Our Staff

Alison Watt came to the States from England 16 years ago. She left behind a career as an academic in exchange for a more expansive way of life. Her intellect has helped nonetheless, and Alison is now successful as a facilitator for change, in a number of different arenas. She gained considerable wilderness and challenge experience as an instructor with Outward Bound, and now works with companies and organizations helping them to identify and meet their needs through what she calls the challenge of interactive dynamics. Building upon her psychotherapeutic training and competencies, she has successfully developed a private practice in CranioPsycho therapy, a combination of modalities that encourage physical healing with an emotional change perspective. She also enables corporate executives to change, offering coaching and training in emotional intelligence. She is certified in EQi and EQ360.

Additionally, Alison has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Administration, (University of Sussex) a Master’s degree in the Sociology of Medicine,(University of London) is a Registered Nurse, (The Middlesex Hospital) has a Diploma in Counseling (Royal Society of Arts) and certification in CranioSacral Therapy (Upledger Institute). Alison’s PhD is abd.

Alison lives in Boulder, Colorado. She is an avid cyclist, runner and rock climber. She finds her solace and spirit in the wilderness, sings in choruses, and cooks for her friends. She is funny, passionate, kind, and a fierce listener.

Ari Carol has been working with groups for over a decade to help people discover their passion for life and a greater appreciation for the unique gift each person brings to their world. As the foundation for his life and work Ari values respect, humor, and an unwavering desire to bring people together to create widespread peace and compassion. As a mental health professional Ari is a LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with training and certified expertise in brief therapy, models of change, conflict resolution, addictions counseling, diversity training, program development and evaluation, grant writing, and play-ology.

Ari not only applied his skills and passion as a therapist but as a facilitator in a variety of environments. He has worked the spectrum from the beginning working with incarcerated and foster youth, then as a family therapist to his current work in public schools as an expert in community building. As an experienced trainer Ari has worked with multi-national corporations, small businesses and individuals. He has worked on four different continents with adults and youth, providing personal growth seminars and experiences. Ari has always maintained the importance of using humor, sincerity and genuiness as core beliefs.

Corey Marini is a Senior level professional at Intermountain Healthcare which is a nonprofit integrated healthcare organization in Utah. Corey is the director of the Internal Audit Department that oversees 23 hospitals, 60 clinics and an insurance company of 850 employees. He focuses on organizational process improvement initiatives acting as consultant to Senior Management and the Board. Prior to joining Intermountain Healthcare, Corey was Senior Consultant for Protiviti, which is a global consulting firm, composed of experts specializing in risk and advisory services. Corey has experience working with a broad range of global, public and local private organizations in a variety of industries, helping them deal with their most significant business risks and issues. Experience includes serving numerous organizations on high pressure, priority and sensitive business matters.

Mr. Marini’s educational experiences include: a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Management from Colorado State University. He also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and completed his Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He currently holds six professional certifications (Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Information Technology Infrastructure Library Certification (ITIL), and Certified Project Management Professional Certification (PMP).

Corey has over 11 years of experience working with organizational stakeholders at all levels helping analyze and develop their strengths and talents to become more effective and efficient contributors. In his free time Corey loves to spend time with his wife, Heather, and their two wonderful children, Chase and Giana.

Derek Schmidt is the Owner, Founder and Clinical Director of Reach, Inc., a therapeutic counseling agency in Denver, Colorado. Derek holds a Masters Degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology and is licensed as an LPC in Colorado. In addition, Derek is certified in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Gestalt Therapy, and Wilderness Emergency Medicine (WFR). Derek has over 12 years experience as a therapist and facilitator combining his passion for wilderness, adventure, and self-exploration while assisting individuals in creating powerful, illuminating experiences. Derek believes in the power of the “here-and-now” and utilizes the body, mind, and environment as avenues for exploration of the client’s process.

Derek lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife, son, and two golden retrievers. Derek can often be found doing yoga, climbing, or mountaineering.

Franco Marini is an innovative entrepreneur, a highly qualified trainer and a reputable senior consultant. He is the owner and director of Global Journeys Inc., a travel based company providing personal and professional growth through specialized educational programs and also created and operates Peak Empowerment, an organization dedicated to human development and transformation. He was born in Italy and loves experiencing new cultures as he travels with the programs he offers.

Supported by several successful leading-edge practices, Franco specializes in the human development aspect of organizations as it impacts their productivity and results. He maintains impeccable standards of quality as he works with the strengths and contributions of each individual. He empowers and inspires participants to effectively communicate and powerfully work with each other in ways that support a highly productive and healthy organization. One of Franco’s main strengths is his ability to have participants take the learnings and insights from the trainings/workshops and apply them in their personal and professional lives.

