Raven Narratives

Lindsay Dozoretz told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Lindsay was the Raven Narratives very first storyteller back in 2016 and is a decade-plus Durango resident after growing up in upstate New York and then globetrotting through early adulthood. She works in renewable energy and teaches yoga, and will never have an office that is not at the Smiley Building. She loves frosty trail runs, open-water swimming, the first cup of coffee, snuggle reading sessions on the couch with her kiddo, and continuing to discover new ways to be herself.

Molly Watts told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Molly has been oversharing since she was old enough to talk, and started writing soon after - two habits that have followed her throughout all of life’s chapters so far. She lived several lifetimes before turning 25, collecting stories along the way that are often hard to believe in their absurdity. These days, life is quieter and more rooted in Dolores, Colorado, which is her genuine dream come true. When she’s not working her day job, you can find her dancing in the kitchen, disappearing in a book, walking along the river, enjoying quality time with her husband and child, or playing music on her Sunday night radio show on KSJD community radio in Cortez, Colorado.

Lynn Soukup told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Lynn is the youngest by 12 years of five siblings. She moved to Cortez, Colorado in 2001, following her parents and favorite sister who all died of cancer in 2008. She's been a teacher all her life, whether of elementary students, or young moms just beginning their families. She suffers from camera shyness and feels that requiring a head shot in a bio borders on cruelty.

Kira Taylor told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Kira has worked in many fields, especially in the nonprofit sector, and is currently enjoying promoting her fantastic town through the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce. She is a gardener, an outdoor adventure enthusiast, a believer in the power of community care, and a serial hobbyist. She lives with her husband, two weird dogs, and a rambunctious and kind 5-year-old.

Katie Burford is a veteran Raven Narratives storyteller and told this story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Katie has 2 mostly grown children, 1 ice cream shop, 1 rescue dog, 34 previous addresses, 2 previous careers, 13 years sobriety, 1 raven tattoo, 1 bum ankle from a cheerleading injury, 55 years on the planet, and lots and lots of stories to show for it.

Jessica Randell told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Born and raised in North Carolina by Yankee parents, Jessica is a unique blend of southern warmth and give-it-to-you straight candor. She discovered her religion, Nature, in the Appalachian mountains and has happily transferred her place of worship to the Southern Rockies. Her favorite entertainment is “Rainbow Concerts” performed by the Randell-Spear Family Band. Jessica’s typical day includes marveling at birds, explaining how the world works in toddler terms, and concludes with huggle snuggle time paired with a “Where’s Waldo?” search.

Sandra Shellnut told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". From the sun scorched front lines of woodland fires to the silent depth of the ocean floor, Sandra’s life has been a relentless pursuit of the elements. She has navigated the chaotic roar of whitewater rapids and carved lines through the pristine mountain powder, always finding balance in the quiet steam of a hidden hot spring. Every stamp on her passport serves as a trophy for her most unique passion: a growing collection of the world’s most remote and beautiful islands.

Featured stories told by audience members at Raven Narratives "gathering" story SLAMs at the Sunflower Theatre on December 5th and the Durango Arts Center on December 6th, 2025. Including stories told by: Bob DiMarco (1:00) Brett LeCompte (6:54) Ali Snowden (14:21) Kirk Anderson (23:08) Kristen Roessler (30:34) Janelle Stewart (37:07) Dave Banks (41:31) Barbara Noseworthy (48:15)

Dave Butler told his story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". Dave has been a world traveler and a lover of the obscure and unusual. His creative interests include large, interesting and sometimes difficult projects along with historical research. Vintage equipment, and repurposing space in old homes and buildings are something he enjoys. He also loves deeply serious and funny conversations throughout his southwest community.

Aaron Thomas told his story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". Aaron is a psychotherapist, meditation teacher, and creator of the Authentic Relating Lab – a space for practicing real human connection. He’s passionate about human potential and believes our relationships are where we grow the most. Off the clock, he’s usually exploring the San Juan Mountains, pursuing his own version of whole-hearted living.

TJ Zark told their story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". TJ is a gender-awkward, people-focused, they/them/her creative residing in Southwest Colorado, near a small arts town with two agreeable horses, a dog that wiggles, one that worms, and more friends than one human can count.  Their work as a storyteller holds a cohesive theme, expressed in multiple mediums: music, painting, and the written word, all weaving together the threads of who we are as humans and life in a rural landscape, while striving to be the best versions of ourselves as we inhabit this planet together.

Mark Little told his story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". Mark has done many things. Mark loves cats and sunsets. Mark is unsure about people. Mark tries to make the world a better place by saying things to people in the drive thru at the bank. That’s it. Mark is a simple man.

