TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
Staff & board
We are nature lovers, educators, and community members.
We are passionate about sharing the outdoors with future generations.
We are dedicated to the outdoors
Meet the team
We are a team of passionate educators and nature lovers who are excited to share that passion with the next generation. Spending time in nature is something that we all feel strongly about and do in our personal lives. The only way to create great things every day is with great people who truly enjoy their job, so we make sure we only hire the best. As cheesy as it sounds, we live and breathe what we do, we’re enthusiastic and take pride in doing the best work we can.
Executive Director
Heather Graves
“I am beyond excited to join the team at the highly regarded Catamount Institute where I will bring my passions, experience, education, and expertise full circle. Having the opportunity to connect kids with the outdoors, build resilience and strengthen physical and mental health through education, nature and adventure is an honor and a responsibility I do not take lightly. I look forward to serving in this role, it’s really a dream come true!” – Heather Graves
Our staff
Billy Kinn
Director of Education
Billy has helped professionals and children teach and study the natural world since 2011. He has dipped toes in everything environmental science-related from researching leaf cutter ants in Costa Rica to taking soil samples in the Arctic Circle. When he isn't exploring the front range with Catamount kids, he can be found getting sunburnt running trails or climbing rocks.
Message Billy: kinn@catamountinstitute.org
Katie Martins
Director of Operations
Katie is a graduate of the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs with a degree in geography and environmental studies and a certificate in geospatial information science. Katie grew up in Colorado hiking, biking, and climbing. She loves to spend time looking for bugs, reading, and creating art. Katie is excited to share educational experiences with youth to foster curiosity, confidence, and care for environmental stewardship.
Message Katie: martins@catamountinstitute.org
Xixi qin
Colorado College Public Interest Fellow
Xixi recently graduated from Colorado College with a degree in environmental science and a minor in education. Being a global citizen, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge of the world with people. She’s excited to continue her journey as an educator and inspire care for self, others, and the environment from future stewards. In her free time, Xixi likes to make various crafts, play soccer with her friends, and chill under the sun.
Message Xixi: qin@catamountinstitute.org
Emily Tamayo
Generation Wild of the Pikes Peak Region Coordinator
Originally from Hawai'i, Emily Tamayo has lived in Colorado Springs for the past 20 years with a degree in Anthropology from UCCS. She is passionate about the connections between the Earth and its people with a focus on land justice and anti-colonialism. Besides being with her cat, she loves exploring new foods, cuisines, and restaurants.
Message Emily: tamayo@catamountinstitute.org
Susan Janzer
Finance Manager
Susan was born and raised in North Dakota, after living in California and New Jersey she moved to Colorado in 1996 and fell in love with all that Colorado has to offer. In her role of Finance and Office Manager she brings many talents from previous roles, most recently with Penrose-St.Francis and the YMCA In Susan's free time she loves to spend time with her husband, children and grandchildren, hiking, exploring, traveling or golfing.
Message Susan: janzer@catamountinstitute.org
Spencer Kessinger
Environmental Educator
Born and raised in Maryland, Spencer received her Bachelor's in Environmental Studies, Education, and Biology at St. Mary's College of Maryland. She left the brackish shores of the Chesapeake Bay looking to explore a new part of the country and experience mountain life! Outside of work, Spencer enjoys hiking with her dog, doing yoga, and spending time near water. She is excited to continue exploring Colorado while having fun and hands-on environmental learning experiences alongside the kiddos she teaches!
Message Spencer: kessinger@catamountinstitute.org
Autumn Mcmullen
Environmental Educator
Autumn is a 2022 graduate from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and pursued a B.A. in Inclusive Elementary Education. Autumn spent most of her childhood with mountains in her backyard, both the Rockies and Appalachians, fueling her love for the outdoors. Teaching others about different places became a passion at a young age. Throughout her career she has brought a passion for learning to students of all ages from zealous preschoolers to reluctant high schoolers in and out of a classroom. Autumn is enthralled to take her teaching to a rain or shine outdoor environment and learn alongside eager students. When Autumn is not at work you will find her in the local thrift stores flipping through books and clothing racks, playing games with her friends, and dancing in the rain (whenever she can)!
Message Autumn: mcmullen@catamountinstitute.org
Courtney Voigt
Grant and Development Writer
Courtney Voigt is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in development. With over a decade of experience in development, Courtney has honed her skills in all areas of fund development, non-profit management, and strategic planning.
With over a decade of experience, Courtney has held pivotal roles in various nonprofit organizations, including CASA of Northwest Arkansas, Pi Beta Phi Foundation, and the American Heart Association.
Throughout her career, Courtney has showcased a knack for engaging and securing support from a diverse range of donors and funders, fostering robust fundraising efforts across the board. Her strategic mindset and passion for making a difference have been instrumental in driving revenue growth and achieving fundraising goals.
With her blend of leadership and fundraising expertise, Courtney is dedicated to creating meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector and driving positive change in her community.
Message Courtney: voigt@catamountinstitute.org
Tehya Watson
Environmental Educator
Tehya is returning to the Catamount team as a full-time, year-round environmental educator after working as a summer staff member in 2019. She has a background in secondary English education from Colorado College, and has years of experience working with students of all ages in various settings. Raised in Colorado, she developed an appreciation for the natural landscape and all it has to offer. Tehya is excited to combine her passion for education with her love of the outdoors. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and paddle boarding with her dog, as well as painting and baking.
Message Tehya: watson@catamountinstitute.org
Grace Mullins
AmeriCorps Service Member:
Environmental Educator
Grace is an AmeriCorps member serving at the Catamount Institute as an Environmental Educator. She grew up in Dayton, Ohio and has always had a passion for the outdoors. She recently moved from the Adirondack mountains of New York to Colorado Springs to explore the higher mountains. In her spare time, you can find her cuddled up with her dog, or searching for a good swimming spot. Grace is looking forward to helping the youth of Colorado build a connection with nature, and learning alongside them.
Message Grace: mullins@catamountinstitute.org
Isaiah Robyne
AmeriCorps Service Member:
Environmental Educator
Isaiah is an AmeriCorps member, serving as an Environmental Educator with the Catamount Institute. He graduated from George Washington University with a degree in International Affairs, concentrating in Environmental Science. He has worked as a land steward and nature camp counselor in Indiana, and through this experience found that he had a passion for outreach. While he grew up in the flatlands of the Midwest, his family brought him many times to the mountains of Colorado, where he formed his strong connection with nature. In his spare time, you can find him going on hikes and runs, experimenting in the kitchen and playing tabletop games. He is looking forward to teaching about sustainable living and spouting interesting facts about animals and geography.
Message Isaiah: Robyne@catamountinstitute.org
Board of directors
- Chris Marshall, Board Preseident, ENT Credit Union
- Chris Young, Board Vice President, Springs Wealth Group
- Addie Basye, Treasurer, CBIZ
- Jay Olson, Secretary, Harborstone Credit Union
- Julie Francis, Co-Founder Catamount Institute & Catamount Center
- Monique Lewis, Care and Share
- Britanny Riffle, El Paso County
- Flora Roten, School District 11
- Audrey Szychulski, AJS Consulting Group
- Sarah Tremmel, Director
- Jonathan Wuerth, Director
Partners & Sponsors
We're hiring!
Want to join our team of nature lovers? From summer positions to part-time and full-time employment, visit our open position page to see what we have available.
