Greenway Staff
Jeff Shoemaker - Executive Director
jeff@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 818-8078
Since 1982, Jeff has been the Executive Director of The Greenway Foundation (TGF). Under the course of his leadership, TGF has partnered with numerous public and private organizations to create over $500 million of environmental and recreational improvements along the South Platte River and its numerous tributaries throughout the Denver Metro Area and numerous municipalities. This investment over the last four decades is directly related to the creation of over $15 billion of economic development and related benefit to the surrounding area. In addition, TGF has created and oversees an award winning Youth Education Program – SPREE (South Platte River Environmental Education), numerous cultural and community events as well as a variety of youth employment opportunities – all focused on engaging the Metro community with Denver’s greatest natural resources – its urban waterways.
Since 2000, Jeff has also served as the Executive Director of the Colorado Parks Foundation (CPF), working with Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) as well as county, municipal and non-profit organizations, provides funding, advocacy and community outreach for the benefit of our state's 42 State Parks as well as local and regional parks across the State of Colorado.
Jeff is a graduate of Denver Public Schools and the University of Colorado. He was a public school teacher from 1977-1982, served as a member of the Colorado Legislature from 1987-1992 and was appointed to two terms on the CSU Board of Trustees from 1999-2008. Jeff and his wife Nancy are active runners and bicyclists and are the proud parents of four adult daughters and one granddaughter.
jeff@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 818-8078
Since 1982, Jeff has been the Executive Director of The Greenway Foundation (TGF). Under the course of his leadership, TGF has partnered with numerous public and private organizations to create over $500 million of environmental and recreational improvements along the South Platte River and its numerous tributaries throughout the Denver Metro Area and numerous municipalities. This investment over the last four decades is directly related to the creation of over $15 billion of economic development and related benefit to the surrounding area. In addition, TGF has created and oversees an award winning Youth Education Program – SPREE (South Platte River Environmental Education), numerous cultural and community events as well as a variety of youth employment opportunities – all focused on engaging the Metro community with Denver’s greatest natural resources – its urban waterways.
Since 2000, Jeff has also served as the Executive Director of the Colorado Parks Foundation (CPF), working with Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) as well as county, municipal and non-profit organizations, provides funding, advocacy and community outreach for the benefit of our state's 42 State Parks as well as local and regional parks across the State of Colorado.
Jeff is a graduate of Denver Public Schools and the University of Colorado. He was a public school teacher from 1977-1982, served as a member of the Colorado Legislature from 1987-1992 and was appointed to two terms on the CSU Board of Trustees from 1999-2008. Jeff and his wife Nancy are active runners and bicyclists and are the proud parents of four adult daughters and one granddaughter.
Ryan Aids - Development Director
ryan@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 743-9720 ext 860
Ryan is originally from the small town of Rincon, Georgia but has lived in Denver for the last 10 years. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2006 with a degree in communications. Ryan joined The Greenway Foundation after working for Verizon Wireless for 9 years. Along with his wife, Faith, they love exploring Colorado with their two dogs Cooper and Maya. Ryan is a huge Georgia Bulldog football fan and always looks forward to the college football season. GO DAWGS!
ryan@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 743-9720 ext 860
Ryan is originally from the small town of Rincon, Georgia but has lived in Denver for the last 10 years. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2006 with a degree in communications. Ryan joined The Greenway Foundation after working for Verizon Wireless for 9 years. Along with his wife, Faith, they love exploring Colorado with their two dogs Cooper and Maya. Ryan is a huge Georgia Bulldog football fan and always looks forward to the college football season. GO DAWGS!
Devon Buckels - The Water Connection Director
Devon@thewaterconnection.org
Devon Buckels is a civic-minded Denver native. Her decades of work in the public, private and non-profit sectors has focused on creating healthy and sustainable communities. She has a master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado at Denver, and a Certification in Sustainability Leadership and Implementation from the Daniels College of Business. Devon is excited to serve as TGF's lead policy and water resources staff as Director of The Water Connection, supporting innovation in thought and practice for resilient Colorado watersheds.
