ELLA SKROCKI was raised in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and more specifically, at Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak with her family. A place that instilled her love for surfing, adventure and community.

Even while escaping to surf between classes, Ella earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies & Sustainability at Northern Michigan University which has helped guide her passion for the environment into purposeful work through various environmental organizations, and now within the business. Year round, you can find her in, or on, or near the Lake.

RYAN HANNON is a passionate advocate for ending homelessness through the importance of treating every person with dignity and respect. His inspiring journey in the realm of social justice and housing advocacy is marked by authenticity, compassion, and a deep-rooted commitment to making a lasting impact in the lives of people experiencing homelessness that results from a permanent place to live. Ryan has been helping people and communities end their homelessness for nearly 20 years though his work at Goodwill and currently as Director of Outreach at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Traverse City.

2.4.26

DANA FALCONBERRY is an artist and musician living in Northern Michigan and West Texas. She grew up dancing classical ballet and modern dance in Dearborn, MI before attending Hendrix College in Arkansas. In college she studied songwriting, which prompted her move to Austin in 2005. After touring, recording, and leading a band for over a decade, she now finds herself focused on visual art. She worked for 6 years as a lead stitcher/designer at Fort Lonesome. She is now focusing on her own art including landscape paintings, chainstitched wall hangings, and “paintstitches”. All of her work draws on the natural world, sometimes including supernatural elements to highlight the many facets of this world we as humans have yet to understand, and aims to connect the viewer to the land around them.

2/4/25

Megan Stilwill is a pediatrician at Table Health with a profound love for holistic healing and manual medicine, mother,  nature seeker, art lover, yogi, highly sensitive, neurodivergent, sober- life loving, life long learner of a human who is endlessly curious about the mystery of life.  " I chose this profession because I have a profound love for the human body, mind and spirit. I am truly awed and inspired by what we are capable of achieving and overcoming as human beings. With the proper support and balance, we are able to overcome tremendous obstacles and help others along the way."

October 2025

Katie Asher, the owner of slip.Vintage, has always been passionate about fashion, travel and second hand shopping. “Clothes can be a pathway to true self-expression, A way to show who we are on the inside, outwardly.”

She lives with her husband and two cats in traverse city, and when she’s not digging through other peoples closets, she is enjoying the beauty that is our town, biking and hiking whenever she can. 

October 2025

A Tennessee native and lifelong designer, Dana Lacuesta moved to Traverse City in 2018 and founded Dana Grace Interiors, where she creates spaces that are both beautiful and deeply personal. She’s passionate about storytelling through design and finding big meaning in the little details. Dana is also the co-founder of Traverse City Design Week, a community event that connects and uplifts the region’s interdisciplinary design scene. When she’s not designing or brainstorming, you can find Dana either at an estate sale, or her daughter’s soccer practice.

Here is Dana's story from the October 2025 event in Traverse City, MI

Nick Olson is a serial entrepreneur who is passionate about building community spaces.  A Traverse City native, he spent some time in New Jersey and Pennsylvania before boomeranging back in 2019, and is now a part of creating ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness, Grand Traverse Social Sports, and Hearth Sauna.  He is easily excited by new ideas, and convinced that we all need to spend more time together.  You are most likely to find Nick playing on the slackline in the corner of ELEV8 or over the Boardman River, gardening in his backyard, playing soccer or kickball at the Civic Center, cooking meals for friends, or wandering happily in the woods.

Karine Pierson is a musician, educator, and storyteller based in Traverse City. As the owner of MiMusic Studio and the Traverse City Violin Company, she fosters a vibrant community of music learners of all ages. A classically trained violinist, vocalist and versatile performer, she leads an 8-piece wedding band, directs youth rock bands, and creates innovative music programs, including special needs classes, video game music camps and video lesson courses. Passionate about the power of music to connect and inspire, she brings heartfelt stories from her musical journey to the stage.

Mark Goethel is a resident of Traverse City, MI, and is known for his strong ties to the local community and his passion for recreation in northern Michigan. With a background in video production, Mark is dedicated to empowering people and brands through thoughtful and creative visuals with his company Rec Creation Media. Outside of work he is a husband, a father, an adventurer, and he has been a volunteer at Mt. Holiday for over 20 years, creating events and kids programming, and of course teaching others how to flip on skis or blades:)  Here is Mark's story from the May 2025 event in Traverse City, MI 

Kelli Kaberle Mengebier, a Traverse City native, is co-founder of HKM & Associates and a connector of people, ideas, and impact. She leads fundraising and advocacy with heart and hustle—whether in her hometown or on Capitol Hill. A former MTV casting director turned philanthropy pro, Kelli brings big energy, sharp strategy, and a deep love for community to everything she does. She’s a fierce health advocate, a proud Michigan State alum, a former National Cherry Queen (so obviously a cherry lover), and a devoted fan of family and fashion.

Here is Kelli's story from the May 2025 event in Traverse City, Michigan