About me
Jay is a master in using natural settings and adventure-based experiences to teach leadership, teamwork, and self-esteem. He works quickly to establish trust among all group members of all ages and has them involved, interested, and motivated.Early in his career, he held one of his favorite positions, serving as a Ranger with the United States Forest Service. Then, during his 35 years in Higher Education, he created programs at Colorado State University-Pueblo, Colorado's Western State University, and Colorado Mountain College. His classroom is always collaborative, developing leadership by using Mother Nature as a vessel of knowledge. During this time, he was a senior instructor for W.E.A. (Wilderness Education Association) and served as board president of the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center.After stepping away from higher education, his work spans generations, from at-risk or At Promise youth (Jay calls them) working for Colorado's Pueblo County Outdoor Recreational Program, leading small adventures for community neighbors who are 50+ years active. He will be found facilitating Aging-to-Saging Circle conversations with many of our "Seasoned" Adventurers. He has opened Alpine International Preparatory Academy, 13 Outdoor Exploration Programs for kids in K-12th grade throughout Colorado, partnering with Local Nature Centers. Along with his wife, Cleo is the CO-Owner of Story Tellers Travels and Imagine If a Mind, Body, and Spirit Connections Company. Where Ordinary into Extraordinary. When we are on an outdoor adventure or collaborating on a project, enjoying experiential education lessons, I continuously witness the spark of leadership grow into a flame. When these things happen, I always hope to make a positive difference locally and globally, creating many life sparks."
