meet the staff
We know that a great camp experience starts with caring, mature staff members, and our staff is made up of adults who are committed to providing guidance, encouragement and an unforgettable summer of fun. At Go West we hire the cream of the crop. Our staff members go through a rigorous hiring process and are selected based on their experience, knowledge and skills in specific camp activity areas, and their ability to create positive relationships with campers and fellow staff members. Every individual contributes to the spirit and culture of camp, and we highly value including counselors from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Preparation is everything. All of our staff members complete a thorough training before summer begins, continually attend in-service trainings and are evaluated throughout the summer. Our series of trainings includes, at a minimum, First Aid, CPR and certifications in specific program activities. Staff members also go through state and federal criminal background checks. To ensure the safety of our campers, Go West maintains a 1:6 staff to camper ratio. Additionally, each activity is supervised by staff members with previous experience leading that activity.
2025 STAFF
ANDREW VANDERWEGE
OWNER & DIRECTOR
Andrew lives and breathes summer camp. As a toddler he grew up with Camp Director parents, was a camper and then moved on to work at several day and resident camps. His very favorite thing about camp is trying new things and meeting new people. He enjoys biking, board games and adding to his crazy sock collection.
ARIANNE VANDERWEGE
OWNER & DIRECTOR
With more than 20 years working with youth in school, after school, resident and day camp settings, Arianne most enjoys getting to know campers and families and being of support to our amazing staff. Favorite camp activities include creating art and growing veggies in the garden. Arianne also plays ukulele, practices yoga, loves cooking delicious food and enjoys discovering Colorado’s hiking trails with her 11 year old daughter, Maile.
KAYLIN LARKIN
SENIOR DIRECTOR
Kaylin (she/her) has been at Go West from the beginning. She has worked in every role and has loved watching campers grow throughout the years. Kaylin received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Colorado and Go West has allowed her to merge her passion for working with youth and her love for the outdoors.
KAITEL BURCH
CAMP NURSE - RN, BSN
When Kaitel isn’t working at the hospital, she’s working with the staff at Go West to ensure a safe and healthy summer for all. This is Kaitel’s third year on the Go West Team. As a former Unit Director at camp, and having received her BSN from the University of Colorado, the camp nurse role has been a natural fit. Kaitel brings an infectiously positive attitude, camp knowledge and spirit of teamwork. Kaitel also enjoys practicing yoga, and playing board games with friends!
SHANNON LARKIN
LOGISTICS COORDINATOR
DAYNA WAHL
SITE DIRECTOR
Dayna attends Western Colorado University in Gunnison. She is currently majoring in Psychology with an emphasis in Secondary Education and minoring in Sociology. Dayna has been swimming for around 14 years and is currently part of the Western Colorado swim team. Dayna is the youngest of five kids so everyday growing up was a new adventure. In her free time she likes to hike, rock climb, and discover new TV shows and movies. In the future, Dayna hopes to become a high school Social Studies teacher and teach Psychology, History, and Sociology. Working with kids has always been something that makes her happy and always manages to put a smile on her face.
ALLI VANDERHEIDE UNIT LEADER
Hey everyone! My name is Alli and this is my first year at Go West Camps. I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but I go to school in Indiana. I am heading into my junior year at Taylor University where I study social studies education with a concentration in special education! I am so excited to spend the summer in Colorado. I love volleyball, coffee, and trying new things! I can't wait to meet you all!
JOSHUA PHILLIPS ROCK CLIMBING STAFF
Josh was born and raised in Colorado Springs. He loves all things outdoors like hiking, biking, skiing, and of course rock climbing. He is working on getting a degree in financial planning from Nebraska Wesleyan University. He is super excited about what adventures the summer has in store.
KATE KELLY COUNSELOR
Kate just earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and Sociology from Boston College and is moving across the country to join us in Colorado. She loves spending time exploring outside, swimming, and playing cards and board games. She is so excited to see what this summer has in store!
SCOTT BEAMES ROCK CLIMBING SPECIALIST
Scott is originally from California and is currently studying at Colorado College. He grew up doing gymnastics, but has transitioned into climbing since moving to Colorado. Scott loves to be active, share adventures with others, and can’t wait for the summer at GoWest Camps!
