FOUNDER, CEO - Science Content Specialist & Sylvotherapy Practioner

Kim is a formally trained paleoecologist, sylvotherapy practioner, and a informal & formal educator in both science and art. She received her degree at the City University of New York & the American Museum of Natural History, received an NSF fellowship, and has over a decade of teaching experience at preK - graduate levels. She currently works as a GSA troop leader in Cuba.

FOUNDER, President - Mental Health Counselor & Outdoor Health Specialist

Ed is a retired chief with search and rescue with the US Coast Guard and the US Navy. He holds degrees in mental health counselling, history, and Outdoor Recreation Economy (fall 2025) from Hartwick College and the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is a volunteer with local military groups and Cattaraugus County Veteran’s Court.

Board Member- ADA Advocate & Outdoors Specialist

Jason is a Cuba native with strong ties to the local community.Avid outdoors man and life long hunter, he enjoyed a wide range of outdoor activities, especially skiing and hiking, before becoming disabled. He's passionate about hunting safety and land conservation, as well as animal ethics and using nature as a tool for better mental health. He is a loving husband and father to 2 nature-loving girls and is always looking for ways to make the outdoors more accessible to those with mobility issues due to his daughter's disabilities and now his own, as well.

Board Member - Education Specialist

Cherilyn Wise is the Youth Services Coordinator at the Cuba Circulating Library. She holds a Bachelor’s in B.A. in English from SUNY Geneseo and a certificate in Bible Studies from Lancaster Bible College. Prior to working at the library, she served as an AmeriCorps member at the Olean Intermediate Middle School, leading small group tutoring sessions and an after school instructor for the Olean City School District through the YMCA program. She also worked at Literacy West .and spent 11 summers throughout high school, college, and beyond working at summer camps in New York State, working with youth of all ages.

Board Member - Bushcrafter, Artist, and Shinrin Yoku Practioner

Charlie Burdsall brings a rich blend of global experience, creative talent, and deep cultural engagement to the team. He has professional roots as a chef in large cities in the US and overseas, Tokyo (JPN) and Sydney (AU). Charlie has strong creative skills in engraving, graphic design, and custom artwork—currently applied at KA-BAR. His background includes training in martial arts (Aikido, Kendo), immersive mindfulness practice, and forest bathing (shinrinyoku) in Japan. A multi-instrumental musician (jazz/metal drumming, classical trumpet, piano), Charlie is also passionate about visual arts, gardening, and landscaping. His life is defined by exploration, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Board Member - Youth & Outdoor Recreation Specialist

Caitlin Croft is the Executive Director, NYS Ski Racing Association and a 2026 Appalachian Leadership Institute, Fellow

Caitlin Croft brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, program management, and community engagement to the Outdoor Arts & Recreation Society. She has held key roles overseeing youth programs, events, and organizational operations, demonstrating a commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for participants of all ages. In her work, Caitlin has focused on fostering collaboration, strategic growth, and innovative programming that connects people with the outdoors, the arts, and their communities. She is honored to serve on the OARS Board and contribute to its mission of enriching lives through creativity, education, and outdoor experiences.

Youth Outdoor Educator

Tateum joins us this fall as one of our two new Ridge Runners Instructors!

A caring and creative early childhood professional, Tateum brings experience in preschool education, childcare, and youth programming to OARS. Currently serving as a Pre-K Assistant Teacher at Wellsville Montessori School, he is passionate about creating safe, welcoming, and engaging environments where children can learn, explore, and grow.

His background includes working with children from infancy through age 12, along with experience leading after-school programming. He is CPR and First Aid certified and is currently completing an Early Childhood Development Certificate.

In addition to his work with children, Tateum is an active ceramics artist with a focus on resident studio work at a local art studio. His combination of creativity, patience, organization, and hands-on experience makes him a wonderful fit for OARS' youth and arts programming.

Youth Outdoor Educator

Kristina Schafer brings a diverse background in youth support, early childhood services, community care, and emergency response to OARS. Her experience working with children, families, and individuals with diverse needs has shaped her compassionate, dependable, and people-centered approach.

Kristina currently works as a Personal Care Aide with AIM Independent Living and as an EMT Trainee/Driver with Trans Am. Her previous roles include Youth Support Specialist with New Directions, Site Supervisor with the YMCA, and Family Partner with Accord Head Start. Across these positions, she has developed strong skills in communication, supervision, advocacy, safety, and building positive relationships with children, families, and community members.

She holds Associate degrees in Individual Studies and Psychology from Jamestown Community College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology through Empire State University. Kristina's combination of experience in youth programming, psychology, caregiving, and emergency services makes her a valuable addition to the OARS team.