Who we are

ACCESS WILD was founded in honor of Roberta, who lived with Down Syndrome and whose life reflected joy, adventure, and inclusion. Her parents, Bob and Jeanne, ensured she had every opportunity to live fully—especially through meaningful experiences in nature. As passionate amateur photographers, they documented their travels and Roberta’s vibrant life in an extensive collection of slides that celebrates their deep connection to the wild.

Today, ACCESS WILD is supported by The Roberta Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to continuing this legacy—opening the outdoors to all, and fostering a world where nature is accessible, healing, and inclusive.

A young girl leaning out of a vintage car window, looking at a baby sitting in a mesh pet carrier on the car's seat, outdoors with trees in the background.
Two people wading in a narrow stream within a canyon with tall, reddish rock walls and some green vegetation.
A person with short dark hair wearing a blue shirt, standing outdoors near a window with yellow flowers in the background.
A woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat, striped shirt, and black shorts sitting beside a man in a white short-sleeved shirt, both outdoors in front of a rock formation.
An old silver car parked on a rugged dirt trail in a hilly, shrub-filled landscape with rocks and rolling green hills in the background.
A man holding a smiling baby girl outdoors, both wearing light-colored clothing.

Meet the Board

After the passing of Roberta and her parents, we carry forward the legacy they began.

Inspired by their deep love for nature and their commitment to inclusion, we founded ACCESS WILD—an organization dedicated to making the outdoors accessible to everyone.

Through this work, we honor their memory and ensure that their vision of a more inclusive, connected world lives on in every trail opened, every barrier removed, and every life touched by the wild.

A group of three smiling people taking a selfie in front of a white covered bridge, with trees and blue sky in the background.
Smiling man with brown hair, wearing a jacket and plaid shirt, standing outdoors near the beach with ocean waves and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
Smiling woman with glasses outdoors near a river and trees during daylight.
A woman with short dark hair, hoop earrings, and a black and white patterned shirt, smiling outdoors with trees in the background.

Ann Kapoun, founder of ACCESS WILD, is a seasoned and mission driven leader with over two decades of executive experience in biotechnology and more recently in nonprofit sectors. As a leader in Research and Development, she has guided more than ten drug discoveries through clinical development. Ann brings the same passion and purpose to environmental advocacy—driven by a commitment to solving complex challenges, empowering others through collaboration, and making nature and wild places accessible to all.

Rose Kapoun, Director, brings over 40 years of experience in Human Resources and various service-oriented leadership roles across schools, libraries, and credentialing. Following the passing of Roberta’s parents, Rose became her guardian—supporting her daily life and ensuring she continued to enjoy enriching experiences. Her compassion and deep commitment to the environment remain at the heart of our mission.

Bob Kapoun, Director, has held a variety of management roles over two decades, leading teams in both local and national convenience markets. Known for his unique and inspirational approach to leadership, Bob has a natural ability to motivate others and get results. He brings creativity, strong problem-solving skills, and a hands-on spirit to ACCESS WILD.