The People behind the scene
MEET THE OPERATION CAPS TEAM
Educators, Veterans, Mycologists, Foray Guides, and Community Leaders United by Purpose
Operation CAPS is powered by a dedicated network of educators, scientists, veterans, and community advocates committed to mycology education, harm reduction, therapeutic programming, and nature-based resilience.
Christopher J. Vinci
Founder & President — Operation CAPS, Inc.
Founder — Colonizing Colorado LLC, Prop 122 LLC, Most Dope Mycology Apparel
Founder — University of Colorado Mycological Society
Mycologist • Community Scholar • Cultivation Instructor • Therapeutic Program Innovator • Myco-Preneur
Christopher J. Vinci is a recognized leader in Colorado’s rapidly expanding mycology movement. As the founder of multiple interconnected organizations, he has established one of the state’s most influential community-powered mycology ecosystems — advancing fungal science literacy, nature-based wellness, and harm-reduction education.
His work spans advanced mushroom cultivation, Rocky Mountain field mycology, curriculum development, community science initiatives, and the creation of the Mycelial Model™, a therapeutic educational framework rooted in fungal biology. Through workshops, university partnerships, nonprofit programs, and field education, Christopher has introduced thousands of veterans, first responders, students, and community members to the healing, scientific, and ecological potential of fungi.
Christopher’s leadership reflects scientific mastery, approachability, and purpose-driven vision — positioning him as a trusted educator and a cornerstone of Colorado’s modern mycology community.
Nikki Vinci
Co-Founder & Vice President — Operation CAPS
Owner — Colonizing Colorado LLC
Jury Commissioner — Colorado Springs Municipal Court
Director of Public Safety • Trauma-Aware Program Leader • Harm-Reduction Advocate
Nikki Vinci is a distinguished public servant, respected community leader, and a pioneering woman entrepreneur in the mycology field. As the owner of Colonizing Colorado LLC, she leads Colorado’s first and only Certified Woman-Owned Mycology Education & Cultivation Company, proudly supporting Operation CAPS as a key community partner.
Nikki’s professional background spans the public healthcare system, where she supported vulnerable populations; School District 11, where she earned recognition for community and student support; and now the Colorado Springs Municipal Court, where she serves with honor as a Jury Commissioner — a prestigious role reflecting her integrity, leadership, and commitment to civic responsibility.
At Operation CAPS, Nikki directs core areas critical to participant safety and organizational excellence, including public safety oversight, harm-reduction outreach, trauma-aware participant support, program accessibility, volunteer coordination, and community partnerships. Her compassionate leadership keeps the organization grounded, inclusive, ethically guided, and deeply connected to the people it serves.
Dmitri Wood
Educational & Field Mycology Team
Foray Leader • Wild Mushroom Expert • Harm-Reduction Specialist • Extraction Instructor • Mushroom Innovator • iNaturalist Ambassador • Candy Man • Myco Mystic • Webmaster
Dmitri is a respected mycology educator, researcher and founder of The Colorado Myco-League, a fungi-focused public charity proudly partnered with Operation CAPS. As an iNaturalist ambassador, community leader, and all around nerd for nature, Dmitri brings deep ecological knowledge, species identification expertise, and extensive extraction science experience to the organization.
At Operation CAPS, Dmitri leads guided forays, teaches wild fungal identification, and provides safe, harm-reduction–oriented extraction instruction for educational purposes. His precision, ecological literacy, and patient mentoring style bring scientific integrity and hands-on depth to Operation CAPS’ field programs. His contributions strengthen the organization’s mission to expand community access to responsible, research-grounded mycology education. On top of all that… he is also Operation CAPS’ acting webaster.
Katrina Brinkman
Director of Community Outreach & Programming
As a founding team member of Operation CAPS, Katrina Brinkman is a driving force behind the organization’s community presence, public engagement, and program development. Known for her dedication to mycology and her commitment to serving others, Katrina has earned recognition as a trusted leader in community-centered education.
Her role spans multiple impact areas, including:
- Community outreach and partnership engagement
- Public program development and event coordination
- Participant support and education
- Mentorship for marginalized community members
- Sustainable food systems initiatives and community garden support
Katrina’s passion for people, combined with her love for forest ecology and accessible education, makes her an essential contributor to Operation CAPS’ mission of inclusive, science-informed wellness.
Dottie Thomas
Programs Administrator
Dottie Thomas serves as the operational heart of Operation CAPS. She oversees program scheduling, participant registration, internal communications, event logistics, and workflow coordination across all workshops, forays, and community programs. Her professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail ensure that every Operation CAPS event runs smoothly, safely, and with a welcoming participant experience. Dottie’s administrative leadership allows the organization’s educational and therapeutic programs to flourish with clarity, organization, and consistency.
Support Teams
Workshop Assistants
Assist with setup, sterile-materials preparation, class facilitation, participant guidance, and maintaining sanitation and safety standards during all cultivation programs.
Foray Assistants
Support guided mushroom forays by assisting with group navigation, field safety, species observation, and hands-on ecological learning.
Administrative & Operational Staff
Provide essential support in communications, documentation, scheduling, compliance, nonprofit administration, and overall organizational coordination.
Operation CAPS is strengthened by a team of passionate leaders, educators, veterans, and program coordinators who believe in community-centered healing, scientific education, and nature-rooted resilience.
Together, we are building a network where every participant can grow, connect, and thrive.