Growing up on the West Coast of Florida, I did not have any true river or wilderness experience until I found the healing power of adventure with First Descents as an oncology participant in 2012. I didn’t know it then, but that experience would re-shape my life by inspiring me to make mental health the focus of my career. I chased every opportunity I could find to stay involved with the mission of FD and joined the Lead Staff team in 2019.

I followed my heart and the sound of whitewater to the Rogue River Valley of Southern Oregon in 2023. These days you can find me growing my kayaking and rafting skills, learning to garden and flow with the seasons, and scheduling life around as many downriver trips as I possibly can. When I’m not Out Living It, I am being wonderfully challenged (and often humbled) in my work as a therapist with kids and young adults.

The “work” I do with First Descents is truly the honor of my life. I could not be prouder to be a member of this team and to get to play and grow alongside such an epic group of humans. There is an untouchable joy I feel each time I sit down to a delicious FD meal (thank you chefs!!!), am surrounded by laughter and memories from the day, and can tune in to the overwhelming mixture of exhaustion and peace that comes from wholeheartedly adventuring with my FD community.