Michele has worked at CAA since 2010 and assumed the Executive Director role in 2018. She brings over 15 years of professional fund raising and marketing experience to the CAA. Michele previously worked for United Way, Hospice of Larimer County and has her own business as a personal trainer/yoga and spinning instructor. With a diverse background, Michele comments, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Community Agriculture Alliance. I truly believe in the organizations mission of preserving, promoting and supporting agriculture.  One of the main reasons we moved here, and I think a very common one, is the western culture and heritage.  The natural beauty of the area and working landscapes are critical to keeping the Yampa Valley so unique and special.  I am honored to work on their behalf.”

Patrick is a fourth-generation rancher on a local Yampa Valley ranch that has been in the family for more than 100 years. After a 20-year hiatus from the valley getting his Engineering degree and working in the business world, Patrick moved back to the valley in 2013 to help with the family ranch. Starting work for the CAA in 2018 Patrick is excited to promote agriculture in the Yampa Valley. As the Agriculture Resource Coordinator, Patrick will continue the water education, land stewardship classes and supporting the agriculture community in the Yampa Valley.

Having volunteered for years, Shirl stepped up to become the CAA Program Coordinator in 2019.  Her dedication to supporting local food & agriculture stems from her upbringing on a Maryland farm eating crookneck squash, Silver Queen corn, tomatoes, and strawberries all grown outside her door. Primarily eating seafood and chicken, this was an early education in local food.  When she moved to Steamboat in 1994 and married the grandson of a White River rancher, it was time to adjust to new local foods.  Trading in seafood for beef, Silver Queen for Olathe, and now growing her own raspberries, she continues to champion locally grown food.