RACHEL ENRIGHT COUNSELOR
Rachel is from Ireland and is currently studying general nursing. She is very excited to come to America for the summer. She’s a friendly outgoing girl who loves being around people. Her main hobbies revolve around different sports, music and traveling. She’s looking forward to being a part of the go west team, meeting new people and learning new cultures
DIGS BYERLY COUNSELOR
Hey there, the name's Digs. I am a recent graduate of North Dakota State University and received a Bachelor of Science in both Elementary Education and Human Development and Family Science. I just recently moved to Colorado to be closer to family and am excited for all the new adventures to come, including this one at Go West Camps! My biggest goal as a camp counselor is to foster an environment that promotes curiosity and confidence in the campers.
ANDREW HECK COUNSELOR
Andrew grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has a huge passion for the outdoors. He loves biking both on pavement and singletrack, and refuses to drive anywhere within a half an hour bike ride. He just finished his second year at the University of Colorado Boulder studying mechanical engineering and atmospheric science. He's super excited about his first summer at Go West Camps and can't wait to share his passion for biking with all the campers.
THEODOSIA AZARIAH PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER
Theodosia (they/them) has been a passionate filmmaker from childhood. They’ve worked with kids since high school and are blending their two skills into one to be the photographer and videographer for Go West Camps. They are an avid creator whether it’s film or art they are always excited to create something.
JESSICA POWERS
SENIOR PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Jessica spent her childhood in summer camps. In college Jessica studied art and then traveled the country working on farms before settling in Colorado. She is back for her fifth year at Go West as a year round Program Director for our Eagleview location.
BRITTANY CARL COUNSELOR/ OST LEADER
Brittany was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has a passion for birds, bugs, bogs and all that is blooming. She pours her time into creative pursuits including tattooing, playing bass in her band, curating vintage clothing and making herbal concoctions. Zealous about connecting with others, learning / teaching new things, she is ecstatic to be a first year counselor at Go West Camps.
JOEL COLON MORENO CAMP COUNSELOR
Born and raised in the gorgeous island of Puerto Rico, Joel was raised with a deep love for nature that only grew over the years. They infuse this love into all that they do, from writing to running TTRPG games professionally. This love is especially strong for the tiny organisms that live in nature, and Joel is always happy to impart careful, thoughtful insight on all the insects they encounter.
MAI MILLER CAMP COUNSELOR
My name is Mai. I was born and raised in Colorado Springs. I am currently studying social work and music at UCCS. My free time is filled with music festivities, connecting with others at school club events, and making memories with my family and friends. I absolutely love trying new and exciting things such as skydiving. I am so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the team and even more excited to meet everybody!
LUIS CANDELARIO SANTIAGO
COUNSELOR
Luis is from Jaen, Spain. He has a degree in Economics from the University of Granada, loves sports, walking in nature and learning new things. Currently his passion is to travel the world and learn more about other cultures. This will be his first summer at Go West Camps and he is very excited to begin this new adventure.
GRAHAM CONGER
MOUNTAIN BIKE SPECIALIST
Graham followed his passion for outdoor recreation all the way from Kentucky to Colorado Springs to join the Go West team. He has spent his life on the trails, both near and far from home. Now, after achieving a Bachelor's degree in the recreation field, Graham is excited to lead and inspire in campers that same passion that drove him across the country. He believes there's always something fun to do, especially with good friends!
RACHEL MCCUSKER COUNSELOR
Rachel, a recent graduate turned substitute teacher from Ireland, brings her passion for working with children to Go West Camp in Colorado. With a love for music, animals, and nature, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors as well as enjoys baking during her free time for friends and family. Excited to be part of a dynamic team, Rachel looks forward to creating memorable experiences for campers through adventure, creativity, and fun.
BAILY WRIGHT COUNSELOR
I'm Baily, I've grown up in Colorado Springs since I was 6 and have loved every part of it. I love being outside and trying new things. I am currently pursuing a biology degree at PPSC and hope to be able to obtain an animal degree in the near future I can't wait to meet everyone this summer!
JOSH DAVIDSON MOUNTAIN BIKE SPECIALIST
Josh is a goofy artist who has devoted most of his life to following artistic and adventurous passions. Born and raised in Colorado, he naturally gravitated to mountainous outdoor activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, longboarding and snowboarding. Adventure sports aside Josh practices a wide range of arts like blacksmithing, ceramics, laser cutting, sculpture, 3D printing and animation. To expound upon his creative passions he pursued a degree in fine art at the Institute for American Indian Arts in Santa Fe New Mexico. He received his Bachelor of Fine Art and acquired his Masters in Curricular Design and Colorado Teaching License; now he teaches art at the secondary level. Helping students achieve their creative best is what Josh loves most! He lives his life at lightspeed balancing and blending all these creative and adventurous elements into one crazy experience.
