The staff and board of the Balanced Rock Foundation are all dedicated to its mission. We all strive to create balance in our own lives knowing that this looks and feels differently for each of us. Our intention is to recruit individuals who bring a variety of skill and experiences to the organization to provide balance as we develop and grow.

Organizational Staff

Kendra Kurihara
Executive Director

Kendra finds joy and serenity in her life through long, slow trail runs in the mountains. Sometimes accompanied by friends both human and canine, sometimes alone, these excursions invigorate the body and spirit, and soothe the mind. When she can't get away for the whole day, a short jog at lunch brings her back to that far away state. Growing, preparing and eating food is a close second favorite pastime.

Kendra has been an outdoor educator for 15 years, leading trips from Yosemite to Colorado, and Oregon to Patagonia. She taught environmental sciences for the Yosemite Institute and other California programs, and rock climbing and mountaineering courses for Outward Bound. Since 2000, she has lived in Leadville, CO where she created an outdoor leadership program for middle school youth and completed a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management. Subsequently, she served as a Program Director for Outward Bound, developing contract courses for diverse populations from leadership groups to adjudicated youth, as well as courses for the deaf in ASL, Iraqi veterans and survivors of violence. A particular source of pride is her mentoring relationship of six years with a Leadville teenager who will begin college in the fall of 2008.

Kendra and her husband Rob Dillon are looking forward to re-acquainting themselves with the Sierra Nevada and exploring their surroundings where the winters are milder than in Colorado. They enjoy yoga, backcountry skiing, rock climbing, and long hikes with their dog Ollie.
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Heather Sullivan
Founder, Program Director

One of Heather's favorite activities is to balance rocks along side a river or lake. It is a skill that takes slowing down, to be present in the moment, to use patience and tenacity, to align oneself with the natural world, to work toward balance both inside and outside oneself. It is a time to look at the world from a rock's perspective, to play with childlike curiosity and wonder, and not to be afraid to try again if the rock falls over. The impermanence of a balanced rock is a constant reminder of our short time here on this earth. During her short time, Heather hopes to create beauty in her life and hopes to inspire others to create beauty in their lives by creating space and trips for people to explore ways to find balance, slow down, and uncover their own truths. As program director for Balanced Rock, she hopes to instill her vision into the programs that BR will offer.

Heather has lived in Yosemite since 1999, has been executive director for Wild Women Workshops for 8 years. She has worked a myriad of outdoor instructor positions in the US and Alaska for various organizations including Naturalists At Large, National Park Service, Yosemite Institute St. Elias Alpine Guides, and Prescott College. She has guided international trips to India, Tibet, and Nepal. She graduated from the University of Vermont in 1995 with credentials in education, creative writing and philosophy. She is a Shiatsu massage therapist, and lifelong student of yoga practice.

She enjoys rock-climbing, back-country skiing, playing drums, drinking lattes, and spending time with friends and family.
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Schuyler Greenleaf
Special Projects

Schuyler first visited Yosemite in 2001 on the tail of a lucky wind. After accepting a research position in Yosemite Valley, she moved site unseen from the granite of coastal Maine to the granite of the Sierras and found herself living on the shores of the mighty Merced River. El Portal offered up its jewels of comfort, the river sang its enchantment, and the brilliance of Yosemite flashed its magic. She paid attention, fell in love, and hung up her gypsy shoes.

After three years of studying the park's black bears and earning an MS in Wildlife Biology, Schuyler settled into the rhythm of Sierra seasons and continues to thrive on the rich community and humbling grandeur of the landscape and people near her home. She has studied a variety of yogic styles over the past 10 years and while her tastes have become more refined, she's not picky about where, when and with whom she practices, so long as the breath flows and senses open. Her most lasting commitment is to keep weaving the tapestry of life so that its colors are vibrant and alive, its texture soft and supple, and its fibers strong. Flexibility of body, mind and spirit and the balancing act of life are especially important to her now as she embarks on the journey of motherhood. She and her husband, Brian, welcomed son Wilde to their home on New Year's Eve and together they love backyard adventure, harmony, cold river plunges, and the smell of chalk on calloused palms. Schuyler is thrilled to be able to contribute to Balanced Rock and honored to work with such an inspired crew.
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Bethany Gediman
Administrative Assistant

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