DIRECTOR

Tom Cardamone joined his wife Jody (ACES' first Director) as Co-Director in 1975 and became ACES' Executive Director in 1982. He holds a Masters Degree from the College of Forestry and Natural Resources at Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Hamilton College. Tom has served on several Boards including The Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board, The Pitkin County Park Association (now the Aspen Valley Land Trust), The Pitkin County Wildlife Task Force, and The Colorado Wildlife Federation. After living 30 years at Hallam Lake, Tom and Jody now live in Emma and he divides his time among ACES' three sites: Hallam Lake, Toklat, Rock Bottom Ranch, and a fourth project, the Spring Creek Hatchery property. Tom finds inspiration in pristine wilderness and the eloquent writers who capture their wild essence along with the details of biology.

HALLAM LAKE - Administrative Staff

Lindsy Fortier joined ACES' staff in the summer of 2004 as a Naturalist and went on to teach children's environmental education at the Hallam Lake preserve in the summer of 2005 as a Super Naturalist. She is currently working as ACES' Community Outreach Coordinator. Lindsy comes to Aspen from upstate New York where she completed a B.A.  in Environmental Science and a B.S. in Psychology at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She takes many of the pictures featured in ACES publications and devotes much of her time to the organic garden at Hallam Lake. When not at ACES, Lindsy enjoys backpacking, rock climbing, and pottery.

Jim Kravitz has been ACES' Director of Naturalist Programs since the summer of 1996. Jim joined the ACES staff as a Summer Intern in 1995 and as a Winter Naturalist in 95/96. He received his B.A. in Environmental Conservation at the University of Colorado and spent several years guiding backcountry trips throughout the northwestern United States and Alaska. Jim hires for and manages ACES' Summer and Winter Naturalist Programs. He has completed the American Leadership Forum program as well as graduate work with the Union Institute relating to the importance nature centers play in building social capital within their communities. When not teaching his sons, Jack and Jesse, about the place he lives, Jim likes to hike, ski, and see live music with his wife, Jamie.

Susanne Morrison has served as an ACES' Development Officer since 1994. Over the years, Susanne has worked to strengthen ACES' endowment and create the funding to build housing at Hallam Lake; acquire the 115-acre Rock Bottom Ranch Wildlife Preserve in Basalt and establish a Field Study Center there; and preserve Toklat - an important property at the head of the Castle Creek Valley. The desire to work in the non-profit sector, belief in the importance of organizations that work for the public good, and a love for the outdoors brought Susanne to ACES. Susanne holds a degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and lives in Aspen with her husband Ric and two young sons Henry and George.

Anda Rojs Smalls joined ACES in the winter of 2004. Having been involved with ACES at various levels, she is currently ACES' Naturalist Field School Coordinator in charge of organizing kids and adult workshops and classes. She is an ex-ACES Trustee, is still learning to become a Naturalist, and takes many photographs for ACES' publications and website. Anda was on the CU Varsity Ski Team while earning a B.A. in Journalism and a B.S. in Spanish at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She was born and raised in Maribor, Slovenia and made her livelihood as a ski racer for many years. In addition to enjoying the great outdoors with her family - husband Ryan, daughter Zala, son Luka - Anda loves to ski (or do anything that has to do with snow, really), bike, explore, do new things, and visit the home country of Slovenia each year.

Sarah Schmidt was an ACES environmental educator for two years before becoming our Education Director in the summer of 2008, coordinating School Programs for studentsthroughout the Roaring Fork Valley. She earned her B.F.A. in ArtEducation from theUniversity of Minnesota, Duluth and completed her Mastersin Natural Science and Environmental Education from Hamline University. Before gaining the opportunity to live in this mountain community surrounded by three wilderness areas, and getting the chance to connect environmental education with art, Sarah taught middle-school art in Minnesota.

Olivia Siegel was an ACES naturalist for a year and is now part of the administrative staff as Development Coordinator. She has a degree in Neuro science from Brandeis University. Since graduating she had a public horticulture internship at the Morton Arboretum outside of Chicago, and a botanical research internship with The Nature Conservancy in Northern California. Olivia loves taking people on hikes and seeing how they are inspired by the beautiful landscapes in this area.

HALLAM LAKE - Super Naturalists

Lauren Beck joined the Education team in the fall of 2008 after getting her feet wet as a Summer and Winter Naturalist and Super Naturalist at ACES. She has a degree in elementary education from DePaul University, has worked as a camp counselor at Camp Illini, and as a tutor of refugees at the Glen Ellyn Resource Center. She came to ACES for the opportunity to both expand her knowledge base in the environmental sphere and to teach children about the natural world using experiential methods. Lauren is interested in studying local plants and their uses and thoroughly enjoys anything and everything outdoors.

