Meet the Leadership Team

President of Spoken Outdoors | I am passionate about the outdoors and the many benefits nature provides. My love for the outdoors has been a lifelong journey, and I have carried this passion into my work in the nonprofit sector for the past 15 years. In addition to my role with Spoken Outdoors, I am a homeschool mom, a Certified Lactation Counselor, and avid reader. While enriching my life, these experiences have given me a unique perspective on the importance of nurturing and supporting others. I am dedicated to leading our organization with the same care and commitment, ensuring we make a positive impact on the communities we serve.

Executive Director of Spoken Outdoors | You can often find me rowing a drift boat, fishing, or hunting. Over 15 years ago, I began my journey in the nonprofit sector, allowing me to introduce the wonders of nature to countless individuals. In addition to my role as Executive Director, I bring a rich history as a Marine, Law Enforcement Officer, and firearms instructor. These experiences have shaped my leadership style and commitment to our mission. I am dedicated to guiding our organization with the same discipline and enthusiasm, ensuring we make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.

Secretary / Treasurer of Spoken Outdoors | I bring 30 years of experience in the financial industry to our organization. I am thrilled to apply my expertise here, driven by a dedication to seeing projects through to completion and managing multiple initiatives simultaneously. I am passionate about caring for others, possess the strategic thinking needed to navigate complexities, and optimize our systems to ensure they are effective. Outside of work, I enjoy casting a fly rod, hand quilting, and chasing waterfalls. My commitment to serving others is at the heart of everything I do, and I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those we support.

Spoken Outdoors Board of Director | I am a fourth-generation river outfitter and owner of Helfrich River Outfitters, continuing a family legacy that began in 1922. Growing up along Oregon’s McKenzie River and spending much of my life on outfitted trips throughout Oregon and Idaho, I developed a deep love for the outdoors and a passion for sharing these incredible places with others. After earning a degree in Forestry Recreation Resource Management at Oregon State University and spending years as a traveling guide, I built a life in Salmon, Idaho, with my husband, Kidd Youren, and our daughters, Fallon and Quinn. I feel truly blessed to work alongside my family, introducing people to the magic of our rivers and creating unforgettable experiences while helping to preserve these wild places for future generations.

Spoken Outdoors Board of Director | A husband, father of three, and family medicine physician. I grew up in the pacific northwest and lived in California and Michigan before settling permanently in beautiful north Idaho. Before going to medical school, I did research on PTSD at the Veterans Administration. I opened my own medical practice, Artisan Primary Care, in 2018. In my free time I love spending time with my family, playing board games, being in the lake, and camping.

Spoken Outdoors Board of Director

Spoken Outdoors Board of Director | I was born Caldwell, Idaho, and moved to beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at the age of 19, where I currently reside.  Growing up, I was fortunate enough to be raised farming and ranching with my parents.  Following in my fathers footsteps, I have been self-employed for over 25 years in North Idaho.  I am the proud father of two amazing boys, Riley and Wyatt, and I’ve been blessed with my beautiful wife, Alysha, for over 20 years.  I am motivated by new challenges and adventures in all walks of life, and by spending time in God’s great outdoors.  I enjoy giving back to a community that has given me so much!

Operations Manager of Spoken Outdoors |

Chaplin | Dr. Nelson is an ordained pastor who has served Christian Churches for over 4 decades. He resides in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, ID with his wife Disa and Tango the cat. He is a published author (Crazy Life by Morgan James Pub.), spiritual director, mentor and leadership/life coach. While he never served in the military or as a first responder, he has ministered to many over the years who’ve served in harm’s way. As an avid outdoorsman, he is looking forward to providing biblically based spiritual direction to those who God touches through Spoken Outdoors.

First Responder Liaison of Spoken Outdoors | With a background of over 25 years of fire service experience and prehospital medicine, I understand the unique challenges first responders face. I am passionate about promoting mental health, resilience, and the therapeutic power of nature, working to connect first responders with resources that foster healing, camaraderie, and personal growth.