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)

Brittany Anderson

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & HIKING LEAD

Brittany Anderson is a Utah native, and currently resides in Salt Lake City. She graduated with a BS from the University of Utah in both Human Development & Family Studies and Community Consumer Studies. She is currently in pursuit of studying Positive Psychology. You can often find her adventuring in the mountains, at a local concert, or jet setting off to new locations. Her love for children has taken her from coast to coast nannying for families. She is passionate about today’s youth and hopes to help teens navigate the stresses of today’s world.

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

Katie Thomas

HIKING LEAD

Katie Thomas grew up in the mountains, moved to the desert for a few years, and quickly returned to higher elevations. She moved to Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah where graduated with a B.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism with an emphasis in Recreational Therapy. Her passion shifted from working in adaptive recreation to helping people struggling with mental health issues. She continued to education at Grand Canyon University where she became a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with specialized training in trauma therapy. Katie now works as a mental health therapist at an outpatient clinic in Park City, working with teens and adults. She finds healing and resilience through being in the outdoors. She loves skiing, biking, yoga, traveling, eating sweets, and being in the mountains with her husband, doggies, friends, and family.

Certifications: First Aid/Basic Life Support (CPR & AED), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC)

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)

Julia Goldhoff

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER & HIKING INSTRUCTOR

Julia grew up in many different parts of the US and Canada but moved to Salt Lake City in 2018 to study Parks, Recreation, and Tourism at the University of Utah. In 2022, she received her Bachelor's degree in this field with an emphasis in Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Management as well as a minor in Environmental Sustainability. In her free time, you can find Julia rock climbing, hiking, swimming in a lake somewhere, or asking people if she can pet their dogs. She is passionate about making outdoor spaces more accessible and equitable for women and girls from all backgrounds.

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

Tara Byrne

HIKING INSTRUCTOR

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)

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.

Kelly May Johnston

DEI Advisor

Kelly May Johnston was born in California but has been in Utah most of her life and loves the beautiful mountains and adventure Utah exudes. Kelly is her healthiest, happiest self outside mountain biking, road or trail running, paddleboarding, or hiking.

Kelly graduated with a B.S. in Business Management from Utah Valley University and is currently pursuing her Masters Degree at Harvard Extension school, studying Industrial Organizational Psychology with an emphasis in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She has worked in the technology industry for the past 10 years in product management and loves the innovation and impact of tech. 

Her wife, two girls, and dog, Sarge are her world and greatest happiness. Kelly is passionate about helping her girls discover who they are and creating a more inclusive, equitable future.

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