Staff Bios

Sean Damitz, Director

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Sean Damitz is the Director and co-founder of the Utah Conservation Corps. Sean received his B.A. in Psychology from St. Norbert College in 1998 and a Master's Degree from Utah State University in Technical Communication in 2007. Before UCC, Sean served two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Utah State University's Val R. Christensen Service Center. He and his wife Krista reside in the shadow of the Bear River Mountains with two dogs and six chickens. When not overseeing projects that get UCC AmeriCorps members completely covered in dirt, Sean enjoys skiing, backpacking, triathlons, playing music, and putting a dent in his wife's "honey-do" list.

Kate Stephens, Assistant Director

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Kate has served as the Program Coordinator and Assistant Director for the Utah Conservation Corps since 2002. She received her M.A. in Environmental Education and Wilderness Leadership from Prescott College and her B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. Prior to the UCC, Kate was the founder and executive director of Common Ground Outdoor Adventures, a non-profit that provides outdoor recreation opportunities to people of all abilities. She has been a national service junkie since 1993, serving as a VISTA volunteer, an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader and an AmeriCorps supervisor. From 1999–2001, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in a remote cloud forest village in Northern Ecuador. Here, she started Jambi Sacha, a community based ecotourism project and successfully led the first indigenous women's ascent of Cotopaxi. Kate has chosen to dig her roots in Logan where she enjoys playing in the mountains that surround her home with husband, Jimbo, and their 3 year-old daughter, Maya.

Rachael Senft, Office Assistant

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Rachael began working with the Utah Conservation Corps as a Crew Member in 2005, a Crew Leader in 2008, and has held the position of Office Assistant since spring 2009. She has lived in Logan since 2004 and recently graduated from Utah State University with her Bachelors in Social Work. Rachael grew up all over Utah exploring every tree, rock, stream, trail, and cave she could find. During her free time Rachael enjoys sailing, hiking, rock climbing, cooking, various art projects, and traveling whichever path is presented. Rachael looks forward to many more years with the Utah Conservation Corps where she is able to combine her passions for people and the environment by helping individuals build connections with the land and feel a sense of place.

Chris Giddens, Crew Supervisor

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Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Chris Giddens recently made his home in Logan, Utah where he has worked for the UCC as a crew leader and crew supervisor since 2008. Chris attended New Mexico State University where he pursued a degree in education, and he is now completing a liberal arts degree from Utah State University. Prior to the UCC, Chris was a crew member for the Coconino Rural Environment Corps in Arizona. Chris is also a NOLS graduate, Wilderness First Responder and chainsaw guru. When he's not swinging a pulaski with field crews, Chris and his wife Jen enjoy skiing, backpacking, and bike riding.

Adam Christensen, Program Coordinator of Aggie Blue Bikes

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Adam Christensen is the Program Coordinator Aggie Blue Bikes, USU's Student Bike Center. Adam was the first employee of Aggie Blue Bikes when the program began back in September of 2005. As that employee, Adam served one 450 and another 1700 hour position with Americorps spanning a two and half year period. Adam will be receiving his B.S. In Mechanical Engineering in 2010 with his eyes set on a Masters in Business Administration. Adam received his Bicycle Mechanic Certification from United Bicycle Institute in 2006 and his League Cycling Instructor Certification from the League of American Bicyclists in 2007. In his spare time, Adam enjoys gardening, leisurely rides on his bicycle, skiing, and an array of construction/restoration/design projects with his wife Adee.

Dave Bastian, Program Coordinator

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Dave Bastian originally hails from Northern California but has spent the past 15 years living in Utah.  Prior to coming to the UCC, Dave was the Director of Operations at Save Our Canyons and the Membership and Outreach coordinator for the Utah Rivers Council.  When not at work, Dave spends his time riding his bike, playing guitar or banjo, backcountry skiing, kayaking, climbing, or sitting in a chair reading.