Our Team

The Administrative Team

Ariel Gustafson (she/her)

Out of School Program Director

Ariel has been working with TeamWorks since 2016, starting as a crew leader. Ariel has eight years of experience as program director for youth programming. She spent three years as a field instructor, running experiential educational programs with a focus on the environment in Central and South America. Ariel is fluent in Spanish and has an M.A. in Latino Studies with a concentration in cross-cultural education.

P.S. If she could be any animal it would be a narwhal… because just look at them

Email me: ariel@teensinc.org

Allison Ohringer (she/her)

TeamWorks Program Director

Allison has been working with TeamWorks since 2021, starting as a crew member. This is where she found her love for conservation work and youth development! After graduating with degrees in Environmental Studies and Biology she continued to work in conservation for the City of Boulder maintaining the trail system. Heres to a summer full of laughter, hard work, beautiful scenery and the most amazing people.

P.S. If she could be any animal it would be a bear. Berries and salmon amiright?

Email me: allison@teensinc.org

Cypher Brewington-Brooks (They/Them)

TeamWorks Wellness Coordinator

We are thrilled to announce a new position within the TeamWorks admin team! Thanks to a grant from Colorado Health Foundation, we created this position, based in Denver, whose main role is to help reduce barriers for participation in our program. Cypher has been involved in TeamWorks since 2019 as a Crew Member, Junior Crew Leader and Crew Leader. They know the program as well as anyone! As many of you know, our program is geographically spread out and logistically complex, requiring high support levels, especially for urban, BIPOC youth who oftentimes are unfamiliar with the work environment. Whether providing trail-ready food boxes, acquiring work boots or addressing mental wellness, creating an equitable program demands significant staff hours. Cypher will help build relationships with prospective youth during recruitment and ensure they feel secure and confident in-season.

Email me: allison@teensinc.org

Megan Kirschbaum (she/her)

TeamWorks Campout Coordinator

Megan hails from Bristol in England where she has 20 years of experience working as an occupational therapist. She worked with young people as a volunteer for 12 years running a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award youth group.  This role included supporting the participants to plan and undertake self supported expeditions in the wilds of the UK.  After a year long bike ride down South America she moved to the USA where she has spent the last couple years providing recreational support to the elderly, and most recently served as an Ambassador and ski instructor at Eldora ski resort. Megan is very excited to bring her love of working with people and the outdoors to a new level with TeamWorks!

P.S. Megan would be a bird so she could fly around and explore the world!

Meet Our Rockstar Team
of 2025 Crew Leaders:

Jorge Iván Ávila Pineda (he/him)

Hi! I’m Jorge, a naturalist guide from Roatán, a beautiful Caribbean island in Honduras. My love for nature led me to create an ecotourism venture that connected people with local ecosystems and culture. Diving sparked my passion for marine life and coral reef conservation. I later founded a birdwatching club, adopting the Amazona auropalliata as our emblem, blending education, citizen science, and sustainable tourism. Now living in Denver, I’m studying to become a Park Ranger and work as a naturalist interpreter for the Hispanic community. I enjoy paddleboarding, exploring the outdoors, and inspiring conservation through meaningful connections with nature. When I’m not working, I love paddleboarding, exploring nature, and finding new ways to inspire others to care for our shared ecosystems. This summer, I’m thrilled to contribute to hands-on conservation!

P.S. If I were an animal, I’d choose to be a dolphin because they’re social, curious, and care for one another within their close-knit pods. I’ve always been fascinated by their playful nature, their use of echolocation, and the way they enjoy riding ocean currents just for fun.

Sienna Grant (she/her)

Sienna is thrilled to begin her first summer with TeamWorks. She is from Columbus, OH but currently resides in Syracuse, NY where she is working towards her Bachelors in Conservation Biology from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. She loves hiking and swimming outdoors, but has other interests as well, such as playing soccer (though she is not especially skilled on the playing field) and practicing many forms of visual arts. Sienna has never been to Colorado before and is most excited to explore a new area!

P.S. If I could be any animal I’d be a jellyfish because I’d love to know what it’s like to float aimlessly with no brain or bones!

