Read Oak’s history

Grace Apodaca (they/them) started out as a Thorne camper at the age of nine. Now, they have joined Thorne as an AmeriCorps member serving through eeCorps. Grace earned their B.A. in Environmental Studies at Prescott College in Arizona with an emphasis in ornithology. After, they returned to Colorado to share their love for the Front Range and its ecosystems. In their free time, Grace can be found birding, singing, and playing board games.

Leann (she/her/hers) joined the Thorne team in 2020.  She has ten years experience as Chief Operating/Financial Officer in Washington State, working with Outdoor Recreation and Conservation and Public Education Advocacy non-profits. She has a B.A. in Business Administration, Finance from the University of Washington.  Leann connected to nature as a kid growing up in Alaska; camping and fishing with her family and currently enjoys trail running, camping, hiking, biking, and skiing.

Lauren (she/her/hers) joined the Thorne team while in high school as a volunteer and returned for the summer after finishing her major in Recreation Outdoor Education with an emphasis in outdoor leadership and youth education. Lauren also has an ECE certification through Front Range Community College and over six years of experience working with outdoor youth education programs. Lauren believes that the connection to nature at early ages is not only developmentally beneficial in the experience of free exploration, but it also helps build a connection to the spaces around us as stewards, leading to a better environmental future. In Lauren’s free time she can be found making jewelry out of retired skis, rafting, climbing, biking, running, and hiking with her dog Peri. 

Natalie (she/her/hers) joined the Thorne team in late 2022. She has ten years of experience as the executive director of a residential summer camp in Oregon. She is a professional educator and holds a PhD in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Natalie believes deeply in the summer camp experience as a means to connect young people with themselves, others and the rest of the natural world.

Rachel (she/her/hers) joined the Thorne team in late 2022. She has a B.A. in History from Brown University and an M.S. in Environmental Education from Antioch University New England. Her experience includes leading backpacking and sea kayaking expeditions and teaching in informal and formal classroom settings; she also spent six years as the Youth and Inclusiveness Director for Wildlands Restoration Volunteers. Rachel is especially passionate about ensuring that all youth and families have equitable access to nature. When she’s not working, Rachel spends her time hiking, trail running, gardening, eating hummus, and playing with her two young children.

Erica (she/her/hers) joined Thorne as a Summer Camp Instructor in 2024 and now works as an Assistant Preschool Teacher. Erica grew up in Connecticut and spent her childhood catching frogs, playing amongst the trees, and iceskating on frozen ponds. After receiving her B.S. in Forestry from the University of Maine, she moved out to Colorado to work for the U.S. Forest Service as a Forest Ranger at the Maroon Bells. Erica began her childcare career in November of 2023 at a daycare and transitioned to nature- based education at the start of the following summer. Erica has a deep passion for finding the magic in nature and instilling the importance of caring for our Mother Earth within our future land stewards. Erica currently enjoys camping, crocheting and hiking.

Hillary (she/her/hers) joined the Thorne team in early spring of 2025. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Hillary’s first passion came about from birding trips with her mom in their neighborhood. In undergrad she was able to go on her first cross country backpacking trip and volunteer at her school’s nature preserve. After receiving her B.A. in Biology with a focus in Environmental Studies at Kenyon College in OH, she traveled across the United States for various ornithological field work and outreach opportunities. During her experiences she noticed a big discrepancy -a lack of DEIA in the science and outdoor spaces. She made it her goal to work alongside others to increase inclusivity in those spaces and to be a voice for those who are often underrepresented. Outside of work, Hillary can be found at home drawing away, catching up on the latest TV shows, or strolling and birding.

Christian (he/him) joined the Thorne team in the summer of 2024. Originally from New Mexico, he has spent enough time in Colorado to consider it his second home. His motivation for working in environmental education stems from his summers spent on the Navajo Nation (Diné Bikeyah) during high school and college. During those summers, he spent a great deal of time outdoors and traveling, which deepened his connection to his homeland. He also engaged Native youth in activities such as running, games, and discussions about the cultural significance of health and wellness. This experience ignited his passion for environmental education, where he aims to help others connect with the Land, their communities, and themselves in meaningful ways.

With over five years of experience in the field, Christian holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a master’s degree in education from Colorado College. He has also worked with various organizations focused on bringing a nature connection into classrooms and taking students outside to explore, learn, and love the Land.

