Meet Our Staff

We’ve been there. Ask us!

Every REI Adventures journey begins with one of these travel-savvy, behind-the-scenes folks. They know our trips from experience, and they can answer any question. “How hard is an Activity Level 4 trip?” “What kind of food will be served on my trek?” “What gear do I need for this multisport adventure?” Friendly REI Adventures staff handles the details for you, from route planning to finding awesome local guides. Give them a call today at 1-800-622-2236—you’ll tap into a wealth of travel experience, outdoor expertise and wisdom from the road.

James: Adventure Specialist

“Easily the best part of my job is knowing the work you are doing is insuring that someone will be having the trip of a lifetime. Anything we can do to help people get out and celebrate this wonderful world of ours is a good thing.” James practices this philosophy himself. He has been to Scotland many times, spending four weeks there in 2005 to absorb the culture and get the feel of the region. He’s also spent time in Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico. Asked to pick his most memorable travels, James says, “Certain events from each trip will be with me for the rest of my life: kayaking in a bay full of ice chunks in Alaska (like kayaking in a margarita!), rafting the underground river in Belize, the 90 mph winds as we hiked on the Isle of Skye, the lunch in Ireland where we were visited by a herd of cows, and the morning on Naxos where my roommate and I walked to the top of a nearby hill for sunrise photos.”

Liz: Adventure Specialist

An Adventure Specialist with REI Adventures since March of 2006, Liz enjoys learning about the world and inspiring customers to take their dream vacations. She has traveled in North and Central America, Europe and Australia, and also lived in Sydney, Australia for a year while attending graduate school. She had the opportunity to take our REI Adventures Active Nicaragua trip and really enjoyed it. Nicaragua’s culture is rich with history and the beautiful environment. Liz would definitely recommend this trip to anyone interested in playing and relaxing in one of Latin America’s newest “must see” destinations. Next on her travel wish list? How can I pick? I’d love to go anywhere and everywhere!” An avid hiker, camper and downhill skier, Liz is also developing her skills in rock climbing and kayaking. She never heads out on a camping trip without her headlamp.

Rusty: Adventure Specialist

A veteran of 25 years in the adventure travel industry, Rusty is also REI Adventures’ most senior employee, with 20 years under his belt. Want to know about Asia? Ask Rusty. Not only has he been on every Asia trip REI Adventures offers, he’s been to Nepal over 20 times and lived there off and on over that time, becoming very familiar with the country and its culture. He’s also traveled and led numerous trips across Tibet, traveled widely in China and India numerous times, and taken multiple trips to Thailand, Vietnam, Bhutan and Malaysia. He’s also ventured to Europe, Australia, Africa and Antarctica. Rusty’s favorite part of working for REI Adventures is “helping members explore their planet, and maybe expand and stretch their skills.” When asked about his favorite trip, he can’t name just one: “Antarctica is “wow” for the wildlife and scenery. Everest is WOW for scenery and cultural impact. The Galapagos is romantic, interesting and great fun. Include the Amazon jungle extensions—it’s fascinating. Treasures of China is historical, wonderful, a real education.” Next on his travel checklist? The Arctic and Madagascar.

Suzanne: Adventure Specialist

Suzanne enjoys working with travelers to plan a fantastic getaway to a new part of the world. Having traveled to Central and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia (including Tasmania), Suzanne has a lot of experience with planning getaways. And she knows that vacations are precious resources. “It’s wonderful to go on a trip where all the details—hotels, local guides that speak the local language, meals, and so on, are set up and ready to go. You can show up and know the details are in place so you can concentrate on having FUN!” Her most memorable trip? Trekking in the Nepal Himalayas for her honeymoon, amidst the most spectacular mountain range she had ever experienced. Suzanne doesn’t leave home without her travel pillow “to use on airplanes, long car rides, while camping and even in some hotels where the pillows are more like a bolster than a soft place to rest your head at night.”

Becky: Travel Agent

Talk to Becky if you’re having REI Adventures handle your air arrangements to Latin America, Asia or the Pacific. An REI Adventures travel agent for nearly 14 years, Becky says the best part of her job is talking with people and helping them have the best adventure ever. Of course, traveling to new places isn’t bad either! Her travels have taken her to such far-flung places as Nepal, Cambodia and the South Pacific. Next on her travel wish list is Antarctica. Becky’s indispensable travel gear? “I don’t leave home without my REI Traverse backpack or REI Hitchhiker daypack.”

Dan: Travel Agent

A travel agent for REI Adventures for the last eight years, Dan handles travel arrangements to and from our travel programs in Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Warm weather seems to agree with Dan. Aside from living in the Bahamas for several months, his travels have taken him repeatedly to Mexico, Central America and the South Pacific. He’s also spent a fair amount of time in Europe on REI Adventures cycling trips and in Australia and Patagonia.

