Meet the Risers 4 Rett (R4R) Committee Members

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We can only make our events happen with a dedicated group of volunteers - Thank you!

  • Brad is a native of Southern California where he grew up spearfishing and flyfishing the kelp beds of Catalina Island and exploring remote bays of Baja looking for snook. He attended University of Colorado at Boulder where he played linebacker for Coach Bill McCartney in the good ol’ days of the Big 8 Conference. Go Buffs!

    Brad and his wife Amy enjoy traveling the world with backpacks and ball caps, experiencing the local cultures of Asia, the South Pacific, and Latin America - ALWAYS with a 4 piece 6 weight and a box of clousers.  More than anything, Brad enjoys experiencing adventure with his kids Reese (14) and Jack (11) – flyfishing and bowhunting around the west.  Brad and his kids frequently host “Dad Trips” where they take busy Dads and their kids on cool adventures (canyoneering, rafting, fishing, rock climbing and hut skiing to name a few). The goal is to help these Dads build more loving relationships with their kids through nature and create memories that will last a lifetime.  

    Brad and his family believe that it is our responsibility while living in our great nation to give back and help those that need our support and love. Risers 4 Rett is an amazing organization that is at the heart of their charitable efforts!  

  • Chris was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado where he learned to fly-fish at age 7 from his Dad who is an avid angler. He spent time growing up exploring local creeks and rivers and finds spending time on the river as his personal sanctuary.
    Spring of 2017 was the first time Chris participated in a R4R fly-fishing weekend and was so impressed with the organization and the connections and friendships he was able to make that he wanted to get more involved as a committee member.
    Chris currently resides in Frederick with his wife, Sarah, two boys Mason (14) and Riley (11), and their English Labrador retriever, Aspen. Chris works as a recreational ranch broker for Live Water Properties and enjoys watching his boys play youth hockey and baseball. He also spends plenty of time on the water passing along the nuances of fishing to his boys while on the oars.

  • A chef by trade with an extreme passion for fly-fishing, Ed lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife, Yvette, and their twin daughters Barrett and Brennan. In 2008, their lives changed forever. After three years of unanswered questions and countless tests, his daughter Barrett was diagnosed with a very rare atypical form of Rett Syndrome called CDKL5 with intractable epilepsy.
    Since the summer of 2009, Ed has been heavily involved with Casting 4 A Cure, another fundraising effort for Rett research and support. This event allowed Ed to do something he loves, while helping my his daughter and other girls like her by raising money for Rett Syndrome Research.
    In 2011, Children’s Hospital Colorado had opened their first Rett Clinic, which his Barrett daughter was able to be a part of. Ed was anxious to become a part of R4R to help fund the Rett Clinic and help support all the Rett families in the Rocky Mountain region.

  • Jim was born in Green Bay Wisconsin but moved to Southern California with his family when his dad’s football career ended just before he turned 1. Jim lived the coastal lifestyle, fishing, skateboarding and playing beach volleyball. In 1994 he moved his young family to Colorado to raise the kids in a better environment. In 2002 he met his wife, Laurie and they raised their combined 6 kids, enjoying the outdoor lifestyle of fishing, hunting, kids sports and skateboard racing while working to build out 2 of Colorado’s most beloved craft breweries.
    Jim’s introduction to Rett came in 2015 when he brought Oskar Blues in to be a sponsor of Casting 4 A Cure in Victor ID. He met Ed Kammerer and agreed to also sponsor the 2017 Risers 4 Rett event. After several years of sponsoring, attending and even winning the 2020 spring tournament with Oskar Blues artist TK, Jim was asked to join the committee in 2022 and proudly joined the Risers Committee family.
    You will find Jim beside the culinary and beverage teams at the events and lending a hand wherever needed. When not working Jim and Laurie can be found spending time with their now grown kids and grandchildren or chasing multiple species of fish on the fly in the western states.

