Caroline

Instructor

Originally from Atlanta, GA, Caroline grew up attending summer camp in western NC and spent a lot of time backpacking, hiking, and rafting with her family. Her passion for outdoors grew on a 30-day mountaineering trip in North Cascades National Park when she was a bit older. She currently works as a middle school science teacher in South Carolina, and she’s worked for many years as a raft guide on the Chattooga River. She’s also been a canoe guide in Big Bend National Park, an environmental education intern, and an outdoor adventure trip leader at UNC Asheville.

Education

University of North Carolina Asheville; bachelor’s degree in environmental education

Certifications

Wilderness first responder, swift water rescue

Favorite hobbies

Canoeing, gardening, film photography, swimming in the river, ceramics, and multi-day rafting trips!

Favorite outdoor achievement

I finished a two-week trek on the southwestern coast of Portugal that was my first long solo hike. This gave me lots of time for contemplation and to really appreciate my surroundings (beautiful cliffs, sandy beaches, and hidden caves I could sleep in).

Favorite outdoor memory

Backpacking the Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal and summiting just as the clouds moved and revealed an awe-inspiring view of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) Mountain. It had been totally socked in and obscured by clouds for a week and half prior. It felt really special that Mother Earth shared that moment with us. And rafting the Main Salmon!