Co-founder

Lee is the co-founder of River Access Paddle Programs (2022) which developed out of realizing the need to create opportunities for inclusion, diversity and access to paddle sports through environmental education. Lee is an American Canoe Association Certified Instructor for sea kayak, canoe and stand up paddle board. They grew up on the Pacific Ocean beginning their connection to water at a young age in Hawaii.

They have been working on the Duwamish River and Salish Sea for over 12 years. Living in the Duwamish River Valley they continue working towards land and water protection, education and restoration efforts. They are a board member of Shared Spaces Foundation and the Field Director of The Heron’s Nest land back education project also located in Seattle, WA. They are a climate activist that believes in the power of change through environmental education and sharing passion for generational health and preservation of forests and waterways.

She/Her

Co-founder

Cari Simson is an environmental consultant and mixed media artist who focuses on connecting people with their local environments. She loves being on the water and has been paddling on the Duwamish River since 2003, and more recently became an avid paddleboarder.

She also produces events with the Friends of Georgetown History's annual Georgetown Haunted History Tour, which has entertained sold out crowds for the past 20 years. Cari has a space at Equinox Studios in Georgetown, and is a catalyst and community connector bringing big ideas to fruition by assembling diverse teams and partnerships.

They/Them

Event and Volunteer Coordinator

Shan has a private practice as a Somatic embodiment therapist. Over the past 20 years, Shan has worked as a sexuality educator, mental health therapist, and personal trainer. Their work has included a focus on liberatory practice and holding intersections of queer/trans, racialized, and disabled body wholeness. They are happiest on/near/in water, spending time in nature with their pup and people, reading, gardening, and building community engagement