Our Team
We aim to provide the necessary support to Backcountry Squatters’ chapters in their establishment, growth, sustainability, and leadership transition.
STAFF
DARBY KNOLL
executive director
darby@backcountrysquatters.org
Darby’s joy for the outdoors started at a young age somewhere between the mountains and rivers of Teton Valley, Idaho and northern New Mexico. While attending Montana State Univrsity Darby earned a dual degree in Microbiology and Animal Science but her free time was quickly focused on making Backcountry Squatters the best club that it could be. Her attention to detail, commitment to the shared vision, and ‘get it done’ attitude made Darby a valuable asset to the initial success of the MSU club and has made her the right person to take charge of this nonprofit.
She thrives on a passion to share her greatest outdoor experiences with others. Darby realizes that she is lucky to have all of the opportunities that Bozeman has to offer, and hopes to make outdoor recreation more attainable for young women across the country.
ERIN BOLGER
director of outreach
erin@backcountrysquatters.org
Erin moved to Bozeman from Northern Wisconsin to pursue a degree in Exercise Science at Montana State University. Being from Wisconsin, she looked to Backcountry Squatters to help her get involved in the activities that the Montana Mountains provided. After graduating, Erin realized she still wants to be a part of this organization and is excited to use her personal experience to encourage more women to join, the oftentimes, intimidating outdoor community. Erin works full time as a HomeHealth aide and gives back to the ski community by volunteering with the adaptive ski program in Big Sky. Outside of her professional world, you can find Erin mountain biking, skiing, running or enjoying a good beer with friends.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Backcountry Squatters boeard members are dedicated to unleashing college women’s full potential as tomorrow’s leaders
ANDIE CREEL
president
andie@backcountrysquatters.org
Andie is a graduate student at Yale University getting her masters degree in environmental economics. She has been a part of Backcountry Squatters since the very beginning, and has gained professional skills and personal confidence from the club and nonprofit. These lessons have assisted her when working as a journalist across Montana, testifying in front of state legislators, coaching the Big Sky Freeride team, and creating space for herself at an Ivy League graduate school. Her favorite parts of being on the board is gaining energy from a new member’s passion and expanding the club to different communities.
SAGE JACKSON
treasurer
sage@backcountrysquatters.org
Sage graduated from Montana State University in the spring of 2018 where she studied Economics, International Business and Latin American studies. A born and raised Montanan, Sage always considered herself “outdoorsy” spending the summers in Glacier National Park and winters skiing at Big Mountain. After joining Backcountry Squatters while in college, her world was opened up to so many new activities and was able connect with other ladies all while getting outside (and out of the library). Jack of all trades and master of none, Sage’s favorite days are the ones that start off with a run, transition into a mountain bike ride and conclude with a float down the river or some variation of a multi-sport day. After a stint of working in marketing in Jackson, Wyoming, Sage has returned home to Montana where, by morning she’s a Pilates instructor, by afternoon managing local business’ social media and, in the evenings, can be found serving comfort food at a local café. When not working or playing outside, Sage loves to travel and is always searching for new places to visit.
KELLY BALFANZ
secretary
kelly@backcountrysquatters.org
Kelly graduated from Montana State University in the spring of 2019 with a degree in Business marketing. Her passion for the outdoors developed at a young age growing up in the mountains of Colorado. While attending school at Montana State University, Kelly was introduced to Backcountry Squatters her freshman year by a friend from high school. Her realization of the importance of camaraderie among women in the outdoor industry led her to being an active leader in Backcountry Squatters club in college and the development of the nonprofit after graduation. Kelly works as a commercial fisherman in Alaska during the summers and a full-time alpine ski coach in Colorado during the winters. Her free time is spent doing free-lance marketing work for a number of companies and sneaking in a mountain bike ride whenever possible.