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Meet the Talented Staff of Pathfinder Outdoor Education
Who Facilitates?
Pathfinder staff are learning specialists who are trained in facilitation, community building, outdoor adventure, ropes course facilitation, Florida history and ecology, and conflict resolution. All bring experience; many bring additional talents and training, such as music, art, writing, counseling, adult education, and social justice education. All facilitators have, at minimum, extensive experience in the areas they facilitate (most have a BA or MA in a related field) and current training in first aid, CPR, and water safety.Adam, Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2009.
Certifications: Red Cross First Aid; CPR; AED; Canoe Rescue; High and Low Rope Facilitator.
Education: B.A. in Psychology
Favorite Pathfinder class: “I love Kaleidoscope for the self discovery that it creates and the sense of building a community from all different types of personalities.”
Favorite moment working with Pathfinder and/or kids: “Chili Chili at the end of Episcopal HS 12th graders. It was such an incredibly powerful moment of pure joy and energy.”Allyson, Site Director and Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2007. She is a Lead High Ropes Instructor, Lead Canoer, Lead Tree Climber, and Emerging Youth Leaders Facilitator.
Certifications: First Aid; CPR: Conflict Resolution; Group Facilitation.
Education: B.A. in Psychology from New College of Florida.
Relevant areas of expertise: Social psychology, child development, behaviour modification, and animal behavior.
Personal info: “While growing up, my family took a trip every summer right before school started. Each seemed more daring than the last. Camping became backpacking, and canoeing became white water rafting. The first day of school never seemed like a big challenge.”
Community defined: “People in a reciprocal relationship; many people affecting each other.”
Favorite Pathfinder class: “Tree climbing, because I’ve seen many participants conquer their fear of heights, and others find ways to stay engaged and help their friends from the ground.”
Favorite moment working with Pathfinder and/or kids: “My favorite moments are when kids or teens I’ve been working with ask me tough questions. It reminds me that there’s always more to learn.”Bambi, Site Director and Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2006
Certifications: High Ropes; ACA Canoe Instructor; ARC Small Craft; First Aid; CPR; Girl Scout Consultant/Gold Award Mentor; Tree Climbing.
Education: B.A. in Psychology at Temple University.
Personal info: “I have 2 beautiful daughters. I spend my time outdoors backpacking, tree climbing, paddling, travelling, and exploring all brown signs on the highway! At home I craft, bake, sew, and read. Often I run!”
Favorite moment working with Pathfinder and/or kids: “I love to see kids arrive at pathfinder, tentative and unsure. Then leave energized and confident!”Captain Barney, Site Director and Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 1998.
Certifications: CPR; First Aid; Lifeguard; High Ropes Trainer; Tree Climbing Trainer; Captain’s License with US Coast Guard.
Education: High School Diploma, Captain’s School.
Personal info: “Working at Pathfinder changed my life. The training I received helped me to understand myself and the people I come in contact with everyday.”
Favorite moment working with Pathfinder and/or kids: “After 10 years, it is impossible for me to pick just one moment. Every day that I get to work with kids and young adults and this amazing staff is my favorite.”Betsey, Executive Director, has worked for Pathfinder since 2007.
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology, New York.
Relevant areas of expertise: Betsey has over 20 years of non-profit management experience, including marketing, strategic planning, board development, and fund-raising. She does a lot of youth work for Girl Scouts and with her church. She stays involved in the community as a non-profit board member of a pre-school in Tampa.
Personal info: “I am a licensed foster parent and have cared for over 30 children in the last 5 years. I have one biological son and three adopted children – 2 daughters and a son. I’ve played softball since I was 10 years old and still LOVE it! FYI – I’m a Florida native.”Back to Top
Craig, Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2008.
Certifications: CPR; First Aid; Wilderness First Aid; AED Certified
Relevant areas of expertise: Craig has worked at a number of varying Environmental and Adventure Educational recreation sites with adults as well as children.
Education: BA in Recreation/Wilderness from Southern Illinois University
Favorite Pathfinder class: Craig cannot say what is a favorite, he likes it all!
Community defined: "People coming together and supporting each other, and having fun!"Daniel, Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2009.
Certifications: FWCC Certificate of Professional Development; First Aid and CPR (professional); Lifeguard.
Education: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida.
Relevant areas of expertise: Biology and environmental science.
Personal info: “Recognized for excellence in math and science, however, my favorite hobbies include drawing and creative writing (especially poetry).”
Favorite Pathfinder class: “Enchanted Forest provides an opportunity to present the outdoors as a personal resource for education and self-discovery.”
Favorite moment working with Pathfinder and/or kids: “Night Hike in a gentle rain.”David, Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2008.
Certifications: CPR; First Aid; Stress/Rescue Diver Certified;
Relevant areas of expertise: Eckerd College Search & Rescue Member/Instructor; Outdoor recreation; wilderness survival
Education: BA in International Business from Eckerd College
Community defined: "A group of people acting and working together, with multiple ideas, opinions, and perspectives, to achieve a common goal."Denita, Supply Coordinator, has worked for Pathfinder since Jan 2010.
