Jaime Amling

Instructor

An experiential educator, trainer, and facilitator that has worked for various Outward Bound Schools since 2007. After joining the Colorado Outward Bound School in 2009, I've worked as an Urban and Wilderness Instructor, Course Director, Trainer, and Associate Program Director. Throughout my time in these roles and experiences, I've gained so much appreciation for the magic that occurs "in the field" and on training for both students and staff alike. Of the countless experiences that have helped to shape me and influenced my paths in life, none have as deeply and broadly as Outward Bound has done. To be "Outward Bounded" is to be challenged and changed. I'm grateful for these challenges and changes, and I'm honored and privileged to stand beside others on their journey as well. "To Serve, To Strive, and Not to Yield"  

Collin Appleby

Instructor

(He/him) Learning through experience has always been something that has helped me to grow, whether it has been sought after or not. As both a student and educator, seeing that growth, or even that moment of realization when an experience has taught something, brings me absolute joy. The outdoors are a unique place in which experiential learning can thrive and Colorado Outward Bound School is an inclusive space with forward-thinking individuals who support the same vision and values I seek to uphold. 

Ashley Babcock

Instructor

(she/her) Experiential education excites me because students are required to engage in their own learning, rather than passively sit inside the four walls of a classroom. On a COBS course, they must take ownership of their experience, learning through real life consequences and living in the present. I choose to work for COBS because of the supportive community and amazing staff.

Zoë Bettmann

Instructor

My name is Zoë Bettmann and I use she/her pronouns. Experiential education excites me because I have always found hands-on learning useful in my life. I am in college right now so I know firsthand that gaining knowledge through experiences is just as important as classroom learning. Teaching students’ outdoor skills and about the value of nature in general, is so exciting to me and so is the idea that I can leave them with skills they can use throughout their lifetimes. I first went backpacking as a freshman in college through my school and it was one of the most wonderful and memorable experiences because my trip leaders fostered a fun and engaging environment. I chose specifically to work for COBS because I appreciate how much detail and care they put into the planning of trips, the training of staff and their support of staff. I worked as a Logistics Coordinator for COBS last year, and it was the best and most fulfilling job I have ever had. I get to do work I really believe in and spend my summers in beautiful Colorado.

Bart Blankenship

Instructor

Normal kid who liked fishing and camping.  Nuclear engineer in the Navy.  Not wanting any more of that, I started climbing, skiing, kayaking to reset.  Wrote "Earth Knack Stone Age Skills For the 21st Century", a survival book, ran my own survival school for ten years.  

What I enjoy most are taking people where they would never go: climbing El Cap, sailing a tiny boat to Cuba or the Bahamas, wiggling through deep slot canyons, canoeing through mangrove tunnels and the 10,000 Islands at night, or dragging an electric guitar and amp up Ancient Art and playing some Segar.. 

Katie Bloomfield

Instructor

(she/her) When I started raft guiding on the Chattooga River in 2015, I was terrible at it. I loved being on the river though, and I loved being a part of the community there, so I kept coming back season after season. Seeing my guiding skills improve over the years instilled a sense of confidence in me both on and off the river, which is what ultimately led me to instruct for COBS. I appreciate the opportunity to facilitate this same kind of experience for our students and to hopefully instill in them a similar sense of confidence. I'm also grateful for the opportunity to experience the rivers and canyons of Utah, which are so different from the kind of landscape that I'm used to in the southeast. When I'm not working for COBS, I'm teaching yoga and pursuing my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. I guess change all the I's to "she" if you want! I wasn't sure if you wanted this in the first or third person or what. Thanks!   

Mikaela Bollag

Instructor

(she/her) I’m excited by the intentional use of outdoor expedition to teach lessons, and facilitate experiences which broaden folks’ perspectives. Reckoning with new experiences and group dynamics on trip allows for students to build relevant skills and apply them immediately. I think experiential education is an important part of how all of us learn throughout our lives and I can’t wait to help others grow through these challenges with COBS. 