RACHEL WALKER
Rachel grew up on a farm in upstate New York and spent many happy years exploring the fields and woods behind her parent’s house. After earning her BA from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie NY, she began working seasonal jobs throughout the country as a guide and outdoor educator. She is an avid trail runner, hiker, skier, horseback rider, and all around explorer! Some recent highlights include racing Mount Marathon in Seward, Alaska and being the last runner standing at the Cobscook Backyard Ultra 50 miler in Maine. She is super excited to be working with Go West Camps this summer and looks forward to helping to spread a deep appreciation for the natural world to the next generation.
ROBYN ZIEMBA PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Robyn is an adventurer and food enthusiast! If it looks climbable she will climb it and if it looks edible she will eat it. Originally from the swamps of Louisiana, she has made her journey west to the mountains to find more rocks to climb. She can’t wait for the opportunity to teach campers to ascend to the top of the most inspiring obstacles ever to emerge from the ground.
KODY HILL UNIT LEADER / OST LEADER
Kody grew up in Colorado Springs and loves all things outdoors especially biking and rock climbing. This is their third year at Go West and they are super stoked for all the amazing adventures to come this summer.
DWIGHT GRANT
MOUNTAIN BIKE SPECIALIST
Dwight has a passion for outdoor adventure and family. He and his wife have been married for almost 40 years and have 3 adult children and 6 grandkids. Dwight started mountain biking in the mid-80s and loves sharing his love of riding with others.
STEPHANIE MARTINEZ BUS DRIVER
I'm Steph, I was born and raised in Texas and have been living in Colorado for 9 years. I'm a bus driver for a school district. I have three children and two grandchildren. I have a love for driving and the outdoors. Both keep me ready for every journey, whether on the road or in nature.
GRACE KIMES
COUNSELOR
Grace grew up in Colorado Springs and she loves to spend time outside running, hiking, and paddle boarding. When she’s not outside, you’ll catch her teaching elementary school and traveling the globe. She’s so excited for what this summer has in store!
DANIELLE MERKIN COUNSELOR
My name is Dani and I’m originally from Ohio but moved to Colorado 2 years ago! I am an extremely outgoing and energetic person! My absolute favorite things are being outside, going to concerts, edm (electronic dance music), spending time with my friends and family, and flowing with my flowstar! I am so beyond excited to meet all the campers this summer and hope to make a difference in their lives!
CALEB DALL COUNSELOR
Caleb has lived in Colorado Springs his whole life. He is currently studying mechanical engineering at Colorado State University. He loves to do anything outdoors whenever he can. He is thrilled to be a part of Go West Camps this summer and enjoy the outdoors with the staff and campers.
KADEE ELROD COUNSELOR
Even though she is new, Kadee is excited to be a part of the Go West team. She has lived in Colorado her whole life, it's her favorite place to be. Her passion is in helping and teaching others, in order to help pursue her dreams she wants to work more with the kids in her community. Currently she is majoring in English Education in hopes of becoming a teacher. On her downtime she loves reading, cooking, baking, and spending time with her loved ones. She is very excited to see what the summer has in store!
CHLOE CASSENS COUNSELOR
Chloe is a Colorado native who grew up on the west side of Colorado Springs. She attended Creighton University, earning her degree in Medical Anthropology and Sociology. Since graduating in 2022 she has split her time between substitute teaching and traveling. Her travels have included 26 U.S. states, 4 continents, 18 countries and 12 farms. This fall she will attend Wageningen University in the Netherlands to pursue a Master’s degree in Resilient Farming and Food Systems. She looks forward to blending her passions of teaching, farming and the outdoors this summer at Go West!
NATE GRANDCHAMP
Born and raised in Maine, being active in the outdoors has been a lifelong passion for Nate. Growing up there provided ample opportunity to experiment with all forms of outdoor activity, but a love for being in, on, and around the water have kept paddling (any craft will do) and fishing at the top of his ever growing list of hobbies. In recent years, Nate earned a degree in Outdoor Leadership and has since begun a full time career getting people outside, with a focus on paddle sports of all types. Interested in seeing more of what is out there, he has spent the past several seasons traveling cross country, and is excited to see what Colorado has in store for this summer season.
