Top row, from left to right: Jack Hoiland, Sam Haines, Kate Brown, Alex Rhue, Hannah McKinley, Erica Van Steenis, Nate Humphries, Wells Jones. Bottom row, from left to right: Dave “Dmac” McGlashan, Laura Horowitz, Nico Grin, Tess Sneeringer, Austin Coolidge, Sean Doyle
Every year, Adventure Treks kicks off the summer with our five-day trip leader retreat in Oregon, where our leadership team gathers in a cabin near Mt. Hood for senior staff training.
Our 12 trip leaders, two logistics directors, and four regional directors hail from 12 states, average 28.8 years old, and have a collective 143 years of Adventure Treks experience, with an average of 7.8 seasons of AT experience each. (Five trip leaders are former Adventure Treks students!) We’re proud to be a part of this group of mentors who will train our new instructors and oversee the success of our trips.
So what do we do at trip leader retreat? Besides strengthening our leadership team community, we apply leadership theory, current child psychology, and child brain theory to Adventure Treks’ philosophy. We learn and relearn the specific details of each trip itinerary, and we review safety and the policies and procedures that lead to successful trips. With such a tremendous brain trust, we share our tips and experiences with each other, and our more experienced trip leaders mentor our newer trip leaders so we can provide consistent experiences across the board. Together, we share the tips and tricks we’ve gleaned as we work hard to make every trip exceptional.
Staff orientation begins this weekend! Our 65+ instructors converge from 28 states for two weeks of training as we prepare for the arrival of our students.
We also want to share what we have been reading this winter. It’s our job to stay on top of the latest youth development trends and literature so we can make sure that Adventure Treks remains relevant to parents. Besides being a ridiculous amount of fun, we want Adventure Treks to be a tool that helps kids develop the skills, mindset, optimism, confidence, character, and resilience that will help them become happier and more capable adults.
Topics from these and other books will be featured in our instructor orientation sessions as we facilitate the best possible learning and growing experience for your child. Below are our 2018 suggestions for those who share our obsession in helping teenagers experience personal growth.
https://d52gwxhjtzjcm.cloudfront.net/2025/01/IMG_0134-1.jpg480640AT Staffhttps://www.adventuretreks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AT-logo-white-NEW.pngAT Staff2018-06-08 20:44:432025-12-28 16:41:08Trip Leader Orientation is Finished, and Big Orientation is Starting!
We’ve been hearing this question a lot lately… “Who are my instructors going to be this summer?!”
Without further ado, we present the 2018 instructor teams! We spend each spring creating the most skilled and balanced instructor teams possible, and we can’t wait to watch our staff (both new and returning!) create a safe, fun, and growth-filled summer experience for all of our students. Each trip has both new and returning staff.
On June 3, our directors and trip leaders will head to a five-day leadership retreat near Mt. Hood in Oregon. Trip leaders manage each of our staff teams and are supported by our regional directors; our leadership team has an important role in facilitating the success of our trips, so we use this period to get everybody on the same page and go over many of the intricate details of the summer ahead. On June 9, our instructors will gather in southern Washington for their two-week orientation; the first week will be spent as a big group as we go over the big picture of Adventure Treks. The second week, each trip team of five or six instructors will head out for another week to scout the logistics of their specific itineraries, bond as a community, and prepare for their students to arrive!
Please note that these are tentative staff teams, as we anticipate a few changes will happen between now and the start of your student’s trip. As always, feel free to call us at 828-698-0399 or email with any questions.
We are so excited to announce our leadership for summer 2018! On June 3, our directors, regional directors, and trip leaders will gather for a five-day retreat near Mt. Hood in Oregon. Here, we’ll start bonding as a leadership team; pore over trip itineraries; share our collective expertise as review safety, policies, and procedures; and apply child psychology and adolescent brain development theory to Adventure Treks. This time together reinforces our “AT culture” as we prepare to greet new and returning instructors for our two-week orientation starting June 9.
This year, our 14 trip leaders and directors:
Have a combined 90 seasons of Adventure Treks experience. At minimum, our trip leaders have three seasons of previous Adventure Treks experiences, and some have as many as 13 seasons!
Include 5 (!!) former Adventure Treks students.
Comprise a wonderful group of outdoor educators like ski patrol, school teachers, outdoor program course directors, ski instructors, and more!
Below, meet our leadership team!
Dave McGlashan, Regional Director
Dave (or Dmac, as our students and parents know him) is our director and 11th-year regional director. He has a master’s degree in recreation from the University of Tennessee and is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) instructor course. He is a Wilderness First Responder, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, and American Canoe Association Level 4 Whitewater Instructor. In his spare time, Dmac can be found mountain biking all over the southeastern U.S.
