Kathe Hayes, Volunteer Program Director, graduated from Fort Lewis College with a BA in Education and a Colorado Teaching Certificate. She worked in the local school districts as a substitute teacher for 20 years in addition to restaurant management.  Kathe’s love of the outdoors and a sincere desire to enhance public lands, through education and volunteering led her to SJMA. She began as the part-time coordinator of the Ghost Rider’s program in 1997. Two years later Kathe became the full-time Volunteer Program Director.  She has been instrumental in the development of the SJMA Clearinghouse, Adopt a Road and Trail programs, and the Alternative Spring Break program. In addition she coordinates SJMA’s founding program, Wilderness Information Specialists, and the Wilderness Study Area monitoring program. She assists with the Healthy Lands and Trail Information Specialist programs in the Monument. She is also responsible for SJMA Volunteer Orientations and organizes special events such as National Public Lands Day and National Trails Day. She is a Leave No Trace Master Educator and assists with Leave No Trace education in SW Colorado. Kathe coordinates the SJMA newsletter and has been involved with the coordination of many SJMA fundraising events.