ANGEL TROGI
FARM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Angel (he/ they) started at Go West Camps in 2021 as a summer camp counselor. Currently, Angel is a year round Farm Program Director of the endlessly evolving Go West Farm, home to two hundred chickens, goats, ducks, barn cats and all sorts of garden plants. Born in Illinois, he has always had an immense passion for animals, farming, tattooing, painting, digital art, LGBTQ+ diversity and a strong desire to create safe creative space. That desire soon cultivated numerous outlets for expansion arriving in Colorado, specifically at Go West.
JESSE ALI COUNSELOR / OST LEADER
Jesse (he/him) grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada and traded the desert for the beautiful snowy mountains of Colorado. He is passionate about fitness and functional movement, LGBTQ+ diversity, and creative writing. He is currently studying to be a chiropractor and is pursuing a bachelor’s in kinesiology. In his free time, he enjoys playing baseball, axe and knife throwing, rock climbing, and long walks with his senior dog, Cirilla.
XAVIER LANDRUM UNIT LEADER
Xavier is an individual devoted to helping out youth whether it’s teaching, coaching, or working at camp. He has been with Go West Camps since 2019 and has been a huge help in the growth and development of Go West Camps. He graduated college with a Bachelors of Science in Sports Fitness/Management from Cameron University in Oklahoma. Upon moving, Xavier has really grown to enjoy the outdoors and traveling throughout Colorado since being here for about 11 years in. He is always ready for the next adventure and says there is no other state like Colorado. Activities he enjoys are playing basketball, football, hiking, fishing, exploring around Colorado, and gaming when he can. He is excited for what’s in store for this summer at Go West!
KATIE SHEELY UNIT LEADER
Katie earned her B.S. from Southern Oregon University last spring where she studied sociology and creative writing. She was born in the heart of timber country in Oregon and left the rainforest last year for the mountains of Colorado. She knows how to prune banana trees, can bottle feed baby goats, and has a deep passion for both the great outdoors and educating and empowering youth of all ages.
LARRY HANSEN BUS DRIVER
Larry has lived in Colorado Springs basically his whole life. He moved here when he was one. With all the beauty and wonder that Colorado has to offer. It's no surprise that he enjoys the outdoors so much. This will be his first season with Go West. He's looking forward to having lots of new adventures and making some friends.
LUCAS HENSON ROCK CLIMBING SPECIALIST
I’m a tree-hug’n rock-lover. Hi, my name is Lucas, I was born and raised in Colorado Springs. I’m currently attending Montana State University and quite honestly still trying to figure things out. I do know one thing though, I can’t wait to introduce campers to a sport that has changed my life and kept me grounded, rock climbing!
SINEAD EARLEY COUNSELOR
My name is Sinead Earley. I live in Co. Roscommon in Ireland, and I am currently in my 3rd year of college majoring in General Nursing. In my free time I like to play a lot of sports such as football or basketball and also enjoy getting outside into nature on walks or cycles. I also love my quiet time, relaxing, working on some arts and crafts or even baking some sweet treats. I have always loved working with kids, and I hope to carry on this passion with me into my future career. I love to travel so I can't wait to see what's in store for me at Go West camps and meet the amazing team and campers this summer!
CAMILLA CHAVES COUNSELOR
Camila Chaves is a Colombian student currently in her fourth year of university, where she is studying languages. Passionate about the outdoors since childhood, Camila has explored the magnificent landscapes of her country. In addition to her love for nature, she has interests in art, swimming and dance. Camila is embarking on a new adventure by joining the Go West Camps team for the first time. She is excited about the opportunity to meet the staff and campers, eager to share her positive energy and love for learning with everyone. With her adventurous spirit and desire to explore new horizons, Camila is ready to make this summer at Go West Camps an unforgettable experience for all involved. Get ready to experience exciting moments and create lasting memories with Camila at Go West Camps!
ANDREW WELSH COUSELOR
Andrew grew up in Colorado Springs and has spent every summer hiking and camping. He is currently studying mechanical engineering at UCCS. In his free time, Andrew enjoys being outdoors with his friends. He is excited to start a new adventure with Go West Camps.
YULIE SPADE
Hello my name is Yulie Spade. I am originally from Louisville Kentucky, where I got my B.A. in Elementary Education. I moved to Colorado for my love of adventure and outdoors, while also living my dream as a school teacher. When I am not teaching, I am coaching youth soccer, or exploring the community and staying active! I have always enjoyed working with youth to build relationships, leadership and support just as I did growing up in many summer camps. I am extremely grateful about my new beginnings with Go West camp. I am eager to learn and share experiences with new people while doing the things I love!