Nicholas Bollen

Instructor

(he/him) Nicholas has been lucky enough to call the Rocky Mountains home for his entire life. Growing up at the foot of these mountains in Denver, Nicholas could often be found romping around outside via backcountry skiing, rock climbing, bike-packing or simply walking around in the woods with his twin sister, Kate. Inspired by his love for outdoor education and his want to facilitate similar life changing experiences for students, Nicholas has spent the past few years working for the Colorado Outward Bound School instructing extended wilderness expeditions. Nicholas strives to instruct outdoor programming that is inclusive, challenging, and supportive, empowering students to build self confidence, adaptive and technical skills that will have positive impacts on their everyday lives. He seek to do this by fostering diverse communities where students feel comfortable being their true selves, feel a sense of belonging, and are able to learn and grow in a safe, fun, and rewarding environment. 

Haydn Braun

Insructor

(he/him) I learn differently than what is typically implemented in most school systems. Experiential education is a little more up my alley and I try to be the mentor that I never had. Being immersed in nature for extended periods of time is beneficial physically, mentally, and emotionally. A friend from back home had experience with COBS and said that I would be a good fit. I decided to come and give it a shot. 

Xavier Bravo

Instructor

(He/Him/El) Xavier started working as an experiential educator in 2018 and joined the Rocky Mountain Program as a Field Instructor in 2021. He is continually impressed by students ability to create deep connections with their group and the woods, mountains, and deserts they travel through. He is equally excited to show each student their individual potential as a leader and how they can contribute to a better world with it.

Bjorn Burk

Logistics Coordinator

Hello, my name is Bjorn Burk (pronouns are he/him). I have been privileged enough to gain a lot from the outdoors (like confidence, empathy, and time to learn about myself) and hope to help others share those experiences with COBS. Personally, I enjoy trail running and thru hiking long trails, but I most recently spent 3 months living in Nepal teaching English (and learning) at a Buddhist Monastery as well as doing some hiking in the Himalayas. Not only am I stoked to learn new skills in the desert and mountains, but I'm excited to join an inclusive and aware organization! 

Meryn Campbell

Instructor

The outdoors is such a cool place full of adventure, challenge, beauty and so much more. The desert in particular demonstrates amazing extremes that have some really neat lessons for those that look close enough. Being able to share these things with students is why I'm excited to work with COBS this season! 

Zach Carlino

Logistics Coordinator

(He/His) I believe that everyone should be able to benefit from connecting with nature and COBS helps me facilitate that experience for others. I also do it for the views!

Cathy Cowles

Instructor

Cathy was a teen from New York who participated in a 28-day COBS course in 1982, and it changed her life. She started instructing for COBS in the early 1990s, and continues because this is the most meaningful work she has done on her switchbacking career path. The COBS recipe of leading a group of folks away from their circles of comfort, instructing them in a few necessary skills, and supporting them through success and failure is incredibly potent. When she's not working for COBS's Southwest or Rocky Mountain Programs, Cathy can usually be found growing food in southwest Colorado, skiing powder in the British Columbian backcountry, doing projects with her family or facilitating challenging conversations with nonprofits and community groups.

Annie DeFrancia

Instructor

My name is Annie DeFrancia and I have worked for Outward Bound since 2017. I live in Durango, CO and what I “do” is work as a full-time firefighter/EMT, but who I “am” is an outdoor recreationalist and professional. I love backcountry skiing, ski mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, backpacking, running, and any adventure that brings me into the alpine with my friends. I like working with students because it is a unique opportunity to use a very undervalued classroom, the outdoors, while learning from and growing with people both like and unlike ourselves. Furthermore, I am passionate about ensuring people venture into the backcountry as safely as possible, and that they have the willingness and ability to accurately self-assess their skillsets. I look forward to more seasons teaching and pursuing enterprising curiosity and compassion in the outdoors!

Vanessa Delarca

Instructor

(she/her/hers) I am finishing up two undergraduates degrees in Economics and Education Studies. Throughout my time at college and doing research, I have learned about the negative implications of traditional school and the ways in which it only benefits a small sub-population of students. This has prompted me to reflect on my own experiences in k-12 education and discover that I have always learned most by doing. I believe that experiential learning is a powerful tool to uplift so many young people who feel lost and frustrated in their conventional schooling. I chose to work at COBS because of the enthusiasm I have witnessed from young people for learning through being outside - whether that means going to a park in Boston or venturing out into New Hampshire’s mountains. I hope by being able to facilitate experiential learning the young people around me will grow in their self-confidence and commitment to others. At the same time, I find that each time I get to work with youth in an experiential setting I learn more than I expect. I believe that young people have so much to offer but we as adults often disregard them. Being able to learn from and alongside young people is the greatest gift I could ask for! I am so excited to have an opportunity to do that this summer! 

