OMS
SOMOS

Board Member & President | Mammoth Lakes

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Molly grew up in Massachusetts and has lived in California since 2005. She's an educator, non-profit leader, and consultant who focuses on supporting people with disabilities and their families in the communities they choose. She founded IGNITE Collective, Inc. and MKRD Consulting, teaches at California State University, Northridge, and advocates for people with disabilities throughout California and the US. Molly serves on multiple boards and advisory boards, is an active member of Volunteer Eastern Sierra, and a Volunteer Nordic Ski Instructor for Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra. She lives with her family in Mammoth Lakes and enjoys all things outdoors. 

Board Member & Treasurer | Mono City

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Kristin is a long-time resident of the Eastern Sierra, arriving with her parents in 1976. While she left the area to obtain her bachelors degree in music, she couldn't stay away from the mountains for long. Upon returning from Sonoma State University, she co-founded Sierra Classic Theatre in 1999, and proceeded to have many jobs and careers until finally finding her place. Kristin is now the Executive Director of Mono Arts Council where she has happily worked since 2015. She also sings and plays percussion for the local band, Bodie 601, enjoys backpacking, kayaking, jogging, and x-country skiing, loves knitting and learning new art mediums, and resides in the Mono Basin with her husband.

Board Member & Co-Secretary | Mammoth Lakes

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A recent transplant from OC, Cristian is not afraid to shake things up in the Eastern Sierra with his loud, proud personality. Never one to back down to use his voice and initiate dialogue for change, he’s excited to help the lgbtq2s+ community become more visibly accepted. His ultimate goal is to provide the community resources, a safe space for outdoor adventures, and outings!

Board Member & Co-Secretary | Mammoth Lakes

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Sofia is from Ixtlahuacan del Rio, Jalisco, Mexico. Her family moved to Mammoth Lakes in 1997. Sofia enjoyed growing up in the Eastern Sierra, but noticed that resources and representation were missing for BIPOC and Queer individuals. After getting her BS in 2015, Sofia returned to the area to be part of the shift that would increasing visibility and resources for marginalized identities. She has worked in various sectors including service industry, education, and mental health.

 

Sofia has found healing in dancing and nature. She is the founder of Ballet Folklorico de las Flores, a dancing group that provides community connection to Mexican culture. She also is an ultrarunner who enjoys spending time on the trails with friends and her dogs. Sofia is here to offer support and a safe place.

Board Member | Crowley

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Neal Covert is a multi-talented artist, photographer, and graphic designer from Mammoth Lakes, California. With a deep-rooted passion for capturing the natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra and beyond, Neal's landscape photography has become his artistic signature. As the owner of Neal Does Art, he specializes in fine art prints and personal art projects, showcasing his unique vision and creativity.

 

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Neal has excelled in various professional roles, highlighting his versatility and dedication. As a former ski instructor at Mammoth Mountain, he taught skiing to individuals of all levels, demonstrating his expertise in park and all-mountain skiing. Furthermore, his experience as a lighting and sound technician in the local theater industry and his current position as a general manager at Mammoth Business Essentials has honed his skills in logistics, graphic design, employee management, and more. With a well-rounded background and a commitment to artistic excellence, Neal brings a wealth of expertise to the Mountain Queers nonprofit organization as a board member, supporting the mission of inclusivity, diversity, and community engagement.

Board Member | Crowley​

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Born and raised in Mammoth with few resources to learn about other queers, Sam is passionate about creating the space that didn’t exist while he was growing up. He wants to help nurture an LGBTQ+ community that ensures everyone feels safe to be themselves and explore who they are while taking in all Mono County has to offer from nature to art. Being transgender himself, he is especially enthusiastic about being a resource and mentor for trans individuals and their families.

Board Member | Mammoth Lakes

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Kristi was born and raised in Sweden, but you’d never know since she doesn’t have an accent. She moved to Southern California in 2016, and after almost 1.5 years living in a van traveling all over the Western US and Canada, found Mammoth Lakes. She works as a freelance graphic designer (kayday.se) and as a teaching artist for Mono Arts Council.

 

She enjoys pretty much everything outdoors - downhill skiing, uphill skiing, cross-country skiing (skate and classic), climbing, hiking, biking (MTB and road), running, swimming, backpacking, SUP paddling, horseback riding (dressage mainly) ... Indoors Kristi enjoys cooking yummy things, baking sourdough bread, and playing nerdy games with her wife, Molly, and friends.