Meet Our Administrative Staff
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Schooling Degrees/Attained: BS in Recreational Administration from Texas State University - San Marcos, MS in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University - Mankato
BIO: Jolee has been working with kids in the outdoors since 1999 with her first ropes course facilitation job. She worked for two and a half years at a small Texas outdoor education center before heading to graduate school. In 2007, Jolee made her way to Pali Institute as the Ropes Director. After holding a number of positions in the Pali organization, she was promoted to Director of Outdoor Education in late 2009. Jolee enjoys most outdoor activities including cycling, camping and relaxing in her hammock.
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Schooling Degrees/Attained: Major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Bio: Dustin has been involved with summer camps since 2002. He has worked as a camp counselor, waterfront directo, and assistant director at Camp Eagle Ridge, a leadership camp located in the Wisconsin Northwoods since 2004. At Pali Institute, Dustin has enjoyed his time as a Program Instructor and Ropes Lead, and enjoys working with the instructional staff as the Assistant Director. He believes in the outcomes that experiential education provides students and works to support the instructional staff.
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Schooling Degrees/Attained: BA in Biology from National - Louis University in Chicago, IL
Experience Working with Children: I have worked in many settings with children from summer camps to toy stores to Outdoor/Environemtnal Education programs. I have been with Pali Institute for the past 5 years, starting as a Program Instructor and moving up to my current position of Visiting School Coordinator. Prior to moving to California, I was an Assistant Manager at 2 children's toy stores, a summer camp counselor, and a Program Leader at 2 Environmental Education centers in the Chicagoland area.
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Schooling Degrees/Attained: BS in Wildlife Management/Ecology from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point.
Bio: Paul Clemens has been working in the environmental field since 2003. The road to Pali started at Aurora University Outdoor Education school as an instructor then onto the Minnesota Zoo. At Pali Institute, Paul started out as an instructor and moved up to his current position of Education Director. Writing curriculum, training staff and deveioping a Pre/Post Extension program are a few of his daily tasks. Paul likes doing solo hikes in the desert and competing in running races.
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Schooling Degrees/Attained: B.Ed: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, Wollongong University, Australia.
Bio: Over the last 5 years Elisabeth has been devoted to developing, challenging and diversifying her teaching craft through her experience in the New South Wales Public Education System and other various overseas teaching opportunities. She is on her way towards completing a Masters Degree in Media Practice and is a Certified Fitness Instructor.
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Schooling Degrees/Attained: BS: EnvironmentalConservation & M Ed: Secondary Education, UNH.
BIO: Chris has 3 years work experience in the secondary education setting. After interning as an Undergrad, Chris taught highschool for a year while working towards his Master in Education. He is a certified Biology teacher.
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Schooling Degrees/Attained: BA: Music Industries, Cal State, Northridge.
BIO: Rohan grew up camping and backpacking his way across California with the Boy Scouts. Rohan is a BSA Aquatics Instructor and the Director of Camp Hi-Sierra during his summers in Cold Springs, CA.
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Schooling Degrees/Attained: BS: Social Science / Adventure Education, University of Wisconsin, Steven's Point.
BIO: Adam has been working with kids around the United States over the past 8 years. Adam is a Lifeguard, Wilderness First Responder and is a Ropes Lead here at Pali.
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Schooling Degrees/Attained: BS: Spanish Education, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh.
Bio: Veronica has been working or volunteering in schools since 2006. She enjoys working with students in the natural surroundings and giving kids a hands-on experience they may not see in the classroom. Veronica supervises Nature Center Operations here at Pali and enjoys traveling to new places whenever she can.
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Schooling Degrees/Attained: BS: Environmental Science, Humboldt State University.
BIO: Jacki has been working with kids since her first job as an adult. She is very enthusiastice about the science classes here at Pali and helps run the Nature Center on Camp.
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Hometown: Plymouth, Michigan
Education: Michigan State University, B.A. Social Science
Background: Emily has been in the camping industry since 2004. This is her 5th season at Pali Institute. She is a Ropes Lead as well as the girls Head Instructor.
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Schooling Degrees/Attained: BA: Recreational, Park and Tourism Management, Penn State.
BIO: Kevin loves being outdoors. He has done a lot of camping with family, friends and the Boy Scouts. He is excited to share his knowledge of as well as his passion for the outdoors with the students who visit Pali Mountain.
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Schooling Degrees/Attained:
BIO:
Meet Our Instructional Staff
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Hometown: Grosse Point, MI
Education: University of Michigan, B.S. Environmental Science
Background: Sarah discovered her passion for outdoor education while attending the University of Michigan Biological Station in the summer of 2009. Since then, she has worked as a resident advisor as well as a science tutor and gained great enthusiasm for teaching. She decided to pursue a career in outdoor education after helping her outdoor adventure center become more sustainable.
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Hometown: State Road, North Carolina
Education: Appalachian State University- B.S. Recreation Management, Minnesota State University- M.S. Experiential Education
Background: Daniel has been working in experiential education since 2002. He has worked in classrooms, a project-based learning Charter School, and various after-school and team building programs. He also has 10 years of experience as an engineer officer in the Army National Guard.