Chuy Gallegos (el/he/him), originally from Gomez Palacio Durango, Mexico, has always had a deep appreciation for nature. Growing up in the deserts of Mexico and spending time near the Sonoran border, he developed a strong connection to the landscape. After moving to Colorado in 2007, he fell in love with the mountains, particularly the rock formations at Flagstaff.

With a background in Physical Education, Chuy has dedicated his career to working with youth. As a trip leader, he educated others on border issues, including migration, economics, and humanitarian concerns in Nogales, Mexico, and Tucson, Arizona. He spent 14 years at Tru Community Care and most recently served as the Junior Ranger Program Coordinator for the City of Boulder. Deeply involved in the Boulder and Longmont communities, he is excited to begin a new chapter with Thorne and the NKJN programs. Chuy lives in Longmont with his wife and their two children, ages 15 and 12.

Hattie (she/her/hers) graduated from CSU in 2023 with a bachelor’s in Human Dimensions in Natural Resources. Since then, she’s worked for the forest service and been an outdoor educator for Thorne during the summer. She’s proud to be a part of the Thorne team as one of the Preschool Teachers. Her love for the outdoors and her passion for teaching young children go hand in hand at Thorne.

Kalei Gopar-Martinez (she/her/hers) joined the Thorne team full-time in 2025. She has over 7 years of experience working in/with the Nature Kids/Jóvenes de la Naturaleza program, where she started as a Summer Environmental Education Intern in high school. She recently graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Leadership. Kalei is from Lafayette, CO and is dedicated to making the community more accessible for all. In her free time you can find her paddleboarding, fishing, and having picnics outside.

Silje Hayes, pronounced Sil-yuh or Sil for short, (she/her/hers) is a graduate of Colorado State University with a BS in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. She has worked with children in many different capacities over the years, starting as a summer day camp volunteer at 17. Since graduating from CSU, Silje worked with children at outdoor summer day camps, as an EcoWeek Instructor at the CSU mountain campus, as a paraprofessional in Poudre School District, and most recently by guiding outdoor field trips for students in the Denver Metro area. She is beyond excited to be working with Thorne Nature Preschool. It is her belief that children who develop a love of nature will become lifelong stewards of the earth and Thorne Nature Preschool helps children to love the outdoors.

Danielle (she/her/hers) joined the Thorne team in 2021 and uses her 20+ year background as a human resources leader to support Thorne Nature Experience. Danielle specializes in organizational development, employee relations, and recruiting. In addition to an HR background, Danielle was a Summer Camp Director, Outward Bound Instructor, Case Manager, and Medical Technician. Being outdoors and connecting with nature has been a lifelong passion and now Danielle enjoys hiking, camping, boating, and backpacking with her family. Her kids LOVE the Thorne summer camp program!

Anthony “Andy” Maeding (he/him/his) joined the Thorne team in 2016. He has a B.S. in Recreation Resources Management from Colorado State University and a Montessori Lower Elementary Teaching Credential from Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. Andy has extensive experience cultivating nature connection with children of all ages, having led students on extended wilderness expeditions, sea kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, backcountry skiing, fly fishing and international travel experiences for more than two decades.

Gabriela (she/her/ella) began working at Thorne in 2022 after serving as vice president of the Promotores group for Nature Kids Lafayette. Before this, she worked for over seven years at the City of Juarez Police Department as a Detective specializing in homicide and human trafficking, then later as an Intern Detective at the Longmont Police Department in 2018. Gabriela was also a Community Liaison at Pioneer Bilingual School, supporting underserved Latinx families. Born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, Gabriela has always had a strong connection to nature, especially hiking and rappelling. She is passionate about connecting underrepresented families to the outdoors. Gabriela has two children who have participated in Thorne and Lafayette Nature Kids programs. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities and oil painting. Gabriela holds a degree in criminology and a master’s focused on indigenous crime studies from the University of Chihuahua. Gabriela identifies as an indigenous woman with a deeply rooted culture of the Rarámuri or Tarahumara ethnic group from Chihuahua, Mexico.