Erica Van Steenis, Regional Director
Erica’s is our staffing director and this will be her eighth season as a regional director. Originally from Southern California, she has a master’s degree in community development from the University of California, Davis, and is currently working on a PhD in education at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She is an experienced sea kayaking and backpacking guide, a Wilderness First Responder, and holds her Avalanche Level 1 certification.
Jack Hoiland, Regional Director
Jack, originally from Portland, OR, joins Adventure Treks for his seventh season as a Regional Director. He has a master’s degree in outdoor education from Prescott College, and after he finished college, he completed a year-long apprenticeship at a primitive skills school. He currently works as the outdoor education director for the Portland Waldorf School. Jack is a Wilderness First Responder.
Austin is joining Adventure Treks for his third season as an trip leader. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, and while in school, he helped start the Outdoor Leadership program and led backpacking trips in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Austin is an avid outdoorsman, spending his time backpacking, rock climbing, mountain biking, mountaineering, and kayaking. Austin is a Wilderness First Responder.
Sam Haines, Pacific Northwest Adventure 1 & Ultimate Northwest 2
Sam is returning to Adventure Treks for his seventh season as a trip leader. Sam graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a bachelor’s degree in jewelry and metalsmithing. He is a graduate of the NOLS Pacific Northwest Semester and spent three summers leading backpacking trips for Mass Audubon Drumlin Farm. He spent his winter in Boston working as a climbing instructor and youth climbing coach. He holds certifications as an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Wilderness First Responder.
Sean Doyle, Ultimate Northwest 1 & Pacific Northwest Adventure 2
Sean grew up in Michigan, and has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Grand Valley State University. He has led trail crews in Wyoming, and canoe and backpacking trips in Wisconsin for Camp North Star. Sean has traveled and adventured all over the world and has taught English overseas for the past six years. He is a Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Master Educator, and a lifeguard. Sean is joining Adventure Treks as a Trip Leader in his third season.
Hannah McKinley, Colorado Explorer 1, 2, 3
Hannah is a former Adventure Treks student, having spent four summer with us as a teenager. This year, she’s joining us for her third season as an trip leader. She recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in political science and global studies. Originally from western North Carolina, Hannah has spent the past four summers leading backpacking and canoeing trips at Camp Pinnacle. She is a Wilderness First Responder.
Wells Jones, British Columbia Adventure 1 & 2
Wells is from Atlanta and spent four summers as an Adventure Treks student. He holds a bachelor’s degree in outdoor education and leadership from Central Wyoming College. Wells spent three summers leading trips for Camp Pinnacle and worked at a ski resort this past winter. Wells is a Wilderness First Responder and is returning for his sixth season as a trip leader.
Laura Horowitz, California Challenge 1 & Pacific Northwest Explorer
A former Adventure Treks student, Laura is joining us for her fifth season as an trip leader. Laura received a bachelor’s degree in political science and social policy practice from Tulane University, and she will being law school at Duke University in the fall. At Tulane, Laura led backpacking and canoeing trips for the outdoor program, and after graduation, she continued to work for TU Outdoors as a program coordinator. Laura spent three summers leading backpacking and canoeing trips for Camp Pinnacle before she came to Adventure Treks. She is a Wilderness First Responder.
Alex Rhue, California Adventure & California Challenge 3
Originally from Southeastern Ohio, Alex is returning for her fourth season as a trip leader. Alex holds Bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Outdoor Education, as well as a Master’s degree in Recreation Studies from Ohio University. She has worked as an outdoor instructor, trip-leader, and expedition director for camps, universities, and guiding companies in Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, British Columbia, and North Carolina. Alex will be starting her Ph.D. in Higher Education this fall. In her spare time, she loves rock climbing, rafting, canyoneering, and backpacking. She is a Climbing Wall Instructor, Lifeguard and CPR Instructor, and a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician.
Kiko Sweeney, Alaska Expedition 1a
A former Adventure Treks student, Kiko graduated from Colorado College with a double major in film and new media studies and classics. She has led backpacking trips in Alaska and Colorado, and spent her winter skiing and working full time for Patagonia in Salt Lake City, Utah. She competed in the Junior Nationals as a ski racer and is joining us for her sixth season as a trip leader. She is a Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and has an AIARE Avalanche Level 1 certification.
Tess Sneeringer, Alaska Expedition 1b
Tess joins us for her fifth season as a trip leader. Tess holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Middlebury College in Vermont. She has led backpacking and canoe trips in the greater New England area and enjoys bringing her knowledge of wildlife ecology and forestry into the field. Tess is a graduate of a NOLS Alaska backpacking course, Wilderness First Responder, and Swiftwater Rescue Technician.