Rob Dillon

Instructor

(he/him) Helping people discover the power of their own possibility is just about the coolest job description ever. 

Paul Duba

Instructor

(he/him) Experiential education is the only way to go down the road less travelled of becoming a bigger version of yourself. Experiential learning forces us to unpack the assumptions that make the world make sense. In doing so, the disruption that comes with the experiential method allows us to make different sense, make different meaning, not just of what we can do but also of who we can be. COBS is the premier provider of such transcendent experiences. 

Wendy Forrester

Instructor

(she/her) Wendy started out in experiential education 20 years ago, and has loved fostering personal growth through the outdoors ever since. Now mentoring other experiential educators is perhaps an even greater passion. COBS has let Wendy stick around for much of that time and we are kind of stuck with her now: She loves it here.

Austin Gibney

Instructor

(he/his/him) The magic that happens on course must be experienced to understand it. I work for COBS because it provides an environment where I continue to develop and grow while helping others do the same. 

Travis Glynn

Logistics Coordinator

Hi, I am Travis, (He/Him/His) I was born in Vail, raised in Summit County, Co. I have always been into the outdoors, skiing, hiking, etc. I love to share these experiences with others. One capacity has been working at all all boys sports camp for three summers. Taking youths on hikes, rafting, and camping. Watching people overcome fears, try new things and enjoy it makes it all worthwhile. These are all the reasons I enjoy trying new things, and challenging myself in the elements. I lived in New Zealand for the past two years and hiked as much as possible. I also enjoyed rock climbing, bouldering and downhill biking. I am very excited to learn more, teach if I can, and grow in this community. That’s what excites me about experiential education is watching people grow. 

Jacob Grant

Logistics Coordinator

My name is Jacob Grant and I use He/Him/His pronouns. Growing up, I was lucky enough to have many formative experiences in the outdoors through camps in my hometown. Now I am excited to have the opportunity to help others have their own experiences that can hopefully play as big of a positive impact in their lives as it did in mine. Some of my favorite outdoor activities are mountain biking, kayaking, and overland camping. I chose to work for COBS as it seems like an awesome start to working in the outdoor education industry and a great place to meet like-minded individuals. 

Katie Grauel

Instructor

(she/her) I have worked with COBS for the last nine years as an instructor, course director and trainer. I love the realness of COBS courses, from the realness of human connection without distracting technology, to the realness of sleet pelting you in the face after your shelter fell over in the middle of the night. There's nothing quite like it to find one's own strength of character. 

Emily Hansen

Instructor

Emily found her love for the great outdoors while growing up in Northern Idaho. After an introduction to whitewater rafting on a trip down the Lochsa River, Emily pursued a degree in Outdoor Leadership and Education and found that her passion for the outdoors and the environment led to her future in non-profit work, outdoor education, water advocacy and whitewater raft guiding all over the world. Now working for Outward Bound part time, Emily is also pursuing her passion of local farm to table food, menu planning, preparing and cooking home cooked meals as a chef. As well as volunteering at a local farm to harvest organic produce. Emily has called the dry and beautiful red desert dirt of Moab, UT home for the last 8 years. When not rowing down river corridors throughout the west she can be found mountain biking, hiking, traveling, camping or exploring the mountains on skis. 

Brad Hanson

Instructor

Brad’s first Outward Bound (OB) experience was in 2012, as an intern and assistant instructor for Voyageur Outward Bound School. His heart remained with the Outward Bound, but his whitewater rafting roots pulled him back out West. In 2013 He began working for Colorado Outward Bound School’s Southwest Program and found his home. During this time, he has progressed from an assistant instructor to the role of course director while instructing courses in expedition whitewater rafting, canyoneering, rock climbing, backpacking, and canoeing.