Devann Ford (she/her)

I am from California but now call Colorado home. I currently live in Denver. I will be wrapping up my degree in environmental and natural resource economics from CSU this year! I have experience in teaching environmental education and conservation work! During my free time I love hiking, climbing, running, all that fun outdoor stuff!

P.S. If she could be any animal it would be a Mountain goat ! They are amazing and beautiful animals!

Angelic Foutch (she/her)

I fell in love with this field while working on an undergraduate project with an endangered microsnail. If I’m not outside working I’m inside watching anime. I graduated with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science Conservation Ecology. I am currently working as a para professional with special education students and bartending on the side. I want to combine my love of teaching and conservation with this job. I am ready to have a crazy, hard-working, wild summer with amazing views.

P.S. If I could be any animal I would be a Chameleon because now you see me now you don’t.

Brooklyn Snyder (she/her)

Brooklyn is excited to join TeamWorks for the 2025 season! She holds a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University and brings a background in Entomological Research. Passionate about connecting science with hands-on conservation, Brooklyn is eager to contribute to sustainable land stewardship. She also enjoys working with youth and believes in the power of teamwork, growth, and getting your hands dirty. Cheers to a meaningful summer!

P.S. If she could be any animal she would be a Dragonfly! Because they’re aerial acrobats, help keep aquatic ecosystems in balance, symbol for adaptability, and they’re majestic.

Libby Bornhorst (she/her)

This will be Libby’s second year with Teamworks but she is very excited to get back outside! She’s an environmental biology student and nature enthusiasts who’s loves conservation. Last summer she work on a crew out in Utah and she can’t wait to help out again and meet some great people!

P.S. If she could be any animal she would be a crow so she could fly and collect shinny things

Chariss Thexton (she/her)

Chariss was born in Colorado, raised in Texas, and loves Colorado all the more for her time spent away! She is currently working on her Masters in Education and teaching license with the aim to teach middle school science. Chariss previously worked as a hiking guide and zip line facilitator—she’ll do anything to get a view! This will be her second summer with TeamWorks!

P.S. P.S. If she were any animal, she would be an albatross— who wouldn’t want the waves to rock them to sleep after a long day of circumnavigating the globe?

Caitlyn Potter (she/her)

Caitlyn is excited to return for her third year as a Crew Leader with TeamWorks. She enjoys working outside, learning more about conservation, and spending time with new people! Outside of TeamWorks, Caitlyn teaches 4th grade in Iowa.

P.S. If she could be any animal it would be a kiwi because she would get to live in New Zealand. The only thing that would make it better is if she could also fly!

Taylor Vasquez (she/her)

Taylor is super excited to join TeamWorks 2025! She’s from California with a B.S. in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology. Excited to explore a new city and meet great people who share similar interests. Loves to hike, try new foods, and animals!

P.S. I’d choose to be a frog because of their unique coloration and jumping abilities!

Jamie Lasda (she/her)

I am so excited for my first summer in Colorado and to join the TeamWorks program! I spent the first 18 years of my life in Ithaca, NY – a smallish town in the Finger Lakes region that initiated my love for natural beauty and being outside. I went on to explore this passion academically at Ohio State University where I graduated with a degree in Environment, Economy, Development & Sustainability last year. My favorite hobbies include most recreational sports, running, and reading.

P.S. If I could be any animal, I would choose to be a bear because eat well, sleep well, live well!!

Nelly Alger she/her

Hi! I’m Nelly, and I am so excited to be a crew leader! I love being outdoors – mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, swimming, skateboarding, etc, or just existing outside with no planned activity. I studied computer science, but I have found more passion in coordinating and facilitating outdoor experiences (woohoo!). I am very passionate about being present and trying new things, and am thrilled to be entering the world of conservation! I grew up around Denver, but have also lived in the Pacific Northwest, Spain, and New Zealand. Can’t wait for some Type 2 Fun this summer!

P.S. If I could be any animal, I would be a bird, specifically a fantail, because I would love to fly and see the world from above!

