for her disabled sister and disabled nephew who live in the home she bought for them to guarantee a forever home.

Tammie recently became a caretaker for her aging parents whose health recently failed. When Steve talks about the “healthy” parent becoming ill, Tammie can relate to it being her mom. Tammie’s mom was the caretaker for Tammie’s Dad until May 2017 when she ended up in the ER in Missoula during a visit. She was diagnosed with Extremely Severe Congestive Heart Failure, they sent her to her doctor in Great Falls and they did an emergency surgery. After the surgery she came to Tammie’s to recover only to end up back at the ER in Missoula. After more than a week in the Hospital and much concern the doctors determined that both parents were to never return to their home to live alone. Tammie moved both of her parents into her home to live with her and her husband. This moment happened within a span of 2-3 weeks.

Tammie proudly considers herself a full time Mom, Grandma, Caretaker and a Full Time Paralegal. I am high energy and love to work and play. I love boating, camping and this Country and more than anything I love my family.

Joyce Statton worked for Montana state government for 30 years; retired from Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. After retirement, Joyce began working with elderly patrons in need of assistance and, most recently, with Medicaid applications and court appointed conservatorships. Joyce’s multi-situational and intensive work experiences, plus her compassionate nature, make her a valuable and knowledgeable resource. She is married, has grown children, and many beloved grandchildren. Her favorite pastimes are jigsaw puzzles, cross stitch, and spending hours outside in her yard and garden.