Krista (she/her/hers) joined the Thorne team in 2024. A self-proclaimed “creek kid”, she is a Colorado native born and raised in Littleton. Krista attended Metropolitan State University of Denver where she completed her BA in Fundraising and Promotional Strategy while supporting the University Advancement team as a Development Assistant and briefly supporting the Alumni Relations and Development team at the University of Chicago. Since then, Krista has worked with several Colorado nonprofits in a professional and volunteer capacity, including Wings Over the Rockies, Invest in Kids, Special Olympics Colorado, and the Colorado Symphony. She has a passion for early childhood education, social-emotional learning, and equity in all things, and loves the ways Thorne’s mission and programs weave these together by connecting kids with nature. Outside of work, Krista enjoys live music, reading, and exploring our beautiful state with her partner.

Molly (she/her/hers) joined the Thorne team in 2023 as a Summer Camp Instructor and now works as an Environmental Educator. Molly grew up in San Antonio going to camp in West Texas and has experience at an adventure camp in Ward, Colorado during the summer while pursuing her B.S. in Environmental Studies at Texas A&M. Molly feels at peace in nature while backpacking, hiking, swimming or looking at the wildflowers each season.

Carrie Riesberg (she/her/hers) joined the Thorne team as a Summer Camp Instructor in 2010 and worked in seasonal camp leadership until she joined Thorne’s year-round team in 2016. Carrie became the Summer Camp Manager in 2018 and ran the camp until 2021 when she shifted into her current role as Thorne’s Marketing Manager. She has a BS in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She also has extensive training and experience in special education and school-based mental health services, including eight years of experience as a behavioral specialist in elementary special education. In her free time, Carrie continues to nurture her connection to nature through shared adventures outdoors with her young daughter and through time spent paddling, hiking, and frolicking in beautiful wild places.

Erin (she/her/hers) joined the Thorne team in 2004 and has a B.S. in Zoology and Botany from the University of Washington. Erin has created curricula for many Thorne programs, written grants, and worked exhaustively with teachers, science coordinators, and district administrators as well as parents to ensure quality nature science programming for our community. Erin is a certified Project Wild facilitator and is conversant in Spanish.

Brian (he/him/his) joined the Thorne team in early 2025. He is a fierce advocate for youth and the necessity of nature and the natural world in their development and growth. He has spent years in the field leading trips, directing camps, and leadership roles in impact-focused organizations. When not at work, he is spending as much time as possible with his family, out snowboarding, camping, or working on some sort of home improvement project.

Hailee (she/her/hers) originally joined Thorne in 2021 as a Spring Field Trip Volunteer. In 2023, Hailee worked as an Assistant Extended Care Instructor, and provided assistance to Summer Camp admin. She now works as Development Associate. Hailee grew up in a little town south of Saint Louis, Missouri, where she fell in love with Earth stewardship. As a first-generation student herself, Hailee is deeply passionate about equitable access to education. She graduated from CU Boulder in May 2024, with a BBA in Management with a double emphasis in Social Responsibility and Sustainability, and Leadership. She also holds a Certificate in Social Responsibility and Ethics.

Christian (he/him/his) started working for Thorne in the end of 2022. He had previously volunteered on the board for Thorne and as president of the Promotores for Nature Kids Lafayette, before transitioning into a full-time employee. Christian comes from working over 16 years at Boulder County HHS supporting underserved families, especially the Latinx community. Born and raised in Costa Rica, Christian has always had a connection to the outdoors. He also has a passion for connecting kids to the outdoors. Christian has two sons who have participated in Thorne Nature and Lafayette Nature Kids programs for several years. During his free time Christian enjoys camping, mountain biking, skiing, hiking, paddle boarding and multiple sports with his family and two dogs. In 2001, he moved to Boulder with his wife and graduated from CU Boulder with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with an emphasis in International Trade and a Minor in Business.

Lorene (she/her/ella) joined the Thorne team in 2021 as our Preschool Manager. She is passionate about guiding children and their families into deeper relationship with nature, greater knowledge of self, and the cultivation of multi-generational community through long-term, nature connection mentoring. She has worked in the field of outdoor experiential education for nearly 30 years, including founding Feet on the Earth Programs, a local nonprofit which for 10 years provided Boulder County families with exceptional nature-based programs for children. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Education from Prescott College, with an emphasis in Wilderness Leadership and Natural History Education, and a Masters of Education from Lesley University, with a concentration in children’s development, nature-based education, and rites of passage. In addition to her extensive training and experience as a nature-based educator and naturalist, Lorene studied and practiced the 8 Shields Cultural Mentoring model, wilderness survival skills, outdoor emergency medicine, is Certified Clinical Herbalist, and is Large Childcare Center Director qualified.