Meet Our Team

(he/him)
Chris was born, raised, has lived and worked in Central Minnesota his entire life holding a number of organizational leadership positions over the years in for-profit and nonprofit organizations as well as starting and operating his own residential contracting business. Having founded the Avon Hills Folk School in 2017 he recently became the first full-time employee as its Executive Director.
Hobbies for Chris are gardening, hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting and just about anything outdoors. Chris is married, with two adult daughters and has lived within the Avon Hills nearly his entire life.

(she/her)
Jordan grew up in Avon, Minnesota and has a deep love for the region, the outdoors, and sharing these spaces with others. Her work at the folk school allows her to support local artists, provide opportunities for the community to learn and grow, and share the Avon Hills with those from near and far. In her spare time, Jordan enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband, dog, and cat.

(he/him)
Shane Mahon is passionate about making and teaching. He believes they go hand in hand. Building on an Art degree from California State University, Shane has spent over 20 years teaching art to children and adults. Currently, he teaches STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and Social Emotional Learning at a school for children coping with emotional and behavioral challenges. Because the current educational model leaves many children behind, Shane believes in fostering intrinsically motivated learning. He is excited to share the Timbernook approach. At home in Central Minnesota, Shane and his wife are always making and learning new things.

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Tom Wicks spent 34 years in Youth Development work at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota. As Director of Operations, Tom was part of the team that helped the organization grow from one Boys & Girls Club to three new Boys & Girls Clubs and 12 school based program sites serving over 1,500 youth and teens per day. The more Tom heard and read about TimberNook the more he thought about his childhood that was spent mostly outdoors. With great enthusiasm he looks forward to sharing this opportunity to be outdoors with youth around Central Minnesota.

(she/her)
Kristen Whitley has a fierce love for nature and creativity, and a passion for combining the two. She has a professional background as a registered Art Therapist, working in children's mental health facilities for more than a decade. Kristen enjoys making art, hiking, traveling, and rock hunting with her husband and son.

(she/her)
Jen Zenzen is excited to be a part of the TimberNook team at the Avon Hills Folk School. Her and her husband have lived in the Avon area for 23 years. They have 3 daughters ages 21, 19 and 15. She is a certified Montessori teacher and has taught in a preschool classroom for 15 years. She enjoys trail running, cooking, reading and spending time with family and friends. Jen is also no stranger to the Avon Hills, having lived in them for years, and now recently returned very near the folk school. We're excited to welcome her passion and joy for the outdoors to TimberNook- Central MN.

(she/her)
Growing up near the Avon Hills, Kayse has always loved the area. After earning a degree in Communication Art & Design, she started a business as a photographer and worked as a designer at a small firm in Avon. She loves working at the Folk School and sharing the incredible opportunities AHFS offers. In her free time, Kayse enjoys hiking, kayaking, and sewing.

(he/him)
Ben was born and raised in Minnesota. He loves spending time outdoors whether it be camping, hiking, or collecting critters. He currently attends St. Olaf College in Northfield where his love of nature has inspired him to major Biology. His other hobbies include reading, board gaming, pottery, and social dancing.

Our Team