Sumehra Alexander (she/her)

Roving Crew Leader

I was born and raised in the Denver metro area and am currently pursuing a degree in industrial design and development, with the goal of becoming an industrial product designer. This will be my fifth year working with TeamWorks, having started as a crew member and grown with the program ever since. I’m deeply passionate about exploring my beautiful home state of Colorado—hiking and immersing myself in the sense of belonging and peace that the mountains always bring me. Nature fuels my creativity and inspires the way I approach both design and teamwork.

P.S. If I could be any animal I would be a lion. I love to roar and be fearless. I also love to take naps in the sun 🙂

Meet Our Rockstar Team
of 2024 Crew Leaders:

Megan Kirschbaum (she/her)

Campout Coordinator

Email me: megan@teensinc.org

Megan hails from Bristol in England where she has 20 years of experience working as an occupational therapist. She worked with young people as a volunteer for 12 years running a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award youth group.  This role included supporting the participants to plan and undertake self supported expeditions in the wilds of the UK.  After a year long bike ride down South America she moved to the USA where she has spent the last couple years providing recreational support to the elderly, and most recently served as an Ambassador and ski instructor at Eldora ski resort. Megan is very excited to bring her love of working with people and the outdoors to a new level with TeamWorks!

P.S. Megan would be a bird so she could fly around and explore the world!

Tristan Schubert (he/him)

Hello! I’m Tristan. I moved from Wisconsin a little over a year ago. I graduated from Carroll University with a degree in Environmental Science because I always had a passion for the outdoors growing up and the conservation of our natural world going forward. I have been doing geography work making maps since then, and I am excited to get back out there to share my outdoor passion with others. In my free time I enjoy the usual CO outdoor activities like running, hiking, fishing, camping, backpacking, skiing, and other sports. But you can also find me playing video games and tinkering my computer.

P.S. If I could be an animal, I would be a bighorn sheep so I can fearlessly scale a mountainside like it’s nothing.

Rooster Dean (he/him)

This will be Rooster’s first season with TeamWorks! He recently earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership from Southern Oregon University. Rooster has enjoyed spending time outdoors since he was a kid growing up in Mississippi. He is passionate about increasing access to outdoor recreation to more people and working to conserve natural landscapes for future generations to enjoy for years to come. In his free time, he likes to mountain bike, kayak, and hang out in coffee shops! He’s stoked to apply what he’s learned and make a difference 🙂

P.S. If Rooster could be any animal he’d be a penguin so he could slide on his belly and zip through the water and gift the rocks he finds to all his friends!

Libby Bornhorst (she/her)

This will be Libby’s first year with Teamworks but she is very excited to get back outside! She’s an environmental biology student and nature enthusiasts who’s loves conservation. Last summer she work on a crew out in Utah and she can’t wait to help out again and meet some great people!

P.S. If she could be any animal she would be a crow so she could fly and collect shinny things

Chariss Thexton (she/her)

Chariss was born in Colorado, raised in Texas, and loves Colorado all the more for her time spent away! She recently graduated with Bachelors in Biology and English, and teaches preschool instead of using either. Chariss previously worked as a hiking guide and zip line facilitator—she’ll do anything to get a view! This will be her first summer with TeamWorks!

P.S. If she were any animal, she would be an albatross— who wouldn’t want the waves to rock them to sleep after a long day of circumnavigating the globe?

Caitlyn Potter (she/her)

Caitlyn is excited to return for her second year as a Crew Leader with TeamWorks. She enjoys working outside, learning more about conservation, and spending time with new people! Outside of TeamWorks, Caitlyn teaches 4th grade in Iowa.

P.S. If she could be any animal it would be a kiwi because she would get to live in New Zealand. The only thing that would make it better is if she could also fly!

Tyler Kemp he/him

My name is Tyler and I am a graduate of CU Boulder interested in working in the field of conservation. During the year I work seasonal jobs that have taken me to many amazing locations across the West. I had the honor of working with Teens Inc. last summer while employed by Eldorado Canyon SP and could not pass up the opportunity to work again with such an inspiring group of people. In my free time I like to do all the classic Colorado activities like backpacking, hiking, and skiing. A fun fact about me is that I love paleohydrology and will talk endlessly about Glacial Lake Missoula. For hobbies I like to make art inspired by the stunning and diverse landscapes and ecology of the West. This summer I am most excited about looking for front range wildflowers including one of my favorites, the Spotted Coralroot.

