Meet the Team

Guiding Your Connection To Nature

Kate Reed

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer


Kate stands as a pillar in the world of personal and organizational well-being. Her philosophy is deeply rooted in the synergy between nature and mindfulness—pathways she believes lead to true restoration and growth.

As a Level 2 Certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide and an NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Practitioner, Kate weaves nature’s wisdom into all her work, helping individuals and teams reconnect with the earth’s restorative cycles. Her skills as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and EFT Tapping Specialist deepen this connection, providing life-enhancing experiences that go far beyond the ordinary.

Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College and a Master’s in Professional Studies from George Washington University—an educational background that supports her grounded, evidence-based approach to leadership and resilience.

Kate’s diverse credentials also include being a 200-hour certified yoga teacher, a Certified Mindfulness-Based Resiliency Coach endorsed by Pacific University, WVU & Marshall, and a Certified SuperHealth facilitator in Yoga Science for Addiction.

After twelve years in leadership development, Kate now dedicates her work to creating transformative workplace well-being programs and nature-based retreats through Wonder & Grow. She is also the founder of Wild Leap LLC, where she empowers individuals through personalized coaching and growth experiences. Whether guiding teams outdoors or savoring the peace of Randolph County with her family, Kate’s commitment to mindfulness and connection remains unwavering.


Valerie Hart

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer

Is a passionate individual with a deep connection to nature. Growing up in the wild and wonderful woods of West Virginia, she developed a love for adventure from an early age. Valerie ventured away from home to pursue her academic journey, obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from WV Wesleyan College and a Master's degree in Forensic Science from George Washington University.

For 14 years, Valerie dedicated herself to the field of forensic science, gaining valuable experience and knowledge. However, as her family grew with two wild children, she felt a strong urge to return to her roots and embrace a simpler, more connected way of life.

Today, Valerie is leading the way as the Co-Founder of Wonder & Grow. She holds various certifications, including being a Level 2 Certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide, NAI Certified Interpretive Guide, Mindful Communication Facilitator, and a Kidding Around Yoga instructor. Additionally, she is currently training to become a West Virginia Master Naturalist.

Valerie finds pure joy in sharing her intense curiosity and wonder of the natural world with individuals from all walks of life. In her free time, Valerie loves climbing trees, fossil hunting with her kids, petting moss, star gazing, and enjoying coffee on her front porch.

Julie Morici


Julie Morici has been a certified 200-Hour Kunga Yoga teacher since 2018. She holds a Level 1 certification in Yin Yoga from White Lotus studio in Denver with Kari Kwinn, and Level one certifications in Ayurveda from Wild Vinyasa, and Somatic Movement with Erin Larsen. Julie has a deep love for the outdoors, enjoying activities such as mushroom hunting, foraging, hiking, resting, and biking. 

Julie resides in Elkins, West Virginia with her husband, Danny. She fell in love with the charming town of Elkins on her very first visit. Here, she raised her two daughters and found an incredible community that feels more like a big family of love and support. Julie has been married for 23 years, spending those years adventuring with her family in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia and beyond. 

Julie brings valuable skills to Wonder & Grow and will be our newest certified mindful outdoor guide!

Board of Directors

Jessica Sutton

President

Outdoor Community Development Manager

Elkins, WV

Andrew Carroll

Secretary

Elkins High School

Elkins, WV

Caleb Knight

Treasurer

Attorney

Charleston, WV

Jeremiah Hyslop

Board Member

Seneca Rocks Discovery Center

Elkins, WV

Christy Tribble

Board Member

Christy Tribble, CPA

Elkins, WV

We are here to support you every step of the way!

P.O. Box 406, Elkins,

WV 26241, USA

304-940-8156

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(304) 801-3373