Scott Griffiths - SPARK Program Director
“I feel like developing and running the SPARK program has been a dream come true. What could possibly be better than helping kids discover and pursue their passions!”
Scott has worn many hats over the length of his career including wilderness trip leader, street performing puppeteer, actor, custom metal fabricator, executive director, educator, IT guy, grant coordinator and Mayor of the City of Washburn.
“My role with the SPARK program is a fantastic merger of all of my skills and interests. I have been blessed to pursue many passions over the course of my life and I want our kids to see that they have that same opportunity.”
“I feel like developing and running the SPARK program has been a dream come true. What could possibly be better than helping kids discover and pursue their passions!”
Scott has worn many hats over the length of his career including wilderness trip leader, street performing puppeteer, actor, custom metal fabricator, executive director, educator, IT guy, grant coordinator and Mayor of the City of Washburn.
“My role with the SPARK program is a fantastic merger of all of my skills and interests. I have been blessed to pursue many passions over the course of my life and I want our kids to see that they have that same opportunity.”
Kannon Kilander - Youth Mentor
Hello! I’m Kannon. I grew up in LaCrosse, WI. I am a Northland College graduate with a degree in Outdoor Education. I enjoy rock climbing, paddling, mountain biking, and most everything that will get me outside! I love to teach, and help others find their own passions.
Cam Smith - Youth Mentor
My name is Cam, I’m from East Lansing, MI and currently a junior at Northland College. I’m studying Psychology, Sociology and Social Justice, and Outdoor Education. I enjoy many outdoor pursuits including backpacking, whitewater kayaking, and swimming in Lake Superior, as well as spending time with my bulldog, Tobias. As a SPARK Mentor I have enjoyed working with kids as we explore and challenge our comfort zones. Every day brings a new exciting adventure as we continue to build relationships through following our goals and interests. I look forward to continue guiding kids to find their passion, develop mastery, and prevent substance abuse.
My name is Cam, I’m from East Lansing, MI and currently a junior at Northland College. I’m studying Psychology, Sociology and Social Justice, and Outdoor Education. I enjoy many outdoor pursuits including backpacking, whitewater kayaking, and swimming in Lake Superior, as well as spending time with my bulldog, Tobias. As a SPARK Mentor I have enjoyed working with kids as we explore and challenge our comfort zones. Every day brings a new exciting adventure as we continue to build relationships through following our goals and interests. I look forward to continue guiding kids to find their passion, develop mastery, and prevent substance abuse.
Amber Pickney - Youth Mentor
Hello! My name is Amber Pickney. I am from Louisiana, so naturally I love cooking. I am an avid traveler and have been blessed enough to travel around the world, get this, by sea! When I’m not reading, listening to music, or gardening, I can be found hanging with my pup in the great outdoors. I am super stoked about being a SPARK mentor. Spending time with the local youth and helping them discover more about themselves has been an amazing and rewarding experience. It has been even more rewarding to learn from each of the SPARK youth participants. I am excited to continue learning, creating, and inspiring!
Hello! My name is Amber Pickney. I am from Louisiana, so naturally I love cooking. I am an avid traveler and have been blessed enough to travel around the world, get this, by sea! When I’m not reading, listening to music, or gardening, I can be found hanging with my pup in the great outdoors. I am super stoked about being a SPARK mentor. Spending time with the local youth and helping them discover more about themselves has been an amazing and rewarding experience. It has been even more rewarding to learn from each of the SPARK youth participants. I am excited to continue learning, creating, and inspiring!
Wyatt Strombom - Youth Mentor
My name is Wyatt and I am a recent graduate of Northland College with a degree in Outdoor Education. I really enjoy hiking, biking, paddling, both canoes and kayaks, and skiing. When I'm not outside I likes to read, cook, play video games and write! I'm both extremely excited and grateful for the chance to work with the SPARK program with all of it's opportunities for the youth around the Ashland area to explore different creative pursuits and be able to discover their passions!
Dylan Reynolds - Youth Mentor
Hello! My name is Dylan Reynolds and I'm from Ashland, WI. From snowboarding, skateboarding, and BMX, to Dungeons & Dragons, Overwatch, and Warhammer I enjoy recreating in a wide variety of ways. I also love seeing and unlocking the potential in today's youth and helping them thrive!
Hello! My name is Dylan Reynolds and I'm from Ashland, WI. From snowboarding, skateboarding, and BMX, to Dungeons & Dragons, Overwatch, and Warhammer I enjoy recreating in a wide variety of ways. I also love seeing and unlocking the potential in today's youth and helping them thrive!
Liam Janson - Youth Mentor
My name is Liam Janson, I am a second year outdoor education major at northland college. I love pretty much anything outdoors, I spend most of my time skiing, snowboarding, biking, skateboarding, and a bunch of other stuff. I love working as a SPARK youth mentor, working with kids and helping them hone in on things they might be passionate about is very rewarding and a fun challenge. As someone who is passionate about a lot of things especially in the outdoors it's great to have an opportunity to help kids find their passion too.
My name is Liam Janson, I am a second year outdoor education major at northland college. I love pretty much anything outdoors, I spend most of my time skiing, snowboarding, biking, skateboarding, and a bunch of other stuff. I love working as a SPARK youth mentor, working with kids and helping them hone in on things they might be passionate about is very rewarding and a fun challenge. As someone who is passionate about a lot of things especially in the outdoors it's great to have an opportunity to help kids find their passion too.
Nate Laessig - Youth Mentor
Hi! My name is Nate. I am an avid BMX freestyle rider and through the Spark program, I've been given the opportunity to teach what I love to the local kids in the Ashland, WI area. Now here I am helping kids get excited about riding BMX and more importantly, excited about life! I'm stoked to keep this thing going, grateful and humbled to be a part of the Spark team.
Hi! My name is Nate. I am an avid BMX freestyle rider and through the Spark program, I've been given the opportunity to teach what I love to the local kids in the Ashland, WI area. Now here I am helping kids get excited about riding BMX and more importantly, excited about life! I'm stoked to keep this thing going, grateful and humbled to be a part of the Spark team.
Dakota White - Youth Mentor
My name is Dakota White. I'm a sponsored skateboarder and instructor that grew up in Radisson Wisconsin. I've been skateboarding in contests all over the country since I was 4 years old. I’ve had opportunities to skate some of the biggest contests in skateboarding. I also, have worked side by side and train some of the best up and coming pro skateboarders. I had an amazing opportunity to run a non-profit skate park in Greenbay Wisconsin. Skateboarding and teaching is my love and passion. Besides skateboarding I also love snowboarding, basketball, hiking and dog sledding with my two huskies. I'm very excited to be a mentor and teacher for the kids and to be apart of the S.P.A.R.K team!