David 'Caveman' Friedman, Executive Director
Caveman has served as Executive Director and lead visionary of youth nature programs since 1997. In this role, he guides the organization with a deep commitment to nurturing Mother Earth, shaping immersive experiences that inspire curiosity, stewardship, and leadership in young people. Through his leadership, he has created a world of magic and wonder that captivates adventurous minds and fosters meaningful connections to ecosystems through observation and hands-on experience.
As a mentor and role model, Caveman leads by example—embracing creativity, lifelong learning, and joy in discovery while sharing his knowledge with staff, volunteers, and participants alike. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Florida.
Board of Directors
The Terra Forma Education board is composed of a diverse and committed group of leaders, with 4 out of 7 members being founding board members who have provided unwavering support for the organization’s mission over its 21-year history. This long-standing institutional knowledge brings invaluable stability and expertise, ensuring the continued success and growth of Terra Forma’s programs.
The board is dedicated to fostering Terra Forma’s commitment to environmental stewardship, creative learning, and community engagement, while leveraging their collective experience in nonprofit management, education, and social justice. With deep roots in the organization’s vision and an ongoing passion for its mission, the board provides both strategic guidance and essential connections that enable Terra Forma to expand its reach and impact within the community.
Richard Brocksmith
Councilmember at Large, City of Mount Vernon
Richard Brocksmith is a founding board member of Terra Forma Education, bringing decades of experience in nonprofit management and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice. With a background as the Executive Director of the Skagit Watershed Council, Richard has spent over 17 years leading regional partnerships to conserve Puget Sound’s natural resources while balancing economic and cultural priorities.
He also serves as a Councilmember at Large for the City of Mount Vernon and has been an active leader in local anti-poverty initiatives, chairing the Board of Community Action of Skagit County for the past four years. Richard holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in science and has worked as a research scientist across the Western U.S. His dedication to community engagement is reflected in his numerous roles, including as a Kiwanis Club member, Mount Vernon Public Schools Foundation board member, and active volunteer in public schools and emergency response training.
Dan Moore
COO @ Adventure Hub
Dan Moore is a founding board member of Terra Forma Education and brings over a decade of experience in the field of environmental education. He holds a graduate certificate in Environmental Education from the University of Minnesota and has a strong background in leadership, grant writing, cashflow management, human resources, and risk management.
Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at The Adventure Hub, Dan has also founded Pandion Consulting & Facilitation and taught at Peninsula College since 2016. His past roles include leadership positions at EverGreen Escapes and Seattle Parks and Recreation, where he honed his skills in operations, client relations, and outdoor programming.
With a passion for nature, education, and community engagement, Dan contributes valuable expertise to Terra Forma’s board, ensuring the organization continues to thrive in its mission of connecting youth with the natural world and fostering environmental stewardship
Greg Ferris
Sr. Environmental Specialist
Greg is a founding board member of Terra Forma and has been a dedicated member for many years. With over 25 years of experience serving on multiple non-profit boards, Greg brings a wealth of knowledge in organizational governance and strategic planning. He holds a Master’s degree in Geology and has over 35 years of expertise in environmental consulting and site remediation. His background in environmental science and his commitment to community-driven initiatives make him an invaluable asset to the board, helping guide Terra Forma’s mission of fostering environmental stewardship and connecting young people with nature.
Kimberly Leeper
Environmental Educator, Community Gardener, and Affordable Co-Housing Advocate
Kimberly Leeper has been a board member of Terra Forma Education for the past six years, bringing over 20 years of experience in environmental education and regenerative landscape design. A Seattle resident since 1995, Kimberly specializes in Pacific Northwest native plants, food forests, and creating wildlife habitats that foster environmental regeneration. Her passion is inspiring people to think holistically about the planet and create landscapes that provide both sanctuary and foraging opportunities close to home.
With a background in school psychology and teaching, Kimberly has worked with children and adults in both school and outdoor settings. She has long been an active volunteer with Beacon Food Forest and serves as an advisor for ecoTHRIVE Housing, advocating for improved access to healthy food and sustainable housing.
Kimberly’s expertise in community building, program management, volunteer leadership, and her dedication to social and environmental regeneration has been instrumental in advancing Terra Forma’s mission. She is deeply committed to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into her work, fostering meaningful connections across communities and organizations. Kimberly’s contributions continue to guide the growth of Terra Forma and its impact on youth and the environment.
Matt Halliday
Matt has spent over a decade working in outdoor education, taking on a variety of roles that have fueled his passion for teaching and connecting people to the natural world. His global experiences have taken him on trips with students of all ages, instilling in him the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to experience and learn from wild places.
A native of the Seattle area, Matt calls the Pacific Northwest home, with his outdoor journey beginning on a NOLS course. Since then, he’s worked and traveled around the world, enriching his approach to education. Whether he’s ski patrolling, teaching sailing, leading backpacking trips, or traveling internationally, Matt thrives on sharing his love for the outdoors. In his downtime, you’ll likely find him reading in a local coffee shop or on the never-ending quest for the perfect cinnamon roll.
Matt’s dedication to the outdoors, education, and community makes him an invaluable board member for Terra Forma, where he helps guide the organization’s mission of connecting young people to nature and fostering a deep appreciation for the environment.
Abi Ludwig
Abi is the most recent addition to Terra Forma’s board, joining us during our move to Olympia. With over 30 years of experience in public health education and IT management, her recent career focus is having co-founded Standing for Nature. Abi plays a pivotal role in managing Terra Forma’s website and social media, helping amplify its mission. Her expertise in digital outreach and her deep commitment to nature education make her a vital asset to Terra Forma as we continue inspiring environmental stewardship in young people.