Kevin Cherilla - President and Co-Founder, is best known as a prominent businessman, an international mountain guide, philanthropist, and motivational speaker.
In 2004, Kevin started KC Summits, LLC, an adventure organization that engages all individuals in challenging themselves while reaching their goals around the world. Many of his clients have individual disabilities such as blindness, paralysis, and muscular dystrophy. His teammates have ranged in age from 11 to 80 years old and have had a phenomenal success rate of over 90%.
Kevin has led expeditions on six continents and over 20 countries. His teams have been featured on the front cover of TIME, Outside, Climbing, and Weekly Reader magazines, and on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Jay Leno, and many world news programs including CNN. He served as base camp manager for the National Federation of the Blind 2001 Everest Expedition in which Erik Weihenmayer became the first and only blind person to summit Mt. Everest. Six years later, on June 5, 2007, Kevin fulfilled one of his life long dreams and personally reached the summit of Mt. Everest.
In 2009, Kevin co-founded K2 Adventures, LLC, a non-profit organization that benefits less fortunate or disabled children throughout the world. He has organized and participated in multiple community service days in third world countries.
Kevin is a prominent speaker and has addressed hundreds of international corporations, foundations, universities, and schools. His presentations include breath-taking expedition photos and award winning video footage of overcoming challenges, building motivation, and reaching individual and team goals.
Kevin earned his bachelors degree in exercise physiology from John Carroll University in 1991. Kevin is a proud father of two and husband to Jennifer since 1990.
Kristen Salcito, Vice-President and Co-Founder, is best known as a philanphropist and business woman. Kristen started her first non-profit in 1993 while teaching in the Wisconsin public school district. She noticed the startling number of children who had no jackets or mittens for school, and Circle of Friends--her first non-profit--was born. Since 1996, the program has provided winter coats and attire for the underprivileged in the Wisconsin community.In 2003, Salcito founded her second non-profit Visions of Hope in Scottsdale, which contributes 100 percent of its funds to organizations such as Whispering Hope Ranch, The Arizona Humane Society, Hacienda HealthCare, and The Friend Playground Club, a division of SARRC. In 2008, Kristen and a partner founded Swank, a shop-for-a-cause retailer in Scottsdale where a percentage of proceeds always goes to local charities.Kristen earned her bachelors degree in Education from Arizona State University in 1992 and went on to receive her masters degree from Cardinal Stritch University in 1997. Kristen is the proud mother of four sons and wife to Jeff since 2006.
Kelly Michael - Asst. Treasurer, is a native of Phoenix and the mother of three children ages 15-19. After graduating from University of Arizona with degrees in Finance and Economics, Kelly spent the majority of her career in the medical laboratory field as Division Director for Antech Diagnostics overseeing laboratory operations throughout the southwestern United States. After leaving the corporate world full time she still felt a passion and desire to help people so today she works as a business consultant on financial and organizational practices for multiple valley businesses and works as a personal trainer teaching lifestyle, health, and wellness to all ages.
Never one to shy away from volunteering her time and energy, Kelly has served for multiple philanthropic organizations and spent five years on the Board of Trustees of All Saints’ Episcopal Day School. She has also served as a board member for the Phoenix Chapter of The National Charity League. Currently Kelly’s focus is on the amazing work being done by K2 Adventurers where she is serves as both a board member and as Assistant Treasurer.
Rodney and Laurie Malone - Board Member and Secretary, co-owners of the 24 year old Arizona Final Clean, www.ArizonaFinalClean.com, have long tenured reputations as entrepreneurs and formerly, corporate leaders. Prior to moving to Arizona, Rodney and Laurie were award winning owners of the Malone Jani-King franchise, the largest privately held group in Ohio, Ky and Indiana for Jani-King. Arizona Final Clean was just named a 2010 “Top 20” Janitorial Firm in Greater Phoenix by the Phoenix Business Journal and “Top 40” Minority Owned firm by the same publication. Laurie is Secretary of the Board of Directors for K2 Adventures Foundation and also a licensed realtor with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Rodney and Laurie place top focus on their family,(Christopher,21, and Maximillian, 12), and their business and community activities. Having served for many years with Visions of Hope, Helping Hands for Single Moms and other community boards and activities, they look forward to long tenured service for K2 Adventures Foundation.
