What’s your favorite rapid and what makes it special?
My favorite rapid on the South Fork American River is Bouncing Rock. I think it’s the most underrated rapid — it can really catch people by surprise.

Why do you love working at Mother Lode River Center?
I love working for Mother Lode because they care about more than just having fun. A huge draw for me is their focus on river advocacy and the work they’ve done alongside Friends of the River.

What’s one of your favorite adventures?
My favorite and most recent adventure was climbing Half Dome in September 2025. We left Sacramento at 4 a.m. and returned at 3 a.m. the next day in a rushed but unforgettable trip. I didn’t expect to get lucky with the Yosemite permit lottery, but there I was, psyching myself up to summit — and it was far steeper than I imagined. It was an exhaustingly satisfying day.