Nico Grin, Alaska Expedition 2
Originally from the Bay Area in California, Nico has a bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation leadership from Feather River College. She has traveled through 13 different countries, rock climbed in Thailand, swam in the Mekong, and volunteered on farms across New Zealand. Nico has worked as a rock climbing instructor, taught at a preschool, and facilitated high ropes challenge courses. She is a Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue Technician, and she is returning for her fifth season as a trip leader.
Alex Coffin, California Challenge 2
Alex is returning for her fourth summer as a trip leader. She graduated from Colgate University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and mathematics. Alex has led backpacking and sea kayaking trips all over New England and currently works as a high school math teacher in Boston. She is a Wilderness First Responder.
Nate Humphreys, Leadership Summit
Nate was a five-year Adventure Treks student before transitioning into his thirteenth season as a trip leader. Nate graduated from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, NM. He has led backpacking trips in Utah and Oregon, and thru-hiked the Long Trail. Nate currently lives in Asheville, NC, where he performs as a musician, and is a Wilderness First Responder.
A unique aspect of working at Adventure Treks is that instructors return year after year to spend their summers with us. In fact, our instructor return rate every summer exceeds 60 percent. Below, some of our longest-standing community members tell us why Adventure Treks and wild places are such an important part of their lives. This cadre of folks have countless years of experience working in the outdoors, and they’re happy to share just a small piece of what led them to work in the outdoors and what brings them back year after year.
Tess Sneeringer, 2018 trip leader for Alaska Expedition 1 and Pacific Northwest Explorer; with Adventure Treks since 2013
Tess Sneeringer
What led you to work in the outdoors? When I describe my current job, I frequently end up answering the question, “How did you get into this, being from a city?” I enjoy the opportunity to share that a simple outdoor day camp in Maryland planted the seed for what is now a career in outdoor education. No, my family didn’t raise me climbing 14,000-foot peaks out west or backpacking, but they did see the value in spending the summer outside. At the beginning of high school, I started working at this same camp and found myself charged with creating a positive experience for young people in the outdoors for the first time. Clearly it was a feeling I enjoyed. My involvement in my college outdoor program quickly became as important to me as my degree in biology and provided me with the basic skills in backcountry travel and wilderness risk management to apply for a job in the outdoor industry just a year before graduating.
What keeps you at AT? At 21 years old, I started my first season with Adventure Treks in North Carolina on the Blue Ridge trip. It was (and still is) the hardest job I’d had to date, but not without a reward to match. At AT, we encourage our students to work toward becoming their best self over the course of a trip, and it’s not an accident that our own teachings rub off on ourselves. This feeling is the reason I come back, and the reason why the student return rate is about as high as the instructor return rate. If you have a place you can go where you know that as soon as you arrive, you assume the best version of yourself without trying, wouldn’t you go back? Again, and again? I would. When I do, I find myself surrounded by a community of others—both students and staff—that are also thriving as the best versions of their selves.
Why do the outdoors and teaching young people matter to you? It doesn’t hurt that I’m often amidst a curling wave of whitewater, a snow-covered peak towering over an alpine lake, or a coastline so rugged you truly feel as if you’re walking on the edge of a continent. The setting in which we get to facilitate this self-discovery, I believe, makes such discovery possible. The outdoors provides ample opportunity to cultivate skills in personal communication, reflection, and resilience—three components to adolescent development that seem at risk in the current social and technological climates of high schools today. Working, and succeeding, to provide those opportunities to young people is important to me, and fuels the hard work that is required. Lastly, when you strike the balance of community, physical triumph, and self-love, the real reason to work in the outdoors with young people is the sheer amount of fun that results. It almost—almost—seems like cheating.
What led you to work in the outdoors? On the Leadership Summit course as an AT student, I remember our second day in the Goat Rocks Wilderness and the pure enthusiasm we had to adventure into an unusual amount of snow. It was July. Outfitted as a summer trip, we had only regular hiking boots, so our first two days of hiking were slow and tedious. That afternoon we stopped by a creek to set up camp, and we split up to find campsites. I felt something then—some kind of magnetic pull—and before I knew it, I was running up toward the first piece of exposed ground I had seen in days. At the crest of the hill, I turned around and sat down. In front of me, a hill of wildflowers swept down into a full presentation of the high range of the Goat Rocks—the rocky alpine crags, snow-covered and silent. In that moment, with tears in my eyes, I fell in love with the wilderness.