P.S. If he could be any animal it would be a Katmai Grizzly Bear so he can get the chance to eat nothing but fresh salmon

Gracie Marr (she/her)

This will be Gracie’s first season with TeamWorks, and she is so excited to share her love and passion for the outdoors with her crew! After playing volleyball and earning her Public Relations degree at McKendree University, she returned home to Colorado and spends her time hiking, camping, snowboarding, and seeing live music. She has a mission to positively contribute not only to our beautiful environment but also the youth that love it just as she does.

P.S. If she could be any animal, she would be some sort of whale because they are able to explore so much of the world that humans both can and cannot see. Additionally, they are largely protected and beautifully intelligent.

Matthew Lineberry (he/him)

Raised in Bailey, Colorado, Matthew began working with Teamworks in 2019 as a crew member. He gained a passion for the outdoors and conservation work through his time with the program, and he is excited to join again and work with incredible people. He is currently completing a Bachelors in English at the University of New Mexico, and in his free time, he enjoys exploring on his bike, writing, and hiking.

P.S. If he could be any animal is would be a raven so he could explore the world from above and eat fries.

Fiona Farrer (she/her/hers)

Fiona will graduate from Loyola University Chicago this spring where she studies Environmental Studies and will continue at Loyola in the fall to complete her Masters in Environmental Assessment and Planning. Being involved in the Restoration Club during undergrad introduced Fiona to the joys of forming interconnected relationships with the Earth and those around her. She can’t wait to continue this growth over the summer and meet all the incredible people that make up TeamWorks!

P.S. If she could be any any animal it would be a Honeybee so I could sleep on flower petals!

Asa Allegra-Berger he/him

This is Asa’s first year with TeamWorks, but to say that he is excited would be quite the understatement. From trail building as a junior ranger many years ago in Boulder, to working on a tundra restoration crew in Rocky Mountain National park, to teaching teens outdoor survival and self defense, Asa has always found ways to do meaningful work in nature with other goodhearted folks. Asa was born and raised here in Colorado, and is currently living in Nederland. For fun, in addition to all the typical Nederland-resident-outdoorsy-stuff, Asa loves being a choreographer for sword fights on film.

P.S. If he could be any animal it would be an owl. Whoooo doesn’t want to fly silently and hoot at the moon?

Meet Our Rockstar Team
of 2023 Crew Leaders:

Matthew Lineberry

Matthew grew up in Bailey, Colorado and has joined Teamworks for five years how, progressing from a crew member to a crew leader. He gained a passion for the outdoors and conservation work through Teamworks, and he is excited to join again and work with incredible people. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys creating art, reading and writing, and exploring the world.

Jacob Gonzales

My name is Jacob Gonzales, I have a passion for conservation and wildlife. In my free time I enjoy video games, movies, hiking, camping, fishing, and bird watching. I also enjoy learning about amphibians and reptiles and have a 3ft ball python as a pet.

Roman Christensen

Roman spent his childhood in a small Utah town along the Wasatch Front. Throughout most of his life he spent plenty of time outside from exploring the nearby Rockies to leading summer camp games for kids of various ages. He is currently an EMT and plans on attending both fire academy and paramedic school in the near future. When he isn’t working Roman has a plethora of interests spanning from adventures with his dog, rock climbing, video games and so much more!

Sasha Godsil

My name is Sasha, I was born and raised in Nederland, Colorado and now I live in Boulder. I graduated from CU Boulder May 2023 in Elementary Education. I love to be outside, eat breakfast food, and spend time with people I love. I have been a bike coach in previous summers and am stoked to be a part of the team this summer!

Omar Gonzalez

Omar is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys learning, recreating, and sharing skills in the outdoors. During his free time, he enjoys fishing, camping, photography, and snowboarding. This year, he is looking to add sport-climbing, snowmobiling, and skiing to the resume. 

