Meet Our Staff
We are passionate about helping young people pursue their interests, achieve their goals, overcome challenges, connect with our community and change their lives through education.
Laura Rose-Lewis
Executive Director
Laura Rose-Lewis is a nonprofit executive who brings extensive private and nonprofit sector experience to her work. After graduating from the University of Oregon, Laura moved to the Bay Area, where she worked in sales for private sector firms before transitioning to the nonprofit sector.
Impassioned by nonprofit sector work, she earned a master’s degree in public administration from Lewis & Clark College, in Oregon, with program emphasis on nonprofit management. She subsequently founded a nonprofit consulting firm in Portland and worked with a range of nonprofit organizations on organizational development, strategic planning, and growth. Laura then received her Executive Coaching Certification from the Hudson Institute in Santa Barbara to focus on her work with executive leaders of nonprofits.
Laura has consulted for nonprofit organizations for over two decades, supporting leaders to build organizational capacity through strategic planning, development, communications, and public relations. Laura has demonstrated expertise in organizational capacity building through the development of strategic growth, partnership engagement, organizational strategy, management, and operations.
In addition to her leadership work as an Executive Coach, Consultant, and Executive Director, Laura has served on the boards of social service and educational nonprofit organizations, including Catlin Gabel School in Portland, Oregon, Cascade Aids Project, The Children’s Cancer Association, Temple Beth Israel Social Action Committee, and The Advocates in Hailey ID.
When not at work, Laura is passionate about spending time with her husband outdoors and spending time with their three adult children and their significant others in NY or Sun Valley and any other place they can find time together.
Michael Ervin
Director of Operations
Michael Ervin is an experienced school administrator and educator who joined the Far + Wise team in 2024. Originally from North Carolina, Michael earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in history, prior to teaching history for several years. Michael’s career continued with a transition to school administration, where he served as a Dean of Students, Director of a High School Semester Program, and acting Head of School. This work enabled Michael to gain a deep understanding of the operations of education non-profits and inspired him to continue finding ways to support student learning from an operation’s perspective. A believer in equity in education, Michael is energized by the work that Far + Wise engages in.
Outside of the office, Michael enjoys practicing his Spanish, skiing, paragliding, and exploring the Wood River Valley. You will most often find him in the mountains, exploring a new place.
Jennifer Gennuso
Associate Director of the Development and the Center for Career Exploration
Jennifer Gennuso comes to us with over 17 years of non-profit experience serving the Stanford University School of Medicine. She grew up in Mammoth Lakes, California, and graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in communication and a minor in music. Her non-profit career at Stanford Medicine began with working on major grants, then to educational program accreditation, design, and management for the Office of Continuing Medical Education. She became Associate Director of medical alumni relations in 2017.
Jennifer is highly specialized in stewardship, strategy, marketing and communications, grant writing, high-profile program design, and event management.
She is passionate about the value of education, and upon moving to Hailey was thrilled to be offered a position supporting operations, fundraising, and expansion of programs.
When not at work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her rescue pit-bull mix, Hazelnut. She loves to cook, is an incredible gardener, a bonsai enthusiast, and an avid outdoor enthusiast. You can often find her in the mountains camping, hiking, or backpacking.
Pamela Donoso
Director of Community Partnerships and Family Engagement
Pamela was born and raised in Santiago, Chile and as a first-generation college graduate, she understands the value and importance of education. She believes every child should have the opportunity to access higher education. After graduating from International House Santiago-London, she worked in Santiago as an interpreter-translator in English, Spanish and Italian.
After several years in the field, Pamela found her passion for education, diversity and compassion for others. Pamela holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and Spanish from the University of Mayor-Santiago and worked as an ESL educator in Chile before moving to Idaho.
Pamela enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons and their beloved dog. She is honored to be part of "Far + Wise and shares the mission to empower young people and help children change their lives through education.
Tayler Sorensen
Administrative Manager
Tayler is an Oregon native who moved to the Wood River Valley with her husband and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Snoopy, in 2021. After graduating from the International Air and Hospitality with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Event Management, she started work as an administrative assistant at a small dog training company. Over the next 6 years, she helped grow the business into Portland’s number-one dog trainers.
With a passion for helping those around her succeed, she finds that the most rewarding part of her job is being able to support the educators who are making such a difference in the lives of the children they work with and their families.
