Christopher J. Vinci

Founder & Executive Director
Mycologist • Educator • Therapeutic Program Innovator • Community Leader

Christopher J. Vinci is a recognized figure in Colorado’s modern mycology movement and the architect behind Operation CAPS’ mycology-based therapeutic education model. His leadership blends scientific literacy, harm-reduction principles, trauma-informed teaching, and accessible community programming to help participants rebuild resilience, connection, and personal agency.

Christopher’s pioneering work includes the development of the Mycelial Model™, an educational framework rooted in fungal biology that teaches healing through the principles of connection, regeneration, patience, and adaptive growth. This model forms the core of Operation CAPS’ workshops and therapeutic learning experiences.

He is also the founder of several influential Colorado mycology ventures:

• Colonizing Colorado LLC – community education + cultivation supply company
• Prop 122 LLC – harm-reduction–based psychedelic cultivation education
• Most Dope Mycology Apparel – a purpose-driven mycology streetwear brand
• University of Colorado Mycological Society (UCMS) – one of the region’s most active educational mycology groups

Through public workshops, university programs, guided forays, and nonprofit outreach, Christopher has introduced thousands of Coloradans to the science, ecology, and therapeutic potential of fungi. His leadership has helped position Operation CAPS as a trusted educational voice during a critical era for natural medicine, community resilience, and mycology-centered wellness.

Nikki Vinci

Co-Founder — Operation CAPS
Owner — Colonizing Colorado LLC
Public Safety Professional • Community Educator • Jury Commissioner, Colorado Springs Municipal Court

Nikki Vinci stands as a cornerstone of Operation CAPS’ credibility, ethical grounding, and community-centered mission. With a distinguished background in public service across two major institutions — the healthcare sector and the public school system — Nikki brings decades of experience in crisis response, community support, health literacy, and trauma-informed care.

Before stepping into the mycology sector, Nikki built a respected career in:

Public Healthcare & Community Health Access

Nikki served in the public healthcare system, where she developed a reputation for reliability, compassion, and high-pressure decision-making. Her work supported vulnerable populations, coordinated essential services, and contributed to system-level efforts to improve patient access and community health outcomes.

School District 11 — Colorado Springs

Nikki expanded her public service impact within Colorado Springs School District 11, where she received formal recognition for her commitment to student support, family engagement, and community enrichment. Her work in the district earned praise for professionalism, leadership, and dedication to creating safe, supportive environments for young people and their families.

Jury Commissioner — Colorado Springs Municipal Court

Today, Nikki also serves with distinction as a Jury Commissioner for the Colorado Springs Municipal Court — a prestigious position that reflects her integrity, public trust, and commitment to civic responsibility. This role underscores her status as a respected public servant and community leader in the city.

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Leadership in Mycology & Community Development

As the owner of Colonizing Colorado, a woman-owned cultivation supply and education company, Nikki brings exceptional organizational leadership and community vision to the mycology field. Her stewardship ensures that mycology education remains accessible, safe, ethical, and grounded in real-world support for families, marginalized communities, and individuals seeking meaningful tools for wellness.

Nikki’s integration of public safety, trauma-informed approaches, and mycology education strengthens every program Operation CAPS delivers.