My Story
The path that has led me to the learning and design field is a bit unconventional: I began my professional career working in the animal care industry before transitioning into education in 2019. Throughout my career I have always enjoyed forming relationships with those around me and providing guidance through training, public education, and more.
As an educator I have enjoyed the creativity involved in developing learning experiences out of various types of content. Taking dry material and turning it into something that is engaging while still meeting learning objectives has been one of the highlights of my career.
In 2021 I took 6 months off to hike from Canada to Mexico on the Continental Divide Trail. While the scenery and freedom were incredible, some of my favorite aspects of long distance hiking are centered around problem solving, overcoming challenges, and sharing my knowledge with others.
After completing that trail, along with several shorter trails, I knew my life wouldn't be the same. That was about the time I began my transition into the learning and design field.
Through learning and design I have found that same sense of accomplishment when overcoming challenges and solving difficult problems. While the problems are less to do with poor weather or difficult terrain and more focused on how to create an engaging learning experience, it is just as rewarding in the end.
In the process of hiking across the country I have had the good fortune to build a variety of skills.
Some of these include building my own personal brand related to hiking, creating and editing YouTube videos of my hikes, giving talks on Podcasts, presenting virtual instructor led training on my experiences as well as outdoor related topics, and working with outdoor companies as a freelance writer. These skills have been instrumental in helping me to create better learning experiences.
