Staff
Kristin Motley, Elevate Event Director, Level 1 MTB Coach
Kristin Motley is the new event director for this year’s Elevate MTB Festival. She has been involved in the Vermont bike scene for nearly a decade as an event director, an athlete racing XC, gravel, and ultra endurance events, and as a co-manager for Bicycle Express Racing. Two years ago, Kristin developed a youth middle school bike team that follows the Vermont Youth Cycling event circuit, an organization which she is a board member as well. When she isn’t doing bike related things, Kristin is a Reiki practitioner, loves cooking for her family, and spending time in nature. She lives in Waterbury, VT with her two boys ages 9 and 11, her husband, and their dog.
Kenzie Brunner, Director, Stowe Trails Partnership, Level 2 MTB Coach
Originally from Michigan, Kenzie moved to Stowe, Vermont because of the ample recreational opportunities. Whether it be backcountry skiing nordic skiing, trail running, or mountain biking, Kenzie is always looking to share her love for recreation with others. Kenzie helped to found Elevate in 2022, alongside others at VMBA, NEMBA, and KT.
She coaches children and women through her work with VMBA, Stowe Mountain Bike Academy, and more.
Nicole Freedman, Director, New England MTB Association (NEMBA)
Nicole has been immersed in the bicycling world since graduating from Stanford University and declaring “I’m going to be a professional cyclist”, to which everyone responded “Get a real job!”. She spent a decade racing professionally on the road which included competing for the United States in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
After wrapping up her racing career, she transitioned to work for Mayor Thomas Menino as Boston’s Director of Bicycle Programs from 2008-2015 where she helped launch one of the first bike share systems in the United States and tackle Boston’s reputation as the worst city for cycling in the country.
Nicole is passionate about teaching people to fall in love with cycling (whether teaching clinics, coaching teams or leading rides) and is ill-disposed to doing any mechanics/maintenance on her own bicycles. Nicole is thrilled to currently work as NEMBA’s executive director to help lead the organization into its next chapter.
Abby Long, Director, Kingdom Trails Association
Special Guests
Annie Pendygraft, PhD, Psychologist and Level 1 MTB Coach
“I’ve been a professional mountain bike coach for about seven years. After learning to ride in the pacific northwest and coaching with Ladies AllRide I now live in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. My favorite places to ride are right in my backyard…the enduro trails at Sugarloaf Mountain that I was lucky enough to help build with my partner. I work full time as a psychologist and specialize in sports-based traumas. I’m super excited to share this speciality in helping women get past fear and confidence-blocks on their bikes.”
Coaches
Meredith McFarland, Level 2 MTB Coach
Lindsay Currier, Level 2 MTB Coach
Caitlin Tam, Level 1 MTB Coach
Courtney Behnken, Level 1 MTB Coach
Kim Quinlan, Level 1 MTB Coach
Felicia Fowler, Level 2 Adaptive MTB Coach
Erin Faccone, Level 1 MTB Coach
Erin Faccone is a former Cat 1 road, mountain and cyclocross racer who has always had a passion for increasing WTF representation in cycling. She has spent the last five years with an increased focus on developing newer riders and racers, previously leading a weekly ‘women’s fast ride’ in Boston for several years, as well as many on- and off-road rider clinics. In 2024 she assumed a leadership role with the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) and is excited about additional opportunities to get more women enjoying the freedom that comes from riding bikes!
While she doesn’t race anymore, she finds great joy exploring new (to her) mountain bike trails across New England on the weekends. Living and working in greater Boston, you’ll most often find her doing a Middlesex Fells lap before or after work hours!
Sue Clifford, Level 2 MTB, Jump Clinic Coach
Emily Thibodeau, Pro Mechanic, Ride Leader Certified
Emily has been a professional bicycle mechanic for 15 years, with experience ranging from being a shop mechanic and bike shop owner to serving as an event mechanic and instructor. She loves helping people get to know their bikes better and feel confident going on longer rides. One of her favorite places to ride are the trails closest to her, particularly Beaver Brook in Waltham, MA. This is also where she helps lead weekly Women & Gender Expansive Community MTB rides with her team, the Hustle Hive.
Elevate Mountain Bike Festival
Elevate Mountain Bike Festival 