Mr. Marini’s educational experiences include: a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado and a Master’s Degree from Colorado State University. He is the founder and former director of Pathways Alternative School. He currently has a Professional Principal license, is a certified Challenge Course instructor, holds a Trainer of Trainers certificate and is a certified Insights Trainer. Franco has been working in this field for over 20 years. He lives in Oceanside, NY, with his wife, and has two married children.

Garcia Wood is known in the training and development industry for designing and delivering innovative, dynamic experiential Leadership and Team development programs. She has been working in coaching, motivation, and leadership development for over 20 years with thousands of clients integrating her psychology background, love of outdoor challenges and coaching skills as a nationally ranked athlete and coach in three sports. Garcia runs TideWater Experiential Training Associates and is also Director of Training Services for Smaller Earth Inc. She is responsible for staff training and development for the company’s internal staff, the camping industry and clients outside the camping industry who desire development in Leadership and Team effectiveness.

Additionally Garcia works as an adjunct professor for the Daniels College of Business Executive MBA program in Leadership and Team development. As well she works with FMI as a senior consultant, one of the leading management consulting and investment banking companies for the construction industry based in Denver, and with Adventure Associates, CA. and has also worked with the various Outward Bound Schools across the country. Garcia is also certified in delivering Myers-Briggs Type Inventory and Insights Discovery.

Some of Garcia’s clients include Novartis, Phillips Petroleum, USAFA, Peterson Air force Base, KPMG, Kaiser Permanente, Turner Construction, T. Rowe Price, Pikes Peak Area Council of Government, US Junior Olympic Swimming Team and Denver University Volleyball Team.

Jody Witmer stems from New York but now, after living in Colorado for 15 years, calls Colorado home. Jody began her career in the teaching profession, as a special education teacher in a public school. Her transition to experiential learning techniques came after several years of international travel and diversity training over a decade ago. Jody trains, facilitates, and speaks nationwide in a variety of corporate and educational settings including Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and universities.

Jody Witmore Best known for her diversity, Jody has worked with groups as few as 5 and as many as a two thousand. Jody has presented at AEE, ASTD and regional adventure conferences. In addition to challenge and adventure education programs, Jody presents a series of corporate team-building activities that have been used with managers, technical teams and assembly workers. These activities have also been applied to academic, therapeutic recreation and other professional settings. Jody’s passion is creating “A-Ha” moments for people of all ages and backgrounds. Her playful nature, passion for people and nature make for a winning combination with any group.

John P. Engel is a leadership and organizational development specialist with nearly 20 years experience facilitating personal, group, and organizational learning and transformation. John grounds his work in two core beliefs. One, each individual, group, organization, and community has the capacity to serve the greater world as a positive change-agent. Two, change that is both effective and sustainable, begins with oneself and ripples outward. John supports his clients in this type of transformation by utilizing a host of models, practices and tools that support self-discovery, dialogue, group learning, whole systems thinking, leadership development, and organizational performance. John is experienced at supporting clients in community, educational, not-for-profit and for-profit settings.

John holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in Ecopsychology. John and his wife, Lori, and their two children strive to live a sustainable lifestyle through daily practices of eating local, commuting by bike and bus, and enjoying time in wild places around their home near North Hampton Connecticut.

Jorge Gibbons, manager of school programs at The Conflict center, and lecturer at the “Chancellors Leadership Program” at the University of Colorado in Boulder, is an experiential educator who has worked with many different groups, businesses and associations for over 12 years.

He has had great success developing teamwork and leadership qualities with more than 40 companies internationally, among them: Merck, Hewlett Packard, Dupont, Target, BNDES, Pfizer, Lojas Renner, Banco Fiat, Embratel, Ypiranga, Lafarge, and Novartis. In Brazil, Mr. Gibbons was one of the founders of the Búzios Atlantic Rain Forest Ecological Institute and worked as its Executive Director.

While in Brazil he was also consultant and facilitator for Dinsmore Associates for four years, prior to moving to the United States.

Kay LatchmanSingh brings a wealth of international experience. She was born in Guyana and lived there until her early twenties where as a youngster she learned about accounting and running an international business from her father. Upon her arrival in New York she completed her business degree and began exploring various possibilities. Shortly after she became the CFO and managing director of an international logistics company.

As she expanded her role, she opened various satellite offices and travelled to many interesting places such as Russia, Egypt, South Africa, British West Indies, Central America, and various countries in Europe. Kay brings a cheerful excitement to all her endeavors. She loves travel and is committed to supporting individuals who would like to expand their boundaries and experience the rewards of visiting other countries.

