I moved to Durango in 2011 to live with my grandparents. I studied engineering at Fort Lewis but became overwhelmed and was living a very unhealthy lifestyle. I began to get into mushroom foraging and spending more time in the wild. 

I first heard of Turtle Lake Refuge from a friend and started going for the lunches. I began volunteering at the farm and cafe as well. I fell in love with the community here and was thrilled to be offered a job growing micro-greens and brewing kombucha. During my time here I've learned a lot about wild medicinal and edible plants. I've incorporated these teachings to help improve my own life. 

Raised in the Northeast, spending many years on the southern West Coast, Kelly followed a still small voice to Santa Fe where she happened upon a glorious plant walk with a tremendously charismatic woman named Katrina Blair at a small festival. It was a revelation--so many edible plants, even in that dry area! 

 

After attending Turtle Lake Refuge's Wild Permaculture Retreat the following year, she knew in her heart to move to Durango and learn more about wild plants!

 

She's held various beloved jobs:  nursing home/elder/differently-abled care, health food co-ops & cafes, and many ecstatic years in childcare and preschool teaching.

 

Kelly absolutely adores co-creating in community at Turtle! Other passions include foraging, yoga, meditation, eating living food, singing, dancing, growing microgreens and riding a bicycle daily. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to share work and love with so many shining soul