Jon Kitchell - Baard Member, Currently a Re-Developer/Contractor with Venue Projects and Kitchell-Perez,
Past Founding Manager of Kitchell Custom Homes-a Division of Kitchell Contractors,
Past: Annual Awards Chair of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), Desert Botanical Garden Board Member and Dinner on the Desert Fundraiser Co-Chair, Fundraiser Board for UMOM, New Day Center
Hiker (Kilimanjaro Summit 2008), Tennis player, Artist and celebrator of family and life.
Leatrice Kitchell - Board Member, Currently the Business Operations Manager for Clark Law Offices.
Past Support Services Manager at Gallagher and Kennedy Law Firm.
Currently: Parent Advisory Board for SARRC (Southwest Autism Resource and Research Center)
Past: Dinner on the Desert Co-Chair, Committee Chairperson for the Desert Mission Food Bank Annual Drive, United Way Fundraiser Committee Member, Committee Chairperson for Bring Your Child to Work Day at Kitchell Construction.
Hiker (Kilimanjaro Summit 2008), Artist, Vegetarian and Vegan Cook, Mother of two sons and a daughter, Chosen to raise a Special Needs Angel.
Greg DePinto - Board Member is the Western Regional Sales Manager for Sage, a firm that provides Business Management Software to corporations and non-profit organizations. He leads and coaches his team of Territory Sales Managers and Business Consultants to strategically help new and existing customers choose the correct software to run their business. Prior to his current position, he provided Outsourced Business Solutions at Direct Alliance that helped grow sales effectively and efficiently for Fortune 100 and other large brand technology firms.
Michelle DePinto - Board Member, is a Customer Portfolio Manager for CA Inc., a global information technology (IT) management Software Company that helps Fortune 1000 companies manage IT environments to become more productive and better compete, innovate, and grow their businesses. Michelle has been at CA for over 11 years, and has been in many different positions including Product Sales, Management, and Customer Relations.
Greg was raised in Connecticut, and Michelle in Michigan, they have lived in Arizona for 18 years, and now reside in Scottsdale, Arizona with their two children Alexandra and Jake, and their pet Rottweiler, Harley.
Greg recently, as part of a volunteer expedition, helped to guide a team of 8 Blind people from The Foundation for Blind Children that broke Four World Records by summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa. As part of the expedition, Michelle and Greg were involved in many fundraisers to raise awareness for the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb, and to raise money for the Foundation for Blind Children. The expedition gained worldwide attention and net results of the fundraising was support for 53 babies to enroll in the Foundation for Blind Children, a Foundation that helps blind and visually impaired children, adults and their families lead lives of independence. After the successful expedition, Greg and Michelle were asked to join the Board of Directors for K2 Adventures. This year, while serving as board members, Greg and Michelle will raise money for charities serving children and animals with special needs locally / internationally. In addition, Greg will guide again for a Blind Team with a goal to hike rim to rim across the Grand Canyon. Greg is an avid reader of business and leadership, enjoys the outdoors and in early phases of product development for his next business / product design. In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family. She especially enjoys helping Alexandra and Jake with their school fundraisers, homework, and extracurricular activites, as well as volunteering at their school. Michelle also aspires to own a business, and is currently investigating different avenues to make that a reality for the future.