  • A long-time angling fanatic and transplant from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Brian Hartley arrived in Denver several years ago. He quickly formed a great friendship with fellow R4R Committee Chair, Ed Kammerer, over grand tales of fishing adventures throughout the Rockies and beyond. While getting to know Ed at his Highland Pacific restaurant, Brian enjoyed many interactions with the Kammerer family, especially with Ed’s twin daughters, Barrett and Brennan. Prior to meeting Barrett, Brian was unaware of Rett Syndrome. He was moved by the many challenges the families of girls affected by the disorder face. Their daily needs include support,full-time care, critical research and belief in the possibility of an eventual cure for families everywhere. When invited to participate in the 2014 R4R annual charity fly fishing weekend in the Roaring Fork Valley, Brian jumped at the chance. It was an honor and a truly enjoyable experience to participate, but he felt compelled to take his involvement and support to the next level. In early 2015, Brian joined the board to help raise critical research dollars and increase awareness for Rett Syndrome through the Rett Clinic at Colorado Children’s Hospital.Brian currently resides in northwest Denver with his wife, Sara, son Kelton, and Labrador retriever Logan. Brian is a seasoned ranch broker specializing in the trophy recreational ranch properties throughout the Rocky Mountains with Live Water Properties, and can often be found waist deep in the coldwater fisheries from Colorado to Idaho or on the flats of Southern Belize.

  • Curt was born and raised in South Dakota. He developed a passion for the outdoors at a very early age, spending all of his free time (and nearly all of his wages from mowing lawns or bussing tables) fishing, bird hunting, and chasing deer and turkeys with a bow. Curt and his wife, Laura, try to go on as many outdoor adventures as their careers and schedules allow, and you frequently can find them backpacking with their dogs in the mountains, trying to fool a few trout, or floating down a remote river.
    Since his first spring R4R event in 2017, Curt has enjoyed building friendships and connections with the R4R committee members, event participants, and local guides. In that time, Curt's admiration has grown for the RMRA, the clinic, and the noble mission of helping families living with Rett. Curt jumped at the chance to join the R4R committee in 2023, and he looks forward to the privilege and opportunity to help the committee members, sponsors, and participants enjoy these wonderful events and support the clinic and the families it serves.
    Curt and Laura reside in Denver with their two black labs, Scout and Tully.

  • Ellie is from Fort Collins and is currently studying at Montana State University. She first started work with the RMRA team in the summer of 2023, and she is so excited to be a part of such a welcoming and motivated team. Ellie loves music, road trips, and spending time outside. She is passionate about creating community and bringing people together to create change, something that she has already been able to see come to life with the hard work of many and the events that RMRA + R4R have put on in her time here. She is excited to keep learning and being a part of such a great group of people.

  • Born in Louisiana and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Jack’s formative years were defined by a connection to the water. From an early age he knew that sharing his passion for wild species, the habitats they live in, and the communities that surround them would be a major part of his life. After spending summers as a wilderness trip leader, and chasing fish throughout the Americas and South Pacific, it was clear that Jack would no longer leave home without a fly rod in hand.
    After attending his first Risers 4 Rett event in 2019, he knew he had found a family of passionate anglers and advocates who were making a real difference in the lives of those affected by Rett Syndrome. As a committee member, Jack is dedicated to using his background in marketing and development to help drive fundraising efforts and advance Rett research.
    Jack is the Director of Marketing at Fishpond and an avid supporter of conservation and philanthropic work around the globe. He has previously worked with water conservation and public lands groups to develop new partnerships and connect with elected officials to advocate for responsible environmental policy. After a career as a management and growth strategy consultant, he spent time as a fly fishing guide in his adopted home of Colorado. He lives in Denver and enjoys any adventure that involves chasing new species in far-flung destinations.

  • Josh Gonzales was born and raised in Arizona and attended college at Arizona State University. Growing up he fished regularly with his grandfather on the lower Colorado River. A business partner introduced him to fly fishing years later and he was instantly hooked. Upon opening a commercial construction office in Littleton Colorado, his access to cold water fisheries increased his passion for the sport. After attending his first Riser's event with his father in the Spring of 2019 he became very interested in assisting the committee in raising awareness and much needed funds for the Rett Clinic. Josh enjoys spending his free time outdoors with his wife and daughter fly fishing, mountain biking, skiing, and backpacking.

  • Peggy developed a love for being on the water while growing up in Michigan. Colorado became her home in 1984 when she transferred territories as a regional sales representative. She is now retired and living in Greenwood Village, CO. When Peggy discovered Risers 4 Rett she was immediately drawn to the mission of the organization, the dedication of the existing committee members and the great strides that have been made in the treatment and research of Rett Syndrome. Peggy enjoys fundraising and soliciting donations for causes in which she truly believes in. She has served on numerous boards, hosted highly successful local and national fund raising events and has served in both volunteer and paid positions for a variety of local and national not for profit organizations. In her free time Peggy loves being an angler and she spends as much time as possible in the rivers of Colorado. She enjoys traveling and has been fly fishing throughout the United States and abroad. As a graduate of Regis University Peggy is honored to be a member of the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society serving the poor and marginalized in Colorado. Peggy is grateful to be a part of the Risers 4 Rett team. She enjoys working with this incredible group of volunteers who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with Rett Syndrome.

