Coaching, Staff, & Board

Executive Director

Scott McGrew

XC Program Director, Comp Team Coach

Rick Kapala

Alpine Program Director

Will Brandenburg

Ski background: Will raced with the Spokane Ski Racing Association, and later at Schweitzer Mountain. He was named to the U.S. Development Team in May 2006. Will finished second in the giant slalom at Alyeska at the U.S. Alpine Championships in 2007, was a member of the 2010 Olympic Team with a best place finish of 10th in the super combined, and was part of the U.S. Team for the 2011 World Championships. His best World Cup finish was sixth place in a slalom at Kranjska Gora in March 2012, and he won the combined at the 2013 U.S. Alpine Championships. Will was the Western Region Development Coach for U.S. Ski & Snowboard for the 2017-2018 season, before rejoining SVSEF as Alpine Program Director.

Baldy Devo/LASAR Head Coach

Brian Caulkins

Alpine Mini World Cup Head Coach

Jude Arvidson

Jude grew up racing at White Pass, Washington, where she competed in Nor-Am and Junior Olympic events until 1982. While at university, she coached on weekends for Crystal Mountain Alpine Club, (CMAC), and after graduating she became program director and head coach in Wanaka, New Zealand and Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico from 1985 to 1992. While in graduate school, she continued to coach J-1and 2’s on weekends and holidays at White Pass, and after having a child, moved back to Crystal Mountain to coach U-14’s and U-16’s, where her daughter also was a racer.

Jude loves when young people are confident in the mountains. She wants to share her passion for the freedom of movement skiing brings. It’s like flying! Jude loves hikes with her dogs, mountain bike rides with her daughter and husband and reading a good book.

Freeski Head Coach, Air Barn Manager

Tyler Conway

Tyler started his skiing journey competing in slopestyle, big air and rail jam events. This led to specializing in slopestyle and halfpipe as a freeski coach. Tyler worked as head coach and assistant program manager for Team Breckenridge Sports Club. On his journey, he refined his skills on all things extreme sports, specializing in trick progressions and techniques to help athletes reach their goals. His objective in coaching is to make sure that skiing continues to be fun and is a lifelong activity. He likes to continue to push what is possible in snow sports.

2009-2016 Head coach and assistant program manager for Team Breckenridge Sports Club
2009-2016 Woodward at Copper Coach
2008-2009 Head coach Tahoe Freeride
2005-2006 Coach as Terrain Park Specialist Stratton Vt.
2002-2005 Coach as Terrain Park Specialist Mount Snow Vt.
1998-2001 Freeski influencer

Director of Finance & Admin

Mimi Crocker

Favorite run/trail/backcountry lap: International & Mayday Bowl

Work background: 25 years working in the corporate sales & management industry in Seattle before relocating back to the valley. The experience I gained has translated well to my position in the business and administration department here at SVSEF; I’m driven to “make a difference” every day, and SVSEF allows me to do just that!

Why SVSEF matters to you: The culture & tradition of ski racing, along with the resort town lifestyle, is very dear to me; I’ve been skiing in Sun Valley since the mid 1970s and ski racing runs deep in my family. There’s nothing more exciting to me than alpine ski racing, and to be able to work for one of the best junior programs in the country is an honor. Beyond my own experience, I have witnessed the positive and life changing impact that SVSEF and our coaches have had not only for my nephew but for most of the kids that participate in our programs.

Hobbies/other interests: Skiing, music, horseback riding, motorsports, and sailing

Rota-Rippers Program Director

Barb Dunn

Grew up ski racing in the northeast, then went on to ski Nor-Ams and NCAA in college.Coached in Vermont for 20 years at Smuggler’s Notch and Cochran’s Ski area, then moved to Sun Valley and started coaching here three years ago.

I love to see the big smiles and pure joy on the kids faces. I like helping kids develop the tools to achieve their goals and overcome their fears both on and off the hill.

Hobbies/other interests: Hiking, backcountry skiing, waterskiing, cross country skiing, flying, biking and skating.

Director of Strategic Communications & Development

Heather Foster

Work background: Since graduating from the University of Colorado in Boulder’s School of Journalism & Mass Communication, I’ve loved just about every minute of my 30 years working with with start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and world-class sporting events across the realms of advertising, communications, public relations, sports marketing, strategic partnerships, and large-scale sports event production. I am so excited to wrap all of this together in what I’ll get do with SVSEF in communications and development. Bottom line…I love to help create the big picture and be in the trenches to help execute.

Why SVSEF matters to you: Having grown up in Colorado, I started skiing at the age of three. While I never raced as a kid, I loved spending time around the races and this led to my first internship at Vail where I had the opportunity to work on the World Cup and other championship events. I moved to Boise, Idaho in 2008 to help lead the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, and ultimately found my way to the Wood River Valley when I met my husband. Jesse and I were married at the base of Rotarun in December 2019, and I am honored to be joining one of the most treasured non-profits in the valley. I look forward to bringing my love of storytelling to the organization and the community, and to joining a team driven by passion to work hard, play hard, and do good for others.

