the KIVA family 

For years, Kasey has asked herself these questions, "What would life be like if we humans truly practiced living in balance with the natural world? How do we tap into this potential?" Kasey is an avid wanderer and explorer of wild places, delighting in the diverse array of landscapes and species. Her love for this planet is so deep, that she grieves the ways in which human lifestyles have deteriorated this intelligent balance of creation. Yet, her hope is abundant. She believes that humans are brilliant, and know deep down how to activate our wild, unique gifts that we each bring to the world. She feels that when this gift is expressed, we fulfill an ecological niche, just as other species do. Through working with youth for the past 12 years, she has seen that when the conditions are right, there is an immense potential for children to channel their inner-genius in service to something greater than themselves. She founded The Kiva Center in 2014 with a vision to create a culture that uplifts one another to embody the gift to the world that we are, living lives full of purpose and love.

Simon is a joyous, playful, and thoughtful educator, bringing years of experience with both nature and children to Kiva. Whether it's co-creating games on the spot, joining pre-existing activities, or sharing group-facilitation challenges he loves, Simon is constantly encouraging those around him to connect and learn through play. His deep gratitude and appreciation for the natural world and the wonders it holds are imbued into everything he does at Kiva, from chasing falling leaves, to leading earth-based songs, to stopping everything to gaze at red-tailed hawks circling high overhead. With over a decade of experience as a camp counselor, wilderness guide, and group facilitator, Simon holds children in the fullness of their emotions with kindness, curiosity, and care. He loves to empower those around him to share vulnerably and honestly, as the community around them can then support their struggles most effectively! Simon can be found in his free time living the Kiva way - scampering around barefoot, playing games with friends, adventuring outside, and singing his way through the seasons of the land.

John Holcomb is a 20-year-old unschooler with a deep appreciation for personal growth and resilience. From a young age, he faced significant challenges—losing his father at nine and experiencing the loss of his home in a fire in December 2021. Rather than letting these events define him, John chose to embrace them, believing that there is no bad change, only painful change. His perspective on life is shaped by the idea that experiences don’t define a person; rather, people define their experiences. John has sought out diverse and challenging opportunities that push him beyond his limits. In 2023, he spent four months on the waters of Alaska as a commercial fisherman, an experience that tested him both physically and mentally. Initially struggling to keep up, he nearly lost his spot on the crew but ultimately proved himself, embracing the hard work and forming deep connections along the way. The long days on the water gave him time to reflect, and meaningful conversations with a crewmate helped him gain new perspectives on life. For the past year, John has worked as a lifeguard and was recently promoted to Head Guard, a position he will officially step into starting in June. He is also in his fourth year as a scare actor at Anderson Farms, where he thrives on bringing immersive experiences to life-as Ted John spent seven years as a student at Kiva, where he learned valuable life skills, grew as a person, and found a supportive community. When he turned 18, he was invited to return as a mentor. After coming back from Alaska, he stepped into this role, working with 6- to 12-year-olds in Kiva’s homeschool enrichment outdoor program. Now, he helps guide and support young students on their own journeys of growth and self-discovery, just as he once experienced. Through every challenge and triumph, John remains committed to growth, embracing life with gratitude, curiosity, and a drive to become the best version of himself.

Lena loves spending time outdoors and helping others enjoy nature as much as she does. She is active in the Boy Scouts and loves trying new things and learning from new perspectives. She has a love for arts, especially pottery. she brings a positive attitude, curiosity, and a genuine care for people and the environment. She enjoys meeting new people, and making sure everyone feels welcome.

Jackie Casper is a forward-thinking marketing, fundraising, and event planning leader with over 20 years of experience and hails from Chicago. Her vast experience has afforded her the opportunity to work with Fortune 500 companies across the globe as well as several small start-ups and nonprofits. Jackie and her husband moved to Colorado with the intention of moving back to Chicagoland in five years. They have been Colorado residents for 14 years now and have no plans to ever leave. The beauty of Colorado and all the opportunities to connect with nature and life in this great state, have led Jackie to discover her passion to help organizations that support children become the best they can be in this world. Before joining The Kiva Center, Jackie spearheaded the fundraising and event planning for a private school in Northern Colorado, increasing their fundraising goals significantly over five years. She has also worked for several non-profits in the children’s healthcare fields. In her spare time, you can usually find Jackie with her family on a trail, a paddleboard, in her garden or from the sidelines of either of her daughters’ sporting events cheering them on.

