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Darla Kaarre
CZAR OF CREATIVITY
(TEACHER)
Darla is a dedicated educator and passionate outdoor enthusiast with extensive experience in nurturing children's connection to nature. As an English teacher at Chrysalis School, she merges her love for literature with her appreciation for the outdoors. She is the owner of Athelas Outdoor Ministry with her husband, where they combine her teaching philosophy with their mutual wilderness expertise. Darla holds a Master's degree in Education, specializing in Language Arts. In addition to her teaching, she leads horse pack and backpacking trips in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, enriching the lives of adventurers of all ages through hands-on experiences in the great outdoors.
Fun fact about Darla: She got her ears pierced for the first time at age 56, and now panics when she forgets to wear them.
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Elly Kaarre
MAESTRO OF MAYHEM
(DIRECTOR)
Elly directs Dirt Days with empathy and passion. With extensive experience working with youth of all ages, she currently serves as a preschool teacher at a Forest School. Previously, Elly was the Adventure Supervisor at Chrysalis School for 2 years and was a lead preschool teacher in Tennessee. She has also been a backpacking guide for both youth and adults in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, along with various roles in camp and retreat settings. Elly possesses a keen understanding of both the big picture and finer details, highlighting her administrative skills. She is Wilderness First Aid Certified, ensuring a safe environment for all participants. Her strong ability to foster genuine connections with children instills a sense of love and belonging for all.
Fun Fact about Elly: She is obsessed with bees and all other manner of creepy crawlies, but deathly afraid of spiders.
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Kyoti Gaither
ORGANIZER OF ERRATIC ACTIVITY
(COMMUNITY COORDINATOR)
Kyoti is a ray of sunshine whose cheerful disposition brings warmth to those around her. With a background in holistic practices, she integrates her passions both as a personal interest and professionally. Kyoti has gained valuable experience at a Therapeutic Riding Center and as Adventure Supervisor at Chrysalis School. Her commitment to nurturing young minds has been evident through her work in daycare settings and during her involvement with Athelas camps, where she shared her love for the mountains and mentorship. Known affectionately as an "aunt" figure in her community, Kyoti’s nurturing spirit makes her a beloved presence in the lives of many children.
Fun Fact about Kyoti: Whether it’s because of her name or through intense practice, she can project a very convincing coyote howl.
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Niki Gaither
HEAD SHENANIGANS OFFICER
(ADVENTURE FACILITATOR)
Niki possesses a bubble of calm around her that envelops everyone with a sense of safety and security. With a deep-rooted knowledge of primitive skills and a passion for living harmoniously with nature, she plants invaluable seeds of knowledge everywhere she goes. Over the past 15 years, Niki has worked in therapeutic settings, most recently as Program Director at Chrysalis School. In addition to her professional experience with youth, she is a dedicated mother who has homeschooled her children and has played an active role in her community. Niki's holistic approach life and well-being reflects her commitment to fostering growth and connection with the natural world.
Fun fact about Niki: She lived in a teepee and gave birth to her eldest daughter there!
Just two Mother/Daughter duos who have a passion for education, children, the outdoors, and educating children in the outdoors. The four of us have been employed together, led various trips and camp-outs together, and most importantly, have been best friends together for 16 years.