What keeps you at AT? When we’re outside, we often think about how small we are, or how easily the world gets along without us. My years at AT (years of adventure, work, connection, and challenge) have left me with a certain feeling I continue to return to. It’s that the wilderness is us, and we are it. Every day of my life, I feel enormous gratitude for this, and every day I seek a path back to that silence of the backcountry, so it can be filled with friends, laughter, and good will. What more can anyone want?
Why do the outdoors and teaching young people matter to you? Almost a decade after my Leadership Summit trip, I found myself in a similar position, sitting on a ledge above our campsite, 18 days down the Colorado river in the Grand Canyon. With the flow of the river echoing like time up the wall through my feet, I contemplated the tight-knit community of friends and coworkers I could see below. I considered our backward progression through the tiny slice of history written in the layers of sediment apparent in the canyon walls—only an estimated 1,250 million years, a drop in the proverbial ocean of time.
Jack Hoiland
Jack Hoiland, 2018 logistics coordinator and regional director; with Adventure Treks since 2013
What led you to work in the outdoors? As a student, I always felt more comfortable, energized, and focused when I was outdoors. Outside I felt like an intuitive, natural learner, a feeling I rarely had while in the classroom. I knew that I was not the only one with this experience, and I wanted to be part of facilitating that for others.
What keeps you at AT? As an employee for AT, I don’t feel like I am just there to make the company run. There is a greater mission that I recognize and an inherent value that is placed on the bonds between the people that make up the company. Most issues that I run into with other jobs stem from putting the company before the person, and with AT, they clearly share weight and space.
Why do the outdoors and teaching young people matter to you? I really care about this question and don’t fully have an answer yet, but I am so interested and committed to finding out. The outdoors and teaching young people is such a varied and dynamic experience that it is a fuel that hasn’t burnt out yet, and that has a value all its own. The outdoors provides an important platform for risk and beauty to occupy the same space, and that pairing is such a powerful tool for learning and teaching.
Allison O’Brien
Allison O’Brien, 2018 educational programs director; with Adventure Treks since 2013
What led you to work in the outdoors? A big turning point for me and my relationship with the outdoors happened while I was attending an adventure-based outdoor recreation semester at Feather River College in California. We spent the semester backpacking, backcountry skiing, winter camping, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing—activities I didn’t do a lot of growing up in Minnesota. Through these new challenges and experiences I learned that when I pushed myself, I was capable of a lot more than I realized. I developed confidence in myself that I had never had before. Being able to do all these activities and also be in beautiful places, getting to know awesome people, felt very fulfilling.
What keeps you at AT? It is very rewarding to see the growth, bonding, and the laughter that happens on an AT trip. Summer after summer at Adventure Treks, I see teens meet and overcome challenges, and they come out the other side stronger and more confident.
Why do the outdoors and teaching young people matter to you? I feel the most happy and at peace with life when I am active in the outdoors. After having such a life-changing experience, I realized I wanted to help others have similar experiences.
Erica Van Steenis, 2018 staffing director and regional director; with Adventure Treks since 2011
Erica Van Steenis
What led you to work in the outdoors? When I was a kid, my dad would take my brother and me to the river in Colorado. He had two foldable poolside chairs, one for my brother and one for me to sleep on. I remember not even minding the slightly uncomfortable sleeping arrangements because the river and all the stars and my surroundings were fascinating. Fast forward 10 years, and I was turning 22 years old in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness while on a multi-week backpacking trip. Now I am 32, and central to my work is educating youth in the outdoors. How I got here is sort of a blur, but I like to think that those river trips with my dad has something to do with it.
What keeps you at AT? Those who organize their lives around the outdoors and appreciate the educational opportunities that take place in such settings are my people.
Why do the outdoors and teaching young people matter to you? There is a certain rhythm that exists in teaching youth in the outdoors. It is experiential, and so different from the typical classroom setting most youth experience. I am a big believer in the idea that all young people should be afforded opportunities to learn exponentially and outside of their comfort zone.
Dave McGlashan, director; with Adventure Treks since 2007
What led you to work in the outdoors? Thinking back, it all started with a TV show called “McKenna.” It aired after the Superbowl in 1993. The show was about a family in Oregon that ran a guiding company. It was a horrible show; only five episodes aired in the U.S. (out of the 13 that were filmed). Think “Baywatch” (the original TV show) crossed with Aspen Extreme. It was the first time I’d heard about being able to make a living in the outdoors. This put me on a path to working, in whatever manner I could, in the outdoors.
What keeps you at AT? The people, both the students and the staff, are the reason I have stayed for 12 years. We get some of the most incredible students—they are engaged, they want to learn, and they want more from their middle and high school years. Some of the best conversations I have ever had were with students at Adventure Treks. Most of my friends, and all my best friends, have come from Adventure Treks. Everyone wants to do and be more, and they will challenge and support each other in every way possible. My vacations typically revolve around seeing AT staff all over the country.
