Our Staff
Betsy Alwin
Artistic Director of Ceramics and Expanded Media
Betsy Alwin is the Artistic Director of Ceramics and Expanded Media at Anderson Ranch. She is a sculptor working in ceramics and mixed media. She attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and holds an MFA from Illinois State University. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including the Berkshire Botanical Gardens (Mass MoCA), the National Botanic Gardens in Washington D.C., AIR Gallery, New York, The Phipps Center, Hudson WI, Gallerie Lucida in Red Brick, NJ, and The Ceramic Art Avenue Art Gallery, Jingdezhen, China. Public commissions include sculptures at the Onoden Elementary School in Tokyo, Japan, Franconia Sculpture Park in Shafer, MN, and Silverwood Park in St. Anthony, MN. She is the recipient of numerous awards including a 2022 Artist Individual Support Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and is a 2025 Aspen Museum Artist Fellow. Alwin is represented by Rubine Red Gallery in Palm Springs, CA.
Olivia Azadmanesh
Welcome Center and Administrative Coordinator
Olivia Azadmanesh is a dedicated arts professional with deep roots in Colorado. A native Coloradan, Olivia discovered her passion for the arts while studying Cultural Anthropology and Museum Studies at the University of Colorado. Her expertise was further refined through her work as an art handler, where she developed a deep appreciation for the role of artistic expression in fostering connection and community. Outside of arts administration, Olivia enjoys all things outdoorsy, making Roaring Fork Valley an ideal place for her to nurture vibrant community and creative engagement.
Andrew Betancourt
Printmaking Studio Technician
Andrew Betancourt is the Printmaking Shop Technician at Anderson Ranch. He is a Printmaker and Ceramics artist born and raised in El Paso, TX. He earned his BFA in Printmaking with a minor in Ceramics from The University of Texas at El Paso. During his academic career, Andrew was the recipient of The Manuel Acosta Memorial Art Scholarship and The Carl and Margaret Jackson Fellowship. He worked as a studio assistant for Printmaking during his time at UTEP and now works as an assistant to Master Printer Brian Shure at Anderson Ranch. Preferred Pronouns (He/They)
Nicolette Bonagura
Director of Operations
Nicolette Bonagura earned her MFA in photography from the University of Arkansas and holds a BFA from Arcadia University. She is interested in investigating the complexities of visual perception, using the camera as a tool to document time and light. Her practice is interdisciplinary but revolves around the role of the image and its representations. Nicolette’s work has been exhibited online and in galleries both nationally and internationally. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Hillary Brigid
Events Manager
With a BS in Industrial Design from Metropolitan State University in Denver, CO, Hillary specializes in creating handcrafted furniture. With a philosophical framework she explores space, material, form, and user interaction to create seemingly simple functional art. As an anti-mass production maker, Hillary believes when we surround ourselves with enduring beauty, made with care and intent we inherently enrich our lives for the greater good. And through these meaningful engagements individual makers ultimately charter humanity.
Jeff Buchman
Accounting Administrator
Jeff’s belief in enriching and strengthening small communities brought him to Colorado in 2011 to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the United Way of Weld County while finishing his Masters of Nonprofit Management degree. Having worked in higher education for almost a decade after completing his VISTA service, Jeff wanted to return to his nonprofit roots by helping people explore their talents and passion, which led him to Anderson Ranch. Growing up in the forests of Western New York has given Jeff a deep love of the outdoors and in his free time he enjoys all types of adventures, but his favorites are whitewater kayaking and skiing. Pronouns: he/him
Angelina Cagle
Registration Assistant
Angelina (Lina) Cagle has a BFA in painting and printmaking with an emphasis in art history from Augustana University. She taught herself how to paint and draw at a very young age and fell in love with printmaking in college. She has also worked in stained glass. In school, she worked in the on-campus gallery handling and archiving work from artists like Warhol, Picasso, Matisse, and many more. She has had work exhibited in the Aspen Art Museum, Eide/Dalrymple Gallery, and the Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In her free time, she teaches dance for Legacy Dance Company which consists of students ages 2 to 14, both recreational and competitive.
