Residency Preceptors

Billings Clinic has a motivated and dedicated group of residency preceptors who foster a positive learning environment. They work to ensure each resident’s experience is unique and that each resident feels challenged as well as supported during the learning process.

Residency Program Director

Melanie Townsend, PharmD, BCPS – Residency Program Director

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2004); University of Wyoming – School of Pharmacy; Laramie, WY

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (2007 – Present)
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2006 – 2007); Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton; Camp Pendleton, CA

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Program Director, Pharmacy Residency (administration)

Practice Interests

• Pharmacy practice research and process improvement
• Experiential education and training
• Precepting skills and teaching styles
• Advocacy and professional organization involvement

Rotation and Longitudinal Experience Preceptors

Scott Athas, PharmD

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2016); University of Montana – Skaggs School of Pharmacy; Missoula, MT

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Lead Pharmacist, Atrium Pharmacy (outpatient)

Practice Interests

• Precepting 
• Medication safety
• Nutrition

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Alexander Bonca, PharmD, BCCCP

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2020); Roseman University of Health Sciences; Henderson, NV

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Critical Care Pharmacist (2023 – Present)
• PGY2 Pharmacy Residency, Critical Care (2021 – 2022); Renown Regional Medical Center; Reno, NV
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2020 – 2021); Valley Hospital Medical Center; Las Vegas, NV

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Critical Care-Trauma Pharmacy Team (inpatient)

Practice Interests

• Critical Care
• Antimicrobial Stewardship
• Precepting

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Siera Boyd, PharmD, BCPPS, CPP

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2016); North Dakota State University; Fargo, ND
• Bachelor of Science – Pharmaceutical Sciences (2014); North Dakota State University; Fargo, ND

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Certificate in Precision Medicine: Applied Pharmacogenomics (2020)
• Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (2019 – Present)
• Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (2019 – Present)
• PGY2 Pharmacy Residency, Pediatrics (2017 – 2018); Texas Children’s Hospital; Houston, TX
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2016 – 2017); Trinity Health; Minot, ND

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Pediatrics (ambulatory care)

Practice Interests

• Pulmonology/cystic fibrosis
• Hematology/oncology
• Endocrinology
• Neurology/muscular dystrophy

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Reina Coggins, PharmD, BCPS

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2012); South Dakota State University; Brookings, SD
• Bachelor of Science – Pharmaceutical Sciences (2010); South Dakota State University; Brookings, SD

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (2016 – Present)
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2012 – 2013); Rapid City Regional Hospital; Rapid City, SD

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Manager, Inpatient Pharmacy Services (administration)

Practice Interests

• Resident, student, and staff education
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), stroke, and trauma response
• Simulation learning

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Hadley Edelmayer, PharmD

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2023); Idaho State University; Pocatello, ID

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2023 – 2024); Billings Clinic; Billings, MT

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist, Critical Care-Trauma Pharmacy Team (inpatient)

Practice Interests

• Emergency medicine
• Medical emergencies
• Infectious diseases
• Critical care

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Kelley Frey, PharmD, BCACP

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2019); Pacific University School of Pharmacy; Hillsboro, OR

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacists (2021 – Present)
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2019 – 2020); University of Wyoming Family Medicine Residency – Healthcare for the Homeless; Casper, WY

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist, Neurology

Practice Interests

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Myasthenia gravis
• Migraines

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Christopher Gilstrap, PharmD, BCCCP

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2014); University of Montana – Skaggs School of Pharmacy, Missoula, MT
• Bachelor of Science – Mathematics; Montana State University; Bozeman, MT

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Critical Care Pharmacist (2018 – Present)
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2014 – 2015); St. Vincent Healthcare; Billings, MT
  

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist, Main Pharmacy Team (inpatient)

Practice Interests

• Teaching
• Pain management
• Infectious diseases

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Jacob Holland, PharmD, BCPS

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2014); Idaho State University – College of Pharmacy; Pocatello, ID
• Bachelor of Science – Biology (2009); University of Nevada – Reno; Reno, NV

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (2017 – Present)
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2014 – 2015); Billings Clinic; Billings, MT

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist, Main Inpatient Team (inpatient)

Practice Interests

• Pediatrics/neonatology
• Infectious diseases
• Critical care
• Emergency medicine

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Erica Hoversland, PharmD, BCACP, CPP

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2016); University of Montana – Skaggs School of Pharmacy; Missoula, MT