Why do the outdoors and teaching young people matter to you? As cliche as it sounds, youth are our future. Seeing what is going on with the environment, and how special it is—it’s of great importance to take the leaders of tomorrow into the places that matter. If someone does not have a connection with nature, why would they care to protect it? This is one of the key reasons that taking youth into the outdoors is so important. One the other side of that coin, working with teenagers is just fun. So many of us have forgotten what it is like to play made-up games, or laugh at nothing for hours, or just be in awe of a new experience. Working with youth keeps me young at heart. It is not something I ever want to give up.
https://d52gwxhjtzjcm.cloudfront.net/2025/01/Nate-scaled.jpg25601920AT Staffhttps://www.adventuretreks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AT-logo-white-NEW.pngAT Staff2018-05-15 23:18:172025-12-28 16:41:08Why Working at Adventure Treks Matters
Kelly earned a degree from the University of Montana in Missoula, majoring in fine arts. She is returning for her third season at Adventure Treks this summer. Last year, Kelly led students on the Yellowstone Adventure trips!
What is your favorite AT activity? That is so hard to choose, but I think my favorite thing is to dress up and be silly with the students. I like everything from sing for your supper to talent shows, from performing skits to dressing up in summit swag and taking lots of photos at the top of the mountain!
What are you currently doing? I am one of the head supervisors of the snow sports school at Steamboat Mountain Resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. My main responsibilities are to work with ski instructors, pairing them with students to teach and working with them on their professional development. I enjoy skiing around the mountain every day and getting to meet a lot of new people each winter!
What made you want to work as an outdoor educator? What brings me back to the outdoors again and again is my passion for being outside. I think it is really therapeutic, and when life brings me down I can always return to the wilderness to heal. I like to see students thrive in the outdoor environment!
What’s your favorite AT memory? Last summer, we had to unexpectedly leave the backcountry, and instead of hiking the six miles we had planned, we hiked 11 miles to the trailhead. That could have been a negative experience for our group, but the students rose to the occasion and everyone embraced our circumstances. We sang Taylor Swift the entire way and had so much fun!
What’s your favorite AT meal? The most memorable meal from the summer was when [regional director] Erica and I went food shopping while the kids were rafting, and instead of bringing back pizza for the group like we planned, we surprised everyone with a rotisserie and fried chicken meal! The kids loved it. I also really enjoy our breakfast bar meals where we eat anything from oatmeal to fruit and yogurt and granola and cereal.
What keeps you coming back to AT? The relationships I have formed with both students and instructors keep me coming back to Adventure Treks. They are amazing people who I admire!
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been to? The most beautiful place I have ever been is Glacier National Park because it is so pretty. I remember the water being so blue and crystal clear. Unlike anything I have ever seen!
Tell us something unique about you. This one is hard! I come from a big family of girls—I have three sisters. I also like to strike a balance between being outdoorsy, but also feminine. I like to wear nail polish even while I am working in the backcountry!
We are excited that Austin Coolidge will be joining us this summer for his third season as an Adventure Treks instructor.
Seasons with Adventure Treks: I’ve been with Adventure Treks for two seasons (one summer and one fall), and I am returning for a third season this summer!
University attended: University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. I received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
Favorite AT Activity: Ice climbing on the Matanuska Glacier in Alaska!
What are you currently doing? I am putting my degree to use as a high school chemistry teacher in Florida.
What made you want to work as an outdoor educator? I worked in a chemistry lab after undergrad, but I missed the outdoors and working as an educator in those contexts. I have a passion for sharing the outdoors with people, and Adventure Treks is the perfect platform for this passion because they choose the most breathtaking destinations for their trips.
What’s your favorite AT memory? Watching the sun almost set on a backpack in the Talkeetna National Forest in Alaska last summer.
Sea kayaking in Alaska on the Prince William Sound.
What’s your favorite AT meal? Bagels and lox
What keeps you coming back to AT? Adventure Treks puts a lot of effort into creating an inclusive environment for its staff and students. They also hire the best of the best for their staff, easily the best and most capable staff I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been to? Sea kayaking on the Prince William Sound in Alaska was the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.
Tell us something unique about you. I’ve come close to breaking the world record for number of books balanced on head…
Besides “I can’t wait for this summer!”, we know another thought on students’ minds right now is, “Who will my instructors be this summer?”