  • Ever since my his daughter Tatum (now a teenager) was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, Tim has always had a flame burning. It still burns hot and every time Rett Syndrome stokes another flame Tatum's way, Tim is reminded that he has to keep fighting for his daughter and the many other girls who are affected by Rett Syndrome. Instead of standing on the banks, Tim is lucky enough to get his waders wet and join an amazing team with Risers 4 Rett.Tim’s first experience with fly fishing was actually at a Casting 4 A Cure event for Rett Syndrome up in Steamboat Springs. This was when Tim learned quickly that fly fishermen fishers are some of the most amazing people. R4R was created because Rocky Mountain Rett Association has partnered with the Children's Hospital of Colorado and started a clinic to support families and to help their children deal with the harsh ramifications of Rett Syndrome. Risers 4 Rett has some high aspirations, and thanks to the fly fishing community, Tim believes we can reach them with your help.

  • Chad Bowers was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota and received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Montana. He has always had a keen love of the outdoors and a desire to help others.In 1996 Chad moved to Denver and became a successful sales professional and business owner. Soon after establishing himself in Denver he was married, and is now a dedicated husband and proud father. While he was growing up Chad’s parents instilled in him a strong work ethic, and a commitment to caring while helping others. Driven by his sense of caring, he dedicated his time as an active member of the Risers4Rett (R4R) event committee. Chad also gives back with ongoing donations and financial support for R4R events, the Casting4ACure event (which also benefits Rett Syndrome research), and other causes that are dear to him.

  • Dave or “Big Daddy” as he’s affectionately known, is a pillar in the community and has given his time and talents to many great nonprofit organizations through the years. He’s a long-time business owner focusing on the Technology Integration space.
    Dave has been married to Carolyn for 32 years and has two awesome kids – Adele (20) and Austin (23). They are a flyfishing family, with all four enjoying time on the water together as they travel the US to watch Austin’s collegiate hockey games or vacation as a family.
    One of Dave’s great contributions to the Colorado Community is hosting Johnny’s Jamboree for the past 18 years. Each June, 175 Dads and kids (3 til their 20s) descend on Jefferson Lake campground to camp, shoot BB guns, play capture the flag, tell ghost stories and build memories for a lifetime. Many kids have learned a love for the outdoors from Dave’s unique and heart-felt efforts to provide an opportunity for Dads to build more loving relationships with their kids with nature as the backdrop.
    Today, Dave helps to “herd the cats” of our Risers committee and loves being part of a grass-roots effort to make a difference for kids and families affected by Rett Syndrome.

  • Growing up in Utah, Ken Smith spent his youth in the outdoors at every opportunity, with fly fishing being at the top of list. Whether fishing lakes, small streams, or blue-ribbon rivers, that love of fishing continued throughout his life. Having spent his career moving around the country as an executive in the telecommunications industry, Ken moved full-time to Colorado in 2008, and in 2014 started his own consulting company in Greenwood Village. Ken and his wife Lisa, have three grown children and three grandchildren. All who share a love of the outdoors, and more importantly, share a common commitment to aligning with worthy causes.Ken was introduced to R4R in early 2016, and has not missed an event since. He would be the first to admit that the fishing and accommodations, though exceptional, are not the reason for his passion for the event. Having the opportunity to get educated on Rett Syndrome, triggered a genuine drive to share that knowledge with others in a way that will motivate others to contribute their support and resources for those impacted. If you were to ask Ken, having the opportunity to positively contribute towards raising funds and awareness for R4R, while spreading the word to others, is a true privilege.

  • Sandi is an avid salt and freshwater fly-fisher. When she moved to Colorado in 1996, a friend introduced her to the world of fly-fishing. At first cast she had a spiritual connection with the sport, being out in nature, her sanctuary. Her first catch was on the Madison River in Montana, where she landed a 21” brown. Sandi’s been “hooked” ever since!Sandi was educated about Rett Syndrome by her long time collegiate friend, Ed Kammerer, whose daughter Barrett was diagnosed in 2008. This is a cause became close to her heart, as Sandi is a caring and loyal friend to all she encounters. Sandi lives in northwest Denver with her husband, Mark, and their Labrador retriever, Lily. They all enjoy the outdoor Colorado lifestyle, whether through hiking, biking, camping or just enjoying beers on the patio. Sandi is a talented artist and graphic designer who lends her time and creativity to the R4R events.