Hobbies and other interests: cycling of the gravel and road varieties, skiing (alpine and backcountry), new to Masters alpine racing, cooking, photography, writing, travel, seeking out local coffee shops.

Snowboard Head Coach

Andy Gilbert

Favorite run/trail/backcountry lap: Front country specialist!
Ski/Ride background: 100+years of skiing in my family! Skateboarding brought me to snowboarding. Never looked back!
Why you coach: Watching the fire get lit never gets old!
Hobbies/other interests: Skateboarding, fishing, art and family time.

Big Mountain Team Head Coach

Banks Gilberti

I grew up in Hailey, Idaho, skiing Baldy hard till the age of 15, when I started attending a ski academy out of state. I competed professionally out of Breckenridge, Colorado, for eight winters, frequenting the Dew Tour and X-Games throughout my time on the circuit. I left the competition scene to follow a more creative path, which led me into the world of ski films and backcountry exploration.

I coach because I want to help create the best well-rounded skiers possible and give the kids every tool they need to have the best day on skis, no matter the conditions or where they are in the world.

My hobbies include a little bit of everything: skateboarding, surfing, fishing, backpacking, biking, hunting, soccer, golf, snowboarding, woodworking, and photography.

I’m looking forward to so many aspects of coaching for SVSEF. One of the biggest would be the chance to work with such high quality athletes and avid skiers looking for new challenges, with the drive to push their skiing to new levels.

The most important goal for me is creating an environment for kids to feel comfortable with any type of skiing that is thrown their way. A big part of developing skills in or out of the backcountry is trusting the people around you. This trust and reliance comes from time spent with a group and the experiences you share together. A big priority for me is building a close-knit crew that feels like an extension of family, rather than just a team.

Skiing professionally for so many years, I have had the good fortune of traveling, exploring and skiing some of the most amazing locations in the world. I was given these opportunities because I had such a well-rounded ski background. The time I spent on SVSEF and Carrabassett Valley Academy, and the eight winters I spent training and competing out of Breckenridge, CO, combined with the countless years in front of the lens making ski videos and exploring backcountry locations all over the world is what collectively pushed my career to where it is today. I think this large variety of experience is what coaching is all about. I’m excited to be able to share the knowledge I’ve accumulated through my experience with the next generation of shredders at SVSEF, as well as help our athletes gain an understanding and an appreciation for being a well rounded skier and human being.

Skiing has given me everything that is important in my life: it’s given me a relentless passion, a career and a future. Skiing has taught me how to be a businessman, how to navigate not just ski terrain but the world as well. Skiing is the cornerstone to my life and sharing that with these athletes is paramount.

Alpine IMD Head Coach

Charlotte Gourlay

I grew up in the SVSEF program, starting with D-Team! I had a brief stint on the Hailey Ski Team, before returning back to SVSEF for FIS racing. Following that, I raced NCAA Division 1 at Whitman. I have been coaching with SVSEF since 2010 and racing town series since then (trying to beat all the boys, of course).

Ski racing has had a huge impact on my life. It has always been about way more than just skiing. Skiing has given me lifelong friendships and mentors, educational opportunities and independence. It has taught me accountability and how to be a supportive and constructive person. I coach to create an environment where athletes are empowered to be their best!

I love Hiking, biking, soccer, paddle boarding, yoga, reading, cooking, traveling, anything outdoors, and beertending at Grumpy’s of course.

Freestyle Head Coach

John Grigsby

I hail from in Portland, Maine where I started my coaching career at the age of 17 for the Freestyle Development program at Gould Academy/Sunday River. During college, I continued coaching weekends at CVA/Sugarloaf, where I later coached full-time for Carabassett Valley Academy. For 6 years prior to joining SVSEF, I was the Director of Freestyle Development at Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, where I helped grow and develop one of the top freestyle programs in the country.

Hobbies/other interests: Fly fishing, bow hunting

XC Comp Team Head Coach

Ashley Knox

I joined the SVSEF Cross Country Prep Team in 7th grade. I fell in love with ski racing in ninth grade and continued it through college. I started coaching summer camps for SVSEF during college and officially started coaching the Comp Team in 2006.

Hobbies/other interests: Mountain biking, back country skiing, and hanging out with my son.

XC Gold Team Head Coach

Chris Mallory

Chris grew up skiing and racing at a young age and finding a love for the sport in Vermont. He skied for the University of New Hampshire, and moved to Idaho after college. Chris has coached a number of XC programs with SVSEF, spent three years as an assistant for UVM, and now heads the SVSEF Gold Team. He coached numerous US Ski Team athletes, supported Team USA for a number of World Junior/U23 World Championships.

Hobbies/Interests: Adventuring around in the backcountry by ski or bike, camping with family (Abbie and Finn)

Freeski Progression Coach

William (Gui) Mattheis-Brown

I grew up competing in the Colorado USSA circuit. After a
few injuries I decided to become a coach and went to college for sport psychology. I have been coaching for 7 years.

I truly enjoying aiding in the development of athletes both on and off the
hill. Shaping kids into highly functioning adults is what I pride myself on.

Hobbies/other interests: Fly fishing and mountain biking.