Dr. Heidi Steltzer told her story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". Heidi is a scientist, theologian, and mystic who recently founded the Center for Earth Theology in Cortez, Colorado. She's a scientist who wanted to save the world, a mystic who shows up at church, a speaker and writer who values connection. She's a forever student and spiritual teacher with a PhD in ecosystem science, 30 years experience in high mountain ecology, and is now getting a master's degree in religious studies.

Robin Mugwort Brodsky told her story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". When Mugwort is not meandering the globe, she can be found (or not) wandering the canyons of the southwest in search of springs, ancient junipers and petroglyphs. Robin holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and has worked in Outdoor Education and Wilderness Therapy. She's just published her first book, "Confessions of a Lazy Cyclist".

Robin Wolthausen told his story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". Robin is a lover of nature, beauty, corn, community, our bodies, soccer, and cold beers on the front stoop on a scorching August day after working all day. He cooks some mean ribs and is tired of therapy but still does it. He used to own alpacas and wants to sell you some rugs made of their fleece. Robin runs men's groups, retreats, and generally helps himself and others sort through the complexity of what it means to be a man.

M Waldron told her story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". M is a poet, performer, explorer, baker, knitter, and geologist. Her one woman show, The Letter C, premiered at The Sunflower Theatre in April 2025 and her book of poetry by the same title is available to purchase. When she isn’t knitting or baking you can find her tenderly descending local trails on her mountain bike.

Shane tells the story of his solo backpacking trip in the Verde River canyon of Arizona, and how things got weird, and then even weirder, when law enforcement descended on him. He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks -birds”. Shane escaped Los Angeles at 22 years old, after experiencing the muggle equivalent of a dementor sucking his soul from his body, a.k.a. working in Hollywood. He stuffed everything he owned into a Jeep that doubled as his bedroom, and spent his early twenties surfing couches, floors, RVs, and more, all in the name of living out Kerouac’s unfinished adventure, hoping to break free from the gravitational pull of city life and find a pulse stronger than the 9-to-5. Eventually, he traded in his vagabond shoes for the (slightly) more stable life of a wilderness guide in Durango, Colorado, where he found his people, which led him back to grad school and eventually to his current evolution as a Psychotherapist in

Claudia talks about her mom's challenges and triumphs late in her life, and how birds played an important role in helping her cope with change. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks - birds”. After growing up in Cortez, Colorado in the 50s and 60s, Claudia moved back after many decades living mostly in Woodland Park, Colorado. She’s happy to be back living under the shadow of Sleeping Ute Mountain, where all her grandparents homesteaded as children in 1910. She’s a long-time passionate educator, teaching children and teens in diverse schools, from her first job in a two room schoolhouse in Costa Rica, to most recently as a Waldorf teacher in Colorado Springs. She has tried to retire so many times her friends joke she has a retirement punch card! Retirement may actually work this time, because she is thrilled to now live near all her family, volunteer in the community, find new creative outlets, and enjoy the splendor of the

Dave describes a friend who made a deep impression on him, and how some friendships can change you forever. He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks -birds”. Dave has been trying to figure it out for a long time. Considering all the thoughts he’s thunk you would think he’s figured it out, but no, he hasn’t. Apparently it’s about quality, not quantity. Dave really loves people but spends most of his time with vegetables, trees, and his incredibly wise dog. He has been called a hermit, and a social butterfly, but when he dies he would prefer to come back as a porpoise, and is glad that has now been put into writing. He is a total sucker for sunset walks, pie, adventures, games, intense carnival rides, and pie. If given three wishes he would wish for peace for everyone, ALL the food to be grown in community gardens, and three more wishes. Join us for two Raven Narratives SLAM storytelling events when the theme will be “mistake

Dave tells the tale of joining an Alaskan fishing crew on a 24-hour halibut run, and how it nearly ruined him. He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks -birds”. Dave is a long-time Durango, Colorado resident who makes his living and spends his free time mostly with activities that begin with the letter “B”, specifically Beer, Bikes, Books, and most recently, Birds. That said, spending time with the B’s takes second fiddle to spending time with his wife, Julie, his daughter, McCartney, and their two dogs, Morgan and Stewie. Together, they also love to grow and cook as much of their own food as possible. Join us for two Raven Narratives SLAM storytelling events when the theme will be “mistakes” on Friday, June 20th, at the Fenceline Cider in Mancos, and on Saturday, June 21st, at the Ska Brewing in Durango. Storytelling SLAM events feature stories told by audience members, so bring your “mistakes” story and you might get a chance