Laurel Holland
Development Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Caitlin Olson
Director of Education and Impact
Before joining Far + Wise in 2024, Caitlin Olson dedicated 17 years to education in the Wood River Valley. Her teaching experience spans Pre-K, kindergarten, and reading, with her most recent roles being a Math Coach and Instructional Technology Teacher for Blaine County School District. A Wood River Valley native, Caitlin graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Elementary Education and then went on to earn her Mathematics Consulting degree from Boise State University. Her passion for supporting teachers and students in her community is evident in her extensive career.
Outside of work, Caitlin enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two children, aged 9 and 14. She is enthusiastic about a range of outdoor activities, including skiing, camping, hiking, and ice skating.
Lisa Dirksmeier
Elementary Classroom Lead Facilitator
Lisa Dirksmeier has been an educator in the Wood River Valley for over two decades. During her time here she has pioneered multiple programs including a progressive, highly successful Early Childhood initiative at Sun Valley Community school. Lisa understands the importance nurturing a deep appreciation for our geographical, natural surrounding and mountain culture. You can often find her and her class outside participating in the abundance of outdoor activities that the valley offers.
Kris Stoffer
Child Development Specialist
Kris has been involved with children and adolescents in numerous capacities since she began working with youth development organizations in the Wood River Valley in 1993. She brings 25+ years of expertise and passion as a licensed professional counselor specializing in child and adolescent development to Far+Wise. She is passionate about supporting youth to develop life skills, find their voices, and reach their potential. A native of Los Angeles, Kris holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology.
When not trail running in the woods, Kris enjoys spending time chilling with her husband Michael, their three sons, Jackson, Will and Aidan, and their dog, Piper.
Danielle Carruth
Elementary Academic Program Coordinator
Danielle Carruth brings a background in literacy training and teaching experience supporting young students and adults with literacy challenges and differences.
Danielle worked with literacy expert, author, educator, and consultant, Dr. Louisa Moats, to design a program for our elementary students that supports literacy skills development tailored to each child. Our program includes individual assessments of each child, followed by individualized support, each day. In partnership with “Enriched NYC,” a nonprofit organization based in New York City, Danielle works with tutors and volunteers to deliver 1:1 and small group literacy support.
Danielle is a bit of a “renaissance woman” as she is a skilled coach and teacher in a range of settings from Mt. Baldy, to the yoga studio and to her literacy work. Danielle brings all of this experience and skill sets to her work with our elementary program – teaching yoga and supporting our students in outdoor experiences and education.
Millie Reidy
College and Career Counselor
Millie has over ten years of college and career counseling experience. While at Wood River High School, she significantly increased the first generation Go-On rate. In addition to her experience in education, Millie worked as an engineer for Frito-Lay and as a technical sales representative for Hewlett-Packard and Sun Microsystems.
Cris Moya
Elementary Classroom Facilitator
Cristina began her journey as an educator working as a nanny for families and then more formally at a local day care. Cris joined the Far + Wise team in 2024 and she enjoys working with children providing a safe environment to help them grow intellectually, physically and socially.
Outside of the classroom you will find Cris spending time with her husband and two young children.
Amy Schlatter
Elementary Classroom Facilitator
Amy has been an educator in the Wood River Valley for 25 years, working at Hemingway Elementary, Syringa Mountain School and Trinity Waldorf Schools with grades 1-8. Incorporating artistic expression, movement, outdoor recreation and emotional intelligence are important attributes in Amy’s teachings. When not teaching in the classroom, Amy is a student of Ayurvedic Counseling and working on licensure to become a licensed therapist. She enjoys spending time with her family in the mountains hiking, paddleboarding, skiing and camping.
Lorena Horne
Elementary Classroom Facilitator
Lorena Horne brings a background in Early Childhood Education to Far + Wise. She has a degree from Piura University in Peru and an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of Southern Idaho.
Lorena came to the Wood River Valley twenty years ago. Here, she met her husband Grant, with whom she has two children, Gabriel,19, and Camila, 17, and she served as a Case Manager for The Hunger Coalition for three years.
Lorena discovered she had a passion for education when her children were ready to go to school. She got a job with the Blaine County School District and worked there for twelve years. She started in the Dual Immersion Program at Bellevue Elementary. There, she fell in love with early childhood education and decided to pursue an education degree. She worked in the English Language Development department at Hailey Elementary and became the main interpreter and school translator. She spent a year at Hemingway Steam School using her Spanish skills to assist our language learners.
Lorena is enjoying her role now as a far + Wise 2nd Grade Lead Teacher supporting our mission, teaching our students, and working with families.
Fernanda Moya
Elementary Classroom Facilitator
Fernanda’s experience working with children goes back to when she first worked for the Blaine County School District in a special education preschool classroom. Her passion and interest in education began there and eventually led her to join our organization.
