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!

Zachary Berger, ADMINISTRATION & Accessibility Coordinator

Zachary (he/his/him), was born and raised in Colorado and grew up volunteering in his community with various organizations and supporting others. Since his diagnosis with High-Functioning Autism at age 13, he turned his focus onto helping people with disabilities, initially with Special Olympics in high school, and then continuing with the Access Center at Metropolitan State University of Denver, as a volunteer and then President of Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society, Alpha Alpha Chapter (an honor society for individuals with disabilities).

He graduated from MSU Denver in 2016 with B.A in Hospitality, Tourism, and Events with a concentration in Hotel Management and History. While at MSU Denver, he was instrumental in the creation of a program that resulted in (IHECP).... and later worked for the organization.

He then went on to work at Rise School of Denver as an Assistant Teacher, helping to foster an environment of inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility for children with disabilities. In his free time, he loves to go hiking, camping, and traveling to more of the world - currently at 49 states and 14 countries. He embodies what The Traveling Gnomes are all about: inclusivity, accessibility, and ability to travel, and is excited to bring his personal experiences to this amazing organization!

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. 

Helen Nguyen, Creative Design Coordinator

Helen (she/her/hers) is a graduate of Metro State University Denver with a degree in Human Services with a Concentration in Mental Health Counseling and a seasoned Behavioral Therapist at Garden. Most recently, she served as the House Manager for Garden Neighbors (Garden's residential homes) and also roommates with three amazing individuals with neurodiversities.

She has a passion for art, traveling, and helping others and The Traveling Gnomes was the perfect combination of all three. She is excited to see the future of the Traveling Gnomes and all the people who will be positively impacted by the experiences on the trips. The Traveling Gnomes represents everything she stands for: inclusivity, diversity, relationships, adventures, opportunities, and so much more!

Karsten Crumpler, Winter Intern

Karsten (he/him/his) was born and raised in North Carolina. His college & career path has allowed him to now call Colorado his home. Karsten loves to spend time outdoors, is passionate about music and personal development, and is always seeking ways to grow as a person.

Karsten is currently working on his B.S. in Recreational Therapy, with a minor in Art and Psychology from Western Carolina University. Karsten is expected to graduate in May of 2024. While studying art at WCU, Karsten decided to change his career path in the events of COVID-19, which re-shifted his focus to personal development and helping others reach their goals in a healthy and productive manner.

Karsten’s experience at WCU has allowed him to learn how to be in a helping role specific to the needs of people in his community. Over his time, Karsten has worked to nurture his leadership experience, creativity and dependability in the field of RT. Karsten has had a special journey that has led him to work with the Gnomes, and he is very thrilled to be able to grow personally and professionally through the use of inclusive travel!