Jan: Travel Agent

Jan has been a full time travel agent for over 15 years. Although new to REI she has the expertise to handle travel needs to and from our fabulous tours. Jan has traveled all over the U.S. and Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, the Caribbean and the Middle East. “I love walking among huge rock formations in Utah and ancient monuments in Egypt and everything in between. Let me loose shopping in a crazy labyrinth of a market with marvelous colors, smells and sounds. That’s a good time.” Her favorite part of the job is talking to our travelers. “The members that go on our adventures are all so interesting. It’s a pleasure to set up their travel arrangements.” Jan believes REI Adventures are a great way to stretch your comfort zone and find out that you can “do it”. The bonus is you find you have fascinating experiences and meet wonderful people along the way. Jan’s favorite travel quote; “Remember, no matter where you go, there you are”.

Andy: Adventure Program Manager

Andy has worked in the travel industry for 19 years, the last nine with REI Adventures. He is responsible for planning and developing REI Adventures’ worldwide adventure travel programs. His favorite part of the job is “researching and creating new itineraries for the REI membership and the constant interaction with our colleagues around the world.” Andy’s travels have taken him extensively throughout Europe, to Central and South America, Russia, New Zealand and North America, including many National Parks. When asked about his most memorable trip, Andy says, “I’ve always had a deep love for the American Southwest and was blown away by the awesome geography and remoteness of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. We hiked for a week and didn’t encounter another soul. The landscapes of the Southwest are so dramatic and grand in scale that you can’t help but feel insignificant and gain a tremendous appreciation for the natural forces that shape our planet.” The one item Andy never travels without is convertible pants. “Great for hiking in almost any climate, convertible pants are lightweight and offer good sun and insect protection.”

Cris: Adventure Program Manager

While she’s worked full-time at REI Adventures for just five years, Cris has been involved in the adventure travel industry for more than twenty years, including time spent as a guide on REI Adventures trips. The absolute best part of her job as an Adventure Travel Coordinator, she says, is researching new trip destinations and forming great working relationships with guides all over the world. “A typical day has me conversing, one way or the other, with people from places like Kathmandu, Buenos Aires, Prague or the Okavango Delta. How cool is that?” She’s traveled to more than 40 countries and to many of those places several times. Drawn to the developing countries, she has returned again and again to parts of Asia and Africa. Eastern Europe is her new fascination. “Give me any trip with big mountains and a culture very different from our own and I’m almost certain to love it. The Royal Trek in Nepal would be a good example of the types of trips I love best.” Her indispensable piece of travel gear is trekking poles.

Justin: Adventure Program Manager

As Weekend Getaways Coordinator, Justin is responsible for coordinating our two- to four-day trips throughout the United States. Justin is an old hand at working in outdoor education and recreation having spent the last seven years in adventure programming. He enjoys his role, as it allows him to “distil America’s countless outdoor treasures to each one’s essence in order to create amazing weekend adventures that everybody can enjoy.” A big fan of paddling, backpacking and climbing, he’s spent time traveling the Americas in pursuit of these passions. Next on his travel wish list? “Patagonia, without a doubt.”

Maureen: Adventure Program Manager

Maureen loves to get our customers excited and prepared for their adventure, whether she’s talking about physical conditioning or the gear and clothing needed to stay comfortable while trekking in the Himalayas, biking in Tuscany, or paddling in Baja. And she should know about conditioning and preparation for outdoor activities. Before coming to REI Adventures in 2004, Maureen worked for a small mountaineering guiding company in Seattle and is an avid hiker, snowshoer, backpacker and mountaineer. Most of her travels have taken her to Asia for extended periods: India, Thailand, China, Mongolia and Nepal. On one such trip, she spent a few months living with a family and helping teach in a small village in Nepal. Maureen’s two favorite pieces of travel gear are a Nalgene water bottle to help her stay hydrated and her water-resistant Marmot DriClime windshirt.

Janel: Adventure Program Assistant

Janel has been coordinating trip details for REI Adventures customers for seven years. Helping customers plan and pack for their upcoming adventure is something she truly enjoys. She’s able to share her knowledge of foreign cultures (she’s lived in both Japan and South Africa) and her experiences on active REI Adventures trips to give customers insight into their trips. She’s traveled throughout Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Australia, Thailand and Antarctica. Antarctica made a definite impression on Janel. “There was breathtaking, surreal scenery and wildlife everywhere. It felt like you were a world away from civilization.” Her trusty piece of travel gear is her headlamp, great for camping and keeping hands free for other tasks.

