Our Team

Mimi Killpack

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Mimi was born and raised in Salt Lake City. She grew up hiking with her dad and siblings. She graduated from University Valley University with a BS in Art & Design. She currently works from home while taking care of her son, Tommy. Mimi loves to run, hike, swim, travel with her husband, and spend time with her friends and family.

Certifications: First Aid/Basic Life Support (BLS, CPR, & AED)

Elizabeth Gillette

PAID MARKETING & HIKING INSTRUCTOR

Elizabeth grew up in Plano, Texas, and studied Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. After graduating, she made her way to the mountains and currently resides in Ogden, UT. Elizabeth’s day job is in digital marketing and she spends her free time skiing, backpacking, and climbing. She believes that the personal growth, confidence, and joy that comes from outdoor activities should be accessible to all. 

Certifications: First Aid/Basic Life Support (BLS, CPR & AED)

Andrea Stofko

MANAGER OF LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS & HIKING LEAD

Andrea grew up in Fallbrook, California, and studied Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Outside of the classroom, Andrea worked with a student outdoor group and led trips that ranged from surfing to backpacking! Her love for the outdoors grew and brought her to Salt Lake City, where she now works for the University of Utah as a research analyst. In her free time, Andrea is an avid trail runner, backpacker, and skier.

Certifications: First Aid/Basic Life Support (BLS, CPR & AED), Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

Abby Adams

HIKING LEAD

Abby grew up in Upstate New York and moved to Salt Lake City in 2021 after graduating with a B.S. in Healthcare Administration, Policy, and Ethics. In her free time, you can find Abby scrambling a ridgeline in the cottonwoods, attending a local jam concert, or advocating for social justice initiatives. Abby is passionate about giving female-identifying individuals equal access to outdoor spaces regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, etc. 

Certifications: First Aid/Basic Life Support (BLS, CPR & AED), Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

Miranda Galbraith

COORDINATION INTERN & HIKING INSTRUCTOR

Miranda grew up in New Hampshire and loved hiking in the White Mountains back home. She transferred to the University of Utah in 2021 and started taking advantage of all Utah offers. She studied Parks, Recreation, and Tourism with an emphasis in Outdoor Recreation Studies and was a board member of the Women’s Outdoor Leadership Initiative, a student club dedicated to providing leadership and skill-building opportunities for female and non-binary students. Miranda believes that everyone should have the opportunity and access to explore nature and is excited to encourage the next generation of young women to push the boundaries of the outdoor industry and make these spaces more inclusive. You can find her skiing, climbing, hiking, and pursuing freelance photography in her free time. 

Certifications: First Aid/Basic Life Support (BLS, CPR & AED)

Tara Byrne

HIKING LEAD

Tara Byrne is from Westchester County, New York. Upon graduating from Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire with a bachelor's degree in History and Criminal Justice, she packed her belongings and drove cross country to Park City, Utah. Living in the Wasatch Mountains has led to her belief that engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking allows individuals to challenge themselves while simultaneously appreciating the beauty of nature. She is currently employed in the field of social work and is a coach with the Park City Ski Team during the winter. You can find Tara skiing, mountain biking, or hiking in her free time.

Certifications: First Aid/Basic Life Support (CPR & AED), Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

Camille Cole, E.d.D.

G&HBP Program Officer

Dr. Camille Cole grew up in Sandy, Utah and works as a Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist for the Canyons School District where she has helped educators develop digital teaching, learning, and leadership skills. She attended the University of Utah where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in History, a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Educational Technology, and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Policy.

One of her favorite quotes is from Malala Yousafzai, “Every girl deserves to take part in creating the technology that will change our world, and change who runs it.” Camille believes that this quote applies to more than just technology – and loves the mission of Girl and Her Backpack which has been designed to boost girls’ confidence and realize their full potential.

Karen Minchow, MPAS, PA-C G&HBP MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Karen Minchow is originally from the East Coast but has lived in Utah most of her adult life. Karen became the first full-time female firefighter/paramedic in Utah, working in the industry for 26 years before retiring as a fire captain. After retirement, Karen returned to school to work towards her graduate degree as a Physician Assistant. Karen currently works in the emergency department at the University of Utah and as a Medical Specialist for The Utah Task Force One (UTTF-1) under FEMA teaching confined space disaster medicine. She loves the outdoors and has taken a number of backpacking trips in our local mountains and has travelled abroad on numerous medical humanitarian trips to Indonesia, Nepal, Haiti, and Brazil.

Certifications: PA-C, Paramedic, ACLS, PALS, BLS, Medical Specialist

Legal Advisor

This is a role we are actively recruiting for. To apply, please send your resume to Ashley@girlandherbackpack.com.

Requirements:

• Detail-oriented, radically candid, tech-savvy, strong communication skills, experience with g-suite

• Passion for the outdoors and educating youth

 Commitments:

• Give or Get $1,000 per year to the organization (services count towards this)

• Establish and monitor risk management policies 

• Review general liability insurance once per year

• Review and revise legal waivers once per year

• Educate Executive Director and Board Members on best legal practices

• Connect us with practicing specialists (such as personal injury) if needed

Development Advisor

This is a role we are actively recruiting for. To apply, please send your resume to Ashley@girlandherbackpack.com.

Requirements:

• Detail-oriented, radically candid, tech-savvy, strong communication skills, experience with g-suite

• Passion for the outdoors and educating youth

• 2+ years of experience in non-profit development (fundraising, event planning, social campaigns)

Commitments:

• Give or Get $1,000 per year to the organization

• Meet with the Fundraising Coordinator twice per year to plan grant research and strategy

• Ensure that the organization’s charitable mission is carried out

• Meet with the board of directors twice per year to vote on important changes and gather input

Financial Advisor (CPA)

This is a role we are actively recruiting for. To apply, please send your resume to Ashley@girlandherbackpack.com.

Requirements:

• Detail-oriented, radically candid, tech-savvy, strong communication skills, experience with g-suite

• Passion for the outdoors and educating youth

• Must be legal CPA with over 1 year of experience

Commitments:

• Give or Get $1,000 per year to the organization (services count towards this)

• Ensure that the organization’s charitable mission is carried out and assets are properly recorded/allocates

• Help Girl & Her Backpack team set and reach financial goals and financial planning 

• Meet with the Executive Director twice per year to review budget and taxes