Cooper’s Leadership Journey from Participant to Instructor to Rookie of the Year with Cottonwood Began in 8th-Grade Written by Erin Angel, Senior Instructor, Changemakers & Alumni Coordinator. Calling Cooper a “rookie” doesn’t quite fit! Although this is his first year as a Cottonwood Institute instructor, his journey with us began in 8th grade as a… Read more »
Cottonwood Institute Founder and Executive Director Receives the Elizabeth Abernathy Hull Award from the Garden Club of America in 2026 Just before the annual Bash Camp Bash event began on April 11, 2026, Ford Church, Founder and Executive Director of Cottonwood Institute, received a surprise honor from the Garden Club of America. One of the… Read more »
Our Headlamp Highlights Shine a Light on the People and Organizations that Help our Cottonwood Community Thrive. Meet Board Member Alyssa. We are excited to highlight our Cottonwood Institute (CI) Board Member, Alyssa Ash, who has been on the CI Board since February 2026. Read on to learn more about Alyssa! Introduce yourself to the… Read more »
Our Headlamp Highlights shine a light on the people and organizations that help our Cottonwood community thrive. We are excited to highlight our Cottonwood Institute (CI) Board Member, Candace Richter, who has been on the CI Board since September 2024. Read on to learn more about Candace! Introduce yourself to the Cottonwood Community. Where did… Read more »
Re-posted with Permission: Welcome to Strat Labs’ Changemaker Spotlight Series! This blog series is dedicated to showcasing the inspiring journeys of remarkable individuals who have transformed their passions into purposeful endeavors, leaving a significant impact on the world around them every single day. Join us as we delve into the heart of innovation and commitment,… Read more »
Get to know Alo McGarigal (they/they), who is one of our extraordinary Field Instructors! During trips, Alo brings to the team a combination of compassionate guidance with joyful instruction, making them a force of nature in the field! Learn more about Alo below, and read our other staff and board profiles here! What led you… Read more »
Get to know Lori Powell (she/her), our CAP Instructor at New Vista High School! With experience ranging from experiential education to play-based learning, Lori knows how to bring life to a classroom! Learn more about Lori below, and read our other staff and board profiles here! What led you to become an environmental educator? I… Read more »
Get to know Melissa Georgi (she/her), who is our CAP Instructor at Angevine Middle School! Melissa is an outdoor educator, trip guide, forager, and former Park Ranger. Learn more about Melissa below, and read our other staff and board profiles here! What led you to become an environmental educator? “Standing on a mountain top overlooking… Read more »
We are excited to introduce you to our newest Cottonwood Institute (CI) Board Member, Elisha Roberts, who joined the CI Board in October 2023. Read on to learn more about Elisha! What is your story? Where did you grow up and how did you get to where you are today? I was born and raised… Read more »
We are excited to spotlight Phil Wofford (he/him), Cottonwood Institute’s newest Board Member! Phil is currently the Regional Vice President at Trader Joe’s and we are so excited to welcome Phil and the passion and enthusiasm that he will bring to the board. Let’s get to know him, shall we? What’s your story? Where did… Read more »
