James Simmons
Executive Director
I discovered the transformative power of wilderness at a pivotal moment in my life, leading me to leave college and embark on solo wilderness experiences. Within Nature’s silence, I underwent a rite of passage that yielded a profound sense of clarity and purpose. This sparked a 20-year career working with youth in wilderness, residential, and international settings, including 7 years of administrative leadership encompassing policy development, risk management, program creation, leadership development, and more.
Most recently, I served as Executive Director of Programs at a respected gap year organization for 3 years. In 2022, I joined a small team to slowly grow an earthen architecture and permaculture learning center in Hesperus, CO. I am passionate about creating supportive environments that foster learning, growth, and self-discovery in harmony with the natural world.
As Executive Director of the Deer Hill Foundation, I’m honored to further our mission of self-discovery and authentic connection through wilderness and service opportunities. I believe young people are seeking a new narrative, one that breaks free from imposed expectations and conventions. Nature offers a profound alternative, awakening and guiding them on their journey of self-discovery.
Mike Karpfen
Chairman of the Board
Mike Karpfen co-founded and was executive director of Shanta Foundation, a Durango based non-profit that partners with poor rural villages in Myanmar and Zambia to create thriving communities through sustainable programs in health, education, leadership, women’s empowerment, livelihood and infrastructure. Mike has also worked as a psychotherapist specializing in marriage counseling for 30 years. He has been the board chair of Deer Hill Foundation since 2022.
Mike, and his wife Tricia, have lived and loved in Durango since 1995 and have a passion for all things outdoors – the mountains, their gardens, camping, hiking, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, paddle-boarding, and lots of walk ‘n talks with friends.
Laurie Williams
Trustee
Laurie is a professor in the Department of Physics and Engineering at Fort Lewis College (FLC), Co-Director of the FLC Village Aid Project (FLC VAP), and Director of the VAP Solar Initiative on the Navajo Nation. FLC VAP is a non-profit, student-based, humanitarian organization at Fort Lewis College with a
mission to partner communities to find sustainable solutions to their critical engineering problems. In 2018 Laurie expanded the VAP umbrella to address critical energy needs in Native American communities, particularly on the Navajo Nation. When not in the classroom, on an international VAP
project, or on the Navajo Nation installing off-grid PV systems, Laurie enjoys yoga, hiking, skate skiing, paddle boarding and sending time with her husband and 2 dogs.
Nicol Gaffney
Trustee
I am a people person, an optimist, and I strive to stand for the potential in every situation. My joy is most felt in conversations that leave people feeling seen and somehow more connected to truth. Self-reflection and shared-respect are some of my most tried and true tools in life. Professionally, my speciality is rallying teams around complex projects, providing the needed combination of connection, organization, and guidance to pull everything off on time with a bit of fun. Personally, I am silly, athletic (soccer + pickleball for life!), a backpacker, traveler, a trail runner, reader, and family man.
My relationship with Deer Hill began in 2013 as a mentor at Summer Search. My participants came back profoundly impacted, knowing more about themselves and the world they wanted to create.
When I became Director of Summer Experiences at Summer Search, Deer Hill Expeditions went all-in with us to ensure their programming was relevant and responsive to participants from all backgrounds. And now as a Deer Hill Foundation board member I have the privilege of ensuring these remarkable and unique experiences continue for participants, staff, and the native communities we partner with.
Doug Capelin
Trustee
When I was little, relatives would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Much to their
surprise, I answered. “I want to be a forest ranger, a teacher, and a daddy.” I worked for the US Forest Service in California and Washington for three years. I then went back to school for a M.A. in Education. I taught school in Grand Junction, CO, and then Dolores, CO, where I met Beverly, the much revered 3rd grade teacher.
In 1984, we bought land, launched Deer Hill Expeditions, and got married. Over the years, with the hands and hearts of many staff, Beverly and I forged Deer Hill’s unique blend of wilderness adventure and cross-cultural service with Native communities. We incorporated the Deer Hill Foundation in 1998 to fund scholarships and further our Native service projects. After 40 years, I am now in the role of trustee, continuing to support Deer Hill’s mission.
Beverly and I have three wonderful children and two adorable granddaughters. We are further blessed to have them all living nearby.
