Ron Kauk
Executive Director and member, Board of Directors
I had a life-changing event as a teenager when I went on a 20-day backpacking trip in northern Yosemite. This took me down the path of rock climbing and connection to the ways of nature, from which I have learned all through my adult years. Although climbing may seem like an extreme sport, it is more about engaging with beauty and coming into harmony with the psyche of nature. Yosemite, which has been my home for most of my life, is a sacred place where nature and humanity flow into each other, bringing together the past and the present. Not a day goes by for me without feeling enormous gratitude for sensing and living in this privilege. I want to share that with future generations, especially for those who do not feel that they fit into this society. That is why our mission is to teach respect for nature, and through that, respect ourselves. Ron has lived and climbed in Yosemite National Park for more than 35 years. He is a Patagonia Ambassador.
Steve Shackelton
Chair of the Board, Board of Directors
I am pleased to be involved with Sacred Rok because, as the former chief ranger in Yosemite, an essential part of my job was to protect all of the elements of the park….not just now, but forever into the future. This includes predictable things like wildlife, plant communities and the systems that sustain them. It also includes elements that are often harder to quantify, like viewsheds, peacefulness, and a sense of solitude in the wilderness. By far the best way to protect these attributes is through education that allows every visitor to the park to understand Yosemite’s unique standing in the world. By revering Yosemite as an island deserving of special treatment – where people can be in harmony with the natural world and with each other – we can imagine the same cooperative spirit for our planet. Sacred Rok provides a rare opportunity for kids to learn Yosemite through rigorous adventure with all five senses – creating deep friendships with each other and the forces of the land. These friendships will sustain them with confidence and will grow them into stewards of the park and the world they occupy and influence throughout their lives. Steve is the former Chief Ranger at Yosemite National Park and currently Director, Vernal Pool Reserve and Project Scientist at the Sierra Nevada Research Institute at the University of California, Merced.
Brian Cooley
Secretary/treasurer, Board of Directors
I’m very honored to be involved with Sacred Rok. As the former Chief Probation Officer of Merced County and having spent the last 37 years in the field of youth and adult corrections, I have seen firsthand the power the wilderness can have in bringing about positive change. It is clear that there is a disproportionate number of youth who make up our “at risk” youth population that have not been exposed to the wilderness. It seems as though the youth of today (especially “at risk” youth) are caught up in the social drama of their daily lives. When we add to this the dynamics that are at play when youth become part of our Juvenile Justice System, there is no time (in their minds) for the opportunities afforded by the wilderness. I’m personally very excited to be a part of the conduit that will provide youth the opportunity for a wilderness experience and even more excited that that experience will be in the world renowned Yosemite National Park. I really feel like there is a healing quality that can be found in the wilderness. I think the “healing quality” comes from the process of reflecting on the natural order of life and putting in perspective just where we fit in with respect to overarching grandeur of the natural world “wilderness”. Our youth live in a complicated and highly social world and need to be exposed to the healing properties of the wilderness. I see Sacred Rok as that all important vehicle that provides such an opportunity. Brian is retired Chief Probation Officer of Merced County.
Lamar Henderson
Member, Board of Directors
My involvement with Sacred Rok is one of great desire and passion. As a very young teen I was blessed to have the experience of attending a summer camp very similar or Sacred Rok. I can fully appreciate what this experience can do for a youth trying to find his or her place in this world. As an adult I am an advocate for youth empowerment through personal growth. The mission of Sacred Rok along with the passion and sincerity of the folks involved, make this the perfect opportunity for me to share my passion and energy. It also allows me to reciprocate the experiences that I have been blessed with to the youth of our community.
Lamar is Program Coordinator for Merced County Human Services Agency’s Fatherhood Program, All Dads Matter. He is also a member of the Merced County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission.
brandi Lennertz
member, board of directors
I first experienced Yosemite Valley in 1986 after driving most of the night under a full moon. When I arrived I was overtaken with emotion as I observed the moonlight reflecting on the behemoth granite faces and a silver ribbon of the Merced River running through the Valley. At that point in my life I had never seen anything as magnificent and the memory of that moment still brings me tears of joy, strength and hope. Through the years I have found Yosemite to be a transformative place physically, emotionally, socially, and educationally. I believe it is important to provide our societies youth with the holistic benefits of learning through nature that have enhanced my life and my families lives. The mission of Sacred Rok is to foster respect and care for the natural world by facilitating for our youth the opportunity of experiencing the nature of Yosemite. I am grateful to be a part of this organization, as it is gratifying to support and enhance the lives of our youth.
Brandi is a Special Education high school teacher, and I work in the inner city of Long Beach, Ca. with at risk and marginalized teenagers.
Her Education includes:
Bachelors in Communication Studies from California State University Long Beach,
Special Education Teaching Credential from California State University Long Beach
Masters in Special Education from California State University Long Beach
200 hour Yoga teachers training
Completed the John Muir Trail in 2014
Lam Kindavong
Member, Board of directors
Who would of thought... a simple day trip to Yosemite escorted by Sacred Rok with the Boys and Girls Club would lead into this...Working with Sacred Rok for the past years has really brought somethings into light for me and that's building relationships and staying connected. These two concepts have really imposed what I value most in my profession and life. Building long term relationships with youth into adulthood as well as bridging the connection to nature is vital in these times. The simplicity of Sacred Rok's mission to offering these experiences allows youth to take in and digest slowly, captivating what Yosemite has to offer. Myself, having the opportunity to join Ron on these trips can first hand state that it's priceless to be surrounded by someone with a wealth of knowledge, especially one who is spiritually connected to the land. I am humbled and thrilled for this opportunity and will ensure Sacred Rok continues to preserve their commitment to youth and nature.
Lam is the Recreation Coordinator for the City of Merced Youth Services and Special Events. He also serves the Merced Youth Council Advisor.
He previously was an AmeriCorps Mentor and Program Director with Merced County Boys and Girls Club.
His Education includes a BA in Biological Science at CSU Stanislaus.
Katie Lambert
Chief Operating Officer, Nutritionist & Program Director
Katie sees to the daily operations of Sacred Rok, such as web maintenance, grant writing, scheduling of trips, partnerships, coordinating presentations, and developing programs. She is also camp cook and nutritionist for Sacred Rok. Lambert holds her masters degree in Traditional Nutrition and works as a Nutritional Therapist in her home in Bishop, CA. Katie has been with Sacred Rok since the beginning working as camp manager & cook. She came to the Sierra in 2006 from Louisiana to follow her passion as a professional rock climber. From all of her time spent in the outdoors through climbing she has developed a deep understanding of the power of nature and how beneficial it can be for the health of our mind, body and spirit. Through her work with Sacred Rok she helps to facilitate that to our youth.