Mel hails from Atlanta but currently calls Colorado Springs home. There, Mel works in Colorado College’s outdoor program and new student orientation program, leading students on hiking, climbing, and mountain biking trips. Back in Atlanta, Mel spent several years working as a climbing coach for kids ages 6 to 14. Additionally, Mel founded the local chapter of Sunrise Movement, a youth-led climate justice organization, and spent two summers with Adventure Treks as a student!
Colorado College, pursuing a degree in organismal biology and ecology
Wilderness emergency medical technician, Leave No Trace instructor
I love a lot of outdoor activities but my favorites are rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and backpacking. I’m also into kickboxing, crossword puzzles, astronomy, plants, dogs, and poetry.
One of my favorite outdoor highlights was guiding my first extended trip with the outdoor education program at my college. I led rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking for a week and a half near Moab, UT. I grew a lot as a leader, experienced amazing places, and had a great time with the people on my trip!
My favorite outdoor memory is climbing in Red River Gorge with my dad. We both tried super hard, laughed super hard, and got to eat some awesome pizza afterward. I also bought my favorite hoodie on that trip, so I get to wear the memories everywhere!
One of my favorite places in the world is Indian Creek in Utah. It’s home to some of the best crack climbing in the world, huge red rocks, and epic landscapes. A bunch of climbers from my college go to the Creek every year, so I have a lot of great memories there with friends.
I am most looking forward to returning to the fun and supportive community I experienced years ago as an AT student. The activities I participated in and places I got to see as an AT student were incredible, but the people were truly the best part. I’m psyched to be back!
Previous Adventure Treks trips include California Challenge, Alaska Expedition
Sam