Gretchen Cole
Director of Development
An Aspen native, Gretchen has helped advance community-based organizations of the Roaring Fork Valley, as well as Colorado state-wide initiatives, for more than twenty-five years. She has held local and state executive positions, board membership, volunteer roles, and developed many proposals for local and statewide philanthropy. Joining the community and team at Anderson Ranch is an exciting next step for her. Gretchen graduated from Berkeley with a BA in Psychology. She and her family take full advantage of the cultural and outdoor life in the mountains and desert southwest, while also adventuring further afield at any opportunity.
Laura Dortmans
Artistic Programs Manager
Laura Dortmans recently completed her MFA in Ceramics at the State University of New York at New Paltz. Working with experimental processes, her studio research explores materiality and the body. Originally from the south-eastern coast of Australia, Laura was the recipient of the 2023 Emerging Australian Artist Prize from the Australian Consulate-General in New York and the American Australian Association Arts Scholarship. Laura has written for the Journal of Australian Ceramics, Buxton Contemporary, and Gippsland Art Gallery. Her work has been exhibited in Australia, Japan and the USA.
Idalia Esperanza
Housekeeping Coordinator
Idalia joined the Ranch in the summer of 2016. She is from El Salvador and is a mother of three sons, Ediberto, Ricardo and Luis. She is a hard worker, deep souled, quick to learn and a self-motivated team player. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Liz Ferrill
Artistic Director of Painting, Drawing & Printmaking; Artists-in-Residence Program; Critical Dialogue Program
Liz Ferrill is the Artistic Director of Painting, Drawing and Printmaking at Anderson Ranch. She received her MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. She has had solo exhibitions nationally and internationally, including in Aspen, Nashville, Omaha, New York City, and Berlin, Germany.
Lindsy Fortier
Director of Marketing and Communications
Lindsy moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2004 and has called Aspen home ever since. Lindsy has a background in nonprofit and resort marketing. With experience in photography, design and production she is thrilled to be part of the Anderson Ranch community. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Paul Gibb
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Paul is a resident of Snowmass Village and excited to work for his favorite art-championing neighbor. He brought his fiscal expertise to Anderson Ranch after having served as Chief Financial Officer of the Aspen Music Festival and School and Sunsense Solar, Inc. Aside from astute financial management, Paul’s goal is to never drive to the office, preferring to commute via three of his favorite modes – biking, hiking, or nordic skiing. He holds degrees from Boston University (MBA) and Colgate University (BA) and is the proud father of twin young men.
Emil Gorman
Studio Coordinator, Digital Fabrication
Emil Gorman is the Studio Coordinator for Digital Fabrication. He is an artist and designer with a passion for furniture and the implementation of sustainable materials. He received a BFA with a concentration in Human-Centered Design at Northern Michigan University. Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Emilia Hernandez
Café Staff and Steward
Emilia joined the Ranch in 2013. She is from El Salvador and is a mother of two sons, Brandon Kennedy and Javi. She is a hard worker, quick, diligent and competent in work. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Emily Katebini
Children’s and Community Engagement Program Coordinator
Emily is the Children’s and Community Engagement Program Coordinator of the Anderson Ranch. Emily earned a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Colorado, and an M.A. in Intellectual Disabilities and Autism in Elementary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. With a distinguished career as a New York City educator, she earned the 2022 New York Literacy Outreach Award for her significant contributions to improving literacy outcomes across the city. Prior to joining the Anderson Ranch, Emily served as the Director of Special Education and Giftedness at a K-12 school.
William Lanzillo
Studio Coordinator, Sculpture
William Lanzillo is a sculptor whose work includes objects, performances, and interactive experiences. He received a BA from Carleton College in 2019, studying both psychology and studio art. He recently earned an MFA in Sculpture from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2023.
