Behind the
Scenes
Board of Directors
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Kitty Gayner
Director
Hello! I'm Kitty, the founder, president, and director of the WOTTHC. Originally from Michigan, I moved to North Carolina in 2021 and started the Hiking Club the very day I arrived.
When I'm not out on the trails, you'll find me running, painting, enjoying the company of my cats, and spending quality time with my friends. Welcome to my passion project!
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Ana Sandhu
Human Resources Director
Hi everyone! I’m Ana, and I’m excited to be able to be a part of such an incredible organization. I’m originally from the northeast, but NC is the 5th state I’ve lived in- dare I say I finally found home! I am a nationally certified behavior consultant and professional dog trainer, going on my 12th year. My own dog (Athena, or “Pig” I call her most often) is absolutely my best friend. We are also avid backpackers and love to lead first-timers out into the wilderness on extended trips. Other than the obvious fact that I love to hike, I also truly enjoy the opportunity to empower women to be more confident and independent. Learning about people and what makes them who they are is one of my favorite things in the world, so feel free to chat with me! We have a lot to learn from each other.
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Bri Milot (she/her)
Director of Volunteer Engagement
Hi everyone! My name is Bri, and I moved from Seattle in 2020 with my husband and dogs. I love the outdoors, and I'm so happy to live in such a beautiful state! I have lots of pets, including 3 dogs, 4 guinea pigs, and 2 bunnies, and I'm happy to talk about animals anytime. You can often find me outside in my garden or inside crocheting or reading. I'm also finishing up my Master's degree at NC State in Public Administration and I have a background in nonprofit work. I am thrilled to be joining the team and connecting with an amazing group of women! As an organization built and run purely on volunteer power, I'm excited to apply my background of volunteer management to help support this group of volunteers. And I can't wait to see you all on the trails!
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Hannah Mack (She/her)
Director of Membership
Heyyyyyy, Club, I'm Hannah Mack! When I'm not hiking, I spend my time running or coaching others on how to run, traveling, and playing board games. I've lived in NC most of my life, and I've been a part of this amazing community since the Fall of 2022.
...well sort of. I joined the Facebook group, but I was what I call a "lurker" in the group for a few months. I mostly just looked around in the Facebook group and tried to figure out what the vibe was and how to participate. When I finally went on my first hike after the craziness of the holidays, I was hooked! Being a part of a community where other women want to be active, be outdoors, and make real friendships has brightened my life immensely. The only regret that I've had since joining is that I took so long to finally go on my first hike! And that's why I wanted to be Membership Director. I want to make you, our members, feel welcome and confident to join us on the trails, whether it's your first hike with the club or your fiftieth!
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Kelly Nutty
Fundraising Director
Kelly is a life-long wanderer. She recently moved to Raleigh in September 2023 as a result of her spouse's job change. Kelly and her husband, Jeff, have a dog and two cats. Born and raised in Daytona Beach, FL, she moved to the Washington, D.C. area after college. After twenty years in the big city, Jeff got a job promotion and they moved to Wisconsin. Kelly fell in love with the outdoors again and the beauty of the state.
Kelly describes herself as a slow hiker, who likes to meander in the woods. In 2022, she walked 130 miles of the Portuguese Camino with two dear friends from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Every morning before the first step, one of them recited the following quote: "When things get tough, I remember the person cheering loudest for me is the woman I used to be." Also, that year in late November, she solo hiked trails in the Mighty 5 in Utah, with her favorite hike being the Narrows at Zion National Park.
For work, Kelly is a nonprofit leader in the areas of fundraising, communications, and strategic planning. Currently, she's the National Development Director for the Solihten Institute, a mental health organization that leads a network of centers that integrate mind, body, spirit, and community. Kelly is a recovering attorney.
She's excited to get to know the women of WOTTHC, and she especially loves that this group attracts such a diverse group of women.
