Our Team

Brian King, Co-founder

Brian’s 12 years in the classroom led him to the vision of MTNS2SEA when he saw the greatest impact was made on youth in the outdoors. After receiving his degree and teaching credential in Health and Physical Education at University of Northern Colorado, he taught elementary P.E. and then moved to California where he joined the alternative education team at Watsonville Community School. After 10 years in the classroom, he knew he needed to follow his passion for adventure. He saw first hand the benefits of being active outside and he now brings youth outside to do his favorite activities. His leadership, guidance, and relatability provide youth a safe space to be themselves without judgement. He is grateful for his time with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, which cultivated his passion for helping struggling youth using his unique athletic and personal assets. Brian comes to each MTNS2SEA outing with an open heart and with contagious optimism.

brian@mtns2sea.org

Jamey king, Co-founder

Partners in life and in business, Jamey shares Brian’s passion for outdoor activity and building community. She always puts “mom” first on any resume and believes that the skills she has learned as a mother help her with connecting with youth and providing a nurturing space for young people to share their story and be heard. She takes her experiences backpacking in the high country into her everyday life, taking one step at a time and works to be fully present in each moment. With a background in education and business management she rounds out the MTNS2SEA team providing support for the administration of the organization and serves as a youth leader on the outings. An amateur birder and a lifelong learner about our local ecosystem she provides the students with knowledge about our precious resources and how they interact with animals and humans. She has a passion for showing youth the small details that help us feel a part of the world around us.

jamey@mtns2sea.org

Board of directors

Michael Sierra, Architectural Designer, Santa Cruz City Sharks Gold/Premier Division Coach; Santa Cruz High School Junior Varsity Soccer Coach

Mike Kittredge, Co-General Manager & AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Pacific Edge Climbing Gym

Dave Livingston, Program Manager for Online Course development @ Coursera; Volunteer Ride Leader for Trips 4 Kids

Carol Polhamus, Retired Santa Cruz County Office of Education Administrator and Educator

Edison Jensen, Local attorney; Board Chair of Janus of Santa Cruz; past chairman of Dominican Hospital, Salud Para La Gente and Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust

Brian Thom, Captain Nomad Charters; Credentialed High School Teacher