Devon@thewaterconnection.org
Devon Buckels is a civic-minded Denver native. Her decades of work in the public, private and non-profit sectors has focused on creating healthy and sustainable communities. She has a master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado at Denver, and a Certification in Sustainability Leadership and Implementation from the Daniels College of Business. Devon is excited to serve as TGF's lead policy and water resources staff as Director of The Water Connection, supporting innovation in thought and practice for resilient Colorado watersheds.
Rachel (Steel) Gillette - Education & Grants Director
rachel@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 743-9720 ext 920
Rachel started as a seasonal educator before joining the SPREE team full time in March 2012. A Michigan native, Rachel began her career in environmental education working at the Kalamazoo Nature Center Camp during her summers home from college. She continued to pursue her interest in the environment at The University of Michigan, earning both a bachelor's and master's from the School of Natural Resources and Environment. Since moving to Colorado in 2009, Rachel has enjoyed getting to know her new home through work at Bluff Lake Nature Center, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, and The Greenway Foundation, as well as weekend explorations of the city and mountains. She currently oversees all educational programming, as well as all things grant related, for TGF and loves connecting Denver's youth with the South Platte River!
rachel@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 743-9720 ext 920
Rachel started as a seasonal educator before joining the SPREE team full time in March 2012. A Michigan native, Rachel began her career in environmental education working at the Kalamazoo Nature Center Camp during her summers home from college. She continued to pursue her interest in the environment at The University of Michigan, earning both a bachelor's and master's from the School of Natural Resources and Environment. Since moving to Colorado in 2009, Rachel has enjoyed getting to know her new home through work at Bluff Lake Nature Center, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, and The Greenway Foundation, as well as weekend explorations of the city and mountains. She currently oversees all educational programming, as well as all things grant related, for TGF and loves connecting Denver's youth with the South Platte River!
Shelley Jewell - Finance & Administration Director
shelley@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 743 -9720 ext 900
Shelley joined The Greenway Foundation’s team in November 2015. However, Shelley’s involvement with SPREE started over fifteen years ago when she was a Denver Public Schools teacher. For years, Shelley took her third, fourth and fifth graders on field trips along the South Platte River. Shelley received her undergraduate degree from Bates College and a master in Education from the University of Colorado at Denver. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Shelley has always loved being by the water. As a mother of two, Shelley cherishes family bike rides along the South Platte that include visiting to the playground at Johnson Habitat Park, skipping rocks in the river and searching for crawdads.
shelley@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 743 -9720 ext 900
Shelley joined The Greenway Foundation’s team in November 2015. However, Shelley’s involvement with SPREE started over fifteen years ago when she was a Denver Public Schools teacher. For years, Shelley took her third, fourth and fifth graders on field trips along the South Platte River. Shelley received her undergraduate degree from Bates College and a master in Education from the University of Colorado at Denver. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Shelley has always loved being by the water. As a mother of two, Shelley cherishes family bike rides along the South Platte that include visiting to the playground at Johnson Habitat Park, skipping rocks in the river and searching for crawdads.
Bekky Harkins - Camp Director
bekky@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 743-9720 ext 910
Bekky started as a SPREE educator in 2013. A Wisconsin native, Bekky grew up exploring lakes, rivers, and forests. She then attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and graduated in 2011. She earned bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and biology, with emphasis in environmental science and environmental education. In 2012 Bekky moved to the Denver area and was an Americorps volunteer with Mile High Youth Corps, where she lived outdoors, did conservation work around the state, and provided environmental education for young adults. Bekky is very excited to be working with SPREE, creating awesome summer camp experiences, working with the great kids in Denver, and falling more in love with the Colorado landscape.
bekky@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 743-9720 ext 910
Bekky started as a SPREE educator in 2013. A Wisconsin native, Bekky grew up exploring lakes, rivers, and forests. She then attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and graduated in 2011. She earned bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and biology, with emphasis in environmental science and environmental education. In 2012 Bekky moved to the Denver area and was an Americorps volunteer with Mile High Youth Corps, where she lived outdoors, did conservation work around the state, and provided environmental education for young adults. Bekky is very excited to be working with SPREE, creating awesome summer camp experiences, working with the great kids in Denver, and falling more in love with the Colorado landscape.
