What’s your favorite rapid and what makes it special?
My favorite rapid is Troublemaker on the South Fork of the American River. It lives up to its name every time and is never the same twice.

How did you get started in outdoor recreation and rivers?
I fell in love with rivers in my home state of Texas while studying Outdoor Recreation at Texas State University, where I eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Education. Running the outdoor adventure program for 39,000 students helped shape the leadership principles I use today.

When I moved to California, I first worked as manager at CBOC in Coloma. That experience eventually led me to Mother Lode River Center, where I managed for several years before spending a decade with El Dorado County’s water district. Returning to Mother Lode as Manager in 2023 felt like coming home.

Why do you love working at Mother Lode River Center?
I love implementing concepts like Challenge by Choice, Forming–Storming–Norming–Performing, and Breakthroughs Through Breakdowns. Rivers provide a magical space to build teams, grow as individuals, and work toward meaningful conservation goals — all while having fun.

See you on the river!