Rob Jolly taught at the High Trails Outdoor Education Center and at Big Springs Boys’ camp (2 other divisions of the Colorado Outdoor Education Center, our parent non-profit organization) for a year before becoming the Director of The Nature Place in 1989. He canoed extensively in Canada while growing up and before receiving his B.A. in Geology from Miami University. He was instrumental in creating the innovative team and leadership development programs that utilize an understanding of natural, human and economic systems. Currently, his diversions include rehabilitating a house built in 1904, backcountry telemark skiing, rock climbing, snorkeling, diving and sailing. He continues to actively study global social, economic/business and environmental trends. He also enjoys sharing his knowledge about the local geology, general natural history and astronomy.
Terry Hayden taught at the High Trails Outdoor Education Center and Big Spring Ranch from 1994 -1997. He then spent eight years teaching in middle school and high school. While teaching Terry earned his masters degree in human resources and educational leadership at Colorado State University in 2000. Growing up in New York City he developed a relationship with nature while backpacking throughout the Adirondacks. Terry received his B.A. in International Relations from Marquette University. His professional interests include economic systems, history and sustainability. He enjoys traveling, biking, skiing, surfing, exploring music and spending time with his family.
Shelley Churchill joined The Nature Place in 2001 as our front desk and office manager. She has over 20 years experience in accounting, customer and guest services. She studied Business and Accounting at the Community College of Aurora. Shelley‛s friendliness, organization and enthusiasm contribute greatly in her work as the office manager of The Nature Place. Shelley loves spending time with her family and animals and enjoys hiking, camping and fishing.
Rajendra Awasthi joined The Nature Place team in January of 2007. He is from the beautiful country of the Buddha and Mount Everest, Nepal. He graduated from Tribhuwan University Kathmandu Nepal in Sociology. Raj then worked for U.S. Peace Corps in Nepal as a Nepalese Language & Cultural Trainer for American Peace Corps Volunteers to Nepal. This is where he met his wife, Kacie, the granddaughter of Laura & Sandy Sanborn, the founders of The Nature Place and the Colorado Outdoor Education Center. Before coming to America he also taught social studies for four years, grades 5 to 10 at a private school in Kathmandu. He likes to talk about culture, lifestyles, religions and other differences in the nature and wildlife in Nepal. His friendliness and willingness to help anyone anytime is an asset to our organization.
Diane Stanton attended Chabot Junior College in San Leandro, CA. Diane has a background in bookkeeping and real estate, and now helps serve guests in The Nature Place office. She enjoys her ranch, which is a horse boarding facility and spending time with her new husband, horses, donkeys, dogs and cats. Diane also loves to spend time with her grandchildren.
Kitchen Staff
Our kitchen staff has a combined 48 years of experience cooking at The Nature Place. They work hard to accommodate special dietary requests. They take pride in their craft, and serve delicious meals created from fresh ingredients.
Housekeeping
Our housekeeping staff assures the comfort and enjoyment of our guests by accommodating and anticipating needs in a prompt, courteous manner. They perform daily touch-ups, in addition to cleaning, making beds and caring for the rooms and facilities.