Adwoa is a dancer, educator, and naturalist whose work brings movement, nature, and curiosity together. With years of experience teaching dance,skiing and outdoor education to students of all ages, she has built a career around helping people connect with themselves and the world through play, exploration, and embodied learning. Whether in a studio, on the slopes, or out on a trail, Adwoa fosters a sense of joy and discovery in every setting. As an outdoor educator, Adwoa is passionate about guiding young people into deeper relationships with the natural world. In an outdoor education program, she designs hands-on experiences that spark wonder and confidence. Drawing from both artistic and ecological perspectives, Adwoa encourages students to see nature not only as a classroom but also as a partner in creativity and growth. At the heart of Adwoa's work is a belief that movement, learning, and environment are deeply interconnected. Whether teaching the precision of a dance , the balance of skiing, or the rhythms of the forest, she helps students develop skills while nurturing curiosity and imagination. By weaving artistry into outdoor education, Adwoa continues to inspire learners of all ages to move, explore, and create in harmony with the world around them.

Catie is an outgoing ball of energy, who moved to Colorado in 2016, and joined The Kiva Center as a student in 2017. She has attended since then, and has had the wonderful privilege of gaining the opportunity to work as a mentor in training at The Kiva Center. Catie has a passion for creatures of all kinds, especially reptiles and amphibians, and hopes to spread appreciation for all living things, along with a zest for life to everyone they meet.She aspires to encourage everyone around her to try to see the world as brand-new every day, and approach the world with curiosity. Some of their hobbies include: Drawing, painting, spending time with her pets, and encouraging playful daily shenanigans!

As a mother and grandmother, Lisa takes the responsibility of being human into action for the quality of life and the sake of the Earth. Born in Ohlone Territory (now called Oakland, California), she has worked and raised her family in various bio-regions in what is now called the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, awakening her curiosity and appreciation for the intersection of nature and culture. Since leaving corporate positions with Apple, Time Warner, and DK Publishing, she has worked extensively in leadership positions with local and regional nature-based aorganizations, developing a keen awareness and appreciation of the benefits of deep nature connection for all ages. Today, Lisa serves on the Leadership Circle of the Nature Connection Network and as President of the Board of Directors for the Guelph Outdoor School and as Board Member of the Kiva Center She shares a home and garden with her favorite human, two cats, one dog and several squirrels, on the traditional territories and unceded homelands of the Cheyenne, Ute and Arapaho nations and many others (now called Boulder, Colorado USA), where she is grateful for the inspiration and protection of the Flatirons.

Lorene Wapotich (she/her/ella) is passionate about guiding children and their families into deeper relationship with nature and themselves, and the cultivation of multi-generational community through long-term, nature connection mentoring. As a nature-based experiential educator and wilderness guide for over 30 years, Lorene has witnessed the profound positive impact that direct hands-on experiences in nature, unstructured play, and emergent child-centered curriculum has on children’s social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual development. She was the Founder and former Director of Feet on the Earth Programs, a local nonprofit that provided Boulder County families with exceptional nature-based programming for 10 years. Prior to coming to The Kiva Center, Lorene served as the Preschool Senior Manager for Thorne Nature Preschool. Lorene 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 has studied and practiced herbal medicine, wilderness living skills, outdoor emergency medicine, and the 8 Shields Cultural Mentoring model for many years.

