CATAMOUNT INSTITUTE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Treasurer, CBIZ
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Born and raised in the Midwest, Annalee Anderson is an Environmental Educator eager to experience life in Colorado. She is a recent graduate from Bradley University with a B.S. in Environmental Science with a concentration in Biology. Annalee is passionate about equipping children with skills and space to explore their interests. She is also a certified children's yoga teacher who loves to go birding, rock climbing, hiking, and spend time with her cat, Winnie.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- AJS Consulting Group
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)!
Job Titles:
- Director of Environmental Education
Billy has shared and studied the natural world with people across the globe since 2011. He has dipped his 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 taking pictures of plants for citizen science apps or climbing. He has lived in CO since '99 and did K-12th grades in the 'Springs. He has degree in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability with a minor in Ecological Restoration from CSU.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Chris Heckenkamp is Catamount Institute's year-long Colorado College Public Interest Fellow. Chris was born in Colorado Springs and grew up in Castle Rock, Colorado. He is a recent graduate of Colorado College with a bachelor of arts in philosophy and a minor in music and education. He loves to meditate and do Yoga, hike, play guitar, sing, and spend time with friends.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board President, ENT Credit Union
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Vice President, Springs Wealth Group
Job Titles:
- Grant and Development Writer
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.
Deb has 25+ years accounting/ office experience. She is a Mama to one awesome daughter, and Nana to an amazing granddaughter. Deb enjoys reading novels of all sorts. Walking outdoors is her favorite stress burn off. She enjoys spending time with friends and family. Deb is excited to share her experiences with the staff at Catamount Institute and learning theirs! Growth and learning are her goals. Deb is grateful for the opportunity!
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.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- AmeriCorps Member
- Service Member
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.
Job Titles:
- AmeriCorps Member
- Service Member
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.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Secretary, Harborstone Credit Union
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Co - Founder Catamount Institute & Catamount Center
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.
Maury is a high-impact leader whose 20+ year career has spanned the globe, including 10 years of non-profit Executive Director experience. She orchestrates meaningful change for the communities she serves, utilizing the strengths of effective, tight-knit teams. Her wealth of experience includes multi-million-dollar fundraising, leading and training other executives and industry leaders, and a high capacity for managing a multitude of projects annually.
Maury has a Master's of Science in Social Work with a Concentration in Nonprofit Administration and Planning from the University of Austin at Texas. Maury's career in service work started as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Maury's prolific career also includes international development work in Rwanda and Zimbabwe, serving as the Vice President for the Grand Circle Foundation, and as the Executive Director for Rebuilding Together Montgomery County.
Outside of Catamount Institute, Maury serves on the board of Rocky Mountain Women's Film and can be found doing yoga, of which she is a certified instructor.
"I am honored and humbled to join such a committed team at Catamount Institute. I can think of no finer mission than to connect kids to the outdoors and to utilize outdoor science education and adventures to help create the environmental leaders of tomorrow. I look forward to building on the great work Catamount Institute has done for nearly 30 years in the Pikes Peak region."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
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!