Visit The Wild
This will be my first summer with Expeditions Alaska and I couldn’t be more excited! Alaska is the most gorgeous place I’ve ever seen and I can’t wait to experience it with you. I have been an outdoor educator and guide for the past 7 summers in Alaska, Montana, Maine, and New Hampshire. Backpacking is my favorite, closely followed by canoe trips. In the winters I have cooked for off-the-grid huts in Maine, been an xc-ski guide, and most recently completed my 4th winter as a children’s ski instructor at Big Sky. I like staying active in beautiful places with awesome people (and getting paid for it)!
At Appalachian State University I majored in classical oboe performance, so when I wasn’t in the practice room I was hiking around the Blue Ridge Parkway or backpacking short sections of the Appalachian Trail. Post-college I worked as an interpretive guide, environmental educator, & backcountry instructor in New Hampshire & Maine where I taught folks about the natural world and how to safely play in it. It was so fun, satisfying, and rewarding that I wanted to do it forever!
Similarly in Montana, I guided teens on 2-3 week trips all over the state. Finally I made it to Alaska, where I sea kayaked around Aialik Bay, exploring every rocky beach and glacier that I could paddle to. Best summer ever. I ended last summer with a trip to Denali, where I had my first on-trail grizzly bear sighting (it was safe and exciting)!
I then returned to the lower 48 and had an epic 3-month solo road trip chasing fall colors from Glacier National Park all the way down to the Grand Canyon. I had an incredible time exploring the desert, photographing the night sky, and checking off 9 new National Parks.
Through education and exploration of wild places we develop understanding and appreciation. Once we understand and appreciate how special the place is, it leads us to protection and conservation.
I look forward to seeing you this summer. I will be here for you as we embark on what will be an amazing expedition!
“There is one word of advice and caution to be given those intending to visit Alaska . . . If you are old, go by all means, but if you are young, wait. The scenery of Alaska is much grander than anything else of its kind in the world, and it is not wise to dull one’s capacity for enjoyment by seeing the finest first.” –Henry Gannett
Here’s my thing—I believe the outdoors is for everybody! Whether it’s your first time backpacking or you’re a seasoned explorer… setting off on an adventure will offer you: physical & mental challenges you will grow from, stunning views you will gawk at, spur deep conversations with your teammates, create unforgettable memories, disconnect you from the screens and stressors of daily life, and reconnect you with yourself. All while living simply in the wilderness. (it’s the BEST)
ACA Sea Kayak Level 2 Instructor
PSIA Child Specialist 1
Swiftwater Rescue
Mental Health, First Aid
LNT trainer
PSIA Level 1
Registered Maine Guide
ACA Canoe Level 2 Instructor
Wilderness First Responder
Certified Interpretive Guide, ServSafe
Being a guide: You have to wear multiple hats while guiding—navigator, cook, nurse, supporter, instructor, planner, friend, leader, entertainer, listener, etc. While out in the field I am able to seamlessly switch hats or wear multiple hats at the same time depending on the situation. It’s all about awareness.
What makes you happy? Teaching others backcountry skills that they can take with them on their own adventures. And especially empowering women to explore the outdoors on their own!
Due to my background with youth, I have a deep pool of patience and a knack for helping folks process new or uncomfortable experiences and building confidence along the way.
