The Diocese of Helena has established a group of competent people to turn to for advice. As stated in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, “Dioceses will have a review board that functions as a confidential consultative body to the bishop… The majority of its members will be lay persons not in the employ of the diocese… This board will advise the diocesan bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors and in his determination of suitability for ministry. It will regularly review diocesan policies and procedures for dealing with sexual abuse of minors. Also, the board can review those matters both retrospectively and prospectively and give advice on all aspects of responses required in connection with these cases.”
Review Board Members
Dawn Brannman
Dawn is the faith formation director at St. Mary Catholic Community in Helena and has also worked and taught in Catholic schools. She brings her experience with youth and education to the Review Board.
Patti Cassidy
Patti works in evangelization and discipleship at Christ the King Parish in Missoula. She brings her experience with youth ministry and as a parish pastoral council member to the Review Board.
Ann Clark
Ann is a busy mother and wife who lives in Helena. She serves on the Review Board as a parent of a minor.
Shaun Donovan (Chairperson)
Shaun is the former Mineral County Attorney and resides in Superior. He serves on the Review Board as an attorney-at-law, licensed and in good standing.
Mike Frost
Mike is a counselor who specialized in college mental health with a particular interest in the treatment of substance use disorders. Mike is a member of Christ the King Parish in Missoula and serves on the Review Board as a parish pastoral council member.
Father Gary Reller
Fr. Reller was ordained for the Diocese of Helena in 1971. He served several parishes in the diocese as associate pastor and was appointed pastor of Risen Christ Parish in Kalispell in 1978. Since then he has served as pastor of St. Ann Parish in Butte, Immaculate Conception Parish in Polson with Sacred Heart in Ronan, and St. Anthony Parish in Missoula. He spent two years as executive director of the National Federation of Priests’ Councils in Chicago, and he is a member of the diocesan Personnel Board, Presbyteral Council and the College of Consultors. Fr. Reller serves on the Review Board as a priest who is an experienced and respected pastor of the Diocese.
Andrea Strizich
Andrea is clinical social work/therapist and operates her own mental health practice in Missoula. She has over 30 years of experience caring for children, adolescents, their families, university students and adults. Andrea serves on the Review Board as a person with particular expertise in working with minors in a therapeutic setting.
Ex-Officio Members
Bishop Austin A. Vetter (Bishop of the Diocese of Helena)
Gabe Brennan (Victim Advocate)
Matthew Brower (Vice Chancellor)
Bill Driscoll (Diocesan Attorney)
Fr. Robert Grosch (Promoter of Justice – Diocese of Great Falls Billings)
Fr. John Robertson (Judicial Vicar)
Cassie Hall (Director, Human Resources and Safe Environment)