Meet our Team
Candice Shaw-Director-Owner
Corey Crownover- Childcare Health Consultant
Candice Shaw-Director-Owner
Candice and her family of four relocated to the beautiful valley three years ago from Texas. She has 9 years of experience with nurturing young children from infants to teens in many different roles. If she is not with her animals or in the garden; her family is usually off the beaten trail exploring what this beautiful valley has to offer. Candice is passionate about teaching children how to garden while working with nature and respecting the preservation of our beautiful lands.
Danielle Thurm-Co-Director
Corey Crownover- Childcare Health Consultant
Candice Shaw-Director-Owner
Danielle, and her family made their way from Southern California, to the western slope of Colorado in 2015. She has cared for many of our elderly through out the valley, and has provided support for those in need. When she’s not caring for others, you can find her here helping on the ranch, or out enjoying Colorado’s tranquil scenery. Danielle has a passion for organic living, and is excited to help bring this program to our beloved valley.
Corey Crownover- Childcare Health Consultant
Corey Crownover- Childcare Health Consultant
Corey Crownover- Childcare Health Consultant
Corey Crownover is a Registered Nurse in the State of Colorado. She received her Associate of Science degree in Nursing through Colorado Mountain College in 2014 and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing through Colorado Mesa University in 2019. Corey has worked in many facets of nursing, but in 2015 fulfilled her dream of serving her hometown community after gaining employment at Grand River Hospital (GRH) in Rifle. Corey started her career at GRH on the medical/surgical floor where she had the pleasure of caring for a multitude of pediatric inpatients alongside the hospital’s Pediatrician and Family practitioners. Corey currently works full time in the Emergency room at GRHD where she takes care of patients of all ages. Corey is proud to work alongside the staff of providing healthcare consultation and training, and looks forward to cultivating the growth of the children in this wonderful community.
Vanessa Hesser- Counselor
Vanessa Hesser- Counselor
Corey Crownover- Childcare Health Consultant
Hello, My name is Vanessa I am married with 2 sons, and love butterflies and the color purple. I got a job as a ski instructor for kids 6 and under at Sunlight. I worked there for 14 winters; it was so much fun. Ive had many roles, teacher aid for students with special needs, the librarian and tech support, and one year I taught kindergarten, where I met Candice. Now I am supporting my son and his best friend in school at my home while working in the summers for Rooted n’ Nature and as a wedding venue assistant at Vista View Events. I am a home gardener and soap maker working my way to being a homesteader in the future. I am so excited to work as a camp counselor this year for Rooted n’ Nature.
Ben Westby- Counselor
Vanessa Hesser- Counselor
Ben Westby- Counselor
My name is Ben and I’m excited to be a part of camp this year! I grew up on dairy and corn farms in Northern Minnesota and became an educator in 2011. My family has lived overseas working for international schools until 2017, when we moved to the valley. We now live off-grid within the White River National Forest with chickens, goats that we adopted from Rooted in Nature, and free ranging sheep and cattle. We love being outdoors and sharing the love of nature with others!
Vanessa Hesser- Counselor
Ben Westby- Counselor
"Children want the same thing we want. To laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained and delighted." -Dr. Seuss
Trainings and Certifications
Trainings and Certifications
Trainings and Certifications
All of our staff are CPR/ First Aid certified. All counselors have finished all training required by the Colorado State Licensing Department and will be available for review at anytime.