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Hometown: Pueblo, CO
Education: Humboldt State University- B.A. Sociology
Background: David has worked with kids from preschool to high school as a dance and drama teacher, camp counselor, social worker, tutor, and outdoor education instructor. David has worked as a challenge course instructor in California, Michigan, New York, and Croatia.
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Hometown: Lancaster, Ohio
Education: University of Dayton- B.S. Geology/Earth Science Teaching License
Background: Alex began working in outdoor education in 2008 on a 26-day-long earth science field experience. Alex obtained his Earth Science teaching certificate while working with the outdoor recreation office of Five Rivers Metro Parks. Alex helped facilitate programs that included cycling, backpacking, and fly fishing.
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Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Education: Colorado College- B.S. Biology
Background: Jeff is obsessed with nature and he loves to share it with as many people as possible by taking them on day hikes or backpacking trips. Jeff loves exploring new locations. Jeff has worked as a biology, math, and chemistry tutuor for the past three and a half years.
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Hometown: Evanston, Illinois
Education: Oberlin College- B.A. Environmental Studies
Background: Trish spend many summers working at an ecology center day camp in Evanston. After college, Trish worked for 2 years as a research assistant at the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History.
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Hometown: Renton, WA
Education: University of Portland- B.A. Life Science, Psychology Minor
Background: Sarah is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in physical therapy. She previously has worked at various Girl Scout camps in the positions of a counselor, climbing instructor, and science specialist.
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Hometown: Downey, California
Education: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo-B.S. Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration.
Concentration: Outdoor Adventure Planning
Background: Over the past 20 years Tristan has spent every Summer, Winter, and Spring Break at camp. He credits his past experiences and counselors for inspiring him to take on any challenge. As he continued to attend camps he grew more and more interested in the teambuilding and high ropes side of camp, which lead him to attaining his BS in recreation, parks, and tourism administration at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he focused on outdoor adventure. Tristan wants to now give back all he has received from the camping world.
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Hometown: Libertyville, Illinois
Education: Carthage College- B.A. Geography
Background: Nick's introduction to experiential education began with his diverse travels while enrolled at Carthage College. He then began to focus his education on sociological issues, cultural relations, and human geography. He has an affinity for science and love for the outdoors.
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Hometown: West Sand Lake, NY
Education: Rochester Institute of Technology- B.S. Env. Science (Ecology/env. Studies)
Background: Adam graduated in the spring of 2011 from R.I.T. with a major in environmental science. Adam interned at Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherbarne, NY as well as at the Science Park zoo. This past summer, Adam was a conservation counselor at the NYSDEC Camp Rushford summer camp.
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Hometown: West Branch, IA
Education: Earlham College- B.A. International Studies/Outdoor Education
Background: Ryan's interest in the outdoors started on the day he was born. He spend 4 summers working the mountains of southern Vermont working at a Quaker summer camp. On his weekends in college he could be found working on the ropes course or leading climbing and whitewater kayaking trips for the Earlham College Wilderness Program. After college, Ryan spent 3 years facilitating outdoor education and doing trail work and fire fuels management.
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Hometown: Delmar, New York
Education: Russell Sage College- BS Mathematics, minor in psychology
Background: Following a lifelong passion for the outdoors, Annie has worked at several camps in the Adirondack mountains of New York state. After graduation from college, Annie worked at a YMCA outdoor education center before finding her way out to California and Pali.
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Hometown: Lincoln, Illinois
Background: Chris has worked as a rock wall coordinator at Little Galilee Christian camp. He was also an after-school instructor for the YMCA for 1 and a half years. Chris was also a youth basketball coach before making his way out to Pali.
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Hometown: Traverse City, MI
Education: Northen Michigan University, B.A. Outdoor Education Leadership and Management
Background: Jon has worked for numerous years as a counselor at Boy Scout camps. Jon also worked in the outdoor education field while in school, and began working at Pali Institute upon graduating.
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Hometown: New Rochelle, NY
Education: Indiana University, B.S. Elementary Education
Background: Josh has been working in summer camps for the past 7 years, where he was a swim instructor and supervised 2nd grade campers. Josh completed his student teaching in Indiana and has his Indiana Teaching License.
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Hometown: Jamestown, RI
Education: Bowdoin College- B.A. Government and Teaching minor.
Background: Abbey has worked at an expeditionary high school in Portland, Maine, teaching social studies to 10th graders, and leading backpacking trips in northern Maine. Abbey studied abroad in Viet Nam, where she volunteered at an orphanage. She enjoys traveling and almost all outdoor activities.
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Hometown: Lawrence, Kansas
Education: University of Kansas- B.S.E. Exercise Science
Background: Layne spent 3 summer taking middle schoolers to summer camps. Layne worked for 3 years in Residence Life participating and facilitating leadership & conflict mediation workshops. Layne spend the last summer managing staff at a county park in Kansas City.