Lauren Berent - Events & Volunteer Director
lauren@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 743-9720 ext 850
Lauren started with The Greenway Foundation as a summer educator for the SPREE Summer Camps in 2014. After 3 great years as part of the education staff, she transitioned into her new role coordinating volunteer programs, community and fundraising events, and the Clean River Design Challenge. Lauren grew up in Michigan, and after attending the University of Michigan to earn both an BA and MS in Aquatic Sciences and Sustainable Systems, she moved out to Colorado. Lauren enjoys connecting people to the natural environment in the hopes that they might come to appreciate and care for it. When she is not working, Lauren enjoys exploring Colorado through hiking, camping, and snowboarding.
lauren@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 743-9720 ext 850
Lauren started with The Greenway Foundation as a summer educator for the SPREE Summer Camps in 2014. After 3 great years as part of the education staff, she transitioned into her new role coordinating volunteer programs, community and fundraising events, and the Clean River Design Challenge. Lauren grew up in Michigan, and after attending the University of Michigan to earn both an BA and MS in Aquatic Sciences and Sustainable Systems, she moved out to Colorado. Lauren enjoys connecting people to the natural environment in the hopes that they might come to appreciate and care for it. When she is not working, Lauren enjoys exploring Colorado through hiking, camping, and snowboarding.
Julianne Gagnon - Youth Programs Coordinator
julianne@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 743-9720 ext 840
Julianne started with SPREE as a seasonal educator when she moved out to Colorado in 2016. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2013 with a degree in Environmental Studies. Originally from New York, Julianne lived in Boston working at an online school for two years, so she is excited to get to work with students in person with SPREE. She has also worked for a community garden organization in St. Louis, and has lead many student outdoors trips to the Ozark Mountains in Missouri and Arkansas. She loves climbing rocks and mountains, and is very pleased with Denver's superb access to both.
julianne@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 743-9720 ext 840
Julianne started with SPREE as a seasonal educator when she moved out to Colorado in 2016. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2013 with a degree in Environmental Studies. Originally from New York, Julianne lived in Boston working at an online school for two years, so she is excited to get to work with students in person with SPREE. She has also worked for a community garden organization in St. Louis, and has lead many student outdoors trips to the Ozark Mountains in Missouri and Arkansas. She loves climbing rocks and mountains, and is very pleased with Denver's superb access to both.
Emily Holohan - Camp Coordinator
emily@greenwayfoundaion.org
(303) 743-9720 ext. 930
Emily began with SPREE in the Spring of 2017 after moving out west from south Florida. She grew up in New York State where she spent time exploring the wilds of the Hudson River Valley. After earning her BA in Environmental Studies from Purchase College, she trekked across the country to Wyoming to earn a graduate certificate in Place Based Education at the Teton Science Schools among the backdrops of Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks. Love for exploring new places sent Emily to south Florida for several years to lead eco-tours through Everglades National Park. The mountains were calling and so was dry air, so Emily moved out to Colorado. She is very excited to learn alongside students about Denver and South Platte River ecosystems with The Greenway Foundation!
emily@greenwayfoundaion.org
(303) 743-9720 ext. 930
Emily began with SPREE in the Spring of 2017 after moving out west from south Florida. She grew up in New York State where she spent time exploring the wilds of the Hudson River Valley. After earning her BA in Environmental Studies from Purchase College, she trekked across the country to Wyoming to earn a graduate certificate in Place Based Education at the Teton Science Schools among the backdrops of Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks. Love for exploring new places sent Emily to south Florida for several years to lead eco-tours through Everglades National Park. The mountains were calling and so was dry air, so Emily moved out to Colorado. She is very excited to learn alongside students about Denver and South Platte River ecosystems with The Greenway Foundation!
Casey Lay - Seasonal Educator & Youth Mentor
casey@greenwayfoundation.org
Casey is new to the Colorado area and joined as a seasonal educator in Fall 2017. As a transplant from Oregon, she enjoys spending time exploring the rivers and mountains of Colorado, while learning the local wildlife and botany with her dog, Jasper. Her love for travel brought her around the world, working in remote locations in Namibia and Alaska. With a background of wildlife and environmental conservation, Casey is thrilled to educate kids about the environment and ways they can help create a greener world!
casey@greenwayfoundation.org
Casey is new to the Colorado area and joined as a seasonal educator in Fall 2017. As a transplant from Oregon, she enjoys spending time exploring the rivers and mountains of Colorado, while learning the local wildlife and botany with her dog, Jasper. Her love for travel brought her around the world, working in remote locations in Namibia and Alaska. With a background of wildlife and environmental conservation, Casey is thrilled to educate kids about the environment and ways they can help create a greener world!