David McClintic - Asst. Treasurer, Is excited about joining the board of K2 Adventures Foundation, having spent over 21 years in the not-for-profit world. Before arriving in Arizona, he spent 11 years as the CFO of two New England Boarding Schools. He also worked in numerous positions at the Phoenix Country Day School (PCDS) for the past ten years as well as working as a canoe-camp wilderness guide and trip leader for kids 10-14 years old in Northern Ontario during the summers. Since leaving PCDS he has worked as both a high-rigger for Rhino Rigging and as a Grand Canyon Wilderness Guide for Just Roughin' It Adventure Company. He is currently working as the President of Western Marketing for WindRiver Fence Company, a nationally marketed ranch style fence manufacturer founded by his brother in western Pennsylvania.
Volunteer Activities
· Past activities: Alumni President and Board member of Proctor Academy, Treasurer of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, New London, NH, Board member of the Arizona Mountaineering Club (AMC).
· Current activities: AMC Outing Leader & basic rock climbing assistant instructor. Rock Climbing Steward with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.
Outdoor Activities - Hiker (Kilimanjaro 2005, Rainier 2006), backpacker, rock & mountain-climber, Canadian wilderness canoe guide & staffman (counselor), Wilderness EMT & First Responder. Runner (2006 San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, 2010 Phoenix Rock 'n' Roll ½ Marathon), Mt. Biker. Canyoneer.
Kimberly McClintic - Board Member, Is also excited about joining the board of K2 Adventures Foundation. Kim spent over 11 years in the Scottsdale Unified School district as an elementary and middle school Nurse. She now works as a family nurse practitioner in Arizona State University's community health network as the sole provider at the family medicine clinic located in the North Tempe Multi-Generational Center.
Volunteer Activities
Past Activities: Has worked with the Repeat Ascenders program targeting at risk students. Past officer and member of the Saguaro High School Choir Boosters.
Current Acitivies: Kim sits on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Mountaineering Club, is a basic rock climbing assistant instructor and Rock Climbing Steward with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.
Outdoor Activities - Grand Canyon hiker (Rim-Rim-Rim for 13 years!), backpacker, rock & mountain-climber (Grand Teton 2004). Runner (2010 Phoenix Rock 'n' Roll ½ Marathon), Mt. Biker. Canyoneer.
Karen Donmoyer - Board Member
Education - Hillsdale College (Honors College), B.A. 1986, summa cum laude.
University of Michigan Law School, J.D. 1989.
Past Employment/Endeavors - Attorney specializing in employment/labor relations defense for Vedder Price in Chicago, Illinois.
Senior Director of Legal Affairs for America West Airlines (now U.S. Airways) in Tempe, Arizona.
Co-founder of non-profit, The FRIEND Playground Club, Inc., which merged into the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center in 2009.
Current - Member of Board of Directors of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.
Parent to identical twin daughters who are artistic, athletic and happen to have autism.
Hobbies and Interests - Running, reading and art.
Marty Montry - Board Member, CRS, GRI Phoenix Real Estate Broker, and Investing REALTOR since 1982. Moved from Michigan in 1976 with a “go west young man” mentality and I have never looked back. I am the proud father of David, my son who is now 21, and enrolled in ASU’s sustainability program. I have supported many public sponsored endeavors through the years, mostly financially, and have served on several homeowner association boards in hoping to “make a difference”. Thanks to Kevin and K2 Adventure Foundation for asking me to contribute in helping others to have a chance to get to a better place. My bio would not be complete without acknowledging my wife Bonnie and our eventful marriage of 11+ years.
Cathy French - Board Member, had the pleasure of joining Kevin Cherilla in 2008 on a Kilimanjaro climb! She practiced law in Washington, DC, for over 15 years before moving over to business operations and negotiations. She is a co-owner of PowerSystems, Inc., an organization that focuses on serving the needs two target groups. One arm of the company works with children and adults with AD/HD to help them move from frustration to focus. The other arm offers executive coaching, training, meeting facilitation, mediation, and corporate retreat services to businesses. Cathy has worked with a number of non-profit organizations including AmericaSpeaks for which she volunteers as a facilitator in 21st Century town hall meetings around the country, Camp Jorn, a residential and day camp in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, and American Payroll Association for which she has done board of director training. Cathy also serves as a volunteer mediator with the Maricopa County Justice Courts. Her favorite pastimes are spending time with her husband, Michael, and sons, Will and Ted and hiking in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve with friends.