Brad was introduced to the outdoors at a young age in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, but his passion did not fully bloom until he became a river guide during his undergraduate college years at Oregon State University. Ever since his introduction to McKenzie River, Brad’s life has been firmly bound to outdoor adventures. From 2010-2012 Brad served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Albert Town, Jamaica. He partnered with Southern Trelawny Environmental Agency and worked in a variety of roles for their caving and backpacking courses. In the spring of 2019, Brad earned a Master of Arts degree in geography from the University of Missouri and he is currently pursuing a PhD in geography at New Mexico State University. His scholarly explorations into place-based education are intimately tied to his work as an OB instructor.

Brad’s expeditionary instructing philosophy treats the place (river, canyon, mountain, etc.) as the head instructor. Students’ lives are changed through their commitment to learn how to tap into the place through which they travel. The place will reveal an inner strength, knowledge, and wisdom the students did not know they had within them.

Miles Hart

Instructor

(he/him/his) I think that there are large gaps in the way we teach and connect with young folks in primary schooling. Experiential education can be a novel and incredible tool for people to self-actualize which they may not have had the opportunity for in day to day learning. COBS has so much to offer from mountains to canyons. I'm excited to explore and appreciate it all. 

Brighton Hayashida

Instructor

(He/Him) I am excited to share meaningful experiences in nature with youth and give them the platform to feel safe and be themselves in the outdoors. I chose to work for COBS because I was looking for a career in the outdoor industry that would allow me to do my favorite outdoor activities, while also creating fulfilling experiences for youth and creating a more diverse outdoor industry. 

Gwen Holton

Instructor

(She, Her, Hers) I love backpacking! I’m passionate about teaching students the skills they need to take adventure to the next level, and building their confidence to take on challenges they may come across in any aspect of life. COBS give me the opportunity to do all of this on each trip. 

Curtis Huey

Instructor

Curtis started working for the Colorado Outward Bound School in Moab, Utah, leading trips for youth and adults in the desert Southwest in 2011. A graduate of Eastern Washington University, he began working and teaching in the Outdoor Education program at the university. It was there he discovered his passion for the outdoors and education. After graduation he worked for the Colorado Outward Bound School and spent several winters working as Ski Patrol in Idaho where he utilized his Wilderness First Aid skills while sneaking in first tracks. In addition to summers at Outward Bound, Curtis now leads an outdoor program at a Denver Expeditionary Learning Elementary School. 

Priscilla Hunt

Instructor

(she/her) I love introducing people to the delight, empowerment, and humility that living and traveling outdoors can help build. I started working at COBS as an intern in 2010. This job over the past thirteen years has allowed me to grow as a person and an outdoor educator, while working with young people in a way that feels needed, meaningful, and fun. I have worked as a course director and staff trainer for COBS, and continue to instruct in the field. For the past several years, my main job has been teaching at Warren Wilson College in North Carolina, where I teach Backcountry Skills, Backpacking, and Ropes Course facilitation classes. I also hold several other jobs in Outdoor Education, including instructing Wilderness First Responder courses for NOLS. In my free time, you'll find me tromping through the woods looking for mushrooms, trail running, fiddling, or going off a rope swing into a river. 

Nick Jordan

Instructor

(he, him, his) I am returning to COBS after several years off. I want to learn as much as I can this spring and summer in the roles of trainer, instructor and On-Call Coordinator! I am almost finished with a Master's in Teaching Social Studies and I am excited to reconnect with experiential education and bring that into my classroom teaching! 

Joe Kassay

Instructor

(he/him). Watching students overcome personal and team challenges on an Outward Bound course keeps me coming back for more each year. I marvel at the amount of compassion, tenacity, and curiosity that young people have in the face of difficult and uncertain circumstances. I work for COBS because they create quality outdoor experiences for students.  

Justine Kennedy

Instructor

Hi, my name is Justine Kennedy and I use She/Her pronouns. I studied Adventure Education and Environmental Studies at Prescott College. I have spent the majority of my life recreating in the South West, and the desert holds a very special place in my heart! I am excited to work at COBS to explore more magical places and get to share my love of our world with others! 

Bill Kinter

Instructor

I started with COBS in 2018 and never looked back. The thing I love about working with students is seeing them overcome challenges that they never thought possible and to instill a deep level of compassion in their lives.

Forrest Kohere

Instructor

(he/him) Through challenge and discovery our students experience the opportunity to develop and apply the best versions of their being for the betterment of themselves, their crew, their schools, sports teams, families, and more. I believe in power of Outward Bound! 