Education: Associate degree, Century College, MN.
Relevant area of expertise: Bookkeeping, clerical and administrative.
Personal info: “I love sports, animals, nature, and being outdoors.”
Favorite moment working with Pathfinder and/or kids: “I enjoy learning new things from the wonderful facilitators we have on our staff! They are a wealth of information and diverse in their expertise so I get to learn all kinds of things about our environment, nature, animals, and the interaction between people. It makes working for Pathfinder very interesting and fun!”Emily, Site Director and Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2007. She is a Lead High Ropes Instructor, Tree Climbing Trainer, and science curriculum coordinator.
Certifications: ACA Canoe Certified.
Education: B.S. in Biology with a master’s certificate in Informal Science Institutions from the University of South Florida.
Personal info: “I am an avid fisherwoman with a great respect for the complexity of nature.”
Favorite moment working with Pathfinder and/or kids: “There is nothing better than watching students experience the outdoors and gain an appreciation for the intrinsic value of the natural world.”Eric, Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2008.
Certifications: CPR; First Aid; Certified Personal Trainer
Education: B.A. in Psychology/Communications from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN; Outward Bound Leadership; St. Petersburg Council of Neighborhood Associates Leadership; US Army Basic and Intermediate Leadership.
Relevant areas of expertise: Orienteering with Map and Compass; Outdoor Survival; Canoeing; Diving; Water Safety; Games & Sports; Physical Fitness and human body function. Eric served 8 years in the US Army Reserve and has coached youth and adults in football, track and field, weightlifting/strength and conditioning.
Community defined: “A group of people with common interests, whether initially apparent or not!”Francis, Professional Services and Adult Programs, has worked for Pathfinder since 2009.
Certifications: Challenge Course Manager; Level 2 Challenge Course Practitioner; Canoe Instructor; Small Boat Sailing Instructor; Kayak Instructor; Archery Instructor Trainer; Tree Climbing; Outdoor Living Skills Instructor; Basic Camp Director.
Education: B.A. from the Evergreen State College; Experiential Education; Psychology; Community Studies; Student Development.
Relevant areas of expertise: Challenge course training and management, adult programming, experiential education theory and practice.
Community defined: “A group of people with shared values that continues growth and development through intentional actions. ‘Community reaches consensus...sometimes through lengthy struggle...without physical or emotional bloodshed,’ M.Scott Peck, M.D.”Ilsia, Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2008.
Certifications: Lifeguard; First Aid; CPR; Dive master, Emergency First Responder
Relevant areas of expertise: Ilsia has experience in canoeing, camping and outdoor adventures, water safety, and hiking. Ilsia invites the youth to explore the outdoors
Education: BS in Information Systems Management
Community defined: "Working together for a common goal with everyone an active participant."Jaeson, Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2007.
Certifications: First Aid; CPR
Relevant areas of expertise: Jaeson has extensive knowledge of the environment and enjoys playing sport activities.
Education: BS in Science from Eckerd College
Favorite Pathfinder class: "Water World" is fun because the students and I get to learn about the water we swim and fish in. Is it safe or drinkable, why or why not?"
Community defined: " Everybody working together to achieve common goals of success, humility, and preservation."Jeromy, Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2007.
Certifications: First Aid; CPR
Relevant areas of expertise: Jeromy has been involved for 5 years in character education and diversity training throughout Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough county schools and community organizations.
Education: Currently earning a BA in Sociology at University of South Florida
Favorite Pathfinder class: "Walk-a-Mile; it allows for a safe environment to discuss an often [avoided] topic. We should all have an opportunity to talk about our life experiences and get a chance to understand the lives of others."
Community defined: "Safety and unity."Maurie, Site Director and Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2005.
Certifications: First Aid; CPR; Bareboat Sailing; LMHC; LMFT.
Education: B.S. in Park Management (Outdoor Recreation/Environmental Education); M.A. in Counselling Psychology; PhD (abd) in Clinical Psychology.
Relevant areas of expertise: psycho sound education
Personal info: “I’ve backpacked in all 50 states!”
Favorite moment working with Pathfinder and/or kids: “The picture of a turtle that a kid drew as a response to something he learned at Pathfinder: to come out of their shell!”Michelle, Assistant Director/Program Director, has worked for Pathfinder from 1996 through 1997 and since 2000. She coordinates program design for youth and adult programs. She also coordinates curriculum design for student curriculum, keeping classes fresh and relevant for students of all ages.
Certifications: High and Low Ropes Instructor; American Red Cross certified in CPR and First Aid; American Canoe Association Certified Canoe Instructor.
Education: M.A. in Education, University of South Florida; B.A. in Anthropology, New College of Florida.
