BOARD MEMBERS

CHELSEA OEHLER - BOARD MEMBER

Chelsie was raised in Michigan where she had the opportunity to perform with local theater groups and various choral ensembles that traveled all over the East Coast, Midwest, and - one summer - on an extended tour of Europe.

After moving to Montana in 2008, she pursued a career in Human Resource Management, focusing in the Hospitality sector that fuels her need to travel, explore new places, and enjoy delicious cuisines. Her husband, Matthew, and she have called Ennis home since 2011. From their base there they take every opportunity they can to camp, hike, rockhound, and kayak in all of the beautiful places Montana has to offer.

In 2023, they welcomed their daughter, Hazel Marie. If she’s not at work or out exploring, she can be found in her kitchen cooking or baking - hopefully sharing her love of all things food and hospitality with their daughter. She’s inspired to participate in the Elling House Arts and Humanities Center to continue bringing the arts to the community she loves.

TONI JAMES - BOARD MEMBER

Toni James purchased The Elling House in 1995, and began a loving, laborious, and seemingly never-ending restoration of the house and property. The house has been designated as a “Contributing Property” in the National Register of Historic Places.

In November of 2008, with the gracious support of Ms. James and the leadership of Jack Waller, the Elling House Arts & Humanities Center was formed as a non-profit entity and it leased a portion of the property and home. Through the generous support of its members, the Center has restored the wonderful tradition established by Mary Elling by using the Elling House as a venue to show case artists, musicians, and authors through year-round programs open to the community to enjoy.

PENN SPELL - BOARD MEMBER

Penn lives in Sheridan and is originally from Georgia. An attorney by profession, his hobbies include writing short stories and fly fishing. He is also a commercial arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association from 1990 to the present.

Along with serving on The Elling House board, he’s also involved with the Ruby Valley Rotary Club. He has a son and a daughter and is the grandfather to two girls.

 ANN GOOD - BOARD MEMBER

Ann grew up in Ohio. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in criminal justice. She later attended grad school at MSU, majoring in psychology.

Over the years, she worked in various areas of criminal justice and child protective services. She also owned and brokered a real estate company for 35 years.

Ann moved to Montana in 1994, following her grandfather’s legacy of homesteading in the Billings area. Widowed, she has two sons, one who lives in Kentucky and one who lives in Montana. In 2017 she moved from Whitefish to Sheridan.