ABOUT
Ark believes that all people should have opportunities for lifelong learning. As part of our commitment to this goal, our instructors are tasked with teaching, mentoring and supporting our students throughout various fields. Instructors design and teach their own courses based on their personal and professional backgrounds in order to curate an upbeat and engaging environment for our students. From working artists to degree seeking history buffs, from horse professionals to outdoor enthusiasts, our team of dedicated instructors get the opportunity to work within their passions, while simultaneously teaching and sharing those passions with our students.
With an opportunity to select from over 60 different classes during each of our three semesters, individuals can experience an enormous number of environments, subject matter, and highly skilled instructors. Classes include language arts, literacy, science, math, music, dance, visual arts, and performance and technical theatre. Additionally, our Equestrian Center offers a variety of Equine Assisted learning classes and our Occupational Development Program offers classes directly related to securing and maintaining employment.
Who We Are
Kayc DeMaranville
COO
Artistic Director
Ed Ulrich
Director of Equestrian Services
Ed joined the Ark Team in 2002 as the Supervisor of the Ark Equestrian Center. In his current role, Ed leads therapeutic riding sessions, and uses Equine Assisted Learning to develop and teach individuals problem solving, relationship building, and other life skills. Ed has been a PATH Certified Riding Instructor since 2016.
Carter Sell
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Carter started at Ark in 2020 as a Direct Support Professional. Shortly after he moved to education where he has had many roles including an instructor, a specialist and a manager. Carter is also a certified instructor in the Mandt system. In his current position Carter is responsible for supervising the education program and its instructors, developing curriculum, and creating and maintaining schedules for students.
Kendall Nahorniak
Event Coordinator
Kendall is passionate about connecting communities through providing opportunities for artistic expression. Kendall started working at Ark in 2013 as a DSP and became an instructor bringing over two decades of experience in dance with a focus in ballet.
Heather Koske
Equestrian Center Coordinator
Heather works at the ARK Equestrian Center as the Equestrian Services Coordinator, where she helps facilitate the Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). Heather feels honored to be part of a compassionate team and grateful to witness the meaningful growth, healing, and connection these incredible animals bring to participants each day.
Elly Williams
Equestrian Center Assistant
Sharing her passion for animals and fostering the human-animal bond is Elly's forte. She holds a degree in Education from the University of Wyoming and has been with the Equestrian Center since 2011.
Kailei Fink
Instructor
Kailei moved to Laramie for school and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology. Kailei loves teaching about dinosaurs, mythology, and poetry, and is deeply passionate about Ark's services.
Brandon Freed
Instructor - DSP Certified
Brandon has been at the Ark for over 10 years in various roles. He facilitates our vegetable garden at the Equestrian Center and has an affinity for music production and geography.
Jack Groos
Instructor - DSP Certified
Jack has called Laramie home for over 6 years and came to pursue degrees in both Hospitality and Tourism Management and Elementary Education. Jack enjoys teaching vocational education, math, and biology classes.
Chelsea Gurzo
Instructor
Chelsea is a life-long Laramie native. She is excited to share her love of reading and her background in English Literature. Chelsea enjoys spending her free time with her cats and her son.
Kayc DeMaranville
COO
Artistic Director
Reagan Pachel
Instructor
Reagan graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2024 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies. Reagan is very passionate about human services and social justice, and is excited to teach subjects including art, music, history, and writing.
Destiny Rushing
Instructor
Destiny grew up in Mississippi. Destiny enjoys teaching science classes and hopes to teach more about space science in the future.
Hannah Sease
Instructor
Hannah earned a degree in Art and Graphic Design from the University of Wyoming and a Masters of Fine Art in Illustration from California State University, Fullerton. She typically teaches classes like animal art, watercolor, and paper mache.
Keagan Sell
Instructor - DSP Certified
Keagan Sell is an arts instructor with a passion for art history and extensive knowledge of post-industrial abstract works. Keagan teaches a variety of 2D and 3D art classes that promote creative expression and artistic identity.
Mark Zieres
Instructor
Mark began working in kitchens at 15 and built a lifelong career in the culinary arts, earning his Chef de Cuisine certificate through the American Culinary Federation. After 25 years with the University of Wyoming’s Dining Services, he now is an instructor in Ark's Vocational Education & Job Readiness program.