Meet the Team

Derek has been immersed in the BDSM and Leather lifestyle for 16 years, originating in Denver. He’s honed skills as a needle top and developed a taste for particularly sadistic scenes. In addition to his duties for HECK, he’s deeply involved in his community hosting monthly leather parties. He served as Rocky Mountain Person of Leather in 2018 and has taught classes on needles, kink on a budget, and negotiating with creative sadists.

Switch Jake has been involved with the BDSM community since 2001. A very long time ago, Switch Jake came out to his parents. He we subsequently asked to leave the family and never come back. It was the BDSM community that gave Switch Jake a sense of purpose and meaning. He has taken that energy and hopes that the community as a whole is proud of what he has become.

As an educator he has taught all over the United States and Canada on a variety of topics. Not solely limited to BDSM venues, Switch Jake has also taught in vanilla establishments including colleges and universities for any groups that want to learn more about the BDSM and leather lifestyles.

As an entertainer, he is the host of a BDSM podcast (Kink in the Chain) under the pseudonym Rope Squirrel where he gives relationship advice and interviews people anyone of interest to kink and BDSM and leather communities.

Bootblack Allen (any pronouns) serves as the Bootblack Coordinator for HECK Kink, bringing extensive experience in leather care, stand operations, and community education. An international bootblack educator, Bootblack Allen is an Indigenous, Two-Spirit, disabled bootblack whose work is deeply informed by lived experience, access advocacy, and cultural awareness within leather and kink spaces.

Bootblack Allen is the President of the Council of Indigenous Leather (COIL) and a proud member of Haus Valhalla. In addition to their work with HECK Kink, they also serve as Bootblack Coordinator for Southwest Master/slave Weekend and Voodoo Leatherworks, supporting bootblack teams across multiple regions and event styles.

Across all roles, Bootblack Allen centers collaboration, consent, accessibility, and sustainability, with a strong commitment to creating welcoming, well-run bootblack spaces that support bootblacks at all experience levels. As Bootblack Coordinator for HECK Kink, they are dedicated to fostering a program that honors tradition while encouraging growth, inclusivity, and excellence within the leather and kink community.

Bree is an active member of the community who enjoys sharing knowledge, connecting with others, and helping create welcoming spaces. She prefers to keep a little mystery, so you’ll have to get to know her to learn the rest.

Kippy is a Denver native, born and raised. Autistic, leather pup and the 2024 Rocky Mountain Person of Leather. He is best described as an emotional support pet! Kippy is the co-owner of Pets PlayHouse, a bi monthly pet mosh and a co seat for the monthly switch group.. Kippy has a passion for all things pet play and enjoys sharing this passion with others whether teaching Kippy believes it is vital to offer kink education in avenues that feel more comfortable and accessible to new people. No matter what, Kippy is happy to lend an ear or tell you a joke. If he is not helping, he is learning. Kippy is always looking for ways to make the community more accessible and inclusive and is dedicated to fostering connection and joy in those around him.

I figured it was time to write something about Myself in this spot. Be patient- this will be evolving.

I have identified as a Leather Dyke for over 35 years now. I have evolved over that span into who I am today and the path I lead. I look forward to learning more each day and being able to pass on what I have learned over the years to others. It is important to Me to be a "visible" Leather Dyke. I am also in long-term recovery.

I have many passions but I love the energy that takes place during a scene. If you would like to scene with me, then just ask me directly, I am dense LOL, and I rarely ask others. Thank you

I am an introvert who loves to connect 1:1 for good conversation. I am not one to write or interact on any of the social media sites, but I am happy to have a conversation. So feel free to say hello.

Echo (she/they) is an International Master/slave titleholder, educator, mentor, judge, and community organizer with a passion for creating spaces where people can show up authentically and grow with intention.

Known for blending warmth, curiosity, and accountability, Echo enjoys facilitating conversations about power exchange, authority, masculinity, vulnerability, and what it truly means to build resilient, connected communities. Their classes encourage participants to question assumptions, embrace nuance, and leave with practical tools they can apply both in and beyond the leather community.

Echo believes that our greatest growth happens when we have the courage to be curious about ourselves and compassionate toward others. Whether judging contests, presenting classes, or engaging in community conversations, they strive to foster spaces where learning, integrity, and belonging can coexist.

When not immersed in leather events, you'll likely find Echo sharing stories with friends, reading, traveling, or spending time with their beloved cats, Mr. Gentleman Sir and Oatie.

Amand Panda has been in the community since 2010 and has taught a variety of classes in Colorado and across the country. Also, the event coordinator for KNKE camping has been doing that for 10 years.

Lavender Menace is a munch organizer, brat, Right-of Slash, people wrangler, artist and Leather woman in Denver, CO. She's been attending HECK since its inaugural year and has so much fun seeing people come and go. She considers herself in service to the community and works to help wherever she can.

I’ve been cooking professionally since I was 16, and after more than 20 years in kitchens, I’ve learned one important truth: good food is about pleasure, connection, and doing things well on purpose. I bring experience, confidence, and a no-nonsense approach to feeding people properly. My style leans toward comforting indulgence, and food that’s meant to be enjoyed, not overthought. This event is about satisfaction, and I cook with that in mind.

Heather is a deaf queer community member identifying as a service oriented Alpha-Submissive. Determined to lead inclusively, her aggressive approach to accessibility is geared towards putting Colorado on the map for equitable and inclusive practices.

Heather invites anyone with disabilities to reach out and open dialogue on improving access and betterment of community practices to embrace kinky queer members of all abilities and disabilities.

Heather's mantra is be extra! Why be ordinary ... be extra! EXTRAORDINARY!