Our Team
KELLY CLAMPITT
Kelly “Jumping Mouse” created and founded Spirit Canoe Lodge in 2010 as a sacred space where community could gather together in their desire to “grow corn” on a personal and collective level. Kelly's passion is to inspire others to dig into their shadow, unearth the treasure within, and make their dreams a reality. Of Chickasaw mixed blood (Métis) heritage, she is apprenticed within the Sweet Medicine SunDance Path of Turtle Island since 2000. Kelly is also an accomplished artist and award-winning professional photographer . She is honored to caretake this land, to teach and lead ceremonies designed to support others in their desire to grow, evolve, and stand in the center of their own circle of life!
Founder & Executive Director
DIANNE VETTER
Dianne Vetter “Cougar Warrior Woman” supports Spirit Canoe Lodge with program development, organization and teaching. A retired Board Certified Physical Education Teacher with 21 years of event planning, grant writing, creating initiatives and partnerships, she shares these vital skills to SCL. Dianne guides others through experiential activities from diverse spiritual traditions and life knowledge. “Nature has been a trusted guide throughout the seasons of my life and keeps me grounded in the reality that we are all interconnected. Gratitude and care for this web of support, fuels my service to help others evolve and gain balance with the natural world.” www.sustainwellnesscoaching.com
Board Chair
Taylor “Blue Star Light” first attended a Spirit Canoe Lodge women’s retreat in 2018 and knew immediately that she had found her tribe. “I am undoubtedly a different person after all the healing, growth and transformation I have experienced through Spirit Canoe Lodge and this path. I hope to help grow this community so more and more people can have the same opportunity, and can do so with the most loving and supportive community.” Taylor has been serving on the board since 2022. Professionally she is a mental health therapist with a private practice specializing in healing trauma. In her free time enjoys board games, hiking, rock climbing, and anything that brings her outside.
BOARD SECRETARY
tAYLOR GABRIEL
ERICA LATIMER
Erica “Magikal Weasel” is a mother, massage therapist, and a fourth generation Curandera, a healer that addresses the physical, spiritual, psychological, and social needs of the people. Erica also uses many western and eastern healing modalities including Swedish Massage, Thai Yoga Massage, Myofascial Release, Reflexology, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Holy Fire Reiki, Bliss Therapy, Ayurveda Therapy, and Herbalism in her 20 years as a licensed massage therapist. She and her massage therapist husband run Wayfaring Massage & Wellness in nearby Tennessee. Erica expresses her enthusiasm for Spirit Canoe Lodge by addressing its financial balance and sustainable growth as the treasurer.
Board Treasurer
Davis Parker
Davis “Fire Snake sees the Hawk“ has been traveling to attend Spirit Canoe Lodge gatherings from Charlotte, NC since 2018. He is the founder and creator of Draba LLC, a mobile app that connects community minded businesses, artists, events, and culture in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Davis brings his big imagination and ideas along with his experience in fundraising for non-profit organizations such as Watauga Humane Society, Farm Café, and Oasis. “I love being able to serve and help the lodge to reciprocate what it has done for my alignment, sobriety, and spiritual growth.”
Board Outreach & Events Promotion
Fred came initially to Spirit Canoe Lodge in early 2020 as an AirBnb guest. The beauty of Ashe County, its people, and the strong feeling of community soon had him relocating to this area where he built a tiny-cabin with friends he met through attending events at Spirit Canoe Lodge. Growing up in a small village in South Africa, with a large forest within walking distance, gave Fred a life-long passion for adventure & outdoor activities. Moving permanently to the USA in 1992, Fred partnered in a professional skydiving facility as a freefall-Instructor for close to three decades, also becoming a Commercial and aerobatic pilot along the way. Fred thrives on being part of a close-knit team of people who, by working together, create beauty and make a difference for others to enjoy.
Board Land Development
fred whittsit
KASSIE MAURER
Web Design & Visual Presence
Kassie "Shining Otter Woman", met Kelly in art college and then worked in the fashion industry for 25 years in California. Now in rural Michigan with her husband Rodney, she design websites, makes art from her home studio, and loves making plant medicine on their wooded land with mossy meandering pathways. Kassie has taught at Western Michigan University, Otis College of the Arts, in public schools, charter schools, and city recreation programs. Kassie is a Twisted Hairs apprentice and an accredited akashic records reader with the St. Germain Mystery School. Creating Spirit Canoe Lodge's web presence has been a magical way to marry her spiritual path with her art. See: www.kassiemaurer.com.
Work Exchange Caretaker
Paige “Star Fire Warrior”
PAIGE HENDERSON
Sybil “Silent White Storm”, former SCL Board Chair, is a certified Qigong, Tai Chi and Meditation Instructor with over 25 years of teaching and training. “I continue to be amazed by the simple yet profound depth of Qigong and Tai Chi as self-healing practices that can bring balance in all areas of life (body, mind and spirit). As we experience the world speeding up, we are being guided to seek tools for reclaiming our energy—to live powerfully in happiness and in harmony.” Sybil’s dedication and service to Spirit Canoe Lodge has been integral to its growth. She often assists on lodge fire crews and enjoys offering her gardening and culinary skills. We always appreciate her spiritually grounded presence in the space. See: Root Harmony Healing Arts
Board Volunteer at Large