Our Team
Meet La Foret's Permanent, Year-round Staff

Executive Director
Olivia See
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.

Director of Transformational Programs
Rev. Logan Bennett
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 beāmore 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.

Director of Outdoor Recreation
Jon Godsey
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 classroomāone where trust, curiosity, and connection create space for growth, leadership, and meaningful community.

Director of Facilities
Mike Morgan
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 Foretās long-term vision. Mike is deeply mindful of La Foretās storied history and is committed to ensuring that todayās 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.

Director of Food & Beverage
Amanda Gingrich
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 togetherāwhether itās 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 - theyāre about connection. When sheās 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).

Hospitality Manager
Brodie Walden
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.ā

Executive Assistant & Guest Services
Rachel Bump
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 sheās not at work, youāll find her camping with her dog, fishing, traveling, or going to concerts.

Communications Coordinator
Brooklyn McBride
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.

Culinary Lead
Amelia Pate
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. āSo, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.ā 1 Corinthians 10:31
"When I attended my first high school retreat, it was the first time I felt like I was truly part of something larger than myself. I found my best friend, my husband, and many other longtime friends at La Foret. My goal is to get all the logistics in place so that participants can have their own meaningful, impactful experiences."
Sara Schneider, Event Registrar

Guest Services Associate
Liz Bayer
"I love working for La Foret not only because it’s close to home, but because it’s a beautiful, long-standing part of my community and a place with real purpose. I’m grateful to be part of a team that works so hard to care for the space and create a peaceful, welcoming environment where people can slow down, find refuge, and reconnect."

Guest Services Associate
Stephanie Fischer
"I love working here at La Foret because the property is so beautiful! All the staff are so warm, kind and authentic and encourage me to speak up and to take my place on the team. I feel very valued and cared for as a member of this team! Not to mention all the laughter and sweet conversations with coworkers and guests alike."

Guest Services Associate
Sage Herrera
"La Foret’s dedication to its mission of serving others and providing a safe space was what drew me in. The lovely community and the beautiful forest is what made me stay."

Hospitality
Amber Nelson
"I love the atmosphere here at La Foret. It's a beautiful and calm setting in the woods. I enjoy the people I work with!"

Hospitality
Easton Atkins
"I love that working at La Foret lets me learn new skills."

Hospitality
Molly Porter
The hospitality team loves depending on Molly for her great values and insights.

Hospitality
Cavan Porter
"La Foret is very open and accommodating to a wide variety of people from all backgrounds. We give a temporary home away from home for people who need it."

Hospitality
Zoey Nelson
"I believe what makes working at La Foret unique and special is the atmosphere of not only the physical attributes, but the nature of the kind souls around."

Hospitality
Thaise Atkins
"I love being out in the nature when I work and being able to see the mountains. My coworkers are super fun to work with too!"

Maintenance & Grounds
Robert Cartwright
"I love that La Foret is in the middle of the forest and you'd hardly know you're technically in Colorado Springs."

Maintenance & Grounds
Milo Ericksen
"I enjoy the unique challenges and experiences gained by working at La Foret, and the opportunity to enjoy time outdoors whilst tackling projects."
Apply Today
Interested in joining the team? Click here to see our job openings.
