“I have loved the Mountain Roots work since the beginning and feel that my passion surrounding food at home and professionally are a good fit. I appreciate that education and access to food are part of the mission. I believe that if people ate healthy food all the time, we could control so many health issues.”

DANA ZOBS | President

As a Physical Therapist, Lynn enjoys interacting with and impacting people on an individual level and is eager and excited to have a larger-scale impact through Mountain Roots. Lynn believes Mountain Roots embodies all of what she was looking for in a non-profit organization dedicated to the community, particularly in the ability to respond directly to the community’s needs as they fluctuate. She believes that locally grown food is essential and has a webbing of connections to so many critical components of a community – socially, economically, and environmentally. She is eager to contribute to Mountain Roots and positively impact the community in each of these components.

Sidsel strongly believes that humanity needs a profound change in behavior to address the climate issues of today, and has worked passionately at the intersection between science, sustainability, and equity in education to find solutions on both personal and community levels. As the co-founder of the Greenhouse Project at NY Sun Works, she brings over a decade of experience in non-profit leadership and development and has secured millions of dollars for educational programs by building strong collaborations with both the public and private sectors.  As a dual Danish-American citizen, she currently splits time between the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Copenhagen Denmark and is uniquely positioned to understand and address the need for global climate action in both the rural and urban settings. 

From 2010 to 2019 Robards served as co-director of New York Sun Works. During that time, she oversaw New School Partnerships, Government Relations, Strategic Partnerships, Fundraising Events, as well as Special Events focused on community

building. She also spearheaded the organization’s PR, branding, and marketing

efforts.

Sidsel Robards (she, her) | treasurer

Holly believes food is the foundation of healthy, resilient communities and a profound point of connection. The valley’s agricultural history has so much in common with its current residents; our work ethic, stewardship, and appreciation for place are all shared values. Mountain Roots helps build that throughline, connecting not only past and present but also the diverse range of people who call the Valley home, from college-graduates and seasonal workers to local families  to visitors experiencing summer harvests at our great restaurants.

Lynn Froetscher | Secretary HOLLY PEAREN | Board Member

Olivia Lueckemeyer is communications strategist and marketing professional with more than a decade of experience writing, editing and crafting narratives that resonate across diverse media landscapes. She currently serves as the marketing and media relations director for Lone Star PACE, a leading program administrator of the Texas’ Property Assessed Clean Energy program. Prior to joining Lone Star PACE, Olivia spent more than a decade as a journalist, working for several award-winning publications across Texas and Colorado. Most recently, she covered DFW commercial real estate for Bisnow. She is a 2013 graduate of Loyola University New Orleans and holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications – Journalism. Olivia grew up spending summer and winter breaks in Crested Butte. Today, she spends roughly a third of the year in the Valley with her husband and two children. She is an avid hiker, reader and foodie.

Olivia Lueckemeyer | Board Member

Emily is the Director of Digital Marketing at Natural Habitat Adventures (Nat Hab), a travel company whose mission is “Conservation through Exploration.” Emily’s love for travel and the environment started as an undergraduate at Boston College where she had the opportunity to study abroad in New Zealand. During her travels that semester she developed a profound appreciation for the natural world and a strong belief that we must do everything we can to preserve it for future generations.

After working for an educational travel company for a few years after college, Emily felt called go back to school to pursue an MBA focusing on environmental sustainability at the University of Colorado Boulder. This degree allowed her to work on several projects related to her other passion, the organic and natural foods industry. She was fortunate to get to work on projects with some amazing local food companies. Upon graduation, she was drawn back to the travel industry to take on an incredible opportunity with Nat Hab, a company that pioneered the concept of “conservation travel”—sustainable travel that supports the protection of nature and wildlife. As the Director of Digital Marketing, Emily loves managing the digital presence of the brand and inspiring travelers through the conservation ethos that’s woven throughout Nat Hab’s messaging. During her time at Nat Hab she’s been fortunate to travel to see polar bears in Canada, giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands, elephants in Botswana, the Great Migration in Kenya, and grizzly bears in Alaska.

Outside of work, you can find Emily hiking or cross country skiing with her husband and son, and getting creative in the kitchen with fresh produce from her Mountain Roots CSA share.

Emily Deemer | Board Member



Holly is a liaison between the Board of Directors and the organization’s operations. Keeping the long-term vision in sight, she manages the day-to-day operations, trains and oversees key staff, coordinates volunteers, manages organizational budget a…

Holly is a liaison between the Board of Directors and the organization’s operations. Keeping the long-term vision in sight, she manages the day-to-day operations, trains and oversees key staff, coordinates volunteers, manages organizational budget and finances, fundraises, nurtures strategic partnerships, coordinates outreach efforts, promotion and marketing, program development, resource development, grant management and reporting, and monitoring and evaluation.

