Grand Area Mentoring Staff
I taught seventh grade special education before becoming the director of Grand Area Mentoring. Since 2005, with a wonderful staff and generous corps of volunteer mentors, we have built the program into what one principal described as “a model for the state of Utah.” In the role of director, I am responsible for grant implementation, program development and oversight, and community integration. Mentoring is a natural support system that guides students to become confident, curious, and responsible citizens. I love working with the kind volunteers and the promising youth of Moab. In my free time, I rock climb, hike, read, and explore canyon country. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a mentor or how to support the program, please send me an email or call!
Megan moved to Moab after graduating from the University of Vermont in 2003 with a BS in Environmental Science and Geology. She spent one year teaching Physical Education at Red Rock Elementary and volunteering as a mentor before becoming the Mentor Coordinator for GrandAM. Megan serves as the liaison between school staff, mentors, students, and participating families to ensure satisfaction and beneficial progress in the mentoring relationship. From both personal and professional experience working in the schools, Megan is convinced that the one-on-one relationships created in the mentoring program are some of the most valuable services we can offer Grand County students. Megan spends her leisure time rock climbing, hiking, watching movies, and traveling.
Teresa found her way to Moab via Texas, Alabama, Italy, and Holland. She obtained a BA in Fine Art from Rice University and a Master’s of Fine Art in Photography at the University of North Texas. As Outreach Specialist for Grand Area Mentoring, Teresa serves mentees and mentors by organizing group events and establishing new relationships within the Moab community to support and facilitate new mentoring experiences. Her efforts are funded by a TANF grant administered by the Department of Workforce Services. She is thrilled to be a part of such an effective mentoring program with dedicated staff and volunteers, and loves to be a part of the community helping one another. In her free time, Teresa enjoys running, traveling and hiking with her friends, partner, and children.
Christopher moved to Moab Utah at age 10. He graduated from Grand County High School in 2012, then with a teaching degree from Utah Tech University in 2017. Christopher serves in the role of professional mentor for Grand Area Mentoring, meeting weekly with multiple mentees one-on-one. He is a high-functioning member of the autism spectrum who credits his diagnosis as a source of insight into the youth whom he serves. Christopher finds one-on-one mentoring to be one of the most enriching pursuits he has ever undertaken. He is currently pursuing a Master’s of Education in Instructional Leadership through Utah State University, while also caregiving for the elderly/disabled and coaching autistic individuals in job skills. In his leisure time, Christopher enjoys writing, studying Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Karate, and other meditative and martial art forms as well as weightlifting and running.
Kris became a mentor in 2021, and she is deeply passionate about the program. Through observation and her own experiences, she knows it works, benefitting the most vulnerable children in Moab.
Always devoted to making a difference in peoples’ lives, Kris’s career spanned over 50 years, leading non-profit organizations in the health and human service arena and raising millions of dollars through strategic fundraising. She moved from Colorado to Moab in 2013 and found a renewed sense of place and inspiration. She also discovered a new endeavor – substitute teaching; she has loved being part of educating students of all ages, from K to 12. As the part-time Development Officer, Kris finds new resources to enhance and expand Grand Area Mentoring.