In addition to my IFMGA/UIAGM certification and over two decades of guiding experience, I’ve been working and teaching in the outdoor industry since 1997 and coaching athletes since 2000. I am a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Personal Trainer, and I’ve coached athletes through Uphill Athlete since 2019 and at The Alpine Training Center since 2011. I also serve as a Course Leader in avalanche education, teaching both AIARE and American Avalanche Institute curriculum to recreational and professional students. My athletic background has also shaped the way I work and teach. Competing in collegiate athletics (NCAA football) instilled in me a lasting appreciation for teamwork and the strength that comes from shared effort. Over the years, I’ve paired that team-oriented mindset with a passion for endurance sports—ranging from ultrarunning to creative mountain linkups like the Rainier Infinity Loop—which continue to teach me humility, persistence, and creative problem solving. My work in mountain rescue has been another important part of my development, sharpening communication, teamwork, and decision-making in high-pressure environments. I’ve also been fortunate to receive scholarship support during my AMGA training, which reinforced the value of mentorship and community within the guiding profession. I’ve come to appreciate the role of storytelling in education. Whether through small projects like Beat Monday or opportunities such as giving a TEDx talk, I’ve tried to share honest stories from the mountains—both successes and struggles—in the hope they might resonate with others. For me, storytelling is simply another way to teach, connect, and highlight why these experiences matter. Ultimately, my greatest motivation as an instructor is to support the growth of developing guides. Whether in the field, the classroom, or through mentorship and stories, I find real purpose in helping others gain the skills, confidence, and judgment to thrive in the mountains.

The best part of working on the Instructor Team is the opportunity to contribute to the growth of our profession by mentoring the next generation of guides. Guiding is a craft built on shared knowledge and experience, and being part of the Instructor Team allows me to give back to the community that has shaped me. I value the collaboration and camaraderie of working alongside such dedicated peers—every course is not only a chance to teach but also a chance to learn. The combination of supporting guides on their professional journey and upholding the high standards of the AMGA makes the work both meaningful and deeply rewarding.

Outside of guiding, I love spending time with my wife, Jenny, and our two daughters, Avery and Andora. I also enjoy coaching athletes and helping them achieve their fitness and training goals. Another passion of mine is search and rescue, where I find real meaning in training with my team and responding to incidents in the mountains. Beyond that, I’m drawn to brainstorming creative, endurance-based adventures that require a mix of techniques for moving through the mountains. For me, it’s the people I share those experiences with who make the memories truly meaningful.