Aundrea Gee

Ms. Aundrea Gee

Assistant Professor, Rehabilitation and Human Services, CHPS

Aundrea Gee鈥檚 conversations with students about various aspects of rehabilitation processes are sometimes based on personal experience.

Not only did she provide rehab service at St. Vincent Healthcare for a number of years, she has experience as a patient.

Ms. Gee was working on earning advanced degrees in  Rehabilitation Counseling and Counseling Education and Supervision at Kent State University in 2018 when she was hit in the head by a baseball at the Akron Rubber Ducks season opener. That event took her away from school and work for a year and launched a path to recovery that involved a variety of rehabilitation services.

While overcoming physical and cognitive challenges is only part of her story, the experience helps her relate to students when they learn about the rehabilitation services. Additionally, Ms. Gee said, the path led the Ohio native with deep Montana roots back to Billings where she can pursue her love of teaching. She started as an adjunct in Fall 2023 and became an assistant professor a year ago.

鈥淭his is my dream come true,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e always loved academia.鈥�

Nominators at the Montana Center for Inclusive Education said her students can sense her passion.

鈥淗er students consistently highlight her thoughtful listening, flexibility, and genuine care when they navigate challenges related to their disabilities,鈥� the MCIE nominator wrote. 鈥淲hether adapting coursework, offering encouragement, or problem-solving alongside students, Aundrea creates an environment where every student feels heard, respected, and empowered to succeed. Her advocacy and compassion make her an invaluable champion for inclusive education.鈥�

For her part, Ms. Gee said the feelings are mutual.

鈥淭he best part about teaching her are the students,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 am impressed by their dedication, their desire to learn and their passion to help others.鈥�

This award runs concurrently with another honor for Ms. Gee. This February she will be recognized by the Association for Rehabilitation, Research, Policy and Education as 2025 Educator of the Year.