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Certificate in Precision Medicine: Applied Pharmacogenomics (2020)
• Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (2019 – Present)
• Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (2019 – Present)
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2016 – 2017); University of Wyoming Family Medicine Residency – Healthcare for the Homeless; Casper, WY

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Lead Clinical Pharmacist, Primary Care-Cardiology Ambulatory Care Services (Heights Clinic)

Practice Interests

• COPD
• Diabetes mellitus
• Pharmacogenomics
• Psychiatry

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Kris Jensen, PharmD

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2004); University of Montana; Missoula, MT
• Bachelor of Science – Chemistry (1996); Montana State University-Billings; Billings, MT

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Certified Specialty Pharmacist (2021 – Present)

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Staff Pharmacist, Billings Clinic Specialty Pharmacy (outpatient)

Practice Interests

• Medication safety
• Process improvement
• Education related to specialty medications

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Aaron Johnston, PharmD, BCEMP

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2022); University of Montana; Missoula, MT
• Bachelor of Science – Exercise Science (2015); Montana State University; Bozeman, MT

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Emergency Medicine Pharmacist (2025 – Present)
• PGY2 Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Residency (2023 – 2024); MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center; Des Moines, IA
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2022 – 2023); St. Cloud Hospital; St. Cloud, MN

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Critical Care-Trauma Pharmacy Team (inpatient)

Practice Interests

• Neurologic emergencies (TBI/Stroke)
• Trauma
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

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Elizabeth Klein, PharmD, BCPS

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2018); South Dakota State University; Brookings, SD
• Bachelor of Science – Pharmaceutical Sciences (2016); South Dakota State University; Brookings, SD
• Bachelor of Science – Biology (2010); University of Mary; Bismarck, ND

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (2021 – Present)
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2018 – 2019); Billings Clinic; Billings, MT

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Operations Coordinator, Inpatient Pharmacy (administration)

Practice Interests

• Neonatology/pediatrics
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), stroke, and trauma response
• Medication safety
• Process improvement

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Stephanie Korte, PharmD

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2023); Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy; Edwardsville, IL and Southeast Missouri State University; Cape Girardeau, MO

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• PGY1 Community-based Pharmacy Residency (2023 – 2024); Walgreens Specialty; St. Louis, MO

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist, Ambulatory Care (West End clinic)

Practice Interests

• Diabetes mellitus
• Chronic disease state management
• Nutrition
• Teaching/precepting

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Victoria Kuryluk, PharmD, BCPP

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2019); Ohio State University; Columbus, OH
• Bachelor of Science – Biology and Spanish (2015); University of Scranton; Scranton, PA

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (2022 – Present)
• PGY2 Pharmacy Residency, Psychiatry (2020 – 2021); Lexington VA Health Care System; Lexington, KY
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2019 – 2020); Centers for Families and Children; Cleveland, OH

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Psychiatry (inpatient)

Practice Interests

• Substance use and addiction
• Adult and pediatric psychiatry
• Mood disorders
• Comprehensive medication management

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Ira Li, PharmD

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2020); University of Montana; Missoula, MT

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2020 – 2021); Billings Clinic; Billings, MT

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist, Medical-Surgical-Internal Medicine Pharmacy Team (inpatient)

Practice Interests

• Interprofessional education
• Transitions of care
• Internal medicine

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Forrest Murter, PharmD

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2018); University of Montana; Missoula, MT

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2018 – 2019); SCL Health-St. Vincent Healthcare; Billings, MT

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Lead Clinical Pharmacist, Medical-Surgical-Internal Medicine Pharmacy Team (inpatient)

Practice Interests

• Internal medicine
• Pain management
• Infectious diseases

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Jennifer “JC” Ott, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2009); Midwestern University – Chicago College of Pharmacy; Chicago, IL

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Infectious Diseases Pharmacist (2018 – Present)
• Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (2013 – Present)
• PGY2 Pharmacy Residency, Infectious Diseases (2010 – 2011); South Texas Veterans Health Care System; San Antonio, TX
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2009 – 2010); Memorial Health System; Colorado Springs, CO

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Infectious Diseases (inpatient)

Practice Interests

• Antimicrobial stewardship
• Antimicrobial pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics
• Antifungal pharmacotherapy
• Cystic fibrosis

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Dax Rice, PharmD, BCPPS

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2009); University of Wyoming – School of Pharmacy; Laramie, WY
• Bachelor of Science – Chemistry & Biology (2001); Montana State University; Bozeman, MT

