Site Director: Mrs. Kaylee Nathe
Kaylee "Hollywood" Nathe has been a dedicated member of the STARBASE Fort Harrison team since 2015. A native of Havre, MT, she attended Montana State University-Northern, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Kaylee began her career at STARBASE as a program instructor, later advancing to deputy director, and in June 2024, she proudly assumed the role of director.
Before joining STARBASE, Kaylee taught a combined 2nd and 3rd grade class in Saco, MT. Her passion for STEAM education shines through every day as she engages and inspires students with hands-on learning experiences. In addition to her extensive teaching experience, Kaylee holds a Master of Education in Learning and Technology from Western Governors University, further solidifying her commitment to innovative and impactful education.
When Kaylee is not at STARBASE, she can be found enjoying time with her husband (Logan), daughter (Alivia), and son (Riley). Together they enjoy traveling and camping. She is also a big fan of spending time with friends and any board game!
Office Manager: Ms. Karen Grindstaff
Karen "Phoenix" Grindstaff has been a dedicated STARBASE Fort Harrison member since 2023. Originally from North Carolina, Karen followed her dream and moved to Montana in 2018.
Karen brings a diverse background in law, criminal justice, and corporate administrative experience. Before joining the STARBASE Fort Harrison team, Karen worked at Montana Veteran Affairs at Fort Harrison helping veterans and their families. While this was very rewarding, working with Helena area 5th grade students was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.
When Karen is not helping with the everyday operations at STARBASE, she enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, and rescuing animals. Karen is a proud grandmother, great-grandmother, and pet parent of three rescue cats.
Deputy Director/Lead Instructor: Mr. Devon Lawson
Devon "Falcon" Lawson has been passionate about teaching science to students of all ages since 2004. He began his teaching career at the Montana Science Center in Bozeman, where he worked for four years while attending college. After relocating to Helena, Devon spent three years conducting field research as a fisheries technician with Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. He then spent five years as the Director of Education at ExplorationWorks before joining the STARBASE Fort Harrison team in 2016, where he continues to inspire students today. In 2022, Devon earned a Master of Education degree from Western Governor's University.
Outside of teaching, Devon enjoys spending time with his wife Becky, and their two daughters, Miranda and Alice. The family's favorite pastime is fishing, but they also enjoy Sunday drives, building with Legos, and having Nerf gun battles.
Program Instructor: Mr. Coburn Currier
Coburn "Voyager" Currier joined the STARBASE Fort Harrison team in August 2024. Having lived all over the country, he has called Montana home for the past 23 years. Coburn received his Bachelor's of Science from Michigan State University. He worked for many years as a Wildlife Biologist in Michigan and Montana. In 2011, Coburn went back to school at Montana State University to earn his teaching degree.
Coburn spent one year as a long-term substitute before he spent 12 years teaching Gifted Education for the Helena Public School District. This summer, he had the opportunity to come to STARBASE and was excited to teach STEAM education every day!
Coburn has three children who all attended STARBASE when they were in 5th grade. Ella is a cofounder and Director of Public Affairs at a consulting firm. Elizabeth is a freshman at Montana State University, studying microbiology and is planning on going to medical school. Leo is a sophomore in high school, who loves working on cars and hanging out with friends. Coburn and his wife, Emily, enjoy traveling, hiking, and eating great food.
STARBASE Advanced Coordinator: Ms. Kinsey Vavruska
Kinsey "Newton" Vavruska has been teaching students of all ages formally since 2013, with a focus on math, science, engineering, and robotics. A native of East Helena, she holds a Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics with a Mathematics Teaching Emphasis, a minor in Physics, and a Master's of Science in Mathematics- Mathematics Education from Montana State University in Bozeman.
Kinsey joined the STARBASE Fort Harrison team in 2019 as a program instructor. In 2021, she assumed the role of the STARBASE Advanced Coordinator, providing STEAM activities to middle school and high school students.
When not teaching at STARBASE Fort Harrison, Kinsey spends time encouraging students to go into STEAM with everything from STEAM classes at ExplorationWorks to coaching FIRST Lego League and First Tech Challenge robotics teams around the Helena area. She additionally enjoys spending time with her family and cat, playing board games, reading, and building with LEGOs.