In addition to her business experience Kay enjoys teaching yoga, dance movement, various crafts, and when travelling can often be found in the kitchen of hotels and resorts concocting new international cuisines with the chefs.

Matthew A. Rogge is a team and leadership development consultant and entrepreneur specializing in human performance. He is the owner and director of Rogge & Associates Consulting and has over 15 years of experience facilitating personal and organizational growth through customized developmental programs.

Matthew’s professional focus emphasizes empowering and inspiring others by enhancing self-confidence and self-efficacy through personalized individual, team and community development. Supported by many leadership practices and tools that bolster effective communication, enhance awareness of interpersonal and intrapersonal behaviors, and develop high performing teams, Matthew creates an environment where participants are able to define their own unique value and apply that learning to their professional and personal lives.

Matthew holds a B.S. in Communications from Kansas University and is completing his M.P.A. at the University of Colorado. Matthew and his wife Ariella, and two sons, live an active lifestyle in the Colorado Rocky Mountains where they run, bike, and share the wonder of the outdoors as a family.

Patrick Harrington From his t-shirt/burrito business that he started during university days at CU, to the three current yoga studios called Vital Yoga of today, Patrick Harrington has been an entrepreneur and trainer for much of his life. He is passionate about transformation and business and is always striving to grow to find the next level of personal potential. He is a smart-working example of a modern business owner.

One of the greatest pleasures of life for Patrick is facilitating breakthrough experiences for his clients by helping people to step through limiting thought patterns and beliefs to unprecedented success in life. He has a very intuitive, natural way of bringing to the surface the sources of belief that may be limiting and once those are exposed, he encourages the cleaning up of ways of being that are no longer optimal. Leaving a day working with Patrick leaves clients feeling empowered and clear, ready and willing to accelerate into their potential.

Patrick's formal education was received at CU in Boulder where he graduated with a BA in Communication. Since then he has participated in many training's including: Landmark Education, Insight Seminars, Peak Empowerment, Peak Potential, and Bikram's Yoga College of India. He is co-owner of three Vital Yoga Studios and co-directs the Vitality Training Center located in Colorado. He lives in Denver with his loving friends and family and two amazing cats, Cassious and Ali.

Rob Jolly is the Director of The Nature Place, the adult and family center at the Colorado Outdoor Education Center. He has guided The Nature Place for over 20 years and has been the architect of numerous innovative team and leadership development programs. He is a skilled experiential educator and likes to use natural systems to broaden management and leadership perspectives.

Some of his favorite tools are: the night sky, a 17 inch telescope, the forest and geology. As a youth he canoed over 15,000 miles in Canada, and currently enjoys rehabilitating a 100 year old house, telemark skiing, rock climbing and mountain biking in Central Colorado and sailing in warm tropical waters with his wife.

Sandra “Sam” Adams-Berger has been a practicing social worker since 1986 and has specialized in the areas of treating addictions, eating disorders, marital/ family counseling, and bereavement. Sam holds a BA in Sociology from Illinois Wesleyan University, a Master’s degree in Social Service Administration from The University of Chicago and a teaching certification from the University of Denver.

A licensed educator in the state of Colorado, Sam has worked as both a teacher and a middle school counselor. She is a certified ropes course instructor and has facilitated team building and leadership training at the Littleton, CO Challenge Course since 2001. In addition, Sam coaches volleyball, sponsors a National Junior Honor Society chapter, assists in various leadership organizations and helps coordinate an Outdoor Education Program.

Sam’s fundamental belief is that a healthy balance with self and with key relationships will result in peace and well-being in our daily lives. She is gifted at helping others to see and realize their full potential.

Originally from Illinois, Sam is proud of her corn-fed roots. She now resides in Colorado and has for the past seventeen years. Sam celebrates the time she spends with her family in the Colorado Mountains. Her immediate family consists of her husband, two sons, and a sloppy but loving bloodhound named Ginger. Sam’s other joys include; travel, running, and volleyball.

Terence Hayden is a dynamic and talented educator and trainer in Florissant, Colorado. He is the Assistant Director of The Nature Place, where teaches leadership development and team collaboration, in addition to managing human resources, web development and marketing.

Terence began his career in education at the Colorado Outdoor Education Center, studying and practicing experiential education techniques and methodology. He currently teaches Insights programs, challenge courses and natural history courses.

His focus in leadership training is the ability to combine a group’s dynamics and the individual. One of his strengths is viewing the whole individual as the essential component to the success of a team. Terence believes that mastery and understanding of leadership come through practice.

Mr. Hayden’s educational experiences include: a Bachelor’s Degree from Marquette University and a master’s degree from Colorado State University in human resources and educational leadership. He has over 14 years of experience in leadership, training and development. He currently lives in Florissant, CO with his wife, Karen.