Joseph Kubis

Instructor

Joe has been working for the Rocky Mountain Program since 2016 and for the Southwest Program since 2019. His first introduction to COBS was as a student on a semester course in 2014. Since then, he has held roles such as Intern, Assistant Instructor, and Lead Instructor. Joe is passionate about providing challenge and adventure to his students as they make their way through the mountains or the desert. His other passions involve rock climbing and mountain pursuits.

Elizabeth Kunz

Instructor

(she/her) Elizabeth finds immense joy integrating a diverse range of experiences and skills, applying them to daily life, and building meaningful connections with others. From her training as a Certified Child Life Specialist, Advanced Practice Social Worker, Violence Prevention Educator, Wilderness First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, and Firefighter, as well as service as a former AmeriCorps and Peace Corps Volunteer, she values hands-on lived experience and learning. Elizabeth is passionate about experiential education where learning takes place in real life, out in the world and in the environment in which we live. Elizabeth is excited to join COBS, a growth-minded community with a commitment to social justice that provides opportunities to explore, live, and learn, alongside others while cherishing our environment. 

Ethan Kurinsky

Instuctor

(him/his). I fell in love with the outdoors at a summer camp in New Hampshire where I spent 15 summers. I started off as an 8 year old camper and ended as their out-camping director 15 years later. Here I learned so many lasting life lessons. My connection to outward bound started a little later in life when I was having some troubles of my own. I turned to an outward bound semester course out of the Moab base in hope that it would help and it helped me more than I could ever imagine. I gained so many tangible skills I could use in my real life, and most importantly I gained a new found confidence I had never experienced. I turned this new confidence into a dedication to come back and provide similar experiences that my instructors provided me. Outward bound is very important to me and I fully believe these courses can change lives. 

Steven Langford

Instructor

I have worked for COBS since I was hired as an intern back in 2012. To put it simply, working here changed my life. It sparked a passion that has never left. Pushing me to pursue a full-time career in education and surrounding me with numerous colleagues that continue to inspire me as an educator... Humans are meant to work together through thick and thin, COBS teaches me this each and every time I embark on a course. I can't imagine a more exciting company to work for. 

Catherine Mailoux

Instructor

I’ve worked at COBS since 2017. My favorite thing about being in the field with students is when a student gags at the sight of beans on day 1 and on day 10 they say, “beans tonight? Yes!!!”... and all of the various iterations of such.

Rachael Maloney

Instructor

(she/her/hers) and I recently graduated from the University of Oregon, where I studied Environmental Studies and Outdoor Leadership. I have worked and volunteered outdoors as an adaptive ski guide, a ski instructor, raft guide, teaching assistant, university Outdoor Program employee, and more. The only thing I love more than getting outside is helping others get out there, too. Experiential education excites me because it creates opportunities for people, including myself, to navigate challenges, and learn about themselves and the world around them – not to mention have a whole lot of fun. I choose to work at COBS because, as a Northwest OB participant in 2014, I experienced how impactful Outward Bound can be in the way people approach challenges both in and outside of the backcountry. I also got to see the vast potential the southwest has as a landscape for personal growth during a solo ‘backpacking and road trip extravaganza’ I took in the summer of 2021. To facilitate similar learning opportunities for others is the dream! Cheers to new experiences, backcountry frolics, and tired feet! 

Tran Mawicke

Instructor

My name is Tran Mawicke, He/him, and I find experiential education to be one of the most fulfilling things in life to date. To be able to have a meaningful impact on the lives of students and also letting them have that same profound impact on myself has been a core driver in my pursuit of happiness. I chose to work for COBS because of their values, mission, and most importantly - sense of community. Colorado is a beautiful state that acts as a perfect canvas to be challenged and learn within, I appreciate the privilege of being able to experience such a wonderful combination of the natural world. 

Tate Michener

Instructor

My name is Tate Michener (He/They) and I am from southwestern Oklahoma. I think that experiential education provides the opportunity for exploration of leadership styles, identity, skills, and so much more. I chose to work with COBS because of their ability to set youth and adults up on possibly life changing adventures. I have heard of the impacts that their trips can make and I am so excited to become a part of that experience. I have always been drawn to education and having the chance to work for COBS feels like an opportunity to both educate and learn continually. 