Without further ado, we present this year’s staff teams! We spend several months each spring creating the most skilled and balanced instructor groups possible, and we can’t wait to watch our staff (both new and returning!) create a safe, fun, and growth-filled summer experience for all of our students.
On June 3, our directors and trip leaders will head to a special leadership retreat near Mt. Hood in Oregon. Trip leaders manage each of our staff teams and are supported by our regional directors; they have an important role in facilitating the success of our trips, so we use this period to get everybody on the same page and go over many of the intricate details of the summer ahead. On June 9, all instructors will gather in Washington for their two-week group and trip-specific orientation, and after will be off to scout the logistics of their itineraries, bond as a community, and prepare for their students to arrive!
Please note that these are tentative staff teams, as we anticipate a few changes will happen between now and the start of your student’s trip. As always, feel free to call us at 828-698-0399 or email with any questions.
We are so excited to announce our leadership for summer 2017! On June 3, our directors, regional directors, and trip leaders will gather for a five-day retreat near Mt. Hood in Oregon. Here, we’ll start bonding as a leadership team; pore over each trip’s itinerary; share our collective expertise as review safety, policies, and procedures; and apply child psychology and adolescent brain development theory to Adventure Treks. This time together reinforces our “AT culture” as we prepare to greet new and returning instructors for our two-week orientation starting June 9.
This year, our 14 trip leaders and directors:
Have a combined 84 seasons of Adventure Treks experience. At minimum, our trip leaders have three seasons of previous Adventure Treks experiences, and some have as many as 11 seasons!
Include two former Adventure Treks students.
Comprise a wonderful group of outdoor educators like ski patrol, school teachers, outdoor program course directors, ski instructors, and more!
Below, meet our leadership team!
Dave McGlashan, regional director
Dave (or Dmac, as our students and parents know him) is our director and 10th-year regional director. He has a master’s degree in recreation from the University of Tennessee and is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) instructor course. He is a Wilderness First Responder, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, and American Canoe Association Level 4 Whitewater Instructor. In his spare time, Dmac can be found mountain biking all over the southeastern U.S.
Erica Van Steenis, regional director
Originally from southern California, this is Erica’s sixth season as a regional director and trip leader. She has a master’s degree in community development from the University of California, Davis, and is currently working on a PhD in education at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She is an experienced sea kayaking and backpacking guide, a Wilderness First Responder, and holds her Avalanche Level 1 certification.
Joe Sisti, regional director
Joe is our staffing director and regional director for the 10th season. He grew up hiking and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. After earning a bachelor’s degree in history from Virginia Tech, Joe began leading outdoor education programs, focusing on using the outdoors to build close-knit and strong student communities. He is a Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace trainer, and he is an avid mountain biker and skier.
Allison O’Brien, California Challenge 1 & Pacific Northwest Adventure 2
Originally from Minnesota, Allison graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a bachelor’s degree in environmental education and interpretation. She’s worked with AmeriCorps in northern California, as an outdoor educator in North Carolina, ski instructor at Steamboat, and interpretation intern in Glacier National Park. Allison is a Wilderness First Responder and PSIA certified ski instructor. She is excited to return to Adventure Treks for her ninth season as a trip leader.
Kate Brown, British Columbia 1 & 2
Kate is our logistics coordinator and returning for her sixth season as a trip leader. Kate graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in anthropology and African studies. She worked at Albuquerque Academy’s experiential education department after spending five years as a lead instructor, facilitator, and logistics coordinator at UNC’s outdoor education center. She is a lifeguard and Wilderness First Responder.
Tess joins us for her fourth season as a trip leader. Tess holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Middlebury College in Vermont. She has led backpacking and canoe trips in the greater New England area and enjoys bringing her knowledge of wildlife ecology and forestry into the field. Tess is a graduate of a NOLS Alaska backpacking course, Wilderness First Responder, and Swiftwater Rescue Technician.
Alex Coffin, California Challenge 2
Alex is returning for her third season a trip leader. She graduated from Colgate University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and mathematics. Alex has led backpacking and sea kayaking trips all over New England and currently works as a high school math teacher in Boston. Alex is a Wilderness First Responder.
Katy Ebner, Yellowstone Teton Adventure 1, 2, & 3
Katy hails from New Hampshire, and is a graduate of Lyndon State College in Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in adventure leadership and human services. She has led backpacking, canoeing, and rock climbing trips throughout New England. Katy is a Wilderness First Responder and AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor. She spent her winter teaching snow sports in Colorado, and is returning for her fourth season as an instructor.
Nate Humphries, Alaska Expedition 2
Nate was a five-year Adventure Treks student before transitioning into his eleventh season as a trip leader. Nate graduated from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, NM. He has led backpacking trips in Utah and Oregon, and thru-hiked the Long Trail. Nate currently lives in Asheville, NC, where he performs as a musician, and is a Wilderness First Responder.
