Welcome to Spoken Outdoors, where our mission is to serve America’s Protectors through transformative outdoor experiences. Our nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting First Responders (Police, Fire, EMS) and Armed Forces members (Airforce, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard) by providing opportunities to connect with nature and find healing and hope.
Our Core Values
At Spoken Outdoors, our leadership team is guided by three core values: Service, Healing, and Hope. These values are the foundation of everything we do and reflect our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
- Service: With servant hearts, our leadership team upholds the highest standards of honesty and transparency, ensuring we are here for the needs of other people. Our programs are designed to honor their sacrifices and provide the support they need to thrive.
- Healing: We believe in nature’s restorative power. Our outdoor experiences provide the opportunity for participants to find peace and rejuvenation. Building community and connecting with peers are essential pillars of hope, especially within the unique communities we serve. Our aim is to make us whole, fostering a sense of well-being and balance.
- Hope: We strive to inspire hope in the hearts of those we serve. By creating meaningful connections and providing opportunities for growth, we aim to foster a sense of optimism and possibility. We envision better tomorrows, better communities, and better everythings, instilling hope for a brighter future.
Our Leadership Team
Our leadership team is composed of dedicated professionals who share a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to our mission and values. With diverse backgrounds and a wealth of experience, our team works tirelessly to ensure that our programs are impactful and meaningful.
McKenzie Keyes
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.
Heath Gunns
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.
Brady Gunns
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.
Kelsey Helfrich
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.
Dr. James Bailey
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.
Becky Fish
Spoken Outdoors Board of Director
Shay Cremer
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!
Greg Dieckmann
Operations Manager of Spoken Outdoors
Dr. Tony Nelson
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.
Matt Sowa
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.
Join Us
We invite you to join us in our mission to support America’s Protectors. Whether through volunteering, donating, or partnering with us, your involvement can make a significant difference. Together, we can create unforgettable outdoor experiences and positively impact the lives of those who serve our nation.