Dude Talk Dinners Idaho Springs

I love living with my wife, Helena, and our many animals in this beautiful mountain community. While I value the peace and solitude of mountain life, I also deeply value meaningful connection with neighbors, friends, and community. What I love about Dude Talk Dinners is that each month I get to gather with thoughtful and interesting men from this area. We share real conversation and the chance to get to know one another in a genuine way. It feels rare and meaningful, and as a facilitator, it is a privilege to help create that space for men each month. In addition to volunteering as a facilitator, I am a nature-connected life coach for men and part of a team helping bring Dude Talk Dinners to communities across Colorado and beyond.

I grew up in Clear Creek County, returning to it 20 years ago with my wife and two kids after living in places from Istanbul to New York City to the Denver Metro area. We chose to come back because of the importance of community, a value that also guided my decision to serve as principal of Clear Creek Middle & High School. That same value is what led me to be a part of starting Dude Talk Dinners in the area. DTD is a way to empower men to strengthen the Clear Creek community, and each month I’m struck by both the diversity of men who show up and their shared commitment to personal growth and making a positive impact where they live.

I grew up in Clear Creek County, currently teach at the local high school, and serve as the Program Manager for the nonprofit GOALS Youth River Expeditions. I’m passionate about the outdoors, recreation, and mental health. I’ve spent over a decade guiding, teaching outdoor education and leading Social Emotional Learning work. I have served on a number of boards focused on improving mental health access, recreational well-being, and conservation. When I’m not working to improve the lives of my community you can find me out riding my bike, hunting with my two bird dogs and amazing wife Ali, or paddling the local rivers. I’m honored to be a facilitator and board member for Dude Talk Dinners.

I live in Idaho Springs with my wife, Christina, and our dogs and cat, and have been devoted to healthcare initiatives for most of my life. I spent 13 years in hospital administration and another five in finance, and through all of it I noticed how rarely men get the chance to slow down and talk about what’s really going on. That’s what I love about these dinners: good food, honest conversation, and a table where nobody has to have it all figured out. Beyond Idaho Springs, I’m part of the team helping new communities across Colorado and the nation to start up Communities of their own.