Jessica: Adventure Program Assistant

Jessica is never one to stick to the beaten path. Her extensive travels have taken her to Europe, Asia and throughout the US and North America. According to Jessica, every trip has a special place in her heart, but one of her favorite memories was staying the summer in Italy. “I was in Rome for the summer solstice and got to experience the magic of strolling along the Tiber River at night, lit with thousands of oil lamps all the way from Trastevere to Vatican City. It was an enchanting blend of ancient and modern Italy.” Jessica’s travel tip is to “Pack light! It’s more fun to fill up your bag with goodies on the road rather than be weighed down before you even leave the house.” The one piece of gear she never leaves home without? “I couldn’t live without my mini-tripod!”

Jonathan: Adventure Program Assistant

Although a relatively new member of the REI Adventures team, Jonathan has worked in the adventure travel industry for many years. His professional adventure travel experiences include designing and leading luxury cycling and multisport trips in Europe, North America and New Zealand. Although he doesn’t see himself as a “country counter”, Jonathan’s personal travels have taken him to over 50 countries in Asia, Africa, Australasia, Europe and North America. “To me, a country or destination is not something to check off a list, rather, it is somewhere to dive into and explore with all your heart.” Jonathan’s favorite part of his position is simply getting to talk and think about travel, his favorite topic, all day long. Jonathan’s indispensable items for travel would be his sunglasses, for sun protection, and a comfy fleece jacket.

Belinda: Partnership Programs Coordinator

In the adventure travel business for 20 plus years, Belinda coordinates our partnerships with like-minded adventure travel companies to give REI members even more ways to explore the world and stay active. She enjoys talking to customers about the places she’s been and helping them get excited about going there themselves. “Experiencing different cultures and places not only opens your heart and mind, but it allows you to appreciate all that our planet has to offer.” And Belinda has experienced a few different places. As a military dependent, she spent time growing up in Germany and England and traveled throughout much of Europe. Other travels include Central Asia, Latin America, Europe, Canada and extensively throughout the U.S. Her favorite trip, though, has to be Peru. “Machu Picchu was the highlight, but along the trail, every day offered a glimpse into the Inca civilization. It was a history field trip like no other.” The piece of gear that she won’t travel without is a mid- to lightweight fleece pullover, “perfect for over-air-conditioned airplanes, cool breezy nights and cold mornings in the mountains.”

Dawn: Sales Support Specialist

Dawn joined the REI Adventures team in April 2007, having started her career with REI as a seasonal Contact Center Representative. Although she’s a newbie to working in the travel industry, she has traveled and lived all over the US. Dawn has also spent time in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and has lived, worked, traveled and studied in China. Dawn says, “I love travel because it opens new doors for discovery. I love my job because I get to focus on helping others embark on journeys of their own.” Exploring culture through food is Dawn’s favorite aspect about travel. Turkey and Antarctica are next on her travel wish list. Favorite outdoor activities include hiking with her dog, kayaking, and camping and her favorite travel quote is, “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started, and know the place for the first time.” - T.S. Eliot.

Melinda: Sales Support Specialist

Melinda makes sure that all materials and necessary trip documentation are put together for departing trips. Her favorite part of working with REI Adventures is the people, both her co-workers and clients. She especially enjoys working online finding answers to the varied questions that come through e-mail. She’s hiked in Andalusia and Tuscany, explored the ruins of Machu Picchu, canoed through the rain forests of Ecuador, cruised the Galapagos Islands, and most recently hiked in the Canadian Rockies near glaciated peaks and lakes the color of emeralds. Melinda never leaves on an adventure without her oversized but easily packable duffel bag for all those newly found treasures!

Peggy: Sales Support Specialist

Peggy likes helping others and gets an opportunity to do so every day as a customer support specialist with REI Adventures. Since 2001, she has assisted customers by putting together all the necessary information and materials for departing trips. Peggy has had a few trips of her own, visiting most of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Italy and the U.K. She also spent two years in Bermuda and two years in Guam, where she acquired a love of snorkeling. But her most memorable trip was to Italy, “Venice was intriguing. Florence museums were spectacular. Rome, exciting, Sicily, warm!” Africa and the Greek Isles are her next travel destinations.

Rene: Sales Support Specialist

Rene has been with REI Adventures since February of 2006. She ensures that all material and necessary trip documentation are put together for departing trips, loves helping others, which she has the opportunity of doing everyday. She also enjoys hearing the wonderful enthusiasm in the Adventure Specialists voices as they share their excitement of our trips with customers. Rene’s extensive travels have taken her throughout the U.S., Mexico and North America. She is an avid hiker and cyclist, loves the thrill of white water rafting and is working on developing her kayaking skills.

Chris: Sales Supervisor

A newcomer to REI Adventures, Chris has worked at REI since 1991. His favorite part of the job is working with the REI Adventures staff. “They are a very fun group of people.” Chris has traveled all over North America, Ireland and England, but his most memorable trip was in Ireland. “I was alone and had to figure everything out on my own. It was both scary and exciting.” A climbing, skiing and backpacking enthusiast, Chris hopes to travel to Nepal and Africa next. His indispensable travel items? He never leaves on a trip without his journal and a good book.

