• Hometown: Jackson, California
• Occupation: Swim Coach, Personal Wellness Trainer, & Outdoor Educator
• Education: University of California, Santa Cruz (04′)
• Certs: First Aid/CPR, Certified NESTA Personal Trainer
• Eagle Scout
• Favorite Food: Shrimp burrito

I grew up on 7 acres in Jackson, CA where I had the freedom to roam and discover, I hiked the hills, building tree-forts and climbing trees, hanging out outdoors until sunset; this is where I found my love of exploration.  I earned my Eagle Scout and graduated from UC Santa Cruz in psychology.

I have always been active, dabbling as a youth in baseball, soccer, wrestling, basketball, gymnastics, and roller hockey, but discovered my biggest joy was swimming.  I swam and played water polo in college and found that running and cycling would become favorites, leading to pick-up racing in triathlon thereafter.  I have since went on to compete at USAT Triathlon Nationals and World Championships in Hamburg, Germany in 2007.

After college, I went to work at my first outdoor education job in Florida, where I led 30-day canoeing expeditions with Outward Bound.  I pursued coaching and have enjoyed being with the Amador Polars Bears, Rocklin Wave, All-American Swim Academy, Sierra College and currently the Arden Park Dolphins.

In spring of 2008, I left coaching to return to outdoor education.  I led ropes courses, group challenges, and backpacking trips for Boojum Experiential Education (Anza, CA).  After a summer in Southern California, I headed north and went on work as a Naturalist at Mendocino Woodlands Residential Science School (Fall 2008, Mendocino, CA), Great Basin Outdoor Science School (Winters 2009, 2010, 2011 Lake Tahoe, NV),  Web of Life Field School(Spring and Fall 2009, Aptos, CA) and Klamath Outdoor Science School (Spring 2010, 2011, Klamath Basin, OR).

I enjoy traveling and have been so fortunate to visit the British Isles, Thailand, New Zealand, Germany and Netherlands as well as 8 countries in Central and South America.

I believe that there is no better experience for a child, than to explore and develop an appreciation for nature.  This positive connection helps reveal self-awareness, including a clearer mindset and flight of imagination.  I would also like to recognize the importance of a healthy body and mind, where health and fitness contribute to the overall total wellness.

You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. ~Plato

Inspiration/ Motivation/ Dedication

It is not a matter of if, but when we will face challenges in our lives.  I have lost several special people but I am so grateful to have shared so much joy with them while they were here.  In my many miles of walking, my heart will go out to those who are unable to be by my side.  I thank you for your strength, wisdom and support.  May your love and spirit be everlasting.

August 8, 2009, After a courageous battle with cancer, my loving mother passed peacefully.  Her unconditional love and comfort cannot be replaced and I will forever strive to make her proud in my choice and actions.  Thank you for giving me strength, wisdom and joy.  I love you so much.

December 20, 2004, I was witness to a tragic glissading accident on Mount Tallac in Lake Tahoe, CA. I will never forget my college roommate and best friend Ian William Carney.  He will always be my motivation and I am constantly inspired by his creativity and passion. You are always in our hearts.  No Fears, No Limits, No Regrets!

I would also like to mention friend and father-figure Robert Stetson.  Bob suffered a traumatic brain injury after an accident while working on his home on September 6th, 2009.  He always dreamt of hiking the PCT, and I would just like to recognize the Stetson family and as they continue to cope with this every changing challenge.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. ~Hilary Cooper