Relevant areas of expertise: Michelle has taught experimentally in many areas, including facilitation, therapeutic tai chi, outdoor education, Montessori science, theatre, dance, group dynamics, and teacher education. She has developed curriculum in academic and outdoor education for students in middle school through college. Michelle is an adjunct instructor for Eckerd College.
Personal info: “Biking is my new favorite fitness activity.”
Community defined: “A group of people committed to taking care of themselves and each other.”
Favorite moment working with Pathfinder and/or kids: “Anytime a person comes off the high ropes, low ropes, or a canoe trip and excitedly says, ‘I didn’t think I could do it, but I did!’ That person has a newfound faith in themselves that they will hopefully carry with them long after their Pathfinder trip. Witnessing that moment is humbling and gratifying.”Back to Top
Shauri, Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2008.
Certifications: First Aid; CPR.
Education: Currently earning B.A. in Human Development, Environmental and Leadership Studies at Eckerd College. Waldorf Education foundation Studies through Center for Anthroposophy, New Hampshire.
Relevant areas of expertise: Shauri has worked in Waldorf education since 1998 and has a true love of adventure, nature, and working with people of all ages.
Community defined: “Communication in unity!”
Favorite Pathfinder class: “Challenge Course. I love the moment the participants realize that they have completed a challenge they didn’t think they could, and are ready for more.”Sherry, Safety & Risk Management Coordinator and Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2008.
Certifications: First Aid; CPR
Relevant areas of expertise: Canoeing, camping, boating, science and scuba
Education: BS in Marine Biology; ACOE Wetland Delineation Training
Community defined: "Community means an active group of people that join together with common goals and work as a collective unit to achieve those goals."Sydney, Tree Climbing Trainer, has worked with Pathfinder since 2003.
Certifications: Tree Climbing Trainer, High Ropes Instructor, American Red Cross certified CPR for Professional Rescuer, First Aid, Small Craft Safety, Project Wild, Project Aquatic Wild, Project Wet and Project Learning Tree certified.
Education: B.S. in Biology, St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Experience: Syd spent 10 years teaching environmental education programs & coordinating Elderhostel programs, primarily in north western New Jersey at the Fairview Lake YMCA Environmental Education Center. She also worked with New Jersey Audubon as a teacher/naturalist.
Personal: Syd & husband Bill have been on an amazing adventure together for more than 30 years & they have two fabulous children. Syd’s hobbies include gardening, birding, sailing, papermaking & many other crafts.Tammy, Site Director and Facilitator has worked for Pathfinder since 2007.
Certifications: Tammy is a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Therapist. She has Primary Practicum Training in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy. She’s also a High Ropes Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard, and has Certification in First Aid and Professional Rescuer CPR.
Education: B.A. in Recreation and Parks Administration with emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation and a Minor in Art, from Central Michigan University.
Relevant areas of expertise: Tammy has worked with several programs for diverse special needs populations, predominantly with at-risk and adjudicated delinquent youth. She has experience in program management, supervision, clinical services, contract services, consulting and private practice.
Personal info: “I love the outdoors and being adventurous. I am artistically creative and like to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Favorite Pathfinder class: “I enjoy facilitating Incredible Journey, Challenge Course/High Ropes and Tree Climbing because it’s where I see the most profound impact on individuals and groups.”
Favorite moment working with Pathfinder and/or kids: “Every time I see a participant ‘get it’, share something personally significant about an experience, or see a participant smile, it’s another favorite Pathfinder moment.Back to Top
Tom, Facilitator, has worked for Pathfinder since 2008.
Certifications: Red Cross First Aid; CPR; AED; Canoe Rescue; Level One ACCT High and Low Rope Facilitator, Tree Climbing.
Relevant areas of expertise: Tom has experience in orienteering with map and compass, kayaking, canoeing, camping, outdoor adventure. During his 33 years in the business world Tom received training in leadership and management techniques with topics including: coaching, ethics, safety, problem solving, and decision making.
Personal Information: Tom retired from the communications industry after 33 years. He found Pathfinder while volunteering as a chaperone on a 7th grade class trip. He fell in love with outdoor education and began his second career of working with learners of all ages in the great outdoors. Tom has been married to his wife, Cindy for 5 years. They spend summers on their 30 acre farm in rural Virginia, learning new ways to live off the grid and loving every minute of it!
Favorite Pathfinder class: My favorite class is the one that causes students to have that “Oh, I get it!” moment. I guess that means that they are all my favorite!
Favorite moment working with Pathfinder and/or kids: How can you possibly pick one favorite moment? Seeing kids growing more confident as they experience the outdoors is an ongoing favorite moment.
Community defined: Everyone bringing their perspective and talents to the group as they work toward a common goal.
To contact an individual staff member please email the main Pathfinder address at info@pathfinder-ed.org and put his or her name in the subject line. We will forward your message. Please allow at least two weeks for a reply since most staff members work in the field at our various locations and are not able to reach a computer during program hours.