Joanne Seongweon Lee
Studio Coordinator, Ceramics
Originally from South Korea, Joanne Seongweon Lee received her BFA from New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University with a concentration in Ceramics in 2015. After graduation, she moved back to South Korea for an Artist in Residence program at the Korea Ceramic Foundation: Icheon Cerapia. She completed an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2019 and achieved the Franz Rising Start Project Scholarship: Outstanding Performance in Porcelain Design in that same year. After graduating, she finished her Residency at Sonoma Ceramics in Sonoma, California. In 2021, Joanne taught numerous Ceramics courses for various levels at the James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Alexei Locsin
Creative Services Manager
Alexei is originally from Washington State and received his B.S. in environmental science at Western Washington University. With a brief stint working as a marine biologist/groundfish observer in Alaska, the mountains were calling and the Rocky Mountains have been home ever since. Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Kaisa Nichols-Russell
Development Assistant
Kaisa Lily Nichols-Russell was born and raised in Mount Rainier, Maryland. After graduating with degrees in Studio Art and Sociology, she has worked with Pyramid Atlantic Art Center in Hyattsville, MD, and Women’s Studio Workshop in Rosendale, NY. She is thrilled to be continuing to pursue her passion for supporting artists and their work at Anderson Ranch Arts Center. In addition to arts administration, she is passionate about papermaking and printmaking, and her work explores concepts of identity, body image, and mental health. On a day off, you can find her listening to her favorite podcast, cooking, or exploring local areas on her bike!
Esther Macy Nooner
Workshop Program Manager; Studio Coordinator, Photography and New Media
Esther Macy Nooner received her MFA in Studio Art from the University of Arkansas School of Art. She has participated in the artist-in-residence program in the National Park System, and most recently at the Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughan, Ireland. She has shown work nationally and internationally, and is currently the studio coordinator for Photography and New Media at Anderson Ranch Arts Center.
Kimberly Patterson
Development Manager
Raised on the shores of Massachusetts, Kimberly Patterson, graduated from Fitchburg State University in 2021 with a B.S. in Communications Media with a dual concentration in Professional Communications and Photography. Having previous experience with the Fitchburg Art Museum through the Fitchburg State University partnership as well as the non-profit Opportunity Works, Kimberly is excited to continue to support the arts and non-profit aspects of Anderson Ranch Arts Center alike. In her free time she can be found enjoying the outdoors and working on her Photography. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Lane Preston
Studio Coordinator, Furniture Design and Woodworking
Lane Preston, originally from Houston, Texas, received his BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago with an emphasis in Photography and Sculpture in 2016. After graduation he worked as an exhibitions coordinator and photographer for art and design galleries to put on exhibitions all over the world. In 2021, he went to Florence, Italy, for his MFA in Furniture Fabrication and Design, after teaching abroad for two years.
Elsie Rangel
Latine and Donor Engagement Artistic Coordinator
Born and raised in Mexico City—where she studied Art and Communication—Elsie discovered a deep passion for creative expression. Her Mexican heritage is a source of immense pride, and Mexico’s rich artistic history and roots deeply influence her work. Elsie honed her skills working alongside renowned Mexican sculptor Pedro Reyes, exploring the diverse possibilities of art-making and the boundless power of creativity. Recently moved to the Roaring Fork Valley, Elsie brought her passion for connection and artistic exploration to her last role as Gallery Director. She is a firm believer in the profound impact of art as a platform for inspiration, connection, collaboration, and community building.
Kenny Reyes
Facilities and Grounds Manager
Originally from Honduras, Kenny has lived in the Roaring Fork Valley for 13 years and graduated from Basalt High School. He currently lives in Willits with his wife and two children, Clark (5) and Easton (3). Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Stephanie Richardson
President’s Office Administrative Manager
Stephanie is a Texas transplant, moving to Snowmass Village in 2014. She has 20+ years of experience as an Executive Assistant working alongside C-Suite Executives and Business Owners. Stephanie is passionate about clear and effective communication. Inspired by the mountains, she can be found running the trails, hiking, and XC skiing in her spare time. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Katie Sanders
Student Services and Enrollment Coordinator
Katie Sanders is a Colorado native, born and raised in South Denver. She graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with honors for the defense of her thesis in Art History and minors in business and studio art. Katie studied abroad in Florence, Italy and has experience working in art museums, auction houses, and gallery settings. In 2020, she initially moved to Aspen, Colorado and worked at Aspen Highlands as a Lift Operator. Immediately, she fell in love with the Roaring Fork community and called the valley home. Katie enjoys all things outdoors, drawing and painting, reading, music, and volunteering with English in Action.
