Who is Tee?

Hello there! I’m Tee—founder and owner of Mush Love, Tee, which opened on December 11, 2025. After 24 years of Federal Civilian Service—22 with the U.S. Army, one with the U.S. Navy, and nearly a year with HUD—I retired to begin this new chapter. My culminating role was as Chief of Protocol for I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the largest Army-led joint base in the military, near Tacoma, Washington. In that position, I planned events for the 3-Star Commanding General and oversaw all VIP visits, working with senior leaders from across the globe. I often say that even as a civilian, serving alongside the military for 24 years saved my life.

I was born in Colorado Springs, with family roots in Colorado dating back to the 1800s. Yet I’ve been the nomad of the family, living in California, Texas (Dallas and San Antonio), Germany, Oklahoma, Alabama, and—most recently—Washington state, the longest place I’ve ever called home. There, mushrooms seemed to sprout everywhere you looked, deepening the fascination I’ve carried since childhood hikes.

Like many, I grew up hearing that wild mushrooms were dangerous. But curiosity led me to learn that of the 14,000 species worldwide, only about 1% are deadly and 5% can make you sick. The other 94% are not only safe but often profoundly beneficial—offering medicinal and nutritional gifts for our bodies.

Here at Mush Love, Tee, I want to share that truth. This is not just a gift shop—it’s a place to learn, to connect, and to discover that mushrooms are more than “magic.” While psilocybin has shown promise in treating PTSD and depression, countless other mushrooms offer healing and nourishment without hallucinations. The mural on my wall celebrates the edible mushrooms of the Rocky Mountains—medicine and food growing right in our backyard.

Mush Love, Tee is more than a shop… it’s an experience. My hope is that you leave with curiosity sparked, understanding deepened, and a little more love for funky fungi.

Learn. Love. Shop.

Mush Love,

Tee