Chris was raised in a small town in northern Michigan where the outdoors became one of his greatest teachers.  After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in Psychology, he hit the ground running, working as an outdoor professional all over the country.  Throughout his 30-year career in the outdoors, he worked as an instructor teaching climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, canoeing, rafting, and skiing.  He has also been the director of several outdoor programs and summer camps.  He has lived in the Yampa Valley twice and claims to have succumb to the “Yampa Valley Curse”.  He worked as a ski instructor for over 20 years and holds certifications in telemark skiing, alpine skiing, and children’s specialist.  He currently lives in an off-grid home near Stagecoach with his wife and 2 sons.

Why I love STARS

“I believe that everyone has the inherent right to enjoy the outdoors regardless of skin color, gender, or ability and I have spent my entire professional life inspiring people to turn those dreams into realities.  There is no better feeling in the world than to see a person’s face light up when they realize that things are only impossible until they do them.  Working for STARS provides me with the opportunity to watch the lightbulbs go on and teach the world the power of difference.” 

More about Chris

• Is the proud father of two adventurous boys and the parent of a disabled child who is a wheelchair user that won’t let anything hold him back

• Has traveled to all 50 US states and over 25 countries

• Loves hockey! Is the coach of a 12-and-under hockey team based in Oak Creek, Colorado, and is the Youth Development Coordinator on their Board of Directors

• Created a 1500-foot-tall rock climb that he named after his dog, Sir Norbert