Calisa Kastning

Calisa is originally from the Upper Midwest and moved to Alaska with her husband in 2011. She is the mother of 3 young energetic daughters who have all been on skis soon after they learned to walk. In addition to skiing (both cross-country and alpine), Calisa and her family enjoy hiking, fishing, picking berries, camping and biking adventures in their Alaskan backyard. When not out adventuring you can find Calisa and her family at local music, sewing and gardening. Calisa has learned to “find the time” for self-care, which for her is most enjoyed in physical activity (running and skiing). She is quickly learning that not only does she feel better mentally and physically, but it allows her to be more patient with her kids when her own cup is full AND the ability to keep up with her kids (for the time being)! Calisa has worked professionally in the ski industry as an Exercise Physiologist and as a Collegiate Ski Coach at various Universities. Since moving to Alaska, Calisa has coached adults in local community ski programs and is the current Executive Director at Skiku, Inc. , which is a non-profit that takes gear and volunteers to 55 rural Alaska villages to teach the kids to ski. Additionally, Calisa is the owner of Skogsbarn Enamelware Mugs and is the Co-founder of Moms Matter Now, LLC. Moms Matter Now is an online supportive community for mothers in addition to online courses designed to help expectant mothers with the emotional and psychological transitions to motherhood.