Nico Grin, Alaska Expedition 1
Originally from the Bay Area in California, Nico has a bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation leadership from Feather River College. She has traveled through 13 different countries, rock climbed in Thailand, swam in the Mekong, and volunteered on farms across New Zealand. Nico has worked as a rock climbing instructor, taught at a preschool, and facilitated high ropes challenge courses. She is a Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue Technician, and she is returning for her fourth seasonas a trip leader.
Angelique Carl, Colorado Explorer 1, 2, & 3
Angelique is thrilled to return to Adventure Treks for her third season as a trip leader. She graduated from Northland College with a bachelor’s degree in sustainable community development. After college, Angelique developed a passion for outdoor education after working as a VISTA volunteer with AmeriCorps, a science camp instructor in Michigan, a YMCA girls leadership development instructor in Washington, and a ski instructor for six seasons. Now, she works as a full-time outdoor educator leading ecology and backpacking trips all over the west coast. She recently returned to the USA after spending the last four months in New Zealand. Angelique is a Wilderness First Responder.
Kiko Sweeney, Ultimate Northwest 1 & Pacific Northwest Explorer 2
A former Adventure Treks student, Kiko graduated from Colorado College with a double major in film and new media studies and classics. She has led backpacking trips in Alaska and Colorado, and spent her winter working for an adventure film production company. Kiko is currently working as an instructor for the Boojum Institute in California. She competed in the Junior Nationals as a ski racer and is joining us for her fifth season as a trip leader. She is a Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and has an AIARE Avalanche Level 1 certification.
Devin Wilkinson, Leadership Summit
Born and raised in Colorado, Devin has spent her life backpacking, hiking, and skiing. She has completed a semester with NOLS in Patagonia and led backpacking trips for the outdoor program at Fort Lewis College. Devin is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in adventure education from Fort Lewis College. She is a Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Trainer. Devin spent her winter as a ski patroller in Utah, and is returning for her fifth season as a trip leader.
Sam Haines, California Adventure & California Challenge 3
Sam is returning to Adventure Treks for his sixth season as a trip leader. Sam graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a bachelor’s degree in jewelry and metalsmithing. He is a graduate of the NOLS Pacific Northwest Semester and spent three summers leading backpacking trips for Mass Audubon Drumlin Farm. He spent his winter in Boston working as a climbing instructor and youth climbing coach. He holds certifications as an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Wilderness First Responder.
Casey Clark, Alaska Expedition 1
Casey grew up exploring the mountains, rivers, and canyons of Colorado. She graduated from Fort Lewis College in Durango with a bachelor’s degree in adventure education before working with Camp Tahosa as the backpacking director and lead guide. Casey spent this winter teaching skiing at Big Sky mountain in Montana and recently returned from traveling in New Zealand. She is a Wilderness First Responder and is returning for her sixth season as a trip leader.
Devin will be joining us as a Trip Leader for her fifth season at Adventure Treks! She answered a few questions for us below.
Devin on ski patrol in Park City, Utah.
What are you currently doing?
I am currently a ski patroller at Park City Ski Area in Utah.
What made you want to work as an outdoor educator?
Growing up in Colorado, I’ve always loved being outside, but it wasn’t until I took a year off from college and spent 85 daysin Patagonia with NOLS that I realized I could make a living out of sharing my passion in the outdoors.
Out of your last several years with us, what’s your favorite AT memory?
I have a lot of great AT memories, but one of my favorites was summiting Mt. Olympus with my Leadership Summit students last summer. We had woken up at about 3:00 a.m., and the weather already seemed like it wasn’t in our favor. As we ascended through the forest and eventually onto the glacier, the clouds continued to roll across the summit. It was a constant mental balance between thinking we might have to turn around and feeling confident that we would make it. The game was holding both possibilities at once. Finally, standing on top of that summit around noon was incredible. Watching my students overcome challenges together and discover their own inner strengths throughout the process—these are the moments that make me proud to be an outdoor educator.
Devin (far left) and the Colorado Explorer crew in flair!
What keeps you coming back to AT?
I come back to AT because they are my people. There is hardly any other environment where one can find such a large collection of authentic, goofy, intelligent individuals—both instructors and students—and I’ve discovered some of my closest friends within this community. Even when I only get to spend a brief amount of time with some of them, I know they truly care about me. I also come back for the adventures. And the flair costumes, of course.
On a lighter note, what’s your favorite AT meal?