Kelly Richardson - Board Member
1. Variety of Iowa, Young Variety Board Member 2005~2008
http://www.varietyiowa.com/index.php
*Event Chair - 2005~6
*Event Co-Chair – 2006~7
*Board Member at Large – 2007~8
*VIP Panel telethon panel member – 2004~8
*Sunshine Award Recipient – 2007 (for community pledge dollars)
2. Blank Children’s Hospital, 2005~8
http://www.blankchildrens.org/
*Family Advisory Council - 2005~6
*Board Member – 2007~8
Husband - Jonathan Richardson, writer
Kids – Evan & Yale, 7 year old first grade twins who attend Copper Ridge.
Work - Owner/Primary Instructor at The Pilates Room, a Stott Pilates studio.
Interests: (as if any of us has time for these) - foodie who enjoys family time, travel, fitness walking and nesting.
Anne Thoits - Board Member, holds a BS degree from Pepperdine University. She also earned an MS in Organization Development from Pepperdine University.
Anne has nearly 20 years experience working with organizations around: strategic Development, restructuring, executive coaching, process reengineering and staffing.
Anne has resided in Arizona since 1994. She has participated in community organizations such as: Ballet Arizona, The Phoenix Heart Ball, the Arizona Opera, and Phoenix Country Day School.
She has three daughters: Alexandra (11), Nicole (8), and Makayla (4).
Colleen Marie Baker - Board Member, is originally from Council Bluffs, Iowa. 1982 Miss Iowa Teen USA, 2nd runner up at Nationals. Which lead to Modeling for and a graduate of the Nancy Bounds Agency in Omaha, NE. Graduate of the University of Iowa in 1988 with a BA in Liberal Art with an emphasis in Business Management.
While in college I was very active volunteering for the Ronald McDonald House, that cares for terminally ill children. Also, worked for the USA Pageants as a host and Chorographer while in college. Under President Bush Sr. was an intern for a semester for Congressmen Lightfoot from Iowa. Worked for Hyatt Hotels in Chicago after college for 8 years in Sales and Special promotions.
My super star all around jock son Trevor was born in Chicago in 1996, moved to Phoenix in early 1997 worked for a brief time at the Pointe Hilton Resorts in the Regional Sales office. Was offered a position at Universal Studios Hollywood as a Regional Manger of Promotions and Special Events after working an event for the studio. I had the privilege of promoting new attractions as well as movie premiers. Awarded the Apollo Award from Universal Studios for most creative and successful run events. My spirited and adventures daughter Amanda was born in 1999.
After just 4 fun filled years at Universal Studios Hollywood I started my own conference planning company which lead me into starting my own television show. I hosted and produced Premier New Homes TV, which aired in Las Vegas, Sacramento and Phoenix. It was rated the number one paid programming show for 3 years running.
Former Board member of the Phoenix Opera. Chaired Oscar Night America for the Arthritis Foundation. Currently working on a new show to air in the Phoenix market and a book just to get things fired up.
Tom Chamberlin - Board Member, Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan with it's dramatic change of seasons I've always had a tremendous love for the outdoors. Boating has always been a big part of my life and we still have a summer cottage near Mackinac Island. I've enjoyed attending many camps and rafting trips, hiking on Isle Royale, experiencing Outward Bound in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Skiing throughout Colorado, Utah and Califonia, leading mountain bike tours in Aspen and just being outdoors as much as possible. My wife and I along with our three kids have lived in Phoenix, Arizona for 10 years. After selling residential Real Estate for those 10 years, I recently began a new career in vocational rehabilitation working with an employment firm placing and tutoring people with various disabilities. This rewarding work coincides with the rewards of the charity involvement that K2 Adventures offers and is most fulfilling. I'm very excited to participate in all of K2's activities and to assist and inspire others as much as possible.