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Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Education: University of North Dakota- B.S. Atmospheric Studies
Greenfield Community College- Certification in Outdoor Leadership
Background: Katy has been working kids all her life in day camps, tutoring, substitute teaching, and 3 seasons at Pali Institute. Katy has spent the past 2 summers leading 21 day kayaking trips for the American Youth Foundation. Katy is a ropes lead, lifeguard, and Wilderness First Responder.
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Hometown: "Army Brat", born in San Diego, California
Education: Coastal Carolina University-B.S. Psychology w/concentration in Marine Science
Background: Laura began her professional experience in education as a marine science instructor at Ripley's Aquarium. She has also completed 2 internships in animal care and training at Dolphin Quest Hawaii and VA Aquarium and Marine Science Center. She joined Americorps as an environmental educator at Roger Williams Park zoo in Rhode Island.
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Hometown: Wilmington, DE
Education: University of Delaware- B.A. History Education, Spanish Minor
Background: Kaylee has been a camp counselor for 2 years, and spend one summer working in Yellowstone National Park. Kaylee loves the American West, and believes in hands-on environmental education because the younger generation is the key to preserving the earth.
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Hometown: Catskill, NY
Education: Hobert and William Smith Colleges-B.S. Biology, minor in Environmental Studies and Geoscience.
Background: Jess has worked primarily in research over the past four years. She has a long history of working with children from nannying, teaching youth Sunday school and coaching youth field hockey, basketball, and golf. Jess is excited to be working with students again and sharing her passion for the sciences and outdoors with them. In her free time, she loves to hike, run, bike, kayak, & relax with a good book.
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Hometown: Denver, CO
Education: Outdoor Recreation Leadership/Graphic Design
Background: Stephen Raath studied outdoor education leadership at Colorado Mountain College where his passion for the outdoors met with his interest in education. His interest in mountaineering and conservation had led him to Argentina and Chile. After caring for children and homeschooling his son, Abwoon, Stephen decided to share his talents at Pali Institute.
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Hometown: Rogers, MN
Education: Minnesota State, Mankato
Background: Ali has worked at a summer camp for the past 3 summers for kids and adults with disabilities. She ran the youth leadership program with youth ages 14-18 facilitating leadership programs and high ropes experiences. This is Ali's second season at Pali. She is a ropes lead for our ropes course.
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Hometown: Collinsville, CT
Education: Plymouth State University- B.S. Adventure Education
Background: Samie has been in the camping world since she was 7 as a camper, counselor, and coordinator at Camp Jewell. She loves teaching experiential education and seeing how her students can teach her something.
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Hometown: Sandusky, Ohio
Education: University of Cincinnati-B.A. Communication, minor in public relations
Background: Matt is a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati. He offers a wide range of outdoor skills and educational expertise, having been a member of Boys Scouts and various camp programs.
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Hometown: Morrisdale, Pennsylvania
Education: Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania-B.S. Parks and Recreation
Background: Nick has been interested in the outdoors for his whole life, camping, hiking, and canoeing all throughout Pennsylvania. Nick found his professional niche in college, earning his degree in resource management and enjoying the beauty and recreational opportunities of western PA.
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Hometown: Annapolis, MD
Education: Ohio State University- B.A.- Evolution & Ecology, minor in education
Background: Allie has been working with youth for many years. In 2009, she worked as an intern for the National Zoo's summer camp working with teachers, students, and behind the scenes. In 2010, she assisted with the Delaware Shorebird Project, researching the ecological factors affecting population sizes and also as a kayak guide. She is excited to combine her science and education backgrounds while working at Pali.
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Hometown: Washington, MI
Education: Michigan State University- B.A. Sociocultural Anthropology/Professional Writing.
Alliant International University- M.A. Education, English Language Arts Certificate
Background: Ashley began her career as an educator with Teach for America in Oakland, California, where she taught middle school English and drama for three years. Her enthusiasm for project based learning and zest for adventure and the great outdoors drew her to Pali.
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Hometown: Lakewood, CA
Education: Cal State Long Beach- B.A. Recreation
Background: Eric enjoys how Pali Institute helps him provide students with enriching lessons in outdoor education, science, and leadership. His experience as a Pali Instructor ties into his background working with after-school programs in Long Beach, CA and being a trail guide for Wilderness Inquiry based in Minnesota. He enjoys working in a job that helps him empower others.
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Hometown: Massillon, OH
Education: University of Dayton- BS Environmental Biology
Background: While attending the University of Dayton, she piloted a Nature Immersion weekend camp through a learn, lead and serve grant. She has recently returned from Romania where she worked as an Environmental Education teacher as a member of the Peace Corps. She also organized a city-wide cleanup in Arad, Romania, and mentored a youth exchange.
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Hometown: Flushing, Michigan
Education: University of Michigan-Flint- B.A. Media Communications
Background: Janet worked at Base Camp Challenge Center since 2008. She is also RCI/First Aid/CPR certified. Janet loves the outdoors.