Ellen Burns first came to ACES as a summer naturalist in 2006. As a Colorado Native, she earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana, Missoula. She has spent the past several years as a naturalist/educator in Glacier National Park and with the Gore Range Natural Science School. Ellen is thrilled to be returning to ACES as an Educator, so she can combine her love of the natural world with her passion for inspiring a sense of place in children. When not at ACES, Ellen enjoys spending her time in the mountains, hiking, skiing, and exploring.

Nick Carter has been an ACES summer naturalist and is now joining the Environmental Educator team. At the University of Colorado, he majored in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Hydrology. Additionally, he minored in Ecology and Geography. Nick has interned with Earth Education — CU’s environmental education program for the Boulder School District — and worked as a Fisheries Technician for the U.S. Forest Service. Nick came to Aspen from a small town outside of Philadelphia, PA and immediately fell in love with the mountains. As an Educator/Naturalist, Nick hopes to inspire people of all ages to care for their local environment.

HALLAM LAKE - Summer Naturalists

Jessica Bond received a BA in Human Development with a concentration in Environmental Studies from Colby College. She has worked as a counselor and naturalist at the Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center. Jessica also studied in Bologna, Italy, and Atenas, Costa Rica.  Most recently, Jessica interned at the Maria Mitchell Association, a science center located on Nantucket Island.

Hannah Ohlson is pursuing a BA in Environmental Studies and Psychology from the University of Vermont.  She has studied at the Wilderness Education Institute in Estes Park, CO, at Shelburne Farms in Vermont, and spent a year of exchange in Palermo, Sicily.  Hannah grew up here on a ranch in Snowmass Village and attended programs at ACES as a child!

Chris Cardillo received a BS in Biology from Pennsylvania State University. During the fall semester of 2009, Chris lived in Southern Kenya where he studied the degradation of rangelands. At Penn State Chris served as a research assistant, formulating questions and collecting data on muskoxen population dynamics. Chris also lived and volunteered at the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in New Mexico and worked as a ski instructor and ski patroller at Sno Mountain near Scranton, PA.

Bowman Leigh is finishing her degree in a self-designed interdisciplinary major in Human Ecology and Communication at The University of Puget Sound. She has worked as an outdoor trip leader for UPS freshman orientation, spent a semester abroad in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, and most recently worked as a volunteer organic farmer in Arlee, MT. Bowman is from Oregon and has also participated in a six week white-water guide training program and has successfully guided a class IV river!

Caroline Greene Hunt graduated from Colby College in 2009 with a degree in Geology. Before college, she spent a semester with NOLS in Baja.  Caroline has taught environmental science to middle school students and marine science to high school students participating in a summer sailing program. Most recently, she interned with the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, studying the affects of climate change in high alpine environments. 

Scott Harry is pursuing a degree in Sustainable Development and Environmental Studies at Appalachian State University.  His passion for the outdoor is exemplified through his work experience as a mountain bike instructor, wilderness backcountry instructor, and ski patroller at Sugar Mountain; Scott is also a member of the Highpointers Club of America, after reaching the summit of all lower 48 states.

Elise Wanger is working toward a double major in Anthrobiology and English at Pitzer College. Elise has taught English in Morocco and worked in Agroforestry and Water Catchment Protection in Cameroon. She participated in University of Michigan’s Alternative Spring Break on the Sicangu Lakota reservation in South Dakota. Elise has directed, stage managed, and acted in numerous theatrical performances.

Matthew Utterback graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a BS in Natural Resource Studies and minors in Anthropology and Resource Economics. His thesis at the Honors College at UMass investigated college student’s consumer and food purchase behaviors. Matt has worked as a TA, a backpacking leader, and as a research assistant. Last summer Matt interned with the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece.

Andrea Ranelli graduated with a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Andrea has participated in the Teach for Sustainability program in Boulder, which focuses on educating kids about their impact on their local environment. As a sophomore Andrea studied abroad in Rome, Italy where she developed a love not only for Italian food, but also for the rich culture.

Kendall Reiley graduated from Dartmouth College with a BA in Environmental Studies in 2009. Kendall recently worked as an intern ski patroller and guide at Silverton Mountain. She has also worked at the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vermont, with the Dartmouth Outing Club and at Mt. Rainier National Park with the Student Conservation Assoc. Kendall was also a member of the Dartmouth Sailing Team.

Lindsay Gurley graduated from the University of Denver, with a BA in Environmental Science. At the DU Lindsay worked as an Environmental Systems Undergraduate Teaching Assistant. Lindsay recently worked as an Aquatic Nuisance Technician for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. She also has experience teaching science and serving as a deckhand on a Sea Education Association vessel sailing from Tahiti to Hawaii.