Morgan Nicholson

Logistics Coordinator

(she/her/hers) I love how experiential education allows people to learn, while taking into account their individual knowledge and lived experiences. I think this way of learning provides people with unique opportunities for forming connections and personal growth. My experiences learning and existing in outdoor environments have impacted my life in so many positive ways. I think COBS does a great job of fostering a community and environment that allows for those life impacting experiences. I am excited to help provide experiential opportunities for others to learn, grow, and connect. 

Laurie Normandeau

Instructor

I’ve been an Instructor for COBS since 2014 and with a passion to guide and share meaningful adventures with students, I am dedicated to Outward Bounds’ supportive community for students of all ages, abilities and walks of life to discover themselves and the world around them through challenges, service and leadership opportunities. 

Sav Opp

Instructor

My name is Sav (she/her/hers) and I am thrilled to be joining the COBS instructor team this summer! COBS’ mission and values align directly with my educational philosophy that when applied effectively, challenge and risk are amazing tools for fostering inter/intrapersonal development. I have been lucky enough to participate in many outdoor adventure programs throughout my life as both a student and a leader. I’ve witnessed and experienced countless enriching and often life-changing moments through experiential education. Nothing excites me more than the idea of facilitating those experiences for others! 

Michael O'Shea.

Instructor

(he/him/his) For me the strong attraction of Colorado outward bound lies in the experiential education facilitated in a wilderness setting. Experiential education excites me because it involves students so directly and is hands-on in the students learning. The engagement and buy-in you can get is very high and it is nearly always a positive experience for the students. The self discovery connected with this is retained and used much more than a classroom lesson. We are able to challenge students and at the same time keep them safe as they experience a variety of environments and learn a range of skills both soft and hard. Personally, I most enjoy courses that involve several different environments, usually river and mountain but love to get into the canyons whenever I can, and in my personal outdoor adventures do a lot of white water canoeing. In my work at K-State I have moved from magnetics research to creating physics models of climbers, skiers, and backpackers to understand these activities from a mechanics point of view. The main purpose of this work is to create interesting examples that educators can use to teach physics. My work at outward bound has certainly fed back into this more academic endeavor! 

Logan Parr

Instructor

Howdy! My name is Logan (he/him/his). I am so excited to be working for Colorado Outward Bound School this summer. I have over a decades worth of experience in outdoor education. For the last 5 years I have been the Director for High Trails Outdoor Education Center near Florissant, Colorado, Before that I was leading youth crews for the Southeast Conservation Corps in Chattanooga, Tennessee and organizing trips for my collegiate outdoor adventure program in Kentucky. Last year, I took a year off from my role at High Trails to travel abroad and teach in South Korea. My first summer with COBS was in 2018. I'm overjoyed to return for my second summer this year. I wanted to continue my journey with this organization that values supporting students through lifechanging experiences, and promoting interpersonal growth through challenges in the backcountry. This organization has changed my life and the lives of the students I work with for the better, and I feel very lucky to be a part of it once more. See you at the LMC! 

Adam Pecan

Instructor

(he/him) I work for COBS because of the transformative change that it has brought about in my life and in the lives of many of the students and staff I have worked with. It's an incredible and supportive community fueled by compassion and a desire to grow. I find experiential education so exciting because what we learn through it is not just known intellectually but with our full being. A truth is not a truth until we experience it for ourselves, and the learnings and lessons that come through experiential education aren't easily forgotten and often find their way into the larger scope of our lives. 

Claire Pennell

Instructor

(she/her/hers) Experiential education excites me because I love kindling a passion for the outdoors and a sense of self efficacy in my students. Experiential education in the outdoors is such an amazing way to test your limits and learn how strong and capable you really are. I have had such positive experiences learning in the outdoors and I love facilitating these experiences for others. I enjoy meeting students who learn in unique ways and learning from them and their experiences. I choose to work for COBS because it is an organization that values service, community, personal development, and best practices in the outdoors. I am excited to be working for an organization that provides life changing experiences in amazing places with passionate people. 

