Ripple Collective, LLC was founded in 2022 by Rivers Whitson and Alex Toenniges. Both originally from southeast Michigan (Peoria, Anishinabewaki, Bodwéwadmi (Potawatomi), Wyandot, & Mississauga territory)
in the Great Lakes region, the two of them felt drawn to the landscape and culture of North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains and fell in love with Brevard in 2021 while completing their Wilderness First Responder training here. Ripple Collective is the product of their combined passions being brought out into the world. The name evokes the ripples of water, a special element to both Rivers and Alex, as well as the "ripple effect".

Who We Are

Alex Toenniges (she/they)

photo by Addie Rosales

somatic movement educator, nature connection mentor, musician, and change-maker
Co-Founder, Forest School Director, &
​Guild Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner
​[email protected]

Rivers Whitson (he/him)

mountain biker, bike mechanic, backpacker, and leader
Instagram: @riversonabike
Co-Founder, Ripple Bikes, & Forest School Teacher
[email protected]

"To shape [Change], with wisdom and forethought, to benefit your world, your people, your life, consider consequences, minimize harm, ask questions, seek answers, learn, teach."

​- Earthseed: The Books of the Living, Verse 43
Octavia Butler, Parable of the Talents