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (2020 – Present)
• Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (2012 – 2019)
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2009 – 2010); Wheaton Franciscan St. Joseph; Milwaukee, WI

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Neonatology/Pediatrics/Labor & Delivery (inpatient)

Practice Interests

• Neonatal and pediatric nutrition
• Pharmacy practice research
• Development of pharmacy services
• Information systems and their application to neonatal, pediatric, and maternal units

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Anna Rivard, PharmD, BCOP

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2015); University of Montana – Skaggs School of Pharmacy; Missoula, MT
• Bachelor of Science – Chemistry (2010); University of Montana; Missoula, MT

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (2018 – Present)
• PGY2 Pharmacy Residency, Oncology (2016 – 2017); St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute; Boise, ID
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2015 – 2016); Providence Health System; Portland, OR

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist Specialist and Lead Clinical Pharmacist, Oncology (inpatient, Infusion Center)

Practice Interests

• Immunotherapy
• Oncologic emergencies
• Multiple myeloma
• Acute leukemias

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Alexis Robinson, PharmD, BCPS

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2013); University of Montana – Skaggs School of Pharmacy; Missoula, MT

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (2014 – Present)
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2013 – 2014); Billings Clinic; Billings, MT

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Coordinator, Inpatient Pharmacy (administration)

Practice Interests

• Internal medicine
• Infectious diseases
• Interprofessional education

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Marie Sirek, PharmD, BCACP, CPP

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2015); North Dakota State University; Fargo, ND
• Bachelor of Science – Pharmaceutical Sciences (2013); North Dakota State University; Fargo, ND

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (2019 – Present)
• Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (2018 – Present)
• PGY2 Pharmacy Residency, Ambulatory Care; University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; Iowa City, IA
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency; University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; Iowa City, IA

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Lead Clinical Pharmacist, Oral Oncology (ambulatory care)

Practice Interests

• Ambulatory care pharmacy
• Oncology with a focus in oral oncology
• Symptom management
• Patient education and motivational interviewing
• Advanced, integrated specialty pharmacy services

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Samantha Thomas, PharmD, BCACP, CPP

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2014); University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (2024 – Present)
• Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (2022 – Present)

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist, Ambulatory Care (Downtown clinic)

Practice Interests

• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypertension
• Asthma/COPD
• Pharmacogenomics
• Psychiatry

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Kyla Vestal, BS Pharm

Education

• Bachelor of Science – Pharmacy (1997); University of Montana; Missoula, MT

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Anticoagulation Therapy Management Certificate; University of Southern Indiana School of Nursing and Health Professions Program (2011)

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Lead Pharmacist, Anticoagulation (West End clinic)

Practice Interests

• Anticoagulation management
• Quality improvement
• Patient education
• Safe medication practices

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Jennifer Walker, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2010); Creighton University; Omaha, NE
• Bachelor of Science – Cellular/Molecular Biology; Adams State University; Alamosa, CO

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Critical Care Pharmacist (2023 – Present)
• Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (2012 – Present)
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2018 – 2019); University of Kansas Hospital; Kansas City, KS

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Lead Clinical Pharmacist, Critical Care-Trauma Pharmacy Team (inpatient)

Practice Interests

• DKA/glycemic control
• Shock states
• Medication safety

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Aidan Walser, PharmD

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2024); Wingate University; Wingate, NC

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2024 – 2025); Billings Clinic; Billings, MT

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist, Cardiology (ambulatory care)

Practice Interests

• Cardiology
• Primary care
• Academia

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Karin Walton, PharmD, BCEMP

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2016); University of the Pacific; Stockton, CA
• Bachelor of Arts – Applied Sciences (2016); University of the Pacific; Stockton, CA

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• Board Certified Emergency Medicine Pharmacist (2023 – Present)
• Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (2017 – 2024)
• PGY1 Pharmacy Residency (2016 – 2017); Billings Clinic; Billings, MT

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Clinical Pharmacist, Emergency Department (inpatient)

Practice Interests

• Toxicology
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and post-ROSC care
• Trauma
• Sedation and analgesia

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Teale Weatherhead, PharmD

Education

• Doctor of Pharmacy (2015); University of Montana – Skaggs School of Pharmacy; Missoula, MT

Postgraduate Training/Certification

• ASHP Anticoagulation Certificate (2021)

Current Position at Billings Clinic

• Outpatient Pharmacist, Anticoagulation Clinic

Practice Interests

• Anticoagulation
• Community pharmacy
• Patient education

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