Nick Pearson

Founder & EXECUTIVE Director

Nick Pearson isn’t just an adventurer—he’s a restless explorer who’s crisscrossed all 48 lower states, hopped through 22 countries, and held the reins of power as Chief Sales Officer, Sales Director, and Co-Founder for top outdoor brands. But his real passion lives far beyond corporate boardrooms. It’s out in the wild, where he found his calling: Sober Outdoors.

Fueled by his own path to sobriety, Nick created this nonprofit to unite people in every stage of recovery and help them reclaim their lives through the healing power of nature. By his side through it all is Ruger, his golden retriever and number-one sidekick. Ruger has been there for every backcountry trek, every cross-country road trip, and every last trade show coffee break. More than that, he’s the official tail-wagging welcoming committee at Sober Outdoors events in Colorado—greeting guests like old friends and reminding us all that a simple smile (or wag) can go a long way.

From summiting rugged peaks on the weekends to leading workshops that focus on sobriety, fitness, and fresh air, Nick and Ruger are on a mission to prove that the outdoors is more than a place—it’s a lifeline. Whether you’re battling or bouncing back from Substance Use Disorder, Sober Outdoors offers a community built on adventure, camaraderie, and honest-to-goodness fun. Join Nick and Ruger on the trail, and discover just how far a little hope, a lot of heart, and one friendly golden retriever can take you.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Member & Medical Director
As a Board Member at Sober Outdoors, Matthew Pendergrass brings a deep commitment to helping individuals thrive in recovery.
With his medical expertise and background, he guides the organization in meeting people where they’re at, ensuring we create supportive, accessible, and impactful experiences for our Community Members.
His focus on wellness, inclusivity, and continuous improvement helps shape Sober Outdoors into a space where everyone can find connection, healing, and adventure on their recovery journey.
Board Member & Finance Director
As a Board Member at Sober Outdoors, Stacey Zimmer plays a vital role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of our organization.
Overseeing compliance, budgeting, and financial strategy, she ensures we meet our nonprofit federal status requirements while aligning our financial goals with our mission.
Her expertise allows us to expand access to the outdoors for those in recovery, creating more opportunities for healing, connection, and adventure.
Stacey’s dedication helps Sober Outdoors grow responsibly, ensuring we can continue making a lasting impact in the recovery community.
Board Member & Director of Business Operations
As a Board Member at Sober Outdoors, Dan McCarthy ensures that every initiative we undertake is strategically aligned with our greater mission—bringing the outdoors to those recovering from Substance Use Disorder.
Overseeing business operations, he helps streamline processes, optimize resources, and drive efficiency across the organization.
Dan’s leadership ensures that our programs, partnerships, and outreach efforts work cohesively to create sustainable growth and maximum impact for our Community Members.
His dedication to structure and strategy helps Sober Outdoors thrive as we continue expanding access to nature’s healing power.

Meet the Team

Lori MacGregor

PR & Communications
As PR & Communications lead at Sober Outdoors, Lori spearheads all things messaging—crafting compelling stories, building media relationships, and ensuring our mission resonates far and wide. She’s the voice behind the brand, connecting with communities and amplifying our impact at every turn.
Joe Monheiser

Director of Operation
As Director of Operations at Sober Outdoors, Joe oversees all aspects of our day-to-day operations, ensuring that everything from event planning to community engagement runs smoothly and with heart. He plays a key role in bringing our mission to life — managing logistics, coordinating teams, and making sure each experience reflects the values we stand for. Joe also serves as a vital connector between our organization and the communities we serve, nurturing relationships with partners, participants, and supporters alike. His passion for purpose-driven work and commitment to creating meaningful, sober outdoor experiences make him an essential part of our leadership and the driving force behind our operational excellence.
Seamus Cornin

Community Relations & Events Manager
As Community Relations & Events Manager at Sober Outdoors, Seamus brings a dynamic blend of heart and hustle to our mission. He leads the charge in building and nurturing connections with our partners, supporters, and community members, ensuring that everyone who engages with Sober Outdoors feels seen, welcomed, and supported. In addition to cultivating relationships, Seamus plays a key role in planning and executing events that reflect the spirit of our community — inclusive, inspiring, and grounded in nature. His dedication to connection and his passion for creating memorable, sober experiences make him an invaluable part of our growing team.
Walt Hester

Partner Relations & Community Manager
As Partner Relations & Community Manager at Sober Outdoors, Walt plays a vital role in expanding and strengthening the relationships that fuel our mission. He oversees partnerships with treatment centers, recovery programs, nonprofit organizations, and aligned brands — ensuring that each collaboration is rooted in shared values and mutual impact. Walt also leads the management of our Ambassador program, supporting and guiding our incredible community voices as they represent Sober Outdoors across the country. With a strategic mind and a heart for connection, Walt ensures our partnerships thrive and our community outreach remains authentic, expansive, and deeply impactful.
Kayci Ann

Ambassador - Utah
Kayci Ann is the Utah Ambassador for Sober Outdoors, bringing her passion for recovery and the outdoors to the stunning landscapes of Moab and the greater Utah area. With a deep love for nature and a personal journey of resilience, she is dedicated to creating welcoming, adventure-filled spaces for those in recovery to connect, heal, and grow. Kayci will lead hikes, outdoor excursions, and community events, helping Community Members experience the power of the outdoors in their recovery journey. Her leadership ensures that more people have access to nature’s healing benefits while building meaningful connections along the way. She is a strong advocate for meeting people where they’re at and making the outdoors a space where everyone feels supported. We’re thrilled to have her on board and can’t wait to see the impact she makes!
Danielle Ahrnsbrak

Ambassador - Colorado
As the Sober Outdoors Ambassador for Colorado, Danielle leads inspiring events in and around the Denver area, as well as adventures deep into Colorado’s stunning backcountry. A proud Denver native, Danielle has lived across the U.S. — from the beaches of Hawaii and Puerto Rico to the deserts of Nevada and the heart of Texas — bringing a rich and diverse perspective to everything she does. She’s a registered dietitian, union actress, and yes — a professional mermaid — with a true passion for life both on and off the trail. When she’s not leading hikes or community meetups, you’ll find her diving, cycling, paddling, rafting, snowshoeing, lifting, climbing, or cooking up something delicious while catching a great film or show. Danielle is deeply committed to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, connect with others, and pursue their goals. Her energy, creativity, and love for the outdoors make her a powerful force in our Colorado community and an incredible part of the Sober Outdoors team.
Justin Ostrander

Ambassador