Experiential Educator
After years of doing social work with at-risk youth in group home settings, I came to realize that outdoor activities provide the ideal experiential setting for people of all ages and backgrounds. I began working with the Adventure Center at Pine Ridge School and the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum leading outdoor trips, then became the Outdoor Director at Bard College at Simon's Rock. I later directed the Student Leadership Program at Northlands Job Corps Center, and served as the Coordinator of the University of Vermont Adventure Ropes Course. Along the way I completed two Outward Bound programs, earned certification as a Wilderness EMT-B (that's an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic with additional wilderness certification) and began teaching wilderness medical courses for SOLO out of Conway, New Hampshire, which I've done since 1999. As a trip leader I've kayaked, rafted, canoed, mountain biked, hiked, camped, spelunked, ice climbed, and rock climbed. I've also facilitated hundreds of groups on climbing walls and ropes courses.Contact me if you'd like me to teach a wilderness medical or outdoor leadership course in your community.
AmTrak Derailment, Williston, 1984
In 2009, it will be twenty five years since Amtrak's Montrealer train derailed in Williston, Vermont. Because the ensuing rescue operation provided so many lessons to be learned by EMS workers nationwide, I'm working on several related projects, including a documentary and various news articles.If you were involved in the rescue efforts, please contact me if you would like to present your unique perspective on this event.