Ethan PIerce

Instructor

Ethan moved to the west to start instructing for COBS in 2019 and found his home in the canyons of Utah. Hailing from the great state of Maine, Ethan completed his Bachelors at Vassar College with majors in Education and Environmental Studies. Since then he has been Moab based, pursing his passions of rafting and learning about the canyons of the Colorado and Green Rivers. During his time away from COBS Ethan can still usually be found on the river guiding out of Moab, playing guitar at local restaurants and campfires, or dogsledding in the high peaks of the Rockies!

Becca Ploener

Logistics

Becca began working with COBS in 2019 as an intern and since then has been psyched about working in the field as an instructor. During these times of COVID-19 she has been working in Wilderness Therapy and with a Therapeutic Boarding School.  Her outdoor activities include whitewater kayaking and rafting, backpacking, snowboarding, mountain biking, and trail running. She also enjoys making recycled art, cooking nutritious meals, playing with dogs, and spending quality time with friends and family. This is a photo from the Tuckaseegee River in Tennessee when she took her sister kayaking for her first time! 

Zack Quine

Instructor

(he/him) Being uncomfortable and overcoming challenge's builds character, and growth. Being able to provide that space safely and allowing learnings to come naturally, ignites my passion to teach. I have chosen COBS because of the school's long history in Outdoor Education, and how they still see the value in our new aged society. 

Maura Reed

Instructor

(she/her) I have wanted to work for COBS ever since I found out about it when I first started college. I didn’t know jobs like this existed until then. Experiential education excites me because of how drastically it can change a person and the path that they are on. Majoring in rec and outdoor ed definitely helped me grow as a person and I want to give that experience to others. I am also extremely passionate about the outdoors and I feel like being in an instructor roll at Outward Bound is the best way that I get others to care and be stoked about the outdoors too. 

Laurel Robinson

Instructor

(she/her) grew up in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California, but has since lived in the suburbs of Washington D.C., Sierra Leone, Boston, and various places throughout the western United States. Through a very diverse range of opportunities, Laurel has found her passion for experiential education in the great outdoors to be the most meaningful way to spend her time. She firmly believes that everyone can have a relationship with the natural world, one that is informed by culture, evidence-based practice, and community building. She chose to pursue working for COBS this year to be a part of an incredible organization delivering quality educational opportunities in non-traditional settings. She is excited to connect, learn and collaborate with her fellow instructors and students alike to foster a truly incredible experience for all! 

Ren Short

Instructor

Ren began her journey at the Colorado Outward Bound School at 16 as a student and decided then and there she wanted to be an instructor “some day.” That day finally came in 2019 when she started instructing for the Rocky Mountain Program. A jack of a few trades, she loves running courses on snow in the winter, through the canyons of the desert, and in just about every other terrain in between. She’s a passionate educator and an unapologetic astronomy nerd. Between courses, Ren moonlights as the on-call Coordinator. Outside of work, Ren is usually obsessing over her next big mountaineering objective, or happily romping about the forests of Leadville with her dog Rooster. 

JJ Simms

Instructor

JJ grew up in the flatlands of Ohio; despite being bound by a city, she always found the nooks of ravines & forests nearby to explore. Moving out west (initially to Oregon) allowed expansive exploration of the greater peaks & valleys, canyons & rivers of this land. Pursuing the passion of exploring more outdoor spaces in combination with sharing & leading others in these powerful experiences paved the way for JJ’s professional path. Since 2010 she has continuously worked for various organizations leading multi-day backpacking/mountaineering/climbing trips through desert & mountain alike. The southwestern area of the United States beckons her as ‘Home’, from high up in the Elk Mountains of Colorado all the way down to the Colorado River beaches in the Grand Canyon. As a 10-year Outward Bound instructor, JJ thrives on connecting students with the rhythms & wonders of nature while in good company with themselves and others. 

Julia Simoes

Instructor

(she/her) I grew up in the small, but rapidly growing town of Steamboat Springs, Co. Over the years, I have become more passionate about working with people and spending more time in the outdoors. I decided to work for COBS this summer because of the effort they are making to encourage a more inclusive community in the outdoor industry and for going out of their way to reach people like me who want to get more professional experience with the outdoors. I’m so excited to learn from COBS and my peers as well as practice the skills I already know in my beautiful Rocky Mountain backyard. 

Haley Slone

Instructor

(She/Her/Hers) I love watching students learn playfulness in experiential education, and I choose to work for COBS because I love the family feeling of cohorts and I support the mission and vision of the organization. 

