Board of Trustees

Mike Maughlin, Chair

Mike Maughlin has a master's degree in organizational development from Pepperdine University and now works in the Organizational Development department of the Denver Children's Hospital. A passionate outdoorsman and outdoor educator, Mike is a former National Outdoor Leadership School instructor, Deer Hill Staff and Program Manager, and past summer faculty member here. Mike was a vital contributor to the creation of the Leading Edge curriculum and early staff member who helped develop our specific techniques and practices for teaching leadership to teenagers. Upon accepting the invitation to join the board, Mike said, "Over these 15 years, I'’ve been fan, friend and staff. I’'ve sat in circle with students. This fall, I return as a trustee; a new role that has me feeling much the same way as I do when gazing at Mt Massive. Daunted. Humbled. Honored. Excited. I bring with me both a deep commitment to the mission; and a respect for Molly, Christopher, and the many talented people of the school's past and present. I engage in partnership with the other trustees, as we collaborate to influence an enduring legacy. As we approach our 3rd decade, we will tinker with the tension of honoring the past while stepping into the future. And I fully expect this new role to challenge me to learn and grow in the same manner as our school challenges its students."

Blair Jenkins, Vice-Chair

Blair Jenkins recently retired after 15 years as the Head of the Dana Hall School. During her tenure, Dana Hall joined the High Mountain Institute as one of our Member Schools. Before becoming Head at Dana Hall, Blair was the Associate Head of School, Director of the Upper School, and Dean of Students. She was also the Dean of Students at Westover School in Middlebury, CT, with prior positions as Assistant Director of Admissions at Emma Willard School in Troy, NY, Director of the Upper School at Colorado Springs School in Colorado Springs, CO, and Director of the Middle School and history teacher at Kent Denver School in Denver, CO. Blair and her husband Steve live in Bend, OR.

Kate Bartlett, Treasurer

Kate Bartlett spent eight years as an employee of the High Mountain Institute, where she held roles in program creation and oversight, development and admissions. She received her Bachelor's in American Studies from Amherst College and her Masters in Business Administration from the University of Denver. Since 2010, Kate has worked as the Head Start Director for the Lake County School District in Leadville. At The Center preschool, she oversees an early childhood program that serves 130 children and families, many of whom are  from low-income and at-risk backgrounds. Kate has lived in Leadville for ten years and has contributed to the community through numerous boards and volunteer positions. She has served or currently serves on the boards of Full Circle of Lake County, the Partnership for Lake County Recreation, the Lake County Community Park Project, the Lake County Youth Master Plan Steering Committee, Citizens for Lake County Schools and the Cloud City Conservation Center. Kate's husband, Colin, is an artist, and their daughter, Annie, attends The Center in a classroom just down the hall from her mom. Kate is thrilled to be able to continue contributing to the mission of HMI as a trustee.

Michael Gregory, Secretary

In addition to being an alumnus, Michael Gregory is a graduate of one of our Member Schools, the Crossroads School, and of Bard College. Michael is now working as a filmmaker. His recent projects include the filming a new promotional video for the HMI Semester. When asked why he joined the Board of Trustees, Michael noted that he learned many lessons that shaped the person he has become. He went on to say "The school teaches students through a unique awareness of environment, utilizing the most essential and relatable of tools to make academic lessons come alive and life lessons relevant. As the community has grown, so too has its capacity to teach in creative and exciting ways, looking always to nature as the principal instructor. As a board member, my primary goal is to make sure the spirit of the experience remains intact as the school progresses and adapts."

Doug Capelin

Doug is the co-founder, with his wife Beverly, of Deer Hill Expeditions, which offers wilderness and community service trips, primarily in the American Southwest. In addition to his knowledge of risk management, wilderness programming and working with teenagers specifically, Doug is also a school parent. His daughter Emily was part of Rocky Mountain Semester XII and his son Ben was part of Rocky Mountain Semester XXIII. When asked what he values most about the High Mountain Institute, Doug replied "HMI epitomizes the pursuit of excellence, of living with energy, integrity, and courage. Sure, it's a first rate academic experience. These lucky students, though, immerse themselves in a community of progressive, intentional, bright people. They are learning through their pores as well as the books."

Pamela J. Clarke

Educated at Vassar, Yale, and Harvard, Pamela J. Clarke has spent her professional life in independent schools. After a long career teaching English in secondary schools, Pam became Head of School at The Masters School in 1990. There she introduced coeducation, gender-specific middle schools, the Harkness method of teaching, and (most importantly) started the CITYterm, another one-semester program that centers on urban studies and experiential learning. She now heads Trevor Day School in New York City, a coed N-12 day school. Her major non-professional interests include rowing, fly-fishing, travel and waiting for grandchildren.