Holly says, “I believe that people have an amazing capacity to create change. I am inspired by the power that food has to bring people together, by how wonderful and fulfilling it is to simplify our lives, and how possible it is to teach people to provide for themselves by going back to traditional ways. The “food movement” has momentum across the world, and I hope that Mountain Roots can inspire and empower people to get back to the basics, and connect with things that are real."

Holly Conn (she, her) | Executive Director

director@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

Skyler's journey brought him to Gunnison via Thailand, St. Louis, and Little Rock, even though his early years were spent in Iowa. On the weekends, you'll often find Skyler exploring theatre opportunities, or ascending to the highest mountain peaks he can reach. With experiences in both AmeriCorps and Peace Corps, he brings a passion for service to his current role, understanding the transformative power it holds for both those who serve and the communities they serve.

Having invested considerable time in educational environments, Skyler has witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact of students attending school on an empty stomach, which hampers their ability to engage with their learning. Whether in schools with students or in the community, Skyler is passionate about conversations and work towards effective food systems that set up our communities for success.

Skyler Matthias (he, him, his) | Director of AmeriCorps Programs

healthyfutures@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

Rudy attended Northwestern University in Evanston Illinois and graduated receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech, with a major in communications and a double minor in radio, TV, Film, and Sociology. Rudy has developed professional expertise in the areas of Marketing, Fund Raising, Strategic Planning, Branding, and Digital Asset Creation. Rudy has worked in the non-profit sector for the last 11 years helping to develop and launch brands, create and manage fundraising events for specific initiatives, work with local legislators and educators, develop strategic partnerships, and manage press and promotion around a new initiative. Rudy will bring an incredible amount of energy, passion, focus, enthusiasm, knowledge, creativity, and innovation to the Mountain Roots team.

Rudy Germany | Development Director

rudy@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

Kristen grew up and attended college in Indiana, where her love of basketball was required but her love of biology was optional. After two masters degrees - one in science and one in education - and several moves to different states, her little family landed in Colorado. A far cry from the cornfields of her youth, she simply cannot get used to the natural beauty this state has to offer, nor does she want to! With ten years of classroom teaching under her belt, she is excited to contribute to education through the programs here at Mountain Roots. Students need the connections we provide to food, health, and nature - and we look forward to continuing to support youth in our community. 

Kristen Aaltonen (she, her) | Director of youth education

kristen@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

Dylan is a passionate photographer, content creator, and overall marketing enthusiast. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Dylan fell in love with the Gunnison Valley while attending school at Western State University. You’ll find him spending his time outside of work mountain biking, fly fishing, and snowboarding. His devotion to the community and nature, and making a positive impact in both, make him a great fit at Mountain Roots.  

Dylan Walker | Marketing Manager

marketing@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

ALEXANDRA WOLF (she, her, hers) | LOCAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

alexandra@mountainrootsfoodproject.org


Programs

Farm to School

kristen@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

Julia grew up in New York, where she loved to hike and rock climb  in the Shawangunk Mountains. After earning her bachelor's degree in anthropology and environmental studies, she spent a couple years working in childcare, volunteering, and learning to snowboard. She is now studying environmental management at Western and living in the Gunnison Valley, where she is excited to explore the community and the outdoors.

As a gardener herself, Julia believes it is important to teach about connecting with the land, growing local food, and community engagement. She is inspired by holistic, experiential learning and hopes to use her passion to promote access to outdoor activities and nutritious food.

Julia Dunlavey (she, they) | MEM Graduate Fellow in Environmental Education

julia@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

Originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico Amanda began her work with food security as an AmeriCorps member for Roadrunner Food bank of New Mexico. Working as a response team member, she organized rural mobile food pantries for Dona Ana, Luna, and Otero counties. Following her service, she continues the work through Casa de Peregrinos as an Agency Support Specialist, filling the needs of local agencies directly. With a passion for life and outdoor adventure, the Gunnison valley seems to be the perfect fit for this little sprite.

Amanda kmetz | Farm to School Educator & AMericorps member

amanda@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

Brooke grew up in Holland, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Michigan. The natural resources and beauty of the Great Lakes Region played a pivotal role in their interests in Ecology and Biology. They decided to pursue these interests at the University of Michigan where they received a bachelors in Biology, Health, and Society with a minor in Spanish. The intersection of education, nature, food, and community is what inspired them to begin an AmeriCorps term at Mountain Roots. They enjoy spending time outdoors with kids, fostering a curiosity for and appreciation of the natural systems that we exist within. 