Nicole: Administrative Assistant

Nicole joined REI Adventures in the summer of 2007. Having worked at a REI retail store, Nicole brings to the team knowledge of products and REI values. As our accounting admin, Nicole is responsible for processing sales transactions, vendor accounts, and accounts receivable and payable. Environmental stewardship is a high priority for Nicole. She says “REI Adventures’ commitment to offsetting carbon emissions generated through our adventures as well as educating people on the importance of taking care of our natural spaces through REI Outdoor School, make me feel very good about working for a company who cares!” Nicole loves to spend her time in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming and Colorado. She says her dream adventure would “take me anywhere steeped in colors and culture. I especially love big mountains and snow. I speak a little Spanish, so I will soon visit Central or South America.”

Mary: Operations Supervisor

Part of the REI Adventures team since 1994, Mary is still passionate about what she does. “Seeing my team come to work each day so enthusiastic and ready to share their knowledge with our customers is the best part of my job. They don’t just talk about our adventures, they’re passionate about them and genuinely work to ensure you have an adventure of a lifetime on each and every trip you take with us.” Mary had the opportunity to live in Europe for nine years where her family traveled extensively, hiking, cycling, volksmarching and touring as often as possible. She’s also traveled in Russia, Latin America, Canada, and throughout the U.S. When asked to pick a favorite trip, Mary says, “Each trip I’ve taken has been memorable in its own way, but if I had to choose only one it would be the trip I took to Ecuador. Having the opportunity to experience the unique and fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands up close and personal was something I will always cherish. Traveling in small groups allows you to get close to the wildlife, and the local naturalists are fantastic. They’re highly experienced and help you to understand and to appreciate the natural treasure that is Galapagos.” Mary’s advice? “Go out and explore the planet...and let us handle the details for you. I can’t think of a better way to experience life.”

Abbo: Content Administrator

Abbo has been with REI Adventures since April of 2006. He loves working with a fantastic group of people dedicated to helping clients fulfill their adventure travel dreams around the world or just next door. Spending time updating our web site and managing our great photo collection allows him to travel virtually every day. He has traveled with his family on many road trips in the western United States and Canada in addition to traveling to Hawaii and parts of the eastern United States. He says, “I love working at REI Adventures where everyone is committed to ensuring our customers get the best travel experience possible.”

Rebecca: REI Outdoor School Manager

Rebecca’s favorite part of her job is seeing Outdoor School participants discover a new skill or ignite their love of the outdoors right in their own backyard. Rebecca is responsible for managing the REI Outdoor School classes, outings, and overnight instructional courses for the United States. These courses run out of our stores and give our customers the chance to “try out” a new activity, gain skills, and increase their confidence before setting out on our longer Adventures. Rebecca has worked in the outdoor education industry for 15 years leading backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, and paddling expeditions from one to 30 days. She has worked in Europe, Asia, and Central America as well as extensively throughout the wild lands of the U.S. These days, Rebecca is discovering how to “leave no child inside” and taking family expeditions into the Cascade Mountains nearby her home. Her indispensable item to travel with is Duct Tape wrapped around a water bottle or trekking/ski poles. Her ultimate REI Adventure: “I grew up in Colorado and have always loved mountains, mountain culture and mountain sports. I am looking forward to visiting the largest mountains on earth on our Everest Base Camp trip.”

John: Operations Coordinator

The newest REI Adventures team member, John enjoys introducing someone to the activities he enjoys and watching them get excited about the experience. He has traveled in Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, Italy, the Southeastern U.S., New England and the Southern Rockies. His goal is to go mountaineering in Alaska or climbing in Thailand. His most memorable outdoor experience was leading his first trad route in “The Gunks” (or Shawangunk Mountains) of New York. “One of the best climbing routes there is called High Exposure, or simply “High E”, and although it is technically not challenging climbing, the beginning of the second pitch is committing and is very, very exposed,” says John. When he travels, he is never without his Mountain Hardwear Tech Jacket and earplugs. “Between the howling wind, a roaring stream or a loud, snoring tent/cabin companion, I find that a pair of earplugs always comes in handy.”

Heather: Administrative Assistant

Part of the REI Adventures team since January 2007, Heather loves being part of REI’s mission to educate our members and get people outdoors. Spending time in the wilderness has had an enormous positive impact on her life, and she takes pride in the fact that the work she’s doing is helping others find significance in their time spent outside. She has traveled all over the western U.S. (AK, WA, OR, CA, ID, WY, AZ, NV, HI) as well as a little in Canada, Mexico, and Italy, but her ultimate trip would be taking the REI Adventures Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari trip. She loves being able to push herself physically, loves cultural experiences, and loves being able to view diverse wildlife, so combining all three elements into one trip would be a dream come true.