She loves helping children not only with their academic studies but with their daily social development. “It's a unique and special feeling,” says Fernanda.
When not working for with us in the Far + Wise spaces, you can find Fernanda spending time with her children, enjoying coffee with friends, out on the soccer field supporting her two younger kids, dancing, or practicing a waltz for Quinceanera’s.
Brenda Torres
Elementary Classroom Facilitator
Brenda Torres was born in Mexico, a country rich in culture and tradition. From an early age, Brenda was immersed in a world where education was deeply valued, as she came from a family of dedicated educators.
Brenda’s career in education began with a role in the special education department at the Blaine County School District. This experience allowed her to develop an understanding and appreciation for working with children who have special needs. Driven by her passion for education, Brenda is currently pursuing a BA in Elementary Education with a focus on Early Childhood Education. For the past two years, Brenda has been with Far and Wise, where she continues to support and advocate for children. Her role at Far and Wise has further solidified her commitment to making a difference in the lives of young learners.
In addition to her work in education, Brenda enjoys the opportunity to explore new places and cultures, enriching her experiences and broadening her horizons. Brenda cherishes her time with family, friends, and her children.
Ashley Olsen
Elementary Classroom Facilitator
Ashley has called Blaine County, Idaho, home since 2005. With a deep commitment to education and a passion for nurturing young minds, Ashley has dedicated over a decade to working with children. She began her journey by establishing her own childcare business, which quickly gained recognition in the community, winning "Best in the Valley" for five consecutive years. Following this experience, Ashley served as a learning coach at Wood River Middle School for two years, where she supported both students and teachers in their educational journeys.
Currently, Ashley is a substitute teacher for the school district and has recently joined our team at Far and Wise as a Kindergarten facilitator, further expanding her impact on early childhood education. She is also pursuing her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education K-8, with an expected graduation in 2025.
Outside of her professional commitments, Ashley cherishes spending time with her family, friends, and church community. She enjoys the tranquility of farm life, caring for her animals, and engaging in outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and paddle boarding.
Mollie Ramos
Elementary Classroom Facilitator
Mollie arrived in the Wood River Valley after teaching in Alaska with Valdez City Schools for 30 years. While there, she taught all grades, K-6, until her retirement in 2018. Her retirement was short lived, however, as she took a teaching position the same year at Tucson International Academy, where she taught a combination class of 4th and 5th graders. She also worked for Tucson Hebrew Academy for 2 ½ years, temporarily serving as the Director of Special Education, then, again, teaching 4th grade.
When Mollie is not teaching, she enjoys gardening, cooking, camping, University of Arizona sports, and all things theater! She makes regular trips back to Alaska to be with her son and his family. Mollie also feels blessed to have a son and daughter-in-law who live nearby in Ketchum. Mollie truly believes one never stops learning, and she hopes to foster that love of learning within the children she works with at Far and Wise.
Abigail Hurtado
Elementary Classroom Assistant
Abby enjoys working with students because their creativity and curiosity never fail to inspire her. Her interest in working with elementary school students was sparked by her experiences as a babysitter and her role in caring for her younger siblings. Prior to her work with the elementary program, Abby supported Blaine County students as a staff member in the Summer Bridge program. Outside of the classroom, Abby enjoys painting, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Maya Moya
Elementary Classroom Assistant
Maya Moya has been working with kids for 2 years now. Her passion working with kids began when taking care of her younger siblings as well as babysitting for others. Maya enjoys working with the kids not only because she enjoys getting to know each of them, but also because she loves trying to connect with them and build stronger bonds with each and every one of them. When not in the classroom, you can find Maya hanging out with her friends and family, or coloring and listening to music.
Paola Villicana
Elementary Classroom Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Jesu Aguayo
Elementary Classroom Assistant
Jesu Aguayo was born in Zacatecas Mexico, a place that she calls her home away from home. At seven years old she came to the beautiful Wood River Valley and has lived here ever since. In 2017 she coordinated the Hunger Coalition’s youth intern program, which helped discover a passion for education. Jesu reflects that during her youth, teachers made an enormous difference in her life and empowered her to fulfill her aspirations. As an Elementary Classroom Assistant at Far and Wise, Jesu hopes to play a similar role and be a teacher to make a difference in children’s lives. Above all else, she wants children to know that they are important and that they have support!
When not in the classroom you will often find Jesu in a soccer field with her 3 boys. She enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, dancing, and baking sweets!