Brian Shure
Master Printer-in-Residence
Brian Shure is the Master Printer-in-Residence of Anderson Ranch Editions. Brian Shure is represented by Planthouse Gallery in New York, where he curated the 2018 show Bathing. He has taught at RISD, Brown, and Cornell and conducted classes in China, Japan, Mexico, and Germany.
Evan Soroka
Digital Media Manager
Evan Soroka is an experienced digital media strategist and content creator with a background in human and spiritual sciences. Preferred pronouns: she/her
Madison Spence
Marketing Coordinator
Madison (Mads) Spence graduated from CU Boulder with a BA in Art Practices (magna cum laude), a BS in Strategic Communication, and a minor in Spanish. She is passionate about ceramics and media design, drawing inspiration from nature and the whimsical charm of folklore. Her work explores imaginative landscapes and characters, blending the tangible world with the scattered fragments of her daydreams. Mads thrives on the connection to the outdoors that the Roaring Fork Valley environment provides. She has worked as a Gallery Assistant, Studio Technician, and Studio Assistant, fully engaging with each artistic community they joins. Preferred Pronouns: She/They
Ashley Todey
Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Ashley oversees the operations and business units as well as Board of Trustees relations and governance. She joined Anderson Ranch in 2011 and was appointed as a Vice President in 2020 and Chief Operating Officer in 2023. Ashley earned her MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 2020. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Zenayda Villacorta
Café Manager
Zenayda Lisseth Villacorta was originally from El Salvador and has lived in Colorado for the past 4 years and went to Carbondale Roaring Fork High School. She enjoys learning about other cultures through interacting with people. Zenayda is interested in immigrant rights and eventually would like to work in immigrant advocacy. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Peter Waanders
President and Chief Executive Officer
Peter embraces art-making as a neophyte – exploring various mediums for the simple pleasure of learning and making. He brought his business management and leadership experience to Anderson Ranch after serving as the Director of Society of Fellows at the Aspen Institute. Peter is active in the Roaring Fork Valley, having served as president of the Aspen Young Professional Association, President of the Rotary Club of Aspen, and on the board of The Buddy Program. He is currently the Vice-Chair of the Aspen Public Education Fund. He is married with two children. Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Andrea Jenkins Wallace
Vice President of Artistic Affairs, Artistic Director of Photography and New Media
Andrea Jenkins Wallace earned her M.F.A. from the University of Colorado Boulder after completing her undergraduate degree in Communications Media. Prior to joining Anderson Ranch, she spent over a decade in academia, holding tenure-track appointments at Lake Forest College and Willamette University. She continues to teach courses at Colorado College and the University of Denver. An accomplished speaker, Andrea has presented at institutions such as the Denver Art Museum and the Stonewall National Museum. Her documentary film, Rochell and Brian, which explores teenage pregnancy, premiered at the New York International Independent Film Festival. Andrea’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with numerous shows across the Americas, Europe, China, and the Middle East. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Rachel Wolman
Director of HR & Talent Managment
Rachel has spent the past 20 years leading talent management initiatives and HR strategy at professional services organizations of various sizes and stages. She graduated from Columbia University with a BA and an MBA. Originally from Washington, DC, Rachel came to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2014 and joined the Ranch in 2023. Email: [email protected]
Lindsey Yeager
Studio Coordinator, Paint and Printmaking
Fueled by a need to find closure in a deteriorating world, Wisconsin-born Lindsey Yeager paints and illustrates connections between society and nature, between human and animal, translating and reframing human contexts into fearful, raw, and feral allegories. Lindsey received a BFA in New Studio Practice and Illustration from Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design in 2021 and she went on to win two Society of Illustrators awards and participate in the 2021-22 cycle of Plum Blossom Initiative’s Bridge Work residency. Her work has been shown at Var Gallery, Mana Contemporary, Soft Times Gallery, Museum of Wisconsin Art, and Society of Illustrators, among others. Lindsey is represented by Var Gallery in Milwaukee.