“I’m a full-time resident of Saluda, NC, though it still makes me smile to say that. My parents moved here full-time in 1992, and I’ve been coming to Saluda since I was about seven or eight. Back then, I swore I’d never live in such a small town. It felt like there just wasn’t enough to do—and definitely not enough people.

But life has a funny way of shifting your perspective. Over time, the quiet that once felt limiting started to feel like peace. Now, our home is tucked in the woods, and it’s my favorite kind of retreat. I can stay ‘on the mountain’ for weeks and never feel restless.

Professionally, I’ve spent my career in healthcare—starting as an ICU and emergency nurse, then moving into emergency management, and later serving as Chief Clinical Officer for an organ procurement organization. These days, I run my own leadership coaching and consulting practice focused on transforming organizational culture and building high-reliability teams. Psychological safety and belonging are at the heart of that work—and, honestly, at the heart of how I try to live.

I’ve always been drawn to wide-open spaces. While the Blue Ridge Mountains have my heart, I also love the wild expanses of Montana and Colorado. The fewer the people, the better.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me outside—mountain biking, hiking, or occasionally trading the trails for a road or gravel ride. My husband and four dogs keep me moving, too. I also volunteer with MountainTrue, Saluda Fire and Rescue, and Spartanburg County Search and Rescue—it’s one of the ways I stay connected to both service and community.

Why I Support MountainTrue

I first connected with MountainTrue during Hurricane Helene. Erica and the rest of the team didn’t have to step in—but they did. They showed up, figured out what was needed, and used their connections to make things happen. Honestly, I’m not sure where we would have been without their help.

As I’ve learned more about MountainTrue, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how they live their mission. They don’t just care for the rivers and forests—they strengthen the communities that depend on them. Many of those communities are the most vulnerable, and MountainTrue takes a holistic, systems-based approach that builds long-term resilience.

Their work reminds me that true sustainability isn’t just about protecting nature—it’s about caring for people, too.

Who Taught Me to Give

I learned about giving from my parents, Barbara and Robert Seiler. Both have always been deeply involved in volunteer work, and their example shaped how I see the world.

As a child, I remember going with my mom to Greater Birmingham Ministries—a multi-faith, multi-racial organization that provides emergency support to people in need and works toward a more just society. She started volunteering there when I was in elementary school and was there nearly every day. Over time, her commitment grew to include environmental causes as well.

My dad served on several boards focused on strengthening community infrastructure and supporting people with different challenges. Their dedication didn’t stop when they moved to Saluda—they simply found new ways to serve.

From them, I learned that there’s always room at the table and that we each have a responsibility to leave the world better than we found it.

The Most Meaningful Gift I’ve Ever Given

That’s a hard question because meaning shows up in so many forms. While financial support matters, the gifts that have stayed with me the most come from rolling up my sleeves and working alongside others. There’s something powerful about connecting with people—listening to their stories, sharing the work, and knowing you’re part of something bigger. Even as an introvert, I find energy in those moments of quiet connection.

And when the giving involves manual labor, it feels especially grounding. You can see what you’ve accomplished with your own hands—and maybe the best part of all—I get to be outside. That combination of purpose, people, and nature fills me in a way nothing else does.

Why Others Should Join MountainTrue

If you’re not yet a member of MountainTrue, I encourage you to take a closer look. Review their IRS Form 990, read their newsletter, and—most importantly—meet their team. You’ll see right away that MountainTrue is fiscally responsible and deeply committed to being good stewards of both our community and our shared resources.

Their dedication to protecting our beloved mountains runs deep, and they understand that lasting impact comes through partnership. And beyond all that, they’re simply great people. Genuine, passionate, and a joy to be around.”