Our Team

Olivia brings a unique blend of leadership experience to La Foret Conference and Retreat Center, having spent nearly 5 years in the camp industry and drawing on diverse backgrounds in aerospace project and program management, college campus ministry, and associate ministry. This varied career path has equipped her with both operational expertise and a pastoral heart, essential for leading La Foret's mission. Olivia leads with a philosophy rooted in abundance and possibility. She believes that when staff are provided with clear expectations, adequate resources, and compelling vision, they naturally create exceptional experiences for guests. This approach emphasizes organizational efficiency without sacrificing the joy that makes La Foret special. Olivia brings a naturally curious mind to the work, asking questions that unlock potential and create pathways for growth throughout the organization. Outside of work, Olivia embraces the Colorado lifestyle through skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. She loves living in Colorado with her Partner and 8 animals.

Born and raised in Black Forest, Colorado, Logan has always felt most at home in places where people, land, and imagination meet. As Director of Transformational Programs at La Foret, she designs experiences that invite people to imagine, co-create, and practice the world as it could be—more connected, more just, and more alive. With a background in sociology and theology, Logan brings a systems-aware approach to program design. Through retreats, camps, and immersive gatherings, her work blends outdoor adventure, embodied practices, storytelling, and communal ritual to help participants reconnect with themselves, one another, and the wider world.

John has spent nearly three decades working in outdoor and experiential education, designing and leading programs that help people grow through challenge, reflection, and shared experience. His background includes building and managing experiential and adventure based programs, training and certifying facilitators, and supporting programs both in the U.S. and abroad. As Director of Outdoor Recreation for La Foret, Jon believes the outdoors is a welcoming classroom—one where trust, curiosity, and connection create space for growth, leadership, and meaningful community.

Mike serves as Director of Facilities at La Foret, bringing more than three decades of experience in the construction industry. A Coloradoan who grew up in Black Forest, Mike has worked in construction since the age of 16, starting as a framer and progressing through the ranks to Project Superintendent. His broad hands-on background gives him a deep understanding of buildings from the ground up. In his current role, Mike is responsible for all facilities and maintenance operations at La Foret. He thrives on the variety and problem-solving the role demands and values the opportunity to apply creative solutions while helping grow and expand La Foret’s long-term vision. Mike is deeply mindful of La Foret’s storied history and is committed to ensuring that today’s work honors the legacy of its founder, Alice Bemis Taylor. Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Brenna, and their two energetic sons, Jackson and Joseph. As a family, they love escaping to the mountains and spending as much time outdoors as possible, whether in summer or winter.

Amanda has a strong background in food service leadership and a deep belief that good food can turn a good experience into a great one. At La Foret, Amanda helps keep the kitchens running smoothly and the meals coming out with care. She loves combining organization, creativity, and teamwork to serve food that feels welcoming and brings people together—whether it’s a busy camp week or a quiet retreat. What makes La Foret special to Amanda is the heart behind the work. The mission, the people, and the beautiful forest setting make it a unique place where meals are about more than just eating - they’re about connection. When she’s not at work, Amanda enjoys spending time with family, getting creative in the kitchen, running and finding fun ways to recharge (often involving good food and good company).

Brodie is part of a multi-generational Colorado native family. He grew up, fulfilled by exploring nature wherever he could. He was a teenager the first time he ever left the state and has never lived in any other. Brodie is one of our longest-serving employees and has been a master in the kitchen as one of our head cooks for many years. In late 2025 he stepped into the role of Hospitality Manager. He can do almost any job at La Foret, and carries a great deal of the institutional memory for us. "I love working at La Foret. I love what I do there, but more so, it has helped me to learn and grow in all aspects of my life.”

Rachel was born and raised in the Black Forest, and she joined the team in 2023 in Guest Services and as Executive Assistant to the Executive Director. She holds a BA in Geography and Environmental Studies from UCCS. Though she had no prior experience in camp or retreat life, she has fallen in love with the work in her short time here. What she loves most about La Foret is the sense of community and the opportunity to be part of something meaningful. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her camping with her dog, fishing, traveling, or going to concerts.

Brooklyn grew up in northern Colorado. She has her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Media Communications from Colorado State University and a Master of Arts in Pastoral and Spiritual Care from the Iliff School of Theology. Brooklyn has professional experience in church ministry and communications work. She is passionate about sharing the good news of La Foret so everyone gets the chance to experience our camp magic. She lives in Windsor with her husband and their two dogs. They enjoy live music, good food, good coffee, and traveling to new places.

While not originally from Colorado, Amelia can't remember living anywhere else. Her family moved to Colorado in 2003 in an effort to be closer to relatives and she can't imagine living anywhere else. Growing up Amelia attended camp through church and she had so much fun she wanted to find a way to go to camp all the time. In summer of 2022, that dream became a reality when Amelia joined the hospitality team at La Foret. Amelia is a full time culinary student while also managing the kitchen at La Foret. She believes that food brings people together and wants to cultivate a culture of good food and great community in Black Forest. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31