Where did you grow up? Under gray skies and in the gorges of Ithaca, New York.

What drew you to Colorado? Big blue skies and warm-hearted, welcoming people.

Favorite thing about living in Colorado: Living against a backdrop of endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Favorite outdoors activity in Colorado: Gathering for dinner outside on summer nights.

Earliest memory of nature: Picking wildflowers with my sister in our yard and making up entire worlds underneath the spruce trees.

Your wish for every Coloradan? To breathe fresh air, drink clean water, enjoy healthy local food, and feel at home and at peace in the nature all around us every day.

Why Keep It Colorado? Sharing ideas and supporting work that advances conservation for a new age feels really compelling and valuable. I’m drawn toward opportunities for collaboration around common and complex challenges.

Favorite aspect of your job? Connecting with conservationists across the state and creating opportunities for sharing ideas.

Where did you grow up? Grafton, Illinois on an Illinois State Land and Water Reserve my parents protected with a conservation easement. I also lived in Carbondale, IL and Santa Barbara, CA before moving to Colorado.

What drew you to Colorado? I had visited Colorado many times and fell in love with its natural beauty and outdoor opportunities. I have watched a lightning storm from atop Mesa Verde, rafted the Poudre River, and hiked the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. I always knew I wanted to live near the mountains.

Favorite thing about living in Colorado: Natural places abound and are diverse. I could visit sand dunes, plains, or subalpine forests on any given weekend. 

Favorite outdoors activity in Colorado: Either hiking to mountain lakes or downhill skiing.

Earliest memory of nature: I grew up in the oak hickory forests of Illinois and remember taking walks in the woods with my parents. I would spend hours in the creek beds looking for fossils.

Your wish for every Coloradan? That every Coloradan, especially children, have access to nature.

Why Keep It Colorado? The idea that an organization exists to connect, enhance, and elevate the work of so many other amazing conservation organizations excites and encourages me.

Favorite aspect of your job? I love the ability to meet diverse partners and make connections with land trusts across the state, all while helping to ensure wild places will persist well into the future.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a rural area near Brighton, Colorado. I spent a lot of time playing pretend in my backyard field, riding horses, and convincing my school friends that it wasn’t too far of a drive to visit me.

What compelled you to come to/stay in Colorado?

Growing up in Colorado was a privilege. No other place offers the same sunny, midwinter days, beautiful yet swiftly melting snowstorms, and mountains on the horizon (how else am I supposed to know which way west is?).

What’s your favorite thing about living in Colorado?

The variety in Colorado is what I love most, from its distinct four seasons to its diverse landscapes across the state. I'm especially fond of the vibrant, diverse communities that call this state home.

What is your favorite outdoors activity in Colorado?

I enjoy taking my lab, Sage, on walks in different locations. Whether it’s a long adventure or a stroll through a hidden gem of an urban park, it’s my favorite way to enjoy nature. My latest find has been the Fairmount Cemetery.

What’s your earliest memory of the outdoors growing up?

My grandparents love the outdoors, and my grandpa often took me canoeing. One day, my excitement got the best of me, and I tipped the boat and dumped my grandpa into the lake.

If you had a wish for every Coloradan, what would it be?

My wish for each and every one of my neighbors is a safe and dignified home with easy access to good food, a supportive community, and the opportunity to connect with nature.

Why did you want to work for Keep It Colorado?

Brighton rapidly developed as I grew up. I saw the loss of the beautiful prairie that surrounded me, replaced by gas stations, auto parts stores, and rows of identical houses. While I welcome new neighbors and believe there is ample space and resources for everyone here, thoughtful development, and community planning are vital. It’s important to preserve Colorado’s natural beauty for all residents, including future generations.

What’s your favorite aspect of your job?

My favorite part of my job is taking things off my coworkers' plates. I am in awe of the innovative, well-run, and impactful programs my coworkers manage. When I can take over logistics and streamline processes, they can focus on even better program delivery. Plus, I get a dopamine rush from a job well done!