Mike Schmidt - Seasonal Environmental Educator
mike@greenwayfoundation.org
Mike started working with The Greenway Foundation during the summer of 2017 as a seasonal educator. After graduating from Colorado State University with a BS in Watershed Science, he worked as a teaching assistant at an elementary school where he discovered a love for education. Mike enjoys going hiking, biking, and camping whenever possible. He is excited to share his love of the outdoors and watersheds with Colorado students through the SPREE program.
mike@greenwayfoundation.org
Mike started working with The Greenway Foundation during the summer of 2017 as a seasonal educator. After graduating from Colorado State University with a BS in Watershed Science, he worked as a teaching assistant at an elementary school where he discovered a love for education. Mike enjoys going hiking, biking, and camping whenever possible. He is excited to share his love of the outdoors and watersheds with Colorado students through the SPREE program.
Deirdre Lee - Seasonal Environmental Educator
deirdre@greenwayfoundation.org
Deirdre recently moved to Colorado to pursue a career in environmental education and found her dream job working with SPREE. Hailing from Chicago, she graduated from Pomona College with a BA in Environmental Economics. Prior to moving to Colorado, she road-tripped across the US to visit 49 of its National Parks. In her free time, Deirdre enjoys hiking, cooking, gardening, and beekeeping. She is excited to work with The Greenway Foundation and students across the Denver area to explore all the great things the South Platte River has to offer!
deirdre@greenwayfoundation.org
Deirdre recently moved to Colorado to pursue a career in environmental education and found her dream job working with SPREE. Hailing from Chicago, she graduated from Pomona College with a BA in Environmental Economics. Prior to moving to Colorado, she road-tripped across the US to visit 49 of its National Parks. In her free time, Deirdre enjoys hiking, cooking, gardening, and beekeeping. She is excited to work with The Greenway Foundation and students across the Denver area to explore all the great things the South Platte River has to offer!
Chompers the SPREEver - Chief SPREE Force Agent
Chompers is a cool dude, foraging for his food, livin' his life by the South Platte River. He has fur on his face, he loves that tree taste, leaving his mark all over the place. He will, He will, Chomp you. Chompers became a member of the SPREE team on December 9th, 2004. He started out as a part time mascot and generally lovable guy. As the SPREE team started to realize that he was a straight shooter with upper management potential, Chompers took on a more active role for SPREE. In September of 2008, Chompers founded the SPREE Force to help keep the South Platte River clean from drain to stream.
Chompers is a cool dude, foraging for his food, livin' his life by the South Platte River. He has fur on his face, he loves that tree taste, leaving his mark all over the place. He will, He will, Chomp you. Chompers became a member of the SPREE team on December 9th, 2004. He started out as a part time mascot and generally lovable guy. As the SPREE team started to realize that he was a straight shooter with upper management potential, Chompers took on a more active role for SPREE. In September of 2008, Chompers founded the SPREE Force to help keep the South Platte River clean from drain to stream.
Crusher the Crawdad - SPREE Force Agent
Crusher's pretty cool too, watch out he might pinch you, livin' his life under one big rock. Crawdad, crayfish, call him what you wish, eatin' dead leeches, his favorite dish. He will, he will, Pinch you. Crusher is Chompers right hand man, and he was the first to sign up as a Special Agent in the SPREE Force when Chompers first founded it. Since then he has been working hard to do his part to keep the South Platte River safe and clean. Chompers always looks for help from Crusher when he finds himself in a "pinch."
Crusher's pretty cool too, watch out he might pinch you, livin' his life under one big rock. Crawdad, crayfish, call him what you wish, eatin' dead leeches, his favorite dish. He will, he will, Pinch you. Crusher is Chompers right hand man, and he was the first to sign up as a Special Agent in the SPREE Force when Chompers first founded it. Since then he has been working hard to do his part to keep the South Platte River safe and clean. Chompers always looks for help from Crusher when he finds himself in a "pinch."