STAFF
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
RAFAEL SALGADO
Executive Director
Rafael's favorite thing about working at Cal-Wood is seeing the happy faces of kids enjoying the outdoors here. He feels very privileged to be part of this amazing organization which provides life changing outdoor experiences for kids and families. He loves receiving notes from kids, teachers and parents saying how much they valued their time here at Cal-Wood.
NANCY FARMER
Office Manager
Nancy’s favorite things about working at Cal-Wood are that she can always get up from her computer to step out into nature and look up at the clouds. The walk from the parking lot surrounded by mountain meadows, peaks, and wildlife is the best part of her daily commute. Also, she loves working with the staff at Cal-Wood and how they carry out our mission of connecting kids and families to the Colorado mountains. Also, the food, and Hercules, the office cat!
AARYN KAY
Development & Communications Specialist
Aaryn has worked with more than one hundred non-profits in almost every U.S. state and Canadian province. Her educational background and passion is in environmental education, and guiding Cal-Wood's development and communications allows her to apply two decades of non-profit management experience to further Cal-Wood's mission.
EDUCATION TEAM
JARED MAZUREK, M.A.
Director of Education
Jared's favorite thing about working at Cal-Wood is the relationships he is able to develop with all of the teachers that we work with. The commitment and dedication that they demonstrate toward providing life-changing environmental education experiences for their students is truly inspiring.
MADDIE LEH, B.A.
Field Instructor, Teen Adventure Program Coordinator
Maddie was born and raised in Louisville, Colorado and is so thrilled to be back in the Rocky Mountains. Maddie holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Anthropology and is planning to pursue a Master's in Nonprofit Management. Maddie has worked in the Environmental Education field for the past three years. In this field, one of her main goals is to give all youth the opportunity to connect to nature regardless of socioeconomic background, ability, or experience.
CHRIS MITCHELL, B.S.
Field Instructor
Chris (Chip) grew up close to the White Mountains in New Hampshire and would often take weekend trips to explore the mountains. Chip studied Psychology and Adventure Education at Green Mountain College in Vermont. He has worked for the past 5 years at various Environmental Education centers from NY to CA. After coming to Cal-Wood as a school chaperone, Chip was overjoyed to join the Cal-Wood team. His favorite thing about Cal-Wood is the freedom we have when teaching and creating meaningful experiences.
SARA RUNYAN, B.S.
Field Instructor, Teen Adventure Program Coordinator
Sara was raised in the woods and prairies of southern Iowa. Sara went to school at Iowa State University where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Interpretation of Natural Resources. Since then, life has brought her to Colorado and she feels so lucky that it did! She loves working at Cal-Wood because she gets to teach in a way that is so comfortable to her. The kids get to learn all kinds of Colorado State Standards while also being immersed in the great outdoors and Sara cannot think of anything more meaningful to do with her life.
MICHELLE VILLAGRAN, B.S.
Field Instructor
Michelle (Meesh) was born in Southern California and spent her childhood summers exploring the various ecosystems the state had to offer. She studied Environmental Science at the University of Redlands. After graduating, she worked at various environmental and after-school programs. She began working at Cal-Wood and was amazed by the expansive property, caring co-workers, and the important goal Cal-Wood was trying to achieve, which was getting as many students outside and learning as possible. These are the main reasons why she is still here, and continues to be an instructor.
BEN WEBB, PHD
Field Instructor
Ben was born in Virginia and grew up catching crayfish and exploring the peaks and hollers of the Appalachian mountains. He went to Virginia Tech and obtained a degree in Biology and a PhD in Microbiology. During his studies, he picked up the hobby of Tracking animals, which led him to develop a deeper awareness of his natural surroundings. Ben decided to channel his energy into teaching others about the gifts of nature, so that they may understand the importance of the natural world for themselves and others. Cal-Wood is a great place for him to accomplish this mission.
NATURAL RESOURCES, FOOD SERVICE, MAINTENANCE
LUKE WALDROUP
Maintenance Manager
PAT KUTSCHER
Custodial
TODD MITCHELL
Programs & Operations Support
STEPHANIE CARLSON
Kitchen Staff