Rolf Engh

Rolf Engh is executive vice president and general counsel of The Valspar Corporation, a global paint and coatings corporation.  In this role, Rolf oversees all global mergers and acquisitions, risk management, product stewardship, litigation, and patent prosecutions.  He lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Nancy, and their three children.  Rolf is an avid community volunteer.  He has served on various local boards including the Board of Trustees of Breck School, William Mitchell College of Law, Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, Minneapolis Club and Weisman Art Museum.  He brings this experience to his service at High Mountain Institute.  Rolf’s love of the outdoors and adventure is shared by his family.  His two sons, Peter and Phillip, attended HMI/RMS.  Rolf enjoys hiking, biking and spending time with friends at his ranch in Ketchum, Idaho.

Mark Hatch

Mark Hatch is the Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Colorado College.  He earned a B.A. in psychology from Bates College and later served as Assistant Dean of Admission at his alma mater.  Mark left Bates to pursue a graduate degree at Harvard University and worked in the Harvard Admission Office while he completed his Master's in Education.  He then moved west and served as a college counselor and teacher at Harvard-Westlake School and Marlborough School in Los Angeles.  In 1997, Mark returned to higher education as the Director of Admission at Occidental College.  He is currently in his 10th year as Vice President for Enrollment/Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Colorado College. In addition to serving on panels at regional and national conferences, Mark is a former President of the Common Application, Inc.  He is also a Trustee of the Cloud Forest School in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Mark is married with two daughters.  In his spare time, he plays competitive ice hockey and is an avid trail/mountain runner.

Catherine Smith

Catherine is an alumnus of RMS V, and she considers her time at HMI to be one of the most significant opportunities in her life.  She explains, "my semester in Leadville cultivated my leadership skills, deepened my passion for the outdoors, and shaped me as a passionate advocate for experiential education and the programs at HMI in particular.  I am grateful to be a part of the continued success of the organization, and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to give back to HMI as a Trustee."  Originally from North Carolina, Catherine now resides in Lyons, CO.  She is the Manager of Business Development at Franklin Retail Solutions, a full spectrum retail marketing service provider in the Sporting Goods and Outdoor Industries.  Prior to her tenure at FRS, Catherine was the Community Manager at the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethic for 5 years.  An environmental education nonprofit committed to the responsible enjoyment of the outdoors, LNT was a natural fit for Catherine's passion for stewardship and outdoor recreation.  She credits her time at HMI as an integral component of her professional endeavors.  Catherine and her partner, Mandy, enjoy cycling, skiing and backpacking in the Colorado Rockies with their daughter and two dogs.

Peter Neill, Trustee Emeritus

Peter Neill was extremely influential in the creation and development of the High Mountain Institute. It was with his initial encouragement, support and guidance that Molly and Christopher decided to start High Mountain Institute in the first place. Peter was also the first person to join the board in 1995. After ten years as the Chair, Peter Neill stepped down in November, 2007. His twenty years as President of the South Street Seaport Museum, his role on various Boards, including the Atlantic Challenge Foundation and Pilobolus Dance Theater, his time spent teaching at Yale University and his experience founding Leete’s Island Books (a small publisher) all contributed to Peter’s ability to guide the High Mountain Institute with great wisdom and devotion. Thankfully, Peter remains an active board member. Peter now lives in Sedgwick, Maine, where he is the Director of the World Ocean Observatory.

Catherine Hansen-Stamp, Esq., Legal Counsel

Catherine Hansen-Stamp is an attorney in private practice in Golden, Colorado. Her practice focuses on recreation and adventure law and liability and she consults with and advises recreation, adventure and sport program providers and related organizations on legal liability and risk management issues. Cathy speaks and writes frequently on these topics, both regionally and nationally. She co-chaired the first 4 CLE, International conferences on Recreation & Adventure Law & Liability held in Colorado 2003-2006. She is the former co-editor of the nationally published Outdoor Education & Recreation Law Quarterly and writes regularly for the American Camp Association’s Campline. She is a member of the Wyoming, Colorado, and American Bar Associations. Cathy and her husband Barry and family enjoy hiking, skiing, biking and generally recreating in the outdoors together. They have 3 daughters: Megan, Hilary and Tessa. Cathy can be reached at 303-232-7049 or e-mail reclaw@hansenstampattorney.com; www.hansenstampattorney.com.

Molly P. Barnes, Co-Head of School, Ex-Oficio Board Member

Christopher Barnes, Co-Head of School, Ex-Oficio Board Member