Staff

  • Emily Osborn

    FOUNDER - WATER PROJECTS DIRECTOR

    Emily Osborn is the Water Projects Manager and the founder of Blue Elements.   Emily brings over 15 years of experience in the water industry and is driven by a strong passion for ensuring equitable and sustainable access to clean water. Growing up in the Arkansas River Valley, she developed a love for rivers, which continues to inspire her as she explores waterways across the West. Emily holds a master’s degree from Penn State University where she studied human dimensions of natural resources, focusing on water management along the Youghiogheny River. Emily is beyond grateful for the ability to work towards an inclusive, clean water future. 

    EMAIL: emily@blueelements.org

  • Sheena Ohara

    Sheena Ohara

    WATERSHED STEWARDS DIRECTOR

    Sheena has called the Arkansas Valley home for 25 years, and is passionate about protecting the beautiful wild places she calls home. Her love for paddling, cycling and backcountry skiing quickly grew into a desire to work in conservation at a young age. 

    After a long history of working with the 10th Mountain Huts and as an environmental educator, she is grateful to be working with Blue Elements directing youth internships focused on stewarding the rivers we dearly love!

    EMAIL: sheena@blueelements.org

Board of Directors

  • Kate Kaufman

    Board President

    Kate grew up along the Arkansas River and has called Leadville her home since 2012. She is a licensed private pilot and is ultimately working toward a career flying for Parks and Wildlife. Kate continues to support her community through her present and past work with local youth and connecting families to community resources. She has been integral to the founding of Blue Elements and is passionate about supporting the organization through fundraising and spreading community awareness on the interdependence and preservation of watersheds.

    After many years of maintaining her personal connection to waterways as a professional river guide, Kate continues to find solace and joy on the river as an avid kayaker. She regularly organizes multi-day river trips with her friends and community to share in this coveted experience.

  • Kali Marcum

    Board Secretary

    Kali grew up in Lake County is is raising her family in Leadville. She is integrated into the community as a certified Yoga Instructor, Wellness Coordinator & Entrepreneur, and Community Development Specialist.

    Kali is inspired to contribute her voice to the support of the upper Arkansas River watershed.

  • Gabriella Emerick

    Board Treasurer

    Gabriella is currently enjoying the water-rich paradise of Humboldt County, California.  As a kayak instructor, raft guide, and high school teacher, Gabriella has dedicated her life to raising awareness to the precious resource of freshwater river systems. Having started her career as a river guide on the Arkansas River in 2012, it is a place wherein she feels at home and a place she is called to protect.

  • Kara Spaulding

    Board Member

    Kara’s career as a river guide and business manager lends her the expertise of recreation management, hospitality, and logistics. She has worked as a river operations manager for several outfitters across the country. Having called the Arkansas Valley home for almost 10 years, Kara is eager to use her wisdom in the preservation of the watershed.

  • Kayla Doan

    Board Member

     Kayla is a tech industry veteran, where her work has included leading innovation at a public tech company and digital experiences for large brands.

    Kayla's advocacy for clean water began when she launched a beverage company and encountered substantial challenges and lack of regulatory standards in sourcing clean, filtered water for her products.

    In addition to contributing time with Blue Elements, she gives back to the community as a Business Consultant with the Central Mountain Small Business Development Center.