Brooke Drost (she, they) | Farm to School Educator & AmeriCorps Member

brooke@mountainrootsfoodproject.org


Peyton grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and has lived in four different states and four different countries. These include Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala, and of course the US. He enjoys music, art, and outdoor activities, and is inspired by personal and communal resilience. Passionate about cultivating living soil to support food systems and care for the Earth, Peyton has spent the last ten years focussing his skills in project management, regenerative agriculture, and community organizing. He hopes to inspire others to embrace their roots and enjoy the fulfillment of living close to the earth. 

Peyton served as general manager for the Guatemalan non-profit organization, The Ripple Effect Inc, for three years. He led a team of local supervisors in daily operations and coordinated with donors, board members, and the local team to advance progress reports, organization goals, and grants. He also worked in the home exteriors industry managing construction projects in Colorado and Illinois for three years. Responsibilities included designing marketing plans, telemarketing and canvassing, coordinating with crews and clients, budgeting, and training teams of sales representatives. Peyton apprenticed with a variety of master gardeners at home and abroad over the course of four years in order to gain perspective and skills. He is a committed team player and a certified emergency 1st responder and rescue scuba diver.

PEYTON FOLEY | FOOD SECURITY DIRECTOR

peyton@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

Hannah is originally from Rhode Island but most recently called Vermont her home. During her six years there, she witnessed the benefits of strong community relationships to local food systems. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Psychology and Minor in Studio Art and worked in the field of clinical behavioral health as a behavior interventionist in the Vermont public school systems. She remained close to the world of agriculture and food systems through friends and hobbies such as gardening, volunteering, and experimenting in the kitchen with local ingredients.

In Fall 2023, Hannah began her journey out west by working on a small family farm in northern New Mexico where she further developed her homesteading and farming skills. She dove into the world of regenerative agriculture and experienced the joy of new community through food, which ultimately led her to Mountain Roots. Hannah is excited to continue her work in community health and wellbeing through sustainable, equitable food systems. In her free time, Hannah enjoys hiking, climbing, gravel biking, printmaking, and reading.

Hannah Franko (she, her) | Food Security Team & Americorps Service Member

hannah@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

Sophie grew up in Pennsylvania and recently graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh, double majoring in Urban Studies and Anthropology and receiving a Certificate in GIS in the hopes of working in the economic development sector of city planning. She also spent time WWOOFing on a Peony farm in Alaska and working with the Philadelphia food pantry system, growing and delivering fresh produce to low-income residents. What excites her about Mountain Roots is the opportunity to have more responsibility in the local food system and connect Gunnison County residents with valuable resources to create a sustainable and resilient community. In her free time, Sophie enjoys running, hiking, reading, and printmaking. 

Sophie Koza | Food Security Team & Americorps Service Member

sophie@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

Uma is originally from Chicago and attended Albion College in Michigan where she got a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Earth Science with a minor in Management. Volunteering in her school's Student Farm and Community Garden she became passionate about environmental justice, food security, and community engagement. Uma is excited to serve with AmeriCorps where she can learn and collaborate with the Gunnison Valley Community. 

Uma Shuford Williams (she, her) | Food Security Team & Americorps Service Member

uma@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

 
 

Regenerative Agriculture

Collin grew up in the heartland in Des Moines, Iowa where he enjoyed playing all sports, gardening and hiking. His passion for adventure took him to Fort Myers, Florida, where he continued gardening, finished school, and began fishing nearly every day. He has lived in Gunnison for the past four years and thoroughly enjoys the recreation opportunities at his doorstep. Keeping food local has always been a passion of his, as it provides not only a superior product, but also helps form strong bonds and new relationships throughout the community.

Cam Crosby holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Analytical Chemistry and Agricultural Systems from The Evergreen State College in Washington State, gained in 2011. He is a seasoned agricultural professional with a strong foundation in both scientific research and practical farming techniques. Holding over 15 years of experience in soil conservation and water analysis, Cam has a deep understanding of soil health and its impact on sustainable agriculture. He has also spent over a decade working with hydroponic systems, gaining expertise in controlled environment agriculture. Additionally, Cam has dedicated time to educating at-risk youth through hands-on farming experiences, inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Collin Siberz | Hydroponic Farm Manager

Collin@mountainrootsfoodproject.org

Cam Crosby | Hydroponic Production Assistant

Cam@mountainrootsfoodproject.org