Our Team

Executive Team

Aaron Atkinson

Chief Executive Officer

Aaron received a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland and his undergraduate degree from Prescott College in Human Development. He has over 29 years of experience supporting people with disabilities and began his career as a direct support professional. Aaron is a Licensed Master Social Worker, Certified Residential Child Care Program Administrator, and former CARF International Surveyor. He is a graduate of the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Program, The National Leadership Consortium, and the Leadership Baltimore County program. Aaron enjoys going on adventures with his wife and children and a few of his interests include fitness, outdoor activities, and cooking.

Frances Hardee

Chief Operating Officer

Fran graduated from Eastern Montana College with a B.S. in Business Administration (emphasis in Accounting) and completed several courses in the M.B.A. program at Arizona State University. As Director of Operations, Fran oversees the financial, payroll, and IT functions within MDSC. Fran has over 34 years of accounting and management experience in a variety of private and not-for-profit entities in Arizona and Montana. Fran strives to develop and maintain a strong financial position for MDSC while maintaining the quality and integrity of services for clients and staff of MDSC. In her non-working hours, Fran enjoys reading, gardening, and Netflix binge-watching.

Amy Conover

Chief Program Officer

Amy received her B.A. in Peace and Justice and Conflict Studies at Goshen College in Indiana. Time as a victim offender mediator and coordinating a program designed to support juvenile offenders helped her hone her skills in restorative justice and helping people find their voice. Amy also coordinated a wraparound program that expanded her understanding on how to collaborate and problem solve as a team. After acquiring her Master’s in Education at Indiana University and several years teaching, she moved to Montana with her family and became the Staff Development Specialist at MDSC. Her vision for services is to help clients have their best life possible and doing it in collaboration and support of everyone that touches their life. Amy enjoys everything that Montana has to offer: hiking, biking, floating, and exploring!

Denise Janes

Chief Human Resources Officer

Denise received her M.B.A. with a double cognate in Human Resource Management and Strategic Management from Liberty University as well as a graduate certificate in Marketing. Denise also holds two professional certifications: SHRM Senior Certified Professional and HRCI Senior Professional in Human Resources. Denise comes from a professional background in the auto industry, banking as well as about six years in complex healthcare systems with a progressive human resource background as an HR Generalist, HR Business Partner and a Talent Acquisition Manager. Denise is originally from Missoula and has lived here for a cumulative of 17 years between traveling the world. Denise is excited to join Missoula Developmental Services Corporation to serve the organization and personnel in pursuing its mission to serve the community to its highest capability. When Denise is not at work she enjoys spending time with her four children and boxer-mix exploring the beautiful variety of hikes and lakes available around the Missoula area.