XC Devo North Head Coach

Martha Pendl

Director of Events

Amanda Porino

Business Manager

Kelly Roberts

Kelly’s professional experience has been in sales, business management, and the educational realm.

Why SVSEF matters to you: How could I not love my job at SVSEF; I am surrounded by people who are positively impacting the lives of children and our community.

Hobbies/other interests: Kelly can always be found cheering on her kids in all of their athletic endeavors, around a campfire with family and friends, or on a long hike with her German shepherd, Shiloh.

Alpine North Series Head Coach

Adele Savaria

Ski background:
-1983-89 – US Ski Team
-1986 – Vail World Cup DH – 6th
-1987 – Crans Montana, Switzerland World Championship Team
-1988 – Aspen World Cup DH – 11th
-1989 – NorAm DH Overall Champion
-1990 – NCSA Slalom, GS and Overall National Champion for the College of Idaho
-2003 – Inducted into the College of Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame for Skiing and Tennis (went to NAIA Nationals for tennis 1991-1993)
-2003-2010 – Founded Rotarun LASAR program with Pat

I coach to connect with these kids in all aspects and I really enjoy seeing a kid smile when they finally understand what you are trying to teach them. In addition to skiing, I love tennis, hiking, hunting, golfing, mountain biking, gardening and baking

Mini Xtreme Head Coach

Ben Schumacher

Ben’s favorite run was back in 2008 after a huge Christmas storm when he and a few friends got first tracks on Limelight in the middle of the day when the top of the mountain finally opened. He remembers stopping to pull a kid out of a pretty stuck position, then catching back up with the crew with big fast turns all the way down Limelight and Warmsprings. It was super fun to have those runs fresh when normally on a pow day they are cut up already by the early ups.

Work background: Work started with labor jobs like mowing and being a warehouseman in a printing factory, then progressed on to Ski Tek in Ketchum. Ben worked to become a certified pedorthist, a bike technician, a ski tuner, and boot fitter. He is stoked to live, work and manage family life in Ketchum since 2001.

SVSEF matters because it develops kids for athletic endeavors in the mountains. I like being a guide who can have fun, motivate, and teach kids.

Hobbies/other interests: Most recently, gardening, amongst other passions like exploring hot springs, live music and bicycles

Alpine USSA Head Coach

Nate Schwing

I spent four years ski racing on the USCSA college circuit along with playing Division Two soccer, before moving out west to Park City. I joined the Park City Masters’ Team, and spent the next four seasons training with the Masters while competing on the FIS circuit. When my ski racing career ran its course, I took a job in Sun Valley as a coach for the Hailey Ski Team. I spent two years coaching for the Hailey Ski Team before taking the Head FIS Coach position with SVSEF in the 2007-08 season. I love hanging out with wife Sarah and son Evan, golf, mountain biking, camping, watching America’s team the Buffalo Bills

XC Post Grad Head Coach

Paul Smith

I learned to ski on fish-scales in the backyard in upstate NY. This is right after watching Thomas Alsgaard win Olympic ski races on television in the 1998 Nagano Games. From there cross country ski racing became more challenging and more ingrained with my state of mind.

I enjoy making the most challenging sport in the world seem easy.

Hobbies/other interests: Wiffle

Alpine FIS Head Coach

Gladys Weidt

Skiing at Spirit Mountain with Team Duluth is where my love and appreciation of the sport and culture really began and helped shape me into who I am today. I also, sheepishly, loved the idea of continuing my passion in areas with more favorable temperatures. I continued on to Colorado during high School /PG and then skied for the University of New Mexico. I knew my passion for racing and skiing was something I wanted to pursue and be a life-long leaner, teacher and supporter.

Part of the reason I love coaching, is because I have been incredibly fortunate to have had amazing coaches during my racing career. They inspired and motivated me to challenge myself and do it with all heart and no regrets. Skiing was a huge part of my life and because of them I am still loving it!

The second part is that I believe in believing. Having the opportunity to be part of an athletes development and growth in a sport we love is something that I am incredibly passionate and excited about. I am thankful to share the journey of success, working through challenges, and being a part of a strong community with the athletes and families!

Hobbies/other interests: Running, boating, Scrabble, MN Vikings. Interested in learning to fly fish.

XC Devo South & Striders Head Coach

Emily Williams

I started out chasing Laurie Leman, begging for SPK’s (Sour Patch Kids) around the Lake Creek trails, and was hooked. Moved on to Prep Team with Kelley Sinnott, then to Comp to ski with Ashley McQueen (Knox), Rick Kapala, and Chris Mallory. Thanks to all their great coaching in life and on skis, I qualified for Junior Nationals four times. I stopped competing after high school, but skiing will always be one of the most important parts of my life.

I coach because I want to share the love I have both for the sport and for spending time outside with kids at a young age. The best part of coaching is watching as skiers progress; whether that’s putting their skis on by themselves or making it up and down the steepest, longest hill on the trail system without falling.

Hobbies/other interests: Environmental protection, conservation and sustainability initiatives, trail running, back country skiing.

XC Asst. Program Director, Prep Team Head Coach

Kelley Sinnott

I grew up skiing with SVSEF before skiing one year in college at Bates. I also love hockey, rafting, and Calvin the dog.