2010 Field Staff
Elmore State Park
Aric Brown, Crew Leader
Aric Brown returns to Vermont State Parks after being an Assistant Park Ranger at Fort Dummer and a Park Ranger for the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon. Aric is passionate about sustainability and thinking about the future in terms of societal, cultural, and economical growth. Upon getting his Masters degree in Resource Management and Conservation, he completed his thesis on efficiency protocols at higher educational campuses and carbon neutrality initiatives. He cannot wait to learn from his crew and share his Adirondack crew leading experience with the Vermont Youth Conservations Corps at Elmore State Park. When not working hard to change the world, Aric can be found camping, hiking, fly-fishing, and connecting the values of conservation with people.
Laura Crosby, Crew Leader
Laura Crosby joins the VYCC after graduating from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in 2009 with a B.S. in Recreation Management, concentrating in Outdoor Recreation. She spent last summer working in Maine as a Co-Recreation Director at a family campground. Laura has a lot of experience in the residential and day camp life, as she spent many summers attending Girl Scout camp growing up. From her summer camp experiences, Laura enjoys canoeing, kayaking, camping outdoors, ropes courses, and rocking climbing, just to name a few. Laura can’t wait to explore the beauty that Vermont has to offer.
David Rogers, Crew Leader
Dave Rogers joins the VYCC from Arizona, where he was working for the Student Conservation Association on revegetation projects in the Grand Canyon. A graduate from the University of Mary Washington in 2008, Dave grew up and went to college in Virginia. He is very excited to be back on the east coast and working in Vermont! A NOLS graduate from 2009 in the Rocky Mountains, David is passionate about pursuing outdoor education. Dave welcomes all adventures, be it a day trip bike exploration of downtown or an extended backpacking trip through some unknown wilderness.
Quechee State Park
Richard McElhinney, Crew Leader
Rich McElhinney, a fraternal twin, was born into the US Army at Fort Riley Kansas and lived in Kentucky, New York, and Massachusetts. He has an Associate’s Degree in American Sign Language Interpreting and a B.A. in History with a minor in Educational Studies. Before joining the VYCC, he worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in North Dakota and Maine as a Community Relations Specialist and Preliminary Damage Assessor. Rich is the Vice President and Drum Sergeant of the award-winning clan MacPherson Pipes and Drums. He has traveled to Ireland three times with the group and an additional time by himself. He has also traveled to Iceland, England, and parts of Canada. He brings with him a love of the outdoors, a passion for education, and a drive to preserve the unspoiled places of America.
Nick Behe, Crew Leader
Nick recently graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature. After graduation, Nick decided to dedicate his summer to national service and the outdoors. Originally brought into the VYCC as a Crew Member of Quechee State Park, his devout work ethic and Machiavellian ambitions earned him a meritorious mid-season promotion to the rank of Crew Leader. A Maryland native, he is a passionate writer, reader and hiker, and when not maintaining the park he can be found wandering the Vermont countryside or compulsively reading whatever he can get his hands on.
North Hero State Park
Alisha Kissell, Park Educator
Alisha Kissell joins the VYCC after graduating from Ohio Weslyan University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Botany. Her studies and interests focused on the natural world and the university's sustainability efforts. She also coordinated and led a service trip to Nicaragua to aid in the education and implementation of sustainable agriculture practices in rural villages. As a NOLS alum and outdoor enthusiast, Alisha enjoys exploring and discovering the dynamic nature of diverse ecosystems. She recently served as a forest technician for the University of Washington, gathering data on forest ecosystems and tree health for a sustainable forestry research project. Alisha resides in Montpelier, spending most of her time playing the mandolin with the Vermont Fiddle Orchestra and getting to know Vermont!
Hannah Beach, Park Educator
Hannah Beach joins the VYCC after spending a year restoring environmentally-fragile areas in Puget Sound as a Corps Member and Crew Leader with Seattle's EarthCorps. Raised in Connecticut and having attended college in Maine, Hannah is deeply connected to the landscapes of New England. She is passionate about connecting people with the environment and is excited to learn the stories of people and places alike. She loves leading groups inside and outside the classroom – guiding groups of volunteers in restoration, teaching music lessons, and other various and sometimes silly pursuits. Her favorite sounds are the hermit thrush and the loon, and though admittedly rusty, she is always trying to improve her skills on the harmonica.
