Jenna Cordesius, Founder & CEO

Jenna (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Northern California, but soon realized that she had found a home in Colorado.

In 2011, she began her journey in Fort Collins interning in a deaf & hard of hearing preschool, volunteering with Special Olympics Colorado, and working for the Colorado State University Student Disability Center. Jenna graduated from CSU with a degree in Human Development & Family Studies as well as International Relations. Quickly after, she moved to Winter Park, Colorado working on and off the ski mountain working for the National Sports Center for the Disabled.

Jenna continued her journey specializing in adaptive programming for youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Garden, Inc., where she took on the role as an After School Program Coordinator, Unified Basketball Coach, and Inclusive Travel Planner and Guide.

In 2017, Jenna embarked on planning her first Traveling Gnomes trip to Winter Park, Colorado where she soon realized that travel was a necessity for all. After a successful first trip, it was time to create more opportunities to travel the world. With a nomadic spirit, passion for inclusion, and background working with all abilities, The Traveling Gnomes was born!

Mallory Gustin, Community Impact Director

Mallory (she/her/hers) was born and raised here in Colorado. She loves exploring new places, connecting with humans, and finding opportunities to create a more inclusive community.

She graduated from Colorado State University in 2020 with degrees in Human Development and Family Studies and Business Administration. While studying at CSU, Mallory stumbled upon an opportunity that changed her college career path instantly. With the unique chance to help build and develop the Special Olympics College at CSU alongside some incredible students, she quickly found her professional passion for working to create more inclusive spaces.

Her passion grew throughout college and continues on at Traveling Gnomes where she leads community engagement efforts and supervises a team of amazing Trailblazers. Mallory is excited to continue traveling the world with her Gnomies, creating lifelong friendships, and keep cruising to the next adventure.

LinsiAn Loadman-Copeland, ctrs, Program Director

LinsiAn (she/her/hers) is a Colorado native who ventured out to the Midwest for college, but was not fond of the corn fields and lack of skiing Iowa offered. LinsiAn returned to Colorado post-grad and settled down in Littleton, CO.

LinsiAn graduated from the University of Iowa with her B.S in Therapeutic Recreation. In July of 2019 she sat for the NCTRC examination where she successfully attained her certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. LinsiAn is passionate about working with individuals of all abilities and helping them gain new experiences while reaching set goals. 

LinsiAn began working with individuals with disabilities in high school at a local therapeutic riding center and with Special Olympics Colorado as a gymnastics coach. In college LinsiAn got the opportunity to assist with the planning and running of multiple programs for Special Olympics Iowa, including their Youth Games. LinsiAn grew her leadership skills and gained extensive experience from her time with Easterseals Wisconsin & Colorado, Camp Courageous of Iowa, a year round camp for individuals with disabilities, Courageous Travels, and Challenge Aspen.

LinsiAn is so excited for the opportunity to join this amazing team and to spread the importance of inclusion!

Calli Huskisson, Program Coordinator

Meet Calli (she/her/hers), the newest member of The Traveling Gnomes team! Originally from Wisconsin, Calli has just moved to Colorado and is eager to begin this new adventure. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a double degree in Developmental Economics and Communications. She has a passion for meeting new people, exploring new destinations, and spending time outdoors. Calli also enjoys attending live music events, watching sports, and has recently taken up baking.

What fuels her love for travel is a deep belief that the world is filled with beauty and incredible people. She sees every new place as an opportunity to learn and grow. Along with her love for adventure, Calli was involved with Best Buddies in high school and has dedicated hundreds of hours to volunteering in Milwaukee. She is outgoing, kind-hearted, and believes that everyone deserves to be loved and accepted for who they are.

Calli is excited to join The Traveling Gnomes team and looks forward to the experiences and connections that lie ahead!

Evan Weirich, equipment specialist

Evan (he/him/his) was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado with a sense of adventure and willingness to explore new places. He has a passion for the outdoors with some of his favorite hobbies being fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and recently fly fishing. 

He graduated from Heritage High School in 2014 in Littleton and currently also works at Garden, Inc. as a behavior therapist. He has been involved in Special Olympics Basketball as a partner and assistant coach for 10+ years and evolved into working with people with disabilities as a profession.

He also loves to travel (road trips are his jam) and is looking forward to the opportunity for it to be inclusive for all.