Akavish has been walking intentionally on the Earth Path for 8 years, seeking alternatives ever since realizing the extent to which modern human systems are out of balance with the natural world. Realizing that they thrive best when in a nature based community setting, Akavish dedicated themself to creating and inhabiting those spaces. How can humans cultivate their responsibility to protect or even enhance the landscapes we depend upon? Akavish believes one important way to do this is to connect people with love for the natural world. Considering themself a generalist, Akavish is very adept at the essentials of fire, shelter, water, and food, but also of bird language, tracking, and naturalist knowledge. Akavish uses these ancestral skills as a gateway to deep connection with people, the ecosystem, and as a mirror into one's inner world. Through these practices they lead people to develop self-esteem, knowledge of self, and a sense of belonging in the broader web of life. He can often be found trying to hook people into friction fire at social gatherings. Or not be found when sneaking around the land like a wild animal. A believer in unconditional love, Akavish strives to create a culture where people feel safe to be their authentic self. His authentic self often manifests through spontaneity and play, balanced by deep compassionate listening. Akavish also applies his passion for land stewardship towards his role as Groundskeeper of the Kiva Lands.

Donovan is an energetic and playful mentor-in-training with a goal to help people learn and thrive. He is a beginner working as a mentor but has always helped people explore their passions and push past their limitations. He has a passion for teaching things he is interested in, such as music, games, jokes, and so much more! Donovan is always willing to support and educate to the best of his ability, and is excited and happy to be able to work with The Kiva Center.

Karen has worked as an elementary school teacher in Idaho and West Germany, a health and safety manager supervising hazardous waste site clean ups, and a children’s advocate. In her retirement she has followed her heart and become an avid birder and naturalist. She currently works as a volunteer naturalist for Boulder County, leading a variety of public programs. Through several challenging years of her life Karen discovered that her passion for bird language calmed her nervous system and became a valuable mental health tool. She has followed this passion into a deeper understanding of nature connection by completing the 9 month Immersion program at Wilderness Awareness School, graduating in 2024. She believes that nature connection is the birthright of every human and has the potential to develop characteristics of greater happiness, vitality, empathy, love, focus, vitality, and presence in those who experience it. Karen’s intention in volunteering at Kiva is to act as an elder, bringing story, awareness and deep listening to the children as they move through their day, with the hope sparking curiosity and awe in the natural world and people in their lives.

Allie is an adventurous soul from Cincinnati, Ohio with a passion for helping others grow through connection with themselves, others, and nature. After earning a BA in Psychology and Sociology/Criminology from Ohio University, she worked as a care manager before moving to Asheville, NC, where she discovered her love for mentoring children in a therapeutic wilderness program. Now based in Westminster, Colorado, Allie enjoys exploring the outdoors, making earrings for her jewelry business, disc golf and spending time with her fluffy pets. She loves bringing positivity and creativity to your kids’ learning journey.

Lisa is a writer, storyteller, and marketing professional, having served the nonprofit and education sectors for most of her career, as well as the entertainment and financial industries. She loves supporting organizations and communities who are working to make a true difference in the world and is excited to bring her passion and skills to The Kiva Center. A published writer, Lisa has numerous articles that have appeared in journals and magazines, and regularly performs original pieces throughout the Front Range. She’s the proud mother to three young adults and lives in Longmont with her spouse and beloved dog, Callie. When she’s not writing, Lisa can be found walking on the beautiful trails and pathways, always finding inspiration.

Gabriel is a kind and curious teen who thrives in the natural world. He loves exploring outdoors, discovering new things in nature, and sharing his knowledge—especially about snakes and other animals—with those around him. A member of The Kiva Center community since age 11, Gabriel is now stepping into his role as a Mentor in Training. He brings gentle strength, thoughtful awareness, and an adventurous spirit to his work with younger students. Whether guiding a nature walk or offering quiet encouragement, Gabriel models creativity in how he connects and kindness in how he cares. Outside of Kiva, Gabriel enjoys riding horses, spending time in nature, and helping others see the world through a lens of wonder and respect. He’s excited to continue growing in his mentoring journey and to contribute to a community rooted in STARCK values: Strong, Thoughtful, Adventurous, Creative, and Kind.