Board Term: 2025-2028
Why did you become, and are, involved in PSIA-AASI?
I had the good fortune to begin my snowsport teaching career at a school that was very PSIA centric. I was surrounded by instructors, mentors, that were PSIA certified trainers, ed staff, tech team members, and former national team members. They encouraged me to pursue PSIA education and certification, and I did. I am incredibly grateful for their early prompting!
Home hill/School
Mount Hood Meadows.
What’s your favorite NW resort when you’re not at your home hill?
That is like asking which is my favorite child. I love them both. I love a ski area mostly because of the people I get to share it with and the memories we make there. But if I have to pick one, today I pick Big Mountain (aka Whitefish Mountain Resort by the younger folk). It has the terrain, the views, the ambiance, and the great memories of ski days shared.
What are your snowsports goals?
To continue to grow as a skier, a teacher, and an ambassador for snowsports. Specific short-term goals are PSIA Adaptive Alpine Level 3 certification and then PSIA-NW Adaptive Alpine Ed Staff.
What is your favorite way to spend some downtime?
Hanging with Roca my Cavapoo adventure dog, playing guitar, and cooking. Also, hanging out with Izzy (aka Dakota) when we get the chance.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of snowsports?
Anything in the water. Kite surfing. Windsurfing. SUPing. Swimming. Having a cold one on the back of a boat.
Who or what got you into instructing snowsports?
I have two daughters that are skiers. During their high school we were all on a mountain most weekends for a high school race or just having our own fun ski day. When their high school skiing was getting done and they were going to head away to college I knew I needed to find a way to still be on the hill most weekends and in-between. The opportunity to teach came with pass benefits and industry discounts which I thought was great. What I didn’t anticipate was that it also came with the opportunity to learn how to ski!
If you weren’t teaching snowsports, what would you do to fulfill the itch to help others grow new skills?
I am primarily an adaptive instructor, assisting individuals with a disability to get out on snow. Sliding on snow may not be for everybody, but it is for anybody. I feel the same about all forms of outdoor recreation. I work with an adaptive water ski program in the summer. I continue to expand my range of adaptive sports I participate in as a trainer, instructor, or volunteer. I would just do more of that!
Favorite ski/snowboard film?
Anything Warren Miller. Especially the late 80’s, early 90’s films. From the timeframe when Warren Miller would come to the auditorium and narrate the movies live!
Current go-to skis/snowboard?
I travel typically with 8+ pair. I love them all depending on terrain, conditions, and intention. But I have more days, made more memories, and inspired more participants on a pair Rossignol E88.
Favorite Animal?
Roca my Cavapoo pup.
Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Again, like asking which is my favorite child… but 4 weeks in Northern Italy was pretty awesome!
