Chrissy McFarren
founder-director and ranch mentor

I am passionate about ranching and farming and deeply humbled to be a steward of the land. I love creating healthy environments for all the animals (domestic and wild) that call the ranch their home. And I love being witness to the joy people have when they are at the ranch. Riding, moving cattle, caring for livestock, community, working outside, creating art, family and grandchildren are where I find joy.

I have been a Certified Shadow Work® Group facilitator since 2006. I've also been a facilitator at the Women in Power initiation trainings, and I've led and co-led a variety of workshops and retreats for women. One of my greatest joys is founding a unique model of Shadow Work® called Shadow Work® Through the Way of the Horse, which offers retreats at Badger Creek Ranch in Colorado.

meet our board

Kris HErbst
Full Circle Alliance President
and Board Member

Kris Herbst is an interpretive guide, giving tours and presentations focused on the natural and human history and environment of the American Southwest from his home in Santa Fe, NM, where he is Vice President of The Commons on the Alameda cohousing community. Before retiring, Kris worked for 23 years for Ashoka, a global non-profit based in Washington, DC, most recently as Chief Editor. He also served as Director of Community for Ashoka's Changemakers.com web platform. Prior to joining Ashoka in 1998 he developed the first websites launched by clients in Washington, D.C. including the National Press Club and the Biotechnology Industry Organization. His journalism experience includes assistant editor for Saturday Review magazine; BioCentury newsletter contributing editor; and freelance journalist and television news producer for clients including Nippon TV Network and NHK Television. He received a Masters in City and Regional Planning from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.

Becky donlan
Full Circle Alliance vice president
and Board Member

I have lived in Salida for 38 years. Soon after moving here I became involved with the Forest Service, becoming an archaeological site steward. I have taken many of the Program for Avocational Archaeologists Certification classes (PAAC) through the State, have volunteered with Forest Service archaeologists in the Passport In Time (PIT) program, and have worked with Kevin Black, Asst. State Archaeologist, on sites in South Park near Badger Creek Ranch. I find the studies of Archaeoastronomy and Archaeoacoustics fascinating and am learning how important these fields can be in relation to understanding the "why" of some sites better.

In 2007 I co-founded the 501(C)(3) non-profit, Native American Research and Preservation, Inc. (NARP) with Ken Frye, now retired archaeologist with the Rio Grande Natl. Forest. This organization has been dedicated to researching sites in Colorado, consulting with tribes, and providing educational presentations to schools, GARNA, and the public at events for years.

It is such an honor to be involved with the Badger Creek Ranch Community and all their efforts with regenerative agriculture, Audubon, water, wildlife preservation.

wes wilson
full circle alliance treasurer
and board Member

In 2010 I retired from the Environmental Protection Agency after 35 years. After retirement, I became the science advisor with a non-profit called BE THE CHANGE - COLORADO. BTC lobbies the State legislature and the health department to strengthen oil and gas regulations and advance climate protection. I grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania so I really look forward to helping Full Circle Alliance fulfill its mission so the Badger Creek watershed remains sustainable for future generations. My wife Alison and I are moving from Denver to Salida this summer.

cat kamke
Full circle alliance secretary
and board Member

I grew up in England. For most of my childhood we lived in Shropshire on the Welsh borders. I went to boarding school in West Malvern. During the summers we spent time on the Welsh coast sailing and hanging out on the beach so, I developed a passion for the oceans. We also used to go up to the Nairn area of Scotland to visit my dad's aunts.

We were free-range kids during the holidays, exploring the countryside around us. I also had a keen interest in archeology. We even had a dig documenting a church in our own back garden! As a young person I was a recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. (for young people). One of the tasks for the award was volunteering, so I did a lot of work planting trees and working for charities.

My passions also include the environment and sustainable practices. As a kid my dad grew all our produce. He tried to use organic methods. I have been quite inspired by the work at Badger Creek Ranch.

I have an Associate's degree in commercial art and design. I then went on to get a Bachelor’s in Anthropology with a minor in Archaeology. I have worked in Archaeology, Tribal Relations, and cultural resource management. 20 years ago, I was fortunate enough to get a student position and went on to be hired permanently. I am excited to be a part of caring for the land and resources.

Craig Clark
full circle alliance board Member

Craig Clark moved from New Jersey to Colorado in 1978 mostly for his love of the mountains, a bond given to him by his parents long ago. His 47-year career in the electrical construction industry took him from apprentice to CEO of a major electrical contractor here in Colorado. He has served on the board of directors for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) for the past 22 years as board member, President, and Governor. He continues to serve as a vice president on the national level at NECA representing the rocky mountain region. He has also served as a board member and chairman of the board for the Associated General Contractors, the Denver Metro Economic Committee and on the board of directors of the Colorado Mountain Club. He carries his father’s influence on environmental protection and land conservation every day. Mountaineering is his passion. He has climbed not only in Colorado and Wyoming but also Italy, France, Russia, Switzerland, Scotland, Argentina, Ecuador and Alaska. He also enjoys back country skiing, fly fishing, reading, guitar playing and riding his horse, Brio. He and his wife Carol have six children and six grandchildren.

Darryl Kopman
full circle alliance board Member

For each of the last five years I have travelled from Chicago, IL to be a guest at Badger Creek Ranch. In 2023 I volunteered at the ranch for a full month. I have been witness to the improvements being made to the land and ranch. There are good people and good things happening. It should succeed and grow. I want to help that happen.