Leadership
Our People
We take the time to listen and understand your goals, preferences, and needs so we can create an experience that feels personal, welcoming, and thoughtfully planned. Guided by our mission and values, we bring genuine care and a positive, can-do approach to every interaction. We attend to the details that make your visit comfortable and seamless. To us, exceptional hospitality means clear communication, dependable follow-through, and a commitment to exceeding expectations.
Martie Jones
Martie is the Director of The Nature Place. Martie grew up in the rolling farmlands of Pennsylvania. She has worked in the Outdoor Education industry since 2009, and been with the Colorado Outdoor Education Center since 2014.
During her time here, Martie has taken on a wide range of roles, including as wrangler leading horse-pack trips, developing and implementing programs as the Program Director at Big Spring Ranch for Boys, and facilitating team-building experiences, and guiding hikes at The Nature Place as the Assistant Director before transitioning into the role of Director.
An outdoor enthusiast, Martie enjoys playing and teaching sports, cycling, and rock climbing. Her passion for experiential education inspires her work with participants of all ages, helping them build connections and develop their teamwork and leadership skills. She particularly enjoys helping teams cultivate a shared sense of ownership and embrace new possibilities through innovation and creativity.
Mike Rodriguez
Mike is the Assistant Director of The Nature Place. Originally from Hartford, CT, Mike attended Williams College where he studied Geosciences and Psychology. He joined The Nature Place team in 2022 as Program Director.
Prior to his current role, he worked in Alumni Relations for Williams and with High Trails Outdoor Education Center as a Field Instructor.
Mike loves sports, photography, sharing the outdoors with others, and helping create spaces for individuals and groups to develop. He looks forward to working with our groups to create meaningful experiences that are challenging,
fun, and welcoming for all.
Shelley Churchill
Shelley, a Colorado native, joined The Nature Place in 2001 as the office manager. She has more than 20 years of experience in accounting and guest services. She studied business and accounting at the Community College of Aurora. Shelley brings warmth, enthusiasm, and strong organizational skills to her work, making a positive impact on those around her. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, staying active through daily exercise, and tending her garden. She loves being outdoors and making the most of life’s simple pleasures.
Kristy Farrington
Born and raised in an Iowa farming community, Kristy’s dream of living out west in the mountains came true in 1992. She started with TNP in 2015. She has an associates degree in travel and tourism which also included hotel/motel management. Her passions include woodworking, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Chef Chelsea
Chelsea joined The Nature Place in 2016. Born in Brunswick, Georgia, she grew up in a U.S. Navy family, living across the country and experiencing a rich variety of cultures and cuisines.
At 18, Chelsea pursued her passion for cooking at Paragon Culinary School in Colorado Springs, where she studied under Master Chef Victor Mathews, PhD, WMC, CBM, MAGL. She graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts.
Skilled in a wide range of cuisines, Chelsea especially enjoys preparing Asian and Southern dishes. She develops her own recipes and plays a key role in shaping the menu at The Nature Place, bringing her creativity and culinary expertise to every meal.
Janet Davis
Janet joined The Nature Place in 2016 and leads our housekeeping team. Having lived in both the Midwest and on the West Coast, she eventually made central Colorado her home. She brings a keen eye for detail and genuine care to maintaining The Nature Place’s shared spaces.
Outside of work, Janet enjoys traveling, exploring historical sites, and spending time outdoors with her family.
Kitchen staff
Our experienced kitchen staff takes pride in preparing delicious meals and works thoughtfully to accommodate special dietary requests. Guests frequently compliment the food—and often joke that our desserts give them an extra reason to hit the trails the next day!
Housekeeping
Our housekeeping team helps every guest feel comfortable and cared for by anticipating needs and responding promptly and courteously to requests. From making beds and providing daily touch-ups to cleaning guest rooms and shared spaces, they take pride in keeping The Nature Place welcoming and well maintained.
Maintenance
Our maintenance team takes pride in caring for our buildings and the systems that keep them running smoothly. Their work keeps our conference spaces well maintained and up to date, while supporting our commitment to a retreat center that is accessible and welcoming to all guests.
Facilitator Certifications
Our facilitators are the heart of our programs, guiding participants through meaningful experiences—from the first icebreaker to the final debrief and takeaways. They create a safe, supportive environment where participants can build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and grow as a team.
- Association Challenge Course Technology: Level 1, 2, challenge course
- Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder/CPR
- American Climbing Institute - Top Rope
- American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch Instructor