Stan Marks Jr. - Board Member, is the west coast Facility Manager for Blackboard inc. Stan is involved in the local chapters of USGBC and IFMA. A volunteer at Pinnacle Peak Park since 2002 and is graduate of Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh, PA. Stan enjoys the outdoors by riding bicycles, hiking, boating, scuba diving, rock climbing, and is active in the local Ultimate Frisbee organization.
Chery Mendez - Board Member, is a native of California, and her family have resided in Scottsdale since 1988. She and her husband Michael have been happily married for now 30 years and are the proud parents of three children ages 14, 23, & 27.
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, she has actively participated and held leadership positions in several non-profit organizations over the past decade. Notably, she was the largest fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Foundation 3-Day in Both 2006 and 2008. Most recently she co-chaired “A Night to Remember” for Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in 2009.
Needless to say, the foundation looks to draw upon her organizational skills as well as her proven fundraising experience.
Kelli Short - Board Member, is a native Arizonan and a reading specialist in the Cave Creek Unified School District. She has two daughters, Taylor and Jennifer, 9 and 13 years old,who are excellent students and enjoy playing competitive soccer.Kelli's interests include cycling, running, martial arts,reading, and traveling. She has served on the board of various foundations in the past, including Friends and Family, Visions of Hope, and the Black Belt Society.
Judi Walker - Board Member, is a consummate travel consultant. For nearly 15 years she has worked tirelessly to bring her clients the ultimate travel experiences. She has developed relationships with the best travel vendors throughout the world. Whether you are looking for a knowledgeable guide in China, the perfect hotel in Florence, or the ultimate luxury cruise she has the knowledge and experience to help you plan the perfect vacation. She has traveled extensively throughout the world to preview the hotels and destinations you want to visit. She provides personalized hands-on service at every step of you journey from concept to "bon voyage".
Her personal journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. She completed a Masters in Public Health from the University of Hawaii. Judi held the position of Director of Clinical Nutrition at Queens Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital. She was an Assistant Professor and taught basic nutrition and participated in nutrition research at Johns Hopkins University, University of Hawaii and San Diego State University.
Jacqui Firestone - Board Member, was born and raised in England and moved to Arizona in 1993 where she lives in Paradise Valley with her husband, Nick and two children, Peter and Annabel.
Previous philanthropic commitments include: Committee member, Golden Gate Guild Bocce Ball Events 2001 & 2002, Committee member, Christmas Care Program, Golden Gate Guild 2000, Co-Chair, Christmas Care Program, Golden Gate Guild 2001, Committee member PCDS auction 2005 & 2007, Committee member, Heart Beat on Canal Street 2007, Committee member, Beach Ball 2008, Co-Chair, Phoenix Country Day School Auction 2009, Committee member, Heart Ball 2009.
Current philanthropic commitments include: Committee member, PCDS 50th Anniversary Committee 2010, Committee member, Wine & Roses Gala, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 2010
Interests include: Hiking, biking, running, yoga, reading and travel.
Kim Morey - Board Member, is married to Will Morey and lives in Phoenix with their two sons, Jake and Brendan. She graduated with a BA in Journalism, Political Science and Journalism from Southern Methodist University and a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. She was in private practice for seven (7) years in Dallas and subsequent to that worked in commercial real estate as a broker and currently works in real estate law.
She has served on the Board of the Shakespeare Festival of Dallas; as a cub scout den leader; Brokers for Kids Team captain; cabinet member of school fundraising auctions; Junior League member in Phoenix and Washington, D. C.; Heartball Heartbeat on Canal Street committee member; Homebase Youth Services Doorway of Hope gala committee member; City of Hope board member; and Phoenix Children's Hospital Beach Ball committee member.
Lisa Owens - Board Member, is a homemaker, volunteer at Chaparral High School and mother of two daughters. She was a former committee member for the “Heartbeat on Canal” event benefiting the American Heart Association. Graduate of Southern Methodist University in 1985.