Omar received a Bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University, where he studied Natural Resource Management. Now, he is traveling across the U.S. through seasonal opportunities related to research, conservation, and recreation.

His mission is to gain scientific prowess, backcountry expertise, and photographic proficiency. His hope is to combine these skills so that he may travel for National Geographic, BBC, or similar organizations in the future!

Tayla Parlee

My name is Tayla and I’m a Colorado native who loves adventures. I started working with TeamWorks as a crew member in 2017! This will be my 2nd season as a crew leader with TeamWorks.

Julia Kusel

I grew up in a tiny town in Northern California where I learned to love the mountains. I went to college on the coast and studied Psychology and Spanish. A few years ago I found myself in Nederland working with Teamworks and am back for my fourth summer of trail work and wonderful humans. Some things I enjoy most in this world include laughter, exploring, learning, connecting with people, dancing, and sleeping under the stars.

Julia Janocha

28. Avid hiker. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA. Lived in Japan and North Dakota with the Air Force. AmeriCorps NCCC alum with outdoor/trail work experience. Owned by 3 cats.

Caitlyn Potter

Caitlyn grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. She just graduated from Simpson College in Iowa with degrees in Elementary Education, Liberal Arts, and Spanish. Her favorite part of her college experience was traveling to Italy, Spain, and New Zealand with focuses on photography. She enjoys traveling, being outside, and spending time with friends! Post-graduation, Caitlyn is excited to spend time in Boulder with Teamworks and then working as a 4th-Grade teacher back in Iowa in the upcoming fall!

Meet Our Rockstar Team
of 2021 Crew Leaders:

Tom Keras

Tom grew up in Massachusetts and spent most of his youth playing sports and hanging out with friends all over New England. After a cross country trip in 2015, the natural world took on a new meaning for him. Today, you will find Tom on your local hiking and biking trails, fishing any fishable rivers or lakes, backpacking on public land, or smelling Ponderosa Pines! Dedicated to community and the natural world, Tom has spent the last three years of his professional career working with Montana State Parks and the Maryland Park Service. He most recently served as a Maryland Conservation Corps Crew Leader for nearly two years and is eager to use his experiences to help those around him!

Teska Hapig-Ward

Teska grew up in the Sierra Nevada mountains in northern California. She has always loved spending time outside hiking, swimming, biking, and kayaking, as well as exploring new ecosystems and learning about the impacts of climate change. While leading backcountry trips throughout college, she developed a passion for helping young adults discover and gain access to the outdoors. Teska is beyond excited to join the TeamWorks community this summer and explore the Front Range!

Julia Kusel

I grew up in a tiny town in Northern California where I learned to love the mountains. I went to college on the coast and studied Psychology and Spanish. A few years ago I found myself in Nederland working with Teamworks and am back for another summer of trail work and wonderful humans. Some things I enjoy most in this world include laughter, exploring, learning, connecting with people, dancing, and sleeping under the stars.

Sara Hansen

Hi! I’m Sara (she/her). I recently moved to Denver by way of Sparta, WI, a semester in Cambodia, and Portland, OR. In May 2020, I graduated with a degree in Anthropology and Science & Environmental Studies from Reed College. Last summer, I helped design and build a children’s nature playground with Zenger Farm, while also building out a camper van with my partner. I love all things outdoors (except snakes, but I’m trying to work on this), and am especially excited to hike and climb in the Front Range! Three things I’m passionate about are community placemaking, environmental justice, and ube ice cream.

Jenna Lilly

Hey y’all! My name is Jenna, and I am so excited to be a crew leader this summer with TeamWorks. I grew up in sunny South Florida, but went to school in central New York, and have lived in 5 other states besides. Since graduating with a degree in Environmental Geography, I have been working in outdoor and environmental education on land and at sea. My jobs have taken me sailing across the Atlantic on a tall ship, to being on a chainsaw crew removing invasive tree species, and more recently, honing my skills at a local bakery. When I’m not working, I enjoy playing video games, talking with friends, and reading or journaling. I am stoked to get to know, work alongside, and help my crew grow this summer while traversing the beautiful mountains of Colorado!

