Jenna Cordesius, Founder & CEO

Jenna (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Northern California, but soon realized that she had found a home in Colorado.

In 2011, she began her journey in Fort Collins interning in a deaf & hard of hearing preschool, volunteering with Special Olympics Colorado, and working for the Colorado State University Student Disability Center. Jenna graduated from CSU with a degree in Human Development & Family Studies as well as International Relations. Quickly after, she moved to Winter Park, Colorado working on and off the ski mountain working for the National Sports Center for the Disabled.

Jenna continued her journey specializing in adaptive programming for youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Garden, Inc., where she took on the role as an After School Program Coordinator, Unified Basketball Coach, and Inclusive Travel Planner and Guide.

In 2017, Jenna embarked on planning her first Traveling Gnomes trip to Winter Park, Colorado where she soon realized that travel was a necessity for all. After a successful first trip, it was time to create more opportunities to travel the world. With a nomadic spirit, passion for inclusion, and background working with all abilities, The Traveling Gnomes was born!

Mallory Gustin, Community Impact Director

Mallory (she/her/hers) was born and raised here in Colorado. She loves exploring new places, connecting with humans, and finding opportunities to create a more inclusive community.

She graduated from Colorado State University in 2020 with degrees in Human Development and Family Studies and Business Administration. While studying at CSU, Mallory stumbled upon an opportunity that changed her college career path instantly. With the unique chance to help build and develop the Special Olympics College at CSU alongside some incredible students, she quickly found her professional passion for working to create more inclusive spaces.

Her passion grew throughout college and continues on at Traveling Gnomes where she leads community engagement efforts and supervises a team of amazing Trailblazers. Mallory is excited to continue traveling the world with her Gnomies, creating lifelong friendships, and keep cruising to the next adventure.

LinsiAn Loadman-Copeland, ctrs, Program Director

LinsiAn (she/her/hers) is a Colorado native who ventured out to the Midwest for college, but was not fond of the corn fields and lack of skiing Iowa offered. LinsiAn returned to Colorado post-grad and settled down in Littleton, CO.

LinsiAn graduated from the University of Iowa with her B.S in Therapeutic Recreation. In July of 2019 she sat for the NCTRC examination where she successfully attained her certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. LinsiAn is passionate about working with individuals of all abilities and helping them gain new experiences while reaching set goals. 

LinsiAn began working with individuals with disabilities in high school at a local therapeutic riding center and with Special Olympics Colorado as a gymnastics coach. In college LinsiAn got the opportunity to assist with the planning and running of multiple programs for Special Olympics Iowa, including their Youth Games. LinsiAn grew her leadership skills and gained extensive experience from her time with Easterseals Wisconsin & Colorado, Camp Courageous of Iowa, a year round camp for individuals with disabilities, Courageous Travels, and Challenge Aspen.

LinsiAn is so excited for the opportunity to join this amazing team and to spread the importance of inclusion!

Karsten Crumpler, Program Coordinator

Karsten (he/him/his) was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. He found a home in Denver with The Traveling Gnomes through a student internship which led to working full-time. He loves to travel, exercise, and build connections with others. Karsten has a wide range of leisure interests that keep every day new and eventful.

He graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor’s in Therapeutic Recreation with minors in art & psychology. While attending WCU, Karsten began volunteering with individuals with disabilities ranging from youth to older adults. He has done many different interventions & activities to help several populations. He loves to use his social skills and creativity to produce personalized activities for whomever he works with.

Karsten has developed a sense of purpose through his personal life and working with the Gnomes. His passion for caregiving, taking risks, and getting out of his comfort zone has allowed him to grow as a Trailblazer and person.

Evan Weirich, equipment specialist

Evan (he/him/his) was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado with a sense of adventure and willingness to explore new places. He has a passion for the outdoors with some of his favorite hobbies being fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and recently fly fishing. 

He graduated from Heritage High School in 2014 in Littleton and currently also works at Garden, Inc. as a behavior therapist. He has been involved in Special Olympics Basketball as a partner and assistant coach for 10+ years and evolved into working with people with disabilities as a profession.

He also loves to travel (road trips are his jam) and is looking forward to the opportunity for it to be inclusive for all. 

PAIGE Jovaisa, Theraputic Rec intern

Paige (she/her/hers) was born in Michigan and raised in Indiana. She loves exploring, adventuring and doing anything outdoors. She is currently a TR intern with The Gnomes but attends Central Michigan University and is Majoring in Recreational Therapy with a minor in Disability studies and Community Inclusion.

Paige began working with individuals who have disabilities in high school with the peer connect program and with Best Buddies. Throughout College she worked at Centria Autism as behavioral therapist and spent her summer volunteering with the Special Olympics and working as a summer camp consoler for those with disabilities at EasterSeals Crossroads.

She loves meeting new people and traveling and is looking forward to spending time with the gnomes all while experiencing inclusive opportunities/ adventures.