My Inspiration

My family and I started living and working in Alaska during the summers months when I was 5 years old. My parents started their venture guiding trips on the Kenai River out of Soldotna, AK. My days were spent playing in the forest, visiting wild places, and helping when my Dad finished his trip each day. My brother and I would race to the boat, find the longest blade of grass and tie left over salmon eggs on the end to fish for minnows is the shallow waters. The key was to fling the grass back as fast as possible as soon as you got a bite and hope the minnow landed in the boat. Sometimes we got lucky.

The business moved to Sitka, AK when I was in middle school. It was a new fishery and a different business, one that required a lot more of me. We ran 3 or more boats, had a lodge, and provided everything our clients needed. My roles were cook, cleaner, fish processer, and deckhand. The hours and days were long but the rewards were great! Everyday, we worked in the most beautiful place! On our days off we hiked every trail or ventured to unknown islands and waters. It was here that I fell in love with the outdoors. And, I fell deeply in love with Sitka!

My childhood experience fostered a deep connection to nature and a passion for sharing it with others. I’m continuously inspired by every woman who trusts me to lead them on an adventure—many of them stepping into new experiences for the first time. Sitka, Alaska, is my favorite place on earth, and it’s deeply personal to me to share its beauty and spirit with others.