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Joanna D'Ancona
Director of Events
Hey y’all, it’s me, Joanna! I originally joined the club to get back into nature and challenge myself to beat my social anxiety. I’ve stayed because of the inspiring and encouraging women I get to meet at each hike and event! When I am not on the trails you can find me playing lots and lots of board games or deep in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. I live in Garner with my two cats Finnegan and Pipsqueak who love to attack my yarn while I’m cozily working on my crochet. I am a sales and marketing manager within the horticulture industry so prepare yourself for some fun plant facts and IDs while on a hike with me! Hope to see you on the trails soon!
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Audrianna Yackuboskey (she/her)
Finance Director
Hi, I'm Audrianna! I relocated to North Carolina from Pennsylvania in 2017. I've always had a deep love for the outdoors, and I am currently training my adventurous pup, Phoenix, to be my future hiking companion!
In early 2024, I discovered WOTTHC and was immediately impressed by its mission. I'm eager to volunteer my time and utilize my 12+ years of accounting experience to contribute to this fantastic organization!
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Lindsey Oldt (she/her)
Program Director
Hi everyone! I'm Lindsey and I have been a member of WOTTHC since March of 2024. I am so excited to be more involved in this amazing and supportive community as your Program Director!
I started hiking with the club during a transitional period in my life - I had just moved to Raleigh to start a new job, and many of my college friends were no longer in the area. In a time that felt new and scary, this community was so welcoming, uplifting, and joyful! WOTTHC is the perfect place to share an activity I love with a new group of friends who encourage each other to gain confidence through our outdoor adventures. I love seeing everyone's smiling faces as we venture out together and enjoy a new place! I am looking forward to establishing programs that offer educational opportunities and accessibility support for members so you feel even more empowered to hit the trails.
In my free time, I love climbing, writing, reading, and cheering for the Tar Heels. I also love to crochet, go to the Farmer's Market on a busy Sunday, and catch a concert with friends. Ask me about backpacking in Virginia and my involvement with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy!
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Tori Barker (She/her)
Marketing Director
Tori has been passionate about hiking and camping throughout her life, always seeking new adventures in the great outdoors. In her 9-to-5 role, she in project management, but her true enthusiasm shines through in community events. Tori enjoys meeting new people and exploring nature, making the most of every opportunity to connect with nature.
Managers, Coordinators, and More
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Dafina Dervishi
Social Media Manager
I am a proud mother to a delightful 2-year-old boy, currently residing in Morrisville, NC, alongside my husband, Ermal. Our journey has led us through various states, including New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, and now North Carolina, where we've found a true sense of belonging. Despite our Albanian heritage, we cherish returning home to visit whenever possible.
In my professional life, I am a Senior Graphic Designer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, working full-time remotely. Collaborating closely with the marketing and communications team, I specialize in creating captivating graphics for diverse platforms such as web, social media, TV commercials, and more. I take pride in meticulously managing timelines, showcasing unwavering dedication to efficiency and excellence. My approach is driven by a deep motivation and a forward-thinking work ethic.
Furthermore, I obtained my Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design from Montclair State University in May 2011, laying a solid foundation for my career journey.
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Sondra Slepski (she/her)
Event Coordinator
My name is Sondra. I moved to Raleigh after graduating from the University of South Carolina in May of 2022. In addition to my love for hiking and participating in outdoors activities, some of my hobbies include thrifting, listening to podcasts, reading, and playing card games. I also recently adopted 2 cats so I spend a lot of my time hanging out with them!
I’m excited to bring women across the Triangle together to create memorable experiences and contribute to a mission I am passionate about as an Events Coordinator!
