ABOUT ASPIRE FOR ADVENTURE
My Story
I grew up backpacking, immersing myself in the wonders of the outdoors from an early age. Exploring nature’s beauty became my passion, fueling my desire to seek new horizons beyond the water. Despite dedicating years to competitive swimming in high school and college, including qualifying for and competing in the Olympic Trials, I craved the opportunity to utilize my strength and endurance on land as well.
Having spent hundreds of days on trails with a backpack, my trip resume boasts an impressive array of local adventures and a diverse range of terrains, remoteness levels, available resources, and cultural experiences. From countless backpacking and fastpacking trips in the Pacific Northwest to leading wilderness expeditions throughout the United States and Canada, I have also ventured to far-off destinations, including backpacking in New Zealand, trekking in Nepal, and participating in Ironman triathlons across Southeast Asia and Australia.
Complementing my outdoor pursuits, I have dedicated significant time to academic pursuits. With a BS in Health and Fitness Management, I acquired comprehensive knowledge in areas such as exercise physiology and kinesiology, providing a solid foundation for my career. As a Personal Trainer and Physical Therapist Assistant, I apply my expertise in rehabilitation and injury prevention, enabling me to incorporate coaching on the specific muscle group movements required for backpacking, especially those repetitive and under high load.
With my training in injury treatment and prevention, I am well-equipped to address concerns such as cranky knees or an achy lower back. Additionally, I have further honed my skills through mountaineering courses from the Seattle Mountaineers, equipping me with backcounty resources and safety procedures to advise those with their trip planning adventures.
Residing in the Seattle area with my husband and three boys, I relish the opportunity to hike alongside them and others. As the founder of Aspire for Adventure, my mission is to help individuals overcome various barriers, whether it’s a lack of fitness, experience, or an abundance of uncertainty, and guide them toward exploring our planet’s trails for the sake of mental and physical well-being.
