CEO & Co-Founder
Houston@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext. 205

As Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Houston has built Challenge Aspen into one of the world's premier disabilities programs. Houston works closely with the Board of Directors to establish Challenge Aspen missions, goals and objectives and to prepare operating and capital budgets. It is also a critical part of Houston's job as CEO to establish and develop close working relationships in the community, expanding disability networks and raising funds to maintain the organization's budget.

Director of Development & Operations
mj@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext. 205

MJ Wolfe Faas moved from Iowa to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2005. She joined the Challenge Aspen team in September 2009 to write grants, joined the full-time staff as Assistant to the CEO in January of 2010, then became Director of Development and Operations in November 2011. MJ's background in fundraising, dedication to helping people achieve their life goals, and years of customer focused work all make this a perfect fit for MJ and for Challenge Aspen. MJ's focus is to connect Challenge Aspen's supporters and participants to the mission and vision of creating possibilities for people with disabilities.

Director of Finance and HR
jenni@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext. 204

Jenni Petersen moved from Chicago to the Roaring Fork Valley after graduating from DePauw University in 1991. She joined the Challenge Aspen team in 2004, became the Director of Finance & Human Resources in 2005. Her work experience with software support, training and financial setup, as well has her management and sales skills from working in the lodging industry, create a dynamic background for Jenni's role. Jenni is responsible for keeping the financial heart of Challenge Aspen ticking. She maintains all financial records, directs financial management issues, and stays on top of legal and tax documentation. In her spare time she also enjoys coordinating the annual Challenge Aspen marathon team!

Financial Assistant
catherine@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext. 209

Catherine Rohrstaff joined Challenge Aspen after participating as a Challenge Aspen marathon team member for the 2008 Budapest and 2009 Dublin marathons. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, she moved to Snowmass after graduating from the University of Alabama. A long time resident of Aspen and Snowmass, she brings experience in fundraising, event planning and finance management. Catherine also enjoys volunteering as a ÒBuddyÓ.

Hospitality Coordinator
rachel@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578

Rachel Huntoon, born in Florida and raised in Georgia had never skied or been around snow before moving to Aspen in 2003. Rachel is a graduate of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia with a degree in Public Relations. Upon moving west Rachel began her professional career in the hospitality industry. In fall 2007 hospitality took her out of the valley and to Stowe, Vermont, however, her intense love for Aspen and the community here in the Roaring Fork Valley brought her right back to Aspen in the Spring of 2009. Rachel began volunteering with Challenge Aspen in August of 2010 and shortly after was asked to join the team as a Winter Scheduler for 2010-2011 ski season. Her experiences with Challenge Aspen families, participants, instructors and volunteers has prepared her to be a key liaison for the staff and community as the Hospitality Coordinator.

Director of Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities (C.A.M.O.)
sarah@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext. 217

Sarah Williams Volf is a native of Wales and joined Challenge Aspen from the English Sports Council in 2001. After successfully serving as the Recreation, Educational & Cultural (REC) Programs Director for a number of years, Sarah now spearheads the newest division of Challenge Aspen - the C.A.M.O. (Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities) program. This programs mission is to raise awareness and educate, honor and empower injured service members and their families through quality recreational, rehabilitation and educational experiences. Sarah is responsible for the development and management of this world renowned program and is extremely passionate about her role. She thrives on providing specialized and life-changing opportunities for this population and represents the organization within the community and at a local and international level.

Director of REC Programs
brett@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578

Brett comes to Challenge Aspen from Austin, Texas. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a double degree in Kinesiology and Special Education. He spent five years as a Special Education teacher, the last four of those serving as the lead teacher for the supported-employment and adult transition program that he developed for his school district. He served as a head coach for his district's Special Olympics delegation for four years, and spent five years as a volunteer prior to coaching.

Brett is an experienced marathoner, an avid lover of the outdoors, and the proud papa of Gus and Jaxon (his two dachshunds). He is excited to get his ski legs back during his inaugural season in the Valley.

As Director of REC Programs, Brett is responsible for assessing, developing, and managing Challenge Aspen's recreational, educational, and cultural (REC)programs and all REC staff. He is in charge of strategic and long-term plans for REC and oversees the program marketing plan.

Adaptive Snowsports Manager
ryan@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578

Ryan joined the Challenge Aspen Team for the 2008-2009 as a Level III certified Adaptive Ski instructor. He currently leads Challenge Aspen snowsports department in addition to developing and implementing the volunteer training program. In addition to these duties he also maintains the extensive equipment that Challenge Aspen has for its ski program. Ryan has worked for many recreation programs for people with disabilities including The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center and Challenged Athletes of West Virginia. When not on the snow, which is well over 160 days a year, you can find him on the rivers of Colorado and beyond guiding rafts and kayaking.

Our instructors are the public face of Challenge Aspen on the slopes. During the winter, 15 full-time and 30 part-time PSIA adaptive certified ski and snowboard instructors provide some 2000+ adaptive ski and snowboard lessons. We pride ourselves on having the best and largest team of adaptive instructors in the country. Their specialized techniques, coupled with the use of our cutting edge equipment, guarantees the experience of a lifetime, in a fun and safe environment, for all participants.

Marketing and PR Manager
michael@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext. 217

Michael is originally from Iowa and moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2005. He has a history in social media marketing, e-commerce, advertising, commercial photography, graphic design and education. Michael joined the Challenge Aspen team in 2010 as the Communications Manager. Michael is responsible for all aspects of online marketing and website management including the maintenance of Challenge Aspen's Facebook and Twitter accounts. In addition he manages all PR and marketing materials, multimedia and photography.

Publicist
cam@edge.net
tel: 931-598-5075

Melissa became impassioned about Challenge Aspen in 2006 after a memorable chairlift ride with Houston Cowan and an avid supporter of Challenge Aspen. Her background is based in sports (US Olympic Committee Intern, Denver Nuggets Employee) and subsequently in the entertainment industry. Her primary professional focus, since 1987, has been rooted in music industry publicity and touring. As Publicist, Melissa works hand in hand with Marketing & Development and REC & Competition Programming to tell the life-changing events and powerful stories of participants of Challenge Aspen to local, regional and national media outlets in an effort to garner understanding, participation and financial support.

Marketing Assistant
mgrange05@yahoo.com

Max Grange has been giving motivational speeches for the last two years. He lives in Snowmass Village, Colorado, and is a graduate of Aspen High School. His role as marketing assistant includes giving speeches at Challenge Aspen camps, fundraisers and special events. Max is eminently qualified to speak to Challenge Aspen groups and supporters because at the age of 17 months old, he acquired cerebral palsy which left him unable to walk or speak. With a combination of technology and an undying spirit, he has overcome these obstacles to lead an active and fulfilling life. Max enjoys fishing, swimming, bowling, skiing, yoga, music and theater. Today, Max enjoys sharing his story with a hope of educating and inspiring others! To keep up with the latest news from Max, visit his blog at http://web.mac.com/maxgrange1/iWeb/Site/About%20Me.html.