2026 Fall Season Field Instructors
Hi! I’m Stacy, and I’m excited to be joining High Trails for my first season! I’m looking forward to building relationships, exploring the outdoors, and learning together. I’ve spent my career teaching, coaching, and mentoring young people, and I’ve learned that some of life’s best lessons happen outside. I’m originally from Connecticut but have spent the past 5 years living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I enjoy exploring the vast, wild places of the Southwest through hiking, trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, kayaking, and camping. One of my favorite things is a good French press coffee and watching the sunrise. I also love to slow down and watch birds or read a book. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and having a fun fall season!
Hi, I’m Jenny! I’m originally from Arkansas, but since college I’ve spent several years sharing the joy of the outdoors with people. I’ve worked in different states, learning from fellow explorers, mountaineers, and passionate woodsfolk. I’ve been lucky to call Colorado my homestead for the past few years, I’m excited to return to High Trails for my third season! Whether we’re learning about the Ute and other First Nations tribes or using teamwork to wrangling the mad assayer as we prospect for quartz crystals, I’m always happy to be the group energizer. When I’m not at High Trails, you can find me out fishing or channeling my inner trapper looking for signs of wildlife on hikes. I look forward to meeting everyone that chooses to expand their sense of wonder at High Trails with us this season!
Hi!! My name is Grace and this is my first year at High Trails. I recently graduated from high school and I’m taking a gap year before I start college at Utah State in Fall 2027. Some facts about me are I am from Pocatello, Idaho, and I love skiing, hiking, and being in the mountains! I enjoy trying new things and being creative. I am so excited to work at High Trails and meet everyone!
Hi! I’m Dylan, hailing from Denver, and I’m excited to join High Trails this fall! I graduated last spring with astronomy and physics majors, and worked this past summer at Sanborn Western Camps as a Ridge Leader, following many years as a camper there. I love working and teaching outdoors; there is truly nothing better than getting to share the awe and wonder I feel about the natural world with others. I played on Wesleyan’s Ultimate Frisbee team throughout college, my favorite animal is the spider monkey, and I believe Gregory Alan Isakov carries the soul of the mountains in his music. I can’t wait to get started!
Hey! My name is Spencer, and I can't wait for my season at High Trails! I just graduated high school, and I have big dreams of traveling the world. The first step starts right here, and I am so excited for this season!
Heyyy! My name is Aerin and I just graduated from University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelors degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. My happy place is being in nature whether that is a forest or an ocean. Some of my favorite hobbies include volleyball, reading, riding horses, and art (mainly pastels and paint). I love doing henna and body paint too! I love learning fun facts and would love to hear any you have! I am so excited for this fall and look forward to meeting everyone!
Hi y’all! My name is MK. I’m from San Antonio, Texas! This will be my second season on the HTOEC staff. I currently attend college as a psychology student! I have been working with youth for 7 years and I have a passion for seeing every student thrive! Outside of work I love anything craft related and I am an avid reader. I love the outdoors and have spent the last few summers at a summer camp in Texas soaking up the sun. I can’t wait to meet everyone!
Hi, I'm Isabelle! I'm from a small town in Texas and have taught in and out of the classroom for about 4 years. I came out to Colorado in March to work the spring season at High Trails and haven't left yet. I enjoy being outside, mostly in the woods and where the water flows. Some other things I love are sewing, reading, crafting, and anything that keeps my body moving. I'm a big fan of backpacking and traveling other countries also. I'm looking forward to this autumn season, thanks for having me.
Hi there! I'm Sofia & I'm from Long Island, New York. I graduated from PSC, located in the Adirondacks of New York! I have a Bachelors degree in Recreation, Adventure Education & Leisure Management. This is my first season at High Trails! I'm super enthusiastic about insects, trees, birds and fish, so I'm very excited to share my identification skills! In my free time I enjoy swimming, hammocking, kayaking, climbing and meandering around green spaces, exploring all the miniature signs of life. I also highly enjoy Star Wars, hot sauce, upcycling, and playing card games! I'm looking forward to a whimsical season together!
Aloha! My name is Kennedy and I am from the great city of Louisville, Kentucky, though I spend plenty of time commuting to Honolulu, Hawai'i! I am a recent graduate of Tuskegee University where I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in horticulture (Fun fact: I did 10 study abroads during my time in undergrad!!). Outside of traveling, I love to hike, do yoga, listen to music, watch sunsets, and experience all the beauty and culture that the world has to offer. I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to share my passion of the natural world with our youth. Looking forward to an adventurous season together!!