Joey Solis

Instructor

(he/him) I am excited to be involved in inspiring others love for the outdoors and watching each other grow. I chose COBS because I love the outdoors and want to be apart of the next generation of outdoor lovers. 

Hunter Stafford

Instructor - Southwest Program

My name is Hunter Stafford and I have worked at COBS since 2016. A couple of my passions in life are teaching, spending time with genuine people, and hanging out in the wilderness. Working at COBS allows me to do all of these things! Every time I work a course I feel like lives are being positively impacted, including my own. Thank you to the amazing community of employees and to all of the amazing students we have!

Dan Susman

Instructor

(he, him, his) is an Instructor at the Colorado Outward Bound School who loves running long distances, climbing rocks and playing with other people’s dogs. While not instructing, Dan is the Dean of Experiential Learning at the Midland School outside of Santa Barbara, CA. His favorite thing to eat on an Outward Bound course is homemade pizza with wild foraged mushrooms. Dan received his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and has a Master of Education from Harvard University. 

Samuel Taylor

Instructor

(he/him) Being in beautiful, wild places has been transformative for me over the last decade of my life. I love sharing that with others, and what better place to do that than the mountains and canyons of beautiful Utah? 

Hannah Trullaz

Instructor

(she/her) I love that experiential education offers us all a way to learn at our own pace and through real-world connections. COBS has changed my life for the better in many ways! 

Rowan Waller

Instructor

(she/her/hers) I enjoy working in experiential education because I get to share my love of nature with others and can encourage students to be the truest version of themselves. I chose to work for COBS because it has an amazing history and legacy of outdoor education, and I knew I would be joining a team of passionate leaders who use the power of nature to teach. I enjoy working for COBS because of the supportive community, the inspiration I receive from students, and because I love working someplace where I will always find myself growing or have my ingrained ideas challenged.

Jenna Westendorf

Instructor

(she/hers) Jenna first came to Outward Bound as a student on a 50-day outdoor educator semester course based out of California. With an undergraduate degree focused in education, equity and leadership paired with a passion for the outdoors, Jenna fell in love with Outward Bound and began instructing with Outward Bound California in 2015. In 2019, soon after finishing her masters degree in social work, Jenna followed her rafting and desert roots to Colorado Outward Bound School where she enjoys exploring the rivers and canyons of Utah with students as an instructor and course director. When she's not in the field, she is usually mountain biking, salsa dancing, or attempting to solve crossword puzzles. 

I work for COBS because I love experiencing the beauty of the southwest and seeing students learn about themselves and grow as they navigate through the Outward Bound experience. 

Olivia Wetzel

Instructor

She/her/hers I love the growth and empowerment that we see in our students from beginning to end of course! Watching students learn how to problem solve, communicate, work in a team, and overcome challenges with courage and vulnerability brings me joy. I love the Colorado mountains - They feel like home to me - and I feel that they provide such an awesome space for students to experience wonder and curiosity. I feel grateful that I get to share my passions with our community. 

Kim Williams

Instructor

(she/her) Kim has a Bachelor of Arts in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education from Brevard College. Kim grew up surfing on the East Coast but now loves extended expeditions on the rugged desert rivers of the West. During the school year, Kim teaches earth sciences at a small Waldorf high school in Boulder Colorado, and is an adjunct professor of whitewater rafting and environmental perspectives at Prescott College in Arizona. 

Vinaya Williams

Instructor

(she/her) I am beyond thrilled with enthusiasm to be here at Colorado Outward Bound School. I have been an educator for most part of my youth and adulthood complementing outdoor education alongside physical and health education in both formal and informal settings. Carving a path completely focused towards teaching and learnings from and towards outdoor education is an area of interest and potential scholarship I have craved to develop for years. With a background and trainings in experiential education and continued self-paced development, I have instructed and co-facilitated learnings in outdoor environments for various age groups from elementary school through adult populations at university level and work places. What I most enjoy about my ongoing work here at COBS is the incorporation of theories and the underpinnings of experiential education through transference of learning; knowing that this may be something I may not witness on a course I instruct. Use of metaphors and analogies, learning that draws on and from the authenticity of participating individuals, their responses, reactions and reflections. I am so happy to be here.