Hometown: Boulder, Colorado
With HIOBS since: 2004
How did you decide to work for the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School?
I took a Downeast Sailing course between high school and college and fell in love. I was awed by Maine and by using Pulling Boats to explore and travel. I couldn’t believe that the Instructors did this for a living and I thought to myself, this is what I would like to do.
What is your role at HIOBS?
I am currently the Sea Program Manager. In essence I oversee the sailing courses that go out of our bases in Wheeler Bay, Maine and in Big Pine Key, Florida.
What do you like best about working for HIOBS?
I love the people! The dedication of our instructors to their students and to our mission continues to impress and inspire me.
What is your favorite or funniest HIOBS memory?
This last summer I was fortunate to be able to help teach the sailing phase of a Sail/Backpack course. Towards the end of our expedition we decided to do a night sail out of the Mussel Ridge Channel and southwest towards Mosquito Island in order to set ourselves up for the final push to Burnt Island. The students were wonderful and loved the challenge of navigating and sailing in the dark. The wind was at our backs and moved us swiftly through the water. Sailing together, we watched as a huge yellow moon set over the Saint George Peninsula. It felt like magic.
Choose one word to sum up HIOBS.
Amazing
When you are not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I love to ski! I spend my winter months in Colorado working part time as a Ski Patroller. I also love reading children’s books, eating macaroni and cheese, and playing games.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
When I grow up I’d like to raise pack goats.