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Bridget Schroeder (she/her)
Event Coordinator - Hike Events Specialist
I grew up hiking and camping in the midwest. I spent many years living in Minneapolis and taking my family on Sunday morning hikes outside of the city. I got really hooked on hiking in 2018 when I moved to South Carolina and started exploring the mountains. In 2021 I relocated to Chapel Hill and shortly after began looking for new ways to get out, be active and meet new people. I joined the club in early 2023 and have loved spending my weekends exploring the trails around the triangle and meeting so many wonderful people. I have 2 grown daughters and one in high school, so making time for myself is a priority for me! I also enjoy tennis, running, yoga and my golden doodle, Mike!
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Katie Torres (she/her)
Membership Coordinator
Hello! I am Katie, and I've lived in Raleigh since 2017. I was born in Durham but grew up mostly in Portland, Maine. I have always loved getting outside and soaking in nature, whether it be hiking, outdoor yoga, or just reading a book in the park. I have two dogs, a GSP, and a lab mix, and I love exploring new places with them. I speak Spanish and my first ever WOTTHC hike was a Spanish-speaker hike, which was a blast! I have really enjoyed getting involved in the club and getting to know so many women from around the triangle. -
Elaine Petrone (she/her)
Events Admin
Originally from NY, I've lived in Raleigh since college. I work with computers daily and play theatre by night with a few different community theatres in Raleigh. Walking has always been my preferred fitness activity, especially near the local lakes. In 2020 with theaters closed for Covid, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and explore some of the unpaved trails of Umstead, and a newbie hiker was born. I discovered WOTTHC in early 2022, just as I wanted to explore further. I'm happy to be able to give back to WOTTC.
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Gwendolyn Woodward (she/her)
Treasurer
Hey there, I’m Gwendolyn (not Gwen)! I fell in love with hiking a few years back, and it has truly been the best thing. Hiking is a way to clear my head, get outside, and appreciate nature. In the years that I’ve hiked, I have seen some pretty epic views across many states, and I cannot wait to see more!
I grew up in South Carolina and lived there for all of my life, until my awesome dog (Cooper Johnson, 10 year old mixed breed pupper) and I moved in with my boyfriend in Pikeville, NC during the fall of 2023. While I work remotely the majority of the time, I do head over to the office for my corporate accounting job in Durham a few times a week.
I’ve searched for “my people”, you know, the group of friends and people that make you feel at home and comfortable? Yeah, those people. Well, I’ve searched for a while, and in 2024, I found WOTTHC, and knew immediately, I found my people. I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that accepts you for exactly who you are, that encourages you to be who you want to be, and that supports you. I found my people, and I hope you find that you can say the same.
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Jessie Weeks (she/her/they)
Mid-Month Newsletter Editor
Hey there! I'm Jessie, having been part of this wonderful community for over a year now, I am excited to continue my journey with WotTHC as a volunteer.
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Mikayla Duhaime
First of the Month Newsletter Editor
Growing up against the Adirondack Mountains, my love for the outdoors was instant! After growing up in New York, I lived in West Virginia and Virginia before moving to North Carolina. My time down south gave me the opportunity to hike large parts of the Appalachian Trail. Recently, I accomplished my dream of finishing two trails in Rocky Mountain National Park!
As naturally as my passion for hiking began, so did my passion for reading and writing. These skills gave me the opportunity to develop a creative approach to life, one that I hope to bring to the WotTHC! The group’s mission of inclusivity, connection and friendships through the great outdoors significantly resonates with me - and I can’t wait to bring that excitement to our communication together. See you all on the trails!
Partners
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Lindsey Warren (she/her)
Club Photographer
Hi fellow hikers! My name is Lindsey. I've been a professional photographer for around 10 years and lived in North Carolina all my life. I enjoy rock climbing, kayaking, camping, and just existing outside in general. Other favorite things of mine include my cats Ralph and Louise, my fiance Kevin, live music, and cooking intuitively. I'm looking forward to getting to know you guys and taking pictures of our upcoming adventures! -
Bonnye Hurr
Yoga Instructor
Interested in joining the team?
WOTTHC is built by women, for women. 100% of our volunteers offer their time and skills as a priceless donation to the organization.