1. Briefly tell us about your background: where did you grow up, where did you go to school, and what brought you to Venture Outdoors?
I lived in Hawaii, Colorado, and North Carolina but eventually settled in Virginia. I studied at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Carlow University (fantastic school). After school I served in AmeriCorps as a Pittsburgh Public Ally where I learned nonprofit management social justice.
My first big kid job was with Healthy Ride where I learned to love biking and started spending more time outdoors. When I saw a position open with Venture Outdoors, if felt like the perfect next step.
2. Describe your role at Venture Outdoors in 10 words or less.
Getting the word out!
3. What does “getting outside” mean to you?
Anytime you leave a building… you’re outside. Do it more!
4. If you had to pick only one recreational activity to practice for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Biking! I could bike every day, everywhere.
5. What is the craziest thing you have done?
If we’re talking crazy as in risky – I ride a motorcycle and often skip getting a flu shot. Woohoo.
6. What are your top five favorite outdoors/travel destinations?
Anywhere along the GAP trail
Pike’s Peak in Colorado
California Deserts
Virginia Beach
Anywhere I can find a tiny cute cabin and friends
7. What is your favorite forest/camping snack?
I’ve been making these vegan cookie dough energy bikes. They’re delicious! I love making my own snacks and bringing them along on trips.
8. Name three people in history (dead or alive) with whom you would want to take on a Venture Outdoors program of your choice.
Kate McKinnon, My Great Gramma Priscilla, Mr. Rogers
9. What is your favorite Venture Outdoors memory? (or newbies: What are you looking forward to most?)
I’m looking forward to kayaking on the Allegheny River during the 4th of July Fireworks.
10. Describe your dream Venture Outdoors program/outing.
I would love to have an outdoor dance party. Let’s take over the park, play music, and have a cookout.
11. What is the earliest memory you have of being outside?
I remember daring my brother and neighborhood friends to eat dirt and worms in my backyard in North Carolina. They don’t taste too bad!
12. What would the title of your autobiography be?
“Resilient and Covered in Cat Fur”
13. Any hidden talents?
I spent some time doing caricatures as a side-gig. That’s always a fun talent to pull out at parties.
14. What is your favorite song (or album) right now?
Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book
15. What is your biggest challenge nowadays?
Keeping life simple.