Tyler Ruggles graduated from Colorado College with a degree in Physics. Tyler was hired by CC as an Energy System Research Analyst. He also participated with an organization called COOL Science, which aimed to make science interesting for school children through interactive demonstrations. Tyler also interned, and later worked for the Rocky Mountain Field Institute as Field Staff.  Tyler is an avid cyclist.

Kevin Toeneboehn graduated with a BA in Geosciences from Franklin and Marshall College. He worked many summers as a counselor at Piney Run Nature Camp in Central Maryland. Kevin has extensive research and fieldwork experience in the West. He served as a research assistant and as a TA at F&M where he accepted the challenge of teaching complex geologic curriculum. Kevin studied abroad in a field geology program on the island of Sardinia, off Italy’s western coast.

Howie Kuhn graduated from UW-Milwaukee in 2009 with a BA in International Studies. Howie is certified as an interpretive guide by the National Association of Interpretation and has worked tutoring women recently released from prison for their GED exam. Howie recently worked as an intern at the Gore Range Natural Science School in Colorado where he led tours and taught at their eco-centered summer camp. He is an avid backcountry enthusiast and photographer.

Melanie Poole is working toward a double major in Environmental Studies and Botany at Connecticut College. Melanie has served as a classroom volunteer focusing on nature and science in a preschool and in a middle school. She also led interpretive tours at the Connecticut College Arboretum. Last summer Melanie conducted research as an Ecology Fieldwork Intern with The Marine Biological Laboratory TIDE project in Massachusetts.

ROCK BOTTOM RANCH - Ranch Staff

Allison Holmes is the Rock Bottom Ranch Co-Manager and Education Director. As an RBR Educatoion Director, she coordinates school programs, teaches, and gets out in the farmyard as much as possible. Allison joined ACES as a Summer Naturalist in 2004 and has since worked as a Winter Naturalist, Interpreter for the Ghost Town of Independence, Supernaturalist, and Educator at Hallam Lake. Prior to joining the ACES crew, Allison earneda B.A. in Geology from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.

Robin Blankenship and Mike O'Donal are the Co-Managers and major Ranch Hands at Rock Bottom Ranch. Robin founded her own organization EarthKnack, Stone Age Skills for the 21st Century in 1990 and has been teaching classes in primitive skills, survival, alternative and affordable home building, sustainable gardening and food harvesting, and self sufficiency at the EarthKnack school site in Crestone, Co., around the country and internationally ever since. Robin has been bringing this curriculm to ACES for adults, families and kids for the last 17 years. Now at RBR Robin and Mike are launching a sustainable agriculture program which provides education in local sufficiency and sustainability with focus on production and harvesting of cultivated and wild produce as well as animal husbandry.

ROCK BOTTOM RANCH - Educators

Sarah Fuller hails from Wilton, CT and graduated from St. Lawrence University with a BS in geology and sociology. While at SLU, Sarah worked a wide variety of jobs, from being a sailing instructor to co-directing children programs at a ranch in Buffalo, WY to conducting onsite research of Byzantine Empire shipwrecks in the Black Sea. She also spent several months at studying at the University of Nairobi and various other locales. Later, she began work on a Masters degree in place-based environmental education and natural field studies at the Teton Science Schools in Jackson, WY. She is ecstatic to continue teaching and connecting students to the natural world in their own backyards.

Amelia Potvin comes to ACES from Farm and Wilderness summer camps in Vermont, where she has worked for three summers as a counselor, trip leader and program director. She graduated from Dartmouth College with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and briefly returned to her home state of Maine to work as a naturalist at Ferry Beach Ecology School. Drawn to Colorado by the opportunity to run, hike and ski in big and beautiful outdoors, she joined a Southwest Conservation Corps trail crew in spring 2009. Amelia is thrilled to continue teaching and learning environmental science in schools and outside at Rock Bottom Ranch.

TOKLAT

Allison Oeding grew up in St. Anthony, a small town in southern Indiana and studied at Indiana University, where she majored in Environmental Management and Spanish. She moved to Aspen from Georgia where she was teaching about the coastal environment and working on sea turtle conservation projects in Texas, Mexico, and Florida. After taking some time to backpack and work on organic farms with her sister in New Zealand, Allison has found her stride at ACES. After being a naturalist and educator for the past few years she is very excited to switch gears to serve as the Toklat Steward.

OTHER STAFF

Jody Cardamone was the first Director of the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. She currently serves as a Naturalist and works with the Naturalist Field School. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Education from Cornell University and has pursued graduate studies in Environmental Ethics.

Trish Chew is the ACES bookkeeper. Having worked for nonprofits up and down the valley, including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the Aspen Writers' Foundation, Trish is now spending a good amount of her time with ACES.