John grew up in Colorado Springs playing competitive soccer and enjoying the outdoor adventures that Colorado offers. These opportunities fostered a love for recreation and fitness and helped him decide to pursue a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Instruction and a minor in Sports and Exercise Science from Western State College in Gunnison, CO. After college, John's love of adventure and exploration took him from the mountains of Colorado to the depths of the ocean as worked as a professional Underwater Archaeologist. Ultimately, the beauty and openness of Colorado and John's love for fitness and recreation won out and he decided to return to Colorado. He relocated to Montrose at an optimal time and was able to join the MRD just before the CRC opened. John is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Functional Training Specialist, Stick Mobility Coach,  and a MovNat Level 2 Certified Instructor. He oversees the MRD's Fitness and Outdoor Recreation Programs. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, camping, hunting, XC skiing, and almost any other outdoor pursuit.