I LOVE peanut butter, so any meal that can incorporate this delicious spread has to be a favorite. I really like Gado Gado, which consists of rice noodles and a variety of sautéed veggies topped with a homemade Thai peanut sauce.
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been to?
This is a hard one… I’ve been lucky to see a ton of beautiful places in my life so far. One that sticks out was seeing a glacier for the first time while mountaineering in Patagonia. It made me cry, it was so beautiful. I will say Blue Glacier on Mt. Olympus is probably a close second. Emerging from the rich greens of the Hoh Rainforest to stand before the seracs and crevasse of the glacier at sunrise is pretty spectacular.
Devin on a backpack with friends.
Tell us something unique about you.
I know more recipes using figs as an ingredient than any one person should know. I love figs, probably even more than peanut butter.
Where did you attend college?
I spent two years at Colorado College and then transferred to Fort Lewis College where I earned my degree.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
My sister and I have been talking about a trip to Iceland. I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights, and I hear they have some fermented shark you can try. Who doesn’t love some good old fermented shark!
The 2016 Adventure Treks instructor orientation begins today! Our 65 instructors converge from 28 states for two weeks of training as we prepare for the arrival of our students. This has been preceded by our five-day trip leader retreat in Oregon, where our leadership team gathered in a cabin near Mt. Hood, next to the Salmon River, for senior staff training.
The first week of instructor orientation will be spent together, camping as a large group in southern Washington. Here we learn Adventure Treks’ safety policies and procedures, build a close community of kindness that will trickle down to our students, and talk about how the learning our students acquire through an outdoor adventure experience relate to life at home. This “big group” orientation will be followed next week with trip-specific training, where each six-person instructor team learns the details of their specific trips, bonds as an instructor team, and eagerly prepares for the arrival of their students.
Our senior staff team—11 trip leaders and four regional directors—hails from 10 states, averages 28 years old, and has 107 collective years of Adventure Treks experience, with an average of 7 seasons of AT experience each. (Two were even former Adventure Treks students!) I’m proud to be a part of this group of mentors who will be training our new instructors at orientation and overseeing the success of our trips.
So what did we do at trip leader retreat? Besides forming our leadership team community, we apply leadership theory, current child psychology, and brain theory to Adventure Treks. We also focus on the specific details of each trip itinerary, and we use this time to review safety and the policies and procedures that lead to successful trips. Together, we share the tips and tricks we’ve gleaned over the years as we work hard to make every trip consistent and exceptional.
I also wanted to share what we have been reading this winter. It’s our job to stay on top of the latest youth development trends and literature so we can make sure that the Adventure Treks program remains relevant to parents. Besides being a ridiculous amount of fun, as your partners, we want Adventure Treks to be a tool that helps kids develop the skills, mindset, optimism, confidence, character, and resilience that will help them become happier and more capable adults.
Topics from these and other books will permeate our instructor orientation sessions as we facilitate the best possible learning and growing experience for your child. Below are our 2016 suggestions for those who share our obsession in helping teenagers experience personal growth.
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Dave McGlashan, Regional Director
Erica Van Steenis, Regional Director
Jack Hoiland, Regional Director
Austin Coolidge, Yellowstone Teton Adventure 1, 2, 3
Sam Haines, Pacific Northwest Adventure 1 & Ultimate Northwest 2
Sean Doyle, Ultimate Northwest 1 & Pacific Northwest Adventure 2
Hannah McKinley, Colorado Explorer 1, 2, 3
Nico Grin, Alaska Expedition 2
Alex Coffin, California Challenge 2
Dave McGlashan, director; with Adventure Treks since 2007
Kelly earned a degree from the University of Montana in Missoula, majoring in fine arts. She is returning for her third season at Adventure Treks this summer. Last year, Kelly led students on the Yellowstone Adventure trips!
We are excited that Austin Coolidge will be joining us this summer for his third season as an Adventure Treks instructor.
Erica Van Steenis, regional director
Joe Sisti, regional director
Allison O’Brien, California Challenge 1 & Pacific Northwest Adventure 2
Kate Brown, British Columbia 1 & 2
Tess Sneeringer, Pacific Northwest Adventure 1 & Ultimate Northwest 2
Alex Coffin, California Challenge 2
Katy Ebner, Yellowstone Teton Adventure 1, 2, & 3
Nate Humphries, Alaska Expedition 2
Nico Grin, Alaska Expedition 1
Angelique Carl, Colorado Explorer 1, 2, & 3
Kiko Sweeney, Ultimate Northwest 1 & Pacific Northwest Explorer 2
Devin Wilkinson, Leadership Summit
Sam Haines, California Adventure & California Challenge 3
Casey Clark, Alaska Expedition 1
