TEAM

Staff

Kristen
SarahBoerger
Reece
hailey

Kristen Jespersen

Executive Director

kristen@yampatika.org

Sarah Boerger

Development Director

sarahb@yampatika.org

Reece Wells

Youth Programs Director

reece@yampatika.org

Hailey Shoptaugh

Adult & Community Programs Manager

hailey@yampatika.org

SarahStorm
Joel
Michelle
karen vail yampatika naturalist

School Programs Manager

sstorm@yampatika.org

Joel Denney

Youth Programs Supervisor

joel@yampatika.org

Michelle Mahosky

Water Education Coordinator

michelle@yampatika.org

Karen Vail

Senior Naturalist/Founder

Board Members

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LISA HANKES

Interim President/Board Member  (07/2026 – 07/2029 – 2nd ) 

Lisa is an attorney, licensed in Colorado, New York and New Jersey, and has been practicing law in the areas of trusts & estates, corporate and real estate law for over 20 years. She has a BS in International Environmental Studies from Rutgers University, a JD from the University of San Diego and is currently pursuing a Sustainable Leadership Certificate from Colorado Mountain College. Lisa has spent time volunteering in the environmental and civic space by serving as the Chairperson of the Environmental Commission and as a member of the Planning Board in her former hometown in New Jersey for many years. She is thrilled to continue that engagement and activism by serving on the Board of Directors of Yampatika. Lisa, her husband Josh and two teenage children relocated to Steamboat Springs from New Jersey several years ago. Since then, Lisa has enjoyed sharing all of the amazing outdoor opportunities that the area has to offer with her family and is committed to giving back and advocating for environmental stewardship wherever possible.

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JESSICA KOTTCAMP

Interim Vice President/Board Member – (01/2026 – 01/2029 –  1st) 

Jessica brings more than 28 years of experience as a B2B SaaS marketing leader, focused on building and accelerating partnerships through collaboration and shared value. She holds a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon, which sparked a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and environmental education. Jessica lives in Steamboat Springs with her husband, two high school sons, and the best dog ever, Zephyr.

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PETE BLEI

Treasurer (01/2026 – 01/2029 – 2nd )

Pete is the Director of Finance at Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation. He is responsible for budgeting, forecasting and monthly close-cycle for Steamboat Resort. Prior to this position Pete was the Accounting Manager for the Alterra Mountain Company in Denver. Pete is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys skiing and fishing. He lives in Steamboat with his wife and daughter. 

 

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SAMANTHA MCPHALL

Secreatary/Board Member – (05/2024 – 05/2027 –  1st) 

Samantha is an accomplished HR professional currently serving at UCHealth, Yampa Valley Medical Center. Her professional journey has taken her from the lakes of Michigan to the scenic landscapes of Steamboat Springs, where she graduated from Colorado Mountain College. With a strong background in HR practices and a dedication to excellence, Samantha brings extensive experience to her role. At UC Health, she focuses on employee development and orientation, housing initiatives, volunteer services, and general HR assistance, while cultivating inclusive workplace cultures. Outside of her professional commitments, Samantha values her family life, sharing her home with her husband, two dogs, two goats, and a cat. During her leisure time, she enjoys skiing, rafting, and cycling, taking advantage of the outdoor opportunities that Steamboat Springs offers. As a member of the Yamatika board, Samantha is dedicated to using her expertise to make a positive contribution.

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BRETT BRUYERE

Board Member (1/2024 – 1/2027 –  2nd )

Brett is a faculty member in the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. His academic roles have included research in environmental and conservation education, and previously served as director of CSU’s Environmental Learning Center. His teaching includes courses in conservation leadership, and non-profit administration in the conservation sector. Prior to serving as a board member, Brett was an advisor to Yampatika for 7 years. Brett lives in Fort Collins.

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CHARLES BAKER

Board Member (09/2025 – 09/2028 –  1st)

Charles Baker is an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado School of Law. He moved to Colorado in 1998 and previously served as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Ball Corporation from 2004 until his retirement in February 2024. Prior to joining Ball, Charles was a Partner at the law firm of Fraser & Beatty in Toronto, Ontario. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cambridge; a J.D. from the University of Toronto; and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Denver. He served as a Board Trustee for the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado from 2012 to 2018, where he played a key role in fundraising efforts to provide legal services to low-income individuals across the state. He is now actively focused on advancing environmental and social sustainability initiatives. Since coming to Steamboat Springs in early 2025, Charles has enjoyed hiking in the Park Range, the Flat Tops and the rest of our amazing Routt County.

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ANDREW STOLLER

Board Member (11/2025 – 11/2028 –  2nd)

Andrew is the General Manager and winter hardgoods buyer for the reputable local outdoor retailer Ski Haus in Steamboat Springs. Prior to that, Andrew was the Owner/Operations Director for Poulter Camps in Steamboat Springs. Andrew, his wife Kara and their 9-year-old daughter, Iris love skiing, biking, hiking and all things outdoors. He became interested in joining the Yampatika Board after his daughter participated in the Yampatika Summer Camp. 

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CHRESTA BRINKMAN

​Alternate Board Member (09/2024 – 09/2029) – 1st

Chresta Brinkman has a broad background in child development and education, having served in multiple capacities working with children. A former teacher, Chresta holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in special education from the University of Northern Colorado.

Chresta is also a dedicated mother and a passionate advocate for education, mental health, and community engagement. She is committed to understanding the needs of the environment and is a strong advocate for helping involve and educate our community to be champions for our planet.