Ford Church, Strat Labs Changemaker Spotlight

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Changemaker Spotlight – Ford Church, Cottonwood Institute

Re-posted with Permission: Welcome to Strat Labs’ Changemaker Spotlight Series! This blog series is dedicated to showcasing the inspiring journeys of remarkable individuals who have transformed their passions into purposeful endeavors, leaving a significant impact on the world around them every single day. Join us as we delve into the heart of innovation and commitment,… Read more »

Alo!

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Instructor Spotlight: Field Instructor Alo McGarigal

Get to know Alo McGarigal (they/they), who is one of our extraordinary Field Instructors! During trips, Alo brings to the team a combination of compassionate guidance with joyful instruction, making them a force of nature in the field! Learn more about Alo below, and read our other staff and board profiles here! What led you… Read more »

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Staff Spotlight: New Vista CAP Instructor Lori Powell

Get to know Lori Powell (she/her), our CAP Instructor at New Vista High School! With experience ranging from experiential education to play-based learning, Lori knows how to bring life to a classroom! Learn more about Lori below, and read our other staff and board profiles here! What led you to become an environmental educator? I… Read more »

Melissa Georgi

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Staff Spotlight: CAP Instructor Melissa Georgi

Get to know Melissa Georgi (she/her), who is our CAP Instructor at Angevine Middle School! Melissa is an outdoor educator, trip guide, forager, and former Park Ranger. Learn more about Melissa below, and read our other staff and board profiles here! What led you to become an environmental educator? “Standing on a mountain top overlooking… Read more »

Elisha Roberts

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Board Spotlight: Elisha Roberts

We are excited to introduce you to our newest Cottonwood Institute (CI) Board Member, Elisha Roberts, who joined the CI Board in October 2023. Read on to learn more about Elisha! What is your story? Where did you grow up and how did you get to where you are today? I was born and raised… Read more »

Phil Wofford 2

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Board Spotlight: Phil Wofford

We are excited to spotlight Phil Wofford (he/him), Cottonwood Institute’s newest Board Member! Phil is currently the Regional Vice President at Trader Joe’s and we are so excited to welcome Phil and the passion and enthusiasm that he will bring to the board. Let’s get to know him, shall we? What’s your story? Where did… Read more »

Robert Marquez

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Alum Robert Marquez Joins Cottonwood Board

Cottonwood Institute is thrilled to announce that we have appointed Robert Marquez, a freshman at Colorado Mesa University, to our Board of Directors! Robert is an alum of our CAP class at Angevine Middle School and Centaurus High School, and received the coveted Ripple Effect Award in 2018 for his outstanding enthusiasm and care in… Read more »

Whitney Thompson

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Introducing Whitney Thompson, CI’s Mental Health Advisor

Cottonwood Institute is thrilled to introduce our new Youth Mental Health Advisor, Whitney Thompson. As Cottonwood grows, we increasingly realize the importance of having a robust mental health support system for our students as well as excellent training programs for instructors heading into the field. Whitney will be a resource for Cottonwood to better serve… Read more »

Whitney with family

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Board Spotlight: Whitney Bell Haggard

Continuing with Cottonwood Institute’s new board member introductions, we’d like to introduce Whitney Bell Haggard, who joined the Board of Directors this fall. Learn more about Whitney below, and read our other staff and board profiles here. How did you find Cottonwood Institute and what inspired you to join the board? I first learned about… Read more »

Coop with his dog Lucy

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Board Spotlight: Dr. Ben “Coop” Cooper

We’re excited to introduce one of Cottonwood Institute’s new board members this fall, Dr. Ben “Coop” Cooper! Learn more about Coop below, and read our other staff and board profiles here. How did you find Cottonwood Institute and what inspired you to join the board? I was introduced to Cottonwood Institute by a previous board… Read more »