By Michele Zoller: Operations Manager In 2021, a vision for a more sustainable future took root at Eagle Valley High School (EVHS). Rylee Sharkey—a former Mountain Youth Valley’s Voice member and Board Member brought the idea to action and the EVHS Green Team began as a mission to create a dedicated space for environmental advocacy. Today, what started as an idea to be a more sustainable Highschool has grown into a 21-member youth led initiate including 12 seniors, all worki

By Cam Dole: Senior Manager of Youth Engagement At some point in every student’s life, they will have the “what’s next?” question. Each youth gets to decide their decision with this extremely open-ended question. One student may be ready to map out college applications, another student has no idea what comes after graduation, and another kid is excited about welding school, a summer job, or a two-year apprenticeship. For this reason, Ellen Sirico (Ms. Ellen) gets to offer opp

By Brenda Saucedo: Youth Engagement and Empowerment Coordinator In Eagle County, where mountain culture often celebrates athleticism and physical performance, one local leader is working to create space for a different kind of strength, one rooted in healing, connection, and self-acceptance. For Alex Kandalaft, the journey into serving youth and families wasn’t just professional, it was deeply personal. After moving to Eagle County to begin her career as a kindergarten teac

By Stevi Bratschie: Director of Community Education A jewelry maker, business owner, drummer, actor, clarinet player, dress designer, board member, and future author—you might imagine this list describing someone well into adulthood. In reality, these accomplishments belong to a bright and driven 14-year-old named Makenzie Mitzelfelt. I had the pleasure of meeting Makenzie at a recent Mountain Youth Board meeting, where she was officially sworn in as a board member. Not only

By Michelle Hartel: Executive Director Did you know that having a trusted adult can be the strongest protective factor in the life of a child? A trusted adult is someone who is respected and non-judgmental- a “go-to” resource for a young person seeking support and guidance. These individuals don’t typically realize the magnitude of their influence, yet they often become a lifeline when youth struggle with mental health issues, peer pressure, and the challenges of navigating d