Mick Daniel is responsible for the day to day operations of SLV GO! and projects within the six counties of the San Luis Valley. Mick has a background of more than 30 years in trails and outdoor recreation and brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the projects. Prior to joining SLV GO in 2017, Mick was the Director of Student Life and Recreation at Adams State University. Mick completed the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute at the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington in 2017. Mick holds a master’s degree in Leisure Services Management from Oklahoma State University.
Patrick Ortiz is responsible for the planning and implementation of the projects that the SLV Great Outdoors Action Team (GOATs) works on. Patrick has experience in protecting public lands, environmental education, leading trail construction, maintenance, and restoration projects, promoting environmental stewardship, and cultivating community. Prior to SLV GO!, Patrick has worked on and led various types of trail projects for Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Southwest Conservation Corps in Salida, Saguaro National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and the City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks. He is a native of Alamosa and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Geography: Natural Resources Management with a minor in Environmental Science from Adams State University.
Dani Robben provides leadership, support, facilitation, and project management to several community collaboratives across the San Luis Valley. Dani coordinates the SLV GO! Coalition, Eastern San Luis Valley Trails Coalition, Recreation Economy for Rural Communities – Monte Vista, and the Sangre de Cristo Dark Sky Reserve Initiative. Prior to joining SLV GO! in 2021, Dani worked on trail crews with the Southwest Conservation Corps and Rocky Mountain Field Institute. Finding her passion for outdoor stewardship, she attended graduate school at Colorado State University and got her Master’s in Conservation Leadership. She found her way back to the valley and became the Outreach and Events Coordinator for the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust. From her schooling and work experience, she gained skills in community outreach and engagement, event planning, donor and partner relations, communications and marketing, and outdoor stewardship. She is thrilled to be living full-time in the San Luis Valley and working for an organization that values community partnerships, collaboration, and conservation. In her free time, Dani loves to play outdoors and camp, hike, bike, run, cross country ski, and snowboard.
Brian Puccerella is the Program Coordinator for the Generation Wild branch in the San Luis Valley. He has his B.A. from Texas Tech University and a Master’s degree in Sport Management from the University of Alabama. Brian’s background is in collegiate outdoor recreation with over 10 years of experience running various outdoor programs. Brian has experience in fundraising, teaching, and facilitation and specializes in teaching a variety of outdoor recreation activities.
Esteban Salazar is the Health and Wellness Coordinator with San Luis Valley Great Outdoors. His Alma Mater is Adams State University where he graduated with a B.A. in History and Anthropology. Esteban’s professional credentials include several years as a Cultural Resource Management Field Technician & Crew Chief in the southwestern U.S.. Esteban has experience in Marketing, Curriculum Development, Public Outreach, Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems Mapping and is a consummate conservationist and advocate for Public Lands.
Madeleine (Maddy) Ahlborn moved to the San Luis Valley in 2014 from Boston, MA and has immersed herself both in the community and outdoor spaces where she discovers unexpected stories to share with the valley audience and beyond. Maddy’s role as the Development & Communications Coordinator with SLVGO! is an exciting new endeavour that combines all of her root values in life; Art, Outdoors, and Community. Her background as an Adjunct Instructor in the Arts at ASU, Teen Director at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the SLV, active Journalist with the Alamosa Citizen, and team member of Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue, all feed her growth as a citizen of the San Luis Valley.
Robert James, Finance Manager
robertjames@slvgo.com
2023 – Present
Robert James is the Finance Manager for San Luis Valley Great Outdoors. He is responsible for various organizational financial responsibilities. He has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Finance from Adams State University and a Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University. He also has an Occupational Certificate in Aquaculture from TSJC. Robert loves to hike, backpack, snowmobile, camp, four-wheel, write, sing karaoke, play the drums, and work on cars.
Annie Altwarg, Heart of the Valley Project Manager
anniealtwarg@slvgo.com
2022 – Present
Annie arrived in the San Luis Valley summer 2023 from Washington DC, but she has been engaged with SLV GO! and the San Luis Valley since January 2022! Annie was first introduced to SLV GO! by a graduate capstone project for her MBA program at Western Colorado University. The strong community roots of the SLV enticed her into moving and continuing her work with the San Luis Valley Great Outdoors. Annie manages the Heart of the Valley project. The Heart of the Valley envisions trails that connect the SLV communities to enhance recreation and create additional transportation options for SLV residents. Annie has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Valley activities, even if some of it has been from afar. The SLV reminds her hometown community of Upstate New York, and she is looking forward to coordinating with the residents who make the SLV so great. (She is also excited to see the stars again)!
¡Hola! My name is Fernando González. I’m from Jacona, Michoacán, México. I came to the San Luis Valley in March of 2000 and have been here ever since. Some of the activities that move me are soccer, boxing, and mountain biking. I would love for my community to be more involved in outdoors sports and recreational events throughout the valley.