Anthony Christiano, Park Educator
Anthony returns this year for his second season as a Park Educator in the VYCC. After winning the 2009 Park of the Year award for Elmore State Park, Anthony looks forward to keeping the bar set high at North Hero this season. Anthony is an alumnus of AmeriCorps NCCC Class XIV as well as Champlain College in Burlington, VT. He originally hails from Bloomfield, NJ. As a Park Educator, Anthony has been known to incorporate music into his visitor programing activities. Ask him to sing you Elmore Park's $3 Days if you happen upon him. Anthony hopes to see you this summer at one of his affiliated parks: Grand Isle, Lake Carmi, and Burton Island!
Anna Gouznova, Park Educator
Anna Gouznova moved to Vermont in December 2009 after thirteen years in New York City. She graduated from Fordham University with a B.A. degree in Political Science and Environmental Studies. While in NYC, Anna was involved with various nonprofit advocacy groups, including the New York League of Conservation Voters, Global Resource Action for the Environment, National Audubon Society, the Citizen’s Campaign for the Environment, and – most recently – as an Assistant Editor at Waterkeeper Alliance. She is passionate about environmental education and agricultural justice for farms, communities, and animals. She has traveled in 12 countries, thru-hiked the Long Trail, climbed to nearly 12,000 feet in Costa Rica, and has backpacked on both US coasts. Her road bike, camera, and spice rack are her three most prized possessions.
Hannah Clark, Park Educator
Hannah Clark comes to the VYCC after graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Anthropology. Growing up in North Carolina, Hannah was a member of The American Adventure Service Corps (a local, co-ed, outdoor and service project group) from ages 10 to 18. After graduating from high school, Hannah moved to Athens, Georgia for college, where she helped lead the anthropology and archaeology student organizations, worked as a resident assistant, and presented research papers at a few student conferences. Hannah loves baking, biking, and juggling. She is excited to be a Park Educator in a state that she has never been to before.
US Forest Service Mt. Moosalamoo Campground
Samantha Rush, Park Educator
For the last four years Samantha Rush has been involved with AmeriCorps*National Service, serving as a Corps Member at The Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless, a Team Leader for the National Civilian Community Corps, Development Coordinator for the Task Force for the Homeless, working on grants for AmeriCorps*State and *VISTA programs, and a Crew Leader for a team of AmeriCorps members with the VYCC last season. For 2010, Sam is returning to the VYCC to work as a Park Educator. Her favorite things include rooftops, truck stops, bioluminescence, and poetry. She loves to see people surpassing their own expectations and also seahorses, club moss, osmosis, and Peter Pan.
Anica Mercado, Park Educator
Although born in New York, Anica Mercado is a Las Vegas native. Despite the contradiction, she is a self-proclaimed desert rat that loves trees. Her interest in the outdoors led her Oregon State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources. Afflicted with a touch of wanderlust, Vermont's boundaries join the four states and two countries that she has lived in during the past three years. With previous employment ranging from a school bus driver, to a math tutor, to an operations assistant at NOLS, Anica brings a wide variety of skills with her to the VYCC. She looks forward to living in her first deciduous forest, as well as doing some covert fall leaf peeping.
Justin Arzberger, Park Educator
Hailing from Ticonderoga, NY, Justin Arzberger graduated from the University of Vermont (UVM) in May with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies. At UVM, he focused his studies on outdoor environmental education. Before joining the VYCC, Justin worked as a Lake Steward for the Lake George Association and as a backcountry trail Crew Member for the Northwoods Stewardship Center. Most recently, he worked as a Watershed Educator at the UVM Watershed Alliance, where he had the opportunity to teach fourth and fifth grade students about watershed conservation. Whenever he has free time, Justin can be found climbing, biking, camping, and snowboarding.
Jenn Anthony, Park Educator
Jenn Anthony graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelors of Science degree in Art Education. She spent her summer after graduation at Camp Merrowvista in New Hampshire, where she learned the joys of leading backpacking trips and teaching things like outdoor cooking and windsurfing. Jenn is coming to the VYCC as a Park Educator after spending the past year-and-a-half living in Berkeley, California and working at the Oakland YMCA. Although she fell in love with the state's year-round produce, she is thrilled to be returning to Vermont and especially excited about getting back to nature. Jenn is an avid runner and will be participating in her second marathon this spring.
Shane Koehler, Park Educator
Shane is originally from “the mitten shaped state," aka Michigan, and graduated from