Ursula Cruzalegui

SHE/HER Ursula Cruzalegui is a 39 years old Peruvian native and has lived in Colorado since 2008. Her frlaiends call her Uchi (“oo-chee”) She has a bachelor degree in Architecture and has 10 years of experience growing into a community organizer. She deeply cares about social justice, healthy environments and sustainability. She is a freelance designer & artist. Uchi co-founded Scraps-to-Soil in 2011, a Clear Creek non-profit with a mission is to empower sustainable lifestyles and continues to be an active volunteer. She has also helped form a newly created grassroots program called Clear Creek Community Connectors – C4, which is a group of neighbors helping other neighbors connect with existing local resources and support each other during COVID-19 times. Uchi is passionate about sharing important information, educating her peers & community, identifying issues and looking for solutions to them. She is a caring & responsible person, open to new experiences and excited to learn new things. She is not scared to take on a challenge and is always looking to continue to grow, make meaningful connections and empower others around her.

Sarah Puckett

Sarah fell in love with the outdoors in high school where her parents would take her to waterfalls and swimming holes in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Since graduating, she has spent the last several years traveling and working in outdoor recreation and education in North Carolina, Washington, Idaho, and Virginia. Sarah loves working on teams where she gets to meet new people, learn new skills, share stories, and achieve a common goal. She loves to spend her free time riding her bikes in the mountains, cooking, and listening to music. She is PUMPED to join an awesome crew this summer and learn from them.

Ian Thompson

Hello, my name is Ian! I grew up in North Carolina, but I have spent some quality time in South America, Arizona, and Oregon for the past few years. During which I have developed a huge passion for conservation and getting people into the outdoors. Overall, I look for any excuse to get outside whether its trail running, climbing, or just about anything that lets me play in the dirt. I love working outside, and I look forward to joining crews to improve our public lands this summer!

Ben Montgomery

Ben is recent graduate from Colorado State University where he studied sociology. He is very passionate about the environment and is excited to be with TeamWorks working to make it a better place for everyone. In his free time Ben enjoys riding his bike, rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and watching movies. One thing most people don’t know about Ben is his ability to juggle.

Calvin Eckert

Hi my name is Calvin and I’ve been involved with TeamWorks for the last 3 summers in every position from a regular crew member all the way to the crew leader I am today. Other than my appreciation of the great outdoors, I also like to spend time watching sports and going offroading in my Jeep, so basically I enjoy any way I can get back to nature. And feel free to ask me anything, I’m an open book.

Tayla Parlee

My name is Tayla and I’m a Colorado native who loves adventures. I started working with TeamWorks as a crew member in 2017! This will be my 2nd season as a crew leader with TeamWorks. 

Maggie Hofmann

Maggie grew up in Denver Colorado and spent all of her free time exploring the nearby Rocky mountains. In the summer she found new hiking trails and lakes to explore. In the winters she spent weekends on the ski lift. She left the great state of Colorado to pursue a degree in Global Studies and Sustainability from Boise State University but is excited to be back. She recognizes the importance of appreciating, maintaining and protecting the environment and is excited to help develop that appreciation for nature as a crew leader.

Grace Gordon-McGlone

Grace (she/her) grew up in Idaho Springs, Colorado. She has always had a passion for the outdoors and loves exploring the natural spaces close to home. She goes to Indiana University and studies natural resource management and psychology. Grace has spent her education researching conservation and the ways in which we can mutually benefit with the outdoors. She is beyond excited to help TeamWorks this summer connecting Colorado youth to nature and promoting environmental stewardship in the Front Range.

Ian Kelly

Ian grew up in Michigan and spent his free time exploring forests filled with frogs, turtles, and dragonflies. He studied economics and environmental science at Davidson College, and used summers to work for and study socially and environmentally conscious businesses. Since school, he’s followed passions and curiosities around the world. Whether through ski instructing, wildland firefighting, or guiding backpacking trips, Ian is learning all he can and trying to contribute to a greener future.