Greenway Staff
Jeff Shoemaker - Executive Director
jeff@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 818-8078
Since 1982, Jeff Shoemaker has been the Executive Director of The Greenway Foundation (TGF). Under the course of his leadership, TGF has partnered with countless public and private organizations to collectively create over $500 Million of environmental and recreational improvements along the South Platte River and its numerous tributaries throughout the Metro Denver Area and beyond. These priceless amenities include the watersheds of the City and County of Denver, along with Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Clear Creek, Douglas and Jefferson Counties, as well as a larger number of related municipalities. This collective investment over the last four decades to the reclamation and preservation of the related community’s greatest natural resources is directly connected to the creation of over $20 Billion of additional economic development and related benefit to the surrounding area. Our Metro Denver Area’s waterways are now home to over 100 miles of multi-use recreational trails, over 100 acres of parks and natural areas and over 100,000 A.F. of rivers and creeks in terms of both water quality and water quantity enhancements.
TGF has also created and oversees the most recognized award-winning Environmental Education Program in Colorado – SPREE (South Platte River Environmental Education). In addition, TGF has been the vision behind the creation of an innovative initiative to engage the private, public and political communities in critical water quality and water quantity policy issues - TWC (The Water Connection). Finally, TGF engages in numerous cultural and community events, along with a variety of youth employment opportunities, all focused on engaging the Metro Denver community (and beyond) with their greatest natural resources – our urban and regional waterways.
In November, 2018, Jeff served on the Executive Committee of Denver’s successful Ballot Measure 2A which secured over $35 Million/year for Denver’s Parks and Waterways. He also served as the Chair of Metro Denver’s successful Ballot Measure 7G which secured over $20 Million/year for the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District.
Since 2000, Jeff has also served as the Executive Director of the Colorado Parks Foundation (CPF) which, working with Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) as well as numerous county, municipal and non-profit organizations, provides funding, advocacy and community outreach for the benefit of Colorado’s 42 State Parks along with local and regional parks across the State of Colorado. To date, the CPF has provided over $1,000,000 of project and program based grants since its inception in 1985. In 2010, the CPF coordinated the procedural and legislative processes resulting in the creation of a Colorado State Parks License Plate, allowing supporters of State Parks across Colorado and beyond to promote and advocate that support through the purchase of a State Parks Plate. Over 3,500 Colorado residents are now proud owners of the Colorado State Parks Plate with related proceeds providing additional financial support to Colorado State Parks which, to date, has witnessed over $20,000 of grants to State Parks across Colorado.
Jeff is a proud 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 was appointed to the MSU Denver Board of Trustees in 2016 and also serves as the President of a local non-profit organization, Up Close and Musical, which provides professional performances of classical music to elementary schools by Colorado Symphony Orchestra musicians.
Jeff and his wife Nancy (a recently retired R.N., now the owner of Care By Design, LLC – providing care and engagement for seniors throughout the Metro Denver area) are active runners and bicyclists and are the proud parents of four adult daughters and two exceedingly beautiful and extremely intelligent granddaughters.
jeff@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 818-8078
Since 1982, Jeff Shoemaker has been the Executive Director of The Greenway Foundation (TGF). Under the course of his leadership, TGF has partnered with countless public and private organizations to collectively create over $500 Million of environmental and recreational improvements along the South Platte River and its numerous tributaries throughout the Metro Denver Area and beyond. These priceless amenities include the watersheds of the City and County of Denver, along with Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Clear Creek, Douglas and Jefferson Counties, as well as a larger number of related municipalities. This collective investment over the last four decades to the reclamation and preservation of the related community’s greatest natural resources is directly connected to the creation of over $20 Billion of additional economic development and related benefit to the surrounding area. Our Metro Denver Area’s waterways are now home to over 100 miles of multi-use recreational trails, over 100 acres of parks and natural areas and over 100,000 A.F. of rivers and creeks in terms of both water quality and water quantity enhancements.
TGF has also created and oversees the most recognized award-winning Environmental Education Program in Colorado – SPREE (South Platte River Environmental Education). In addition, TGF has been the vision behind the creation of an innovative initiative to engage the private, public and political communities in critical water quality and water quantity policy issues - TWC (The Water Connection). Finally, TGF engages in numerous cultural and community events, along with a variety of youth employment opportunities, all focused on engaging the Metro Denver community (and beyond) with their greatest natural resources – our urban and regional waterways.
In November, 2018, Jeff served on the Executive Committee of Denver’s successful Ballot Measure 2A which secured over $35 Million/year for Denver’s Parks and Waterways. He also served as the Chair of Metro Denver’s successful Ballot Measure 7G which secured over $20 Million/year for the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District.
Since 2000, Jeff has also served as the Executive Director of the Colorado Parks Foundation (CPF) which, working with Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) as well as numerous county, municipal and non-profit organizations, provides funding, advocacy and community outreach for the benefit of Colorado’s 42 State Parks along with local and regional parks across the State of Colorado. To date, the CPF has provided over $1,000,000 of project and program based grants since its inception in 1985. In 2010, the CPF coordinated the procedural and legislative processes resulting in the creation of a Colorado State Parks License Plate, allowing supporters of State Parks across Colorado and beyond to promote and advocate that support through the purchase of a State Parks Plate. Over 3,500 Colorado residents are now proud owners of the Colorado State Parks Plate with related proceeds providing additional financial support to Colorado State Parks which, to date, has witnessed over $20,000 of grants to State Parks across Colorado.
Jeff is a proud 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 was appointed to the MSU Denver Board of Trustees in 2016 and also serves as the President of a local non-profit organization, Up Close and Musical, which provides professional performances of classical music to elementary schools by Colorado Symphony Orchestra musicians.
Jeff and his wife Nancy (a recently retired R.N., now the owner of Care By Design, LLC – providing care and engagement for seniors throughout the Metro Denver area) are active runners and bicyclists and are the proud parents of four adult daughters and two exceedingly beautiful and extremely intelligent granddaughters.
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 & Excursion 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!
Deirdre Lee - Excursion Coordinator
deirdre@greenwayfoundation.org
(303) 743-9720 ext. 830
Deirdre moved to Colorado to pursue a career in environmental education and found her dream job working with SPREE. Beginning as a seasonal educator in 2018, she is now the full time Excursion Coordinator. 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 loves working 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
(303) 743-9720 ext. 830
Deirdre moved to Colorado to pursue a career in environmental education and found her dream job working with SPREE. Beginning as a seasonal educator in 2018, she is now the full time Excursion Coordinator. 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 loves working with The Greenway Foundation and students across the Denver area to explore all the great things the South Platte River has to offer!
Casey Lay - Youth Programs Assistant
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.
Leigh Preston - Seasonal Educator & Youth Mentor
leigh@greenwayfoundation.org
Leigh started as a seasonal educator for SPREE in the spring of 2019. She grew up in Upstate New York and graduated from Hamilton College in 2018 with a degree in Environmental Studies and Ecology. She fell in love with outdoor education while in college and had many opportunities to take kids and teenagers on camping, hiking, and canoeing trips around the state. She moved to Colorado after graduating to pursue a career in experiential outdoor education and was so happy to stumble upon SPREE! When not working, she can be found climbing rocks, skiing, baking, or crocheting stuffed animals.
leigh@greenwayfoundation.org
Leigh started as a seasonal educator for SPREE in the spring of 2019. She grew up in Upstate New York and graduated from Hamilton College in 2018 with a degree in Environmental Studies and Ecology. She fell in love with outdoor education while in college and had many opportunities to take kids and teenagers on camping, hiking, and canoeing trips around the state. She moved to Colorado after graduating to pursue a career in experiential outdoor education and was so happy to stumble upon SPREE! When not working, she can be found climbing rocks, skiing, baking, or crocheting stuffed animals.
Alissa Grutze - Seasonal Environmental Educator
alissa@greenwayfoundation.org
Ali recently moved to Colorado to continue her career in environmental education and finally be among the mountains! She is from Illinois where she majored in environmental studies and geography at Augustana College and worked as a forest preserve environmental educator in the Chicagoland area. She grew up traveling the world and hiking with her family, which fostered her love for nature, exploring and in particular, mountains. She enjoys biking, taking pictures of flowers and bringing her binoculars everywhere she goes. Ali’s passion is connecting people with nature, and she is super excited to connect local Denver kids to their urban parks with The Greenway Foundation!
alissa@greenwayfoundation.org
Ali recently moved to Colorado to continue her career in environmental education and finally be among the mountains! She is from Illinois where she majored in environmental studies and geography at Augustana College and worked as a forest preserve environmental educator in the Chicagoland area. She grew up traveling the world and hiking with her family, which fostered her love for nature, exploring and in particular, mountains. She enjoys biking, taking pictures of flowers and bringing her binoculars everywhere she goes. Ali’s passion is connecting people with nature, and she is super excited to connect local Denver kids to their urban parks with The Greenway Foundation!
Jacob Austin - Seasonal Environmental Educator
jacob@greenwayfoundation.org
Jake is from the Denver area and is in his first year with the SPREE team. In 2018, he graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and worked at the Environmental Learning Center in Fort Collins, prior to SPREE. Jake enjoys snowboarding, backpacking, riding his bike, music and art when he’s not teaching. Being from the Denver area, Jake is very excited to serve the youth of his community and ensure the river, and city, lives on as green and healthy as possible.
jacob@greenwayfoundation.org
Jake is from the Denver area and is in his first year with the SPREE team. In 2018, he graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and worked at the Environmental Learning Center in Fort Collins, prior to SPREE. Jake enjoys snowboarding, backpacking, riding his bike, music and art when he’s not teaching. Being from the Denver area, Jake is very excited to serve the youth of his community and ensure the river, and city, lives on as green and healthy as possible.
Lena Grover - Seasonal Environmental Educator
lena@greenwayfoundation.org
Lena joined the SPREE team as a Seasonal Educator in Spring 2019. She grew up in Portland Oregon and found her love for the outdoors and teaching by volunteering for an outdoor education program in high school. She then ventured to Wyoming to get her associates degree in Outdoor Education and Leadership from Central Wyoming College. She loves to backpack and hike in new places and is eager to explore all that Colorado has to offer. She is very excited to teach Denver learners about the South Platte River and spark passion for our planet with The Greenway Foundation!
lena@greenwayfoundation.org
Lena joined the SPREE team as a Seasonal Educator in Spring 2019. She grew up in Portland Oregon and found her love for the outdoors and teaching by volunteering for an outdoor education program in high school. She then ventured to Wyoming to get her associates degree in Outdoor Education and Leadership from Central Wyoming College. She loves to backpack and hike in new places and is eager to explore all that Colorado has to offer. She is very excited to teach Denver learners about the South Platte River and spark passion for our planet with The Greenway Foundation!
Emily Komie- Seasonal Environmental Educator
Emily joined the SPREE team as a seasonal educator in the summer of 2019. Hailing from Chicago, she spent her summers falling in love with the great lakes. Emily graduated from Colorado College in 2018 with a BA in Environmental Science and Film Studies. After graduating, she thru-hiked the Colorado Trail, where she was reminded of the vast natural beauty of the state and its complicated ecosystems. When she's not teaching, Emily enjoys hiking, playing ultimate frisbee, listening to music, and baking bread. She is very excited to join the SPREE team, and inspire learners to protect our environment here in Colorado and beyond!
Emily joined the SPREE team as a seasonal educator in the summer of 2019. Hailing from Chicago, she spent her summers falling in love with the great lakes. Emily graduated from Colorado College in 2018 with a BA in Environmental Science and Film Studies. After graduating, she thru-hiked the Colorado Trail, where she was reminded of the vast natural beauty of the state and its complicated ecosystems. When she's not teaching, Emily enjoys hiking, playing ultimate frisbee, listening to music, and baking bread. She is very excited to join the SPREE team, and inspire learners to protect our environment here in Colorado and beyond!
Frankie Chiappetta- Summer Educator
Frankie joined the SPREE team as a Seasonal Educator in the summer of 2019. A Chicago native, she grew up exploring nature during her summers at camp in Michigan. She graduated from Colorado College in 2018 with a degree in Organismal Biology and Ecology, where she was involved in the Outdoor Education program, participating in and leading backpacking trips. After graduating, Frankie worked at Colorado Parks and Wildlife in the Trails Program and continued to explore the mountains. She is passionate about engaging others in the outdoors to inspire stewardship of our lands and resources, and is excited to inspire the next generation of stewards with the students in the SPREE program. In her free time, you can usually find her running, playing outside, or eating delicious food.
Frankie joined the SPREE team as a Seasonal Educator in the summer of 2019. A Chicago native, she grew up exploring nature during her summers at camp in Michigan. She graduated from Colorado College in 2018 with a degree in Organismal Biology and Ecology, where she was involved in the Outdoor Education program, participating in and leading backpacking trips. After graduating, Frankie worked at Colorado Parks and Wildlife in the Trails Program and continued to explore the mountains. She is passionate about engaging others in the outdoors to inspire stewardship of our lands and resources, and is excited to inspire the next generation of stewards with the students in the SPREE program. In her free time, you can usually find her running, playing outside, or eating delicious food.
Alicia Rey-Miller- College River Ranger
Alicia is a college student from Denver and is thrilled to begin her first summer working with SPREE. She grew up in Colorado, frequently visiting the mountains on long weekends or backpacking during the summers. Currently she’s entering her sophmore year at Oberlin College where she’s pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies. In her free time, you can find her listening to music in her car, sifting through clothing at Goodwill, or wandering down some Denver streets. She’s eager to spread her love of nature to young learners this summer and join them in exploring the river.
Alicia is a college student from Denver and is thrilled to begin her first summer working with SPREE. She grew up in Colorado, frequently visiting the mountains on long weekends or backpacking during the summers. Currently she’s entering her sophmore year at Oberlin College where she’s pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies. In her free time, you can find her listening to music in her car, sifting through clothing at Goodwill, or wandering down some Denver streets. She’s eager to spread her love of nature to young learners this summer and join them in exploring the river.
Lily Rankova- College River Ranger
Lily will be attending the University of Denver in the Fall of 2019 as a freshman. This will be her second summer at SPREE and she is excited to continue with the program! Lily is originally from Montana, but has lived in Denver for the past six years. She loves being outdoors, pursuing art, and hitting all the art galleries she possibly can. Lily is interested in studying Psychology in hopes to gradually become a child Psychiatrist. She is excited to have fun with the kids and be a support for them.
Lily will be attending the University of Denver in the Fall of 2019 as a freshman. This will be her second summer at SPREE and she is excited to continue with the program! Lily is originally from Montana, but has lived in Denver for the past six years. She loves being outdoors, pursuing art, and hitting all the art galleries she possibly can. Lily is interested in studying Psychology in hopes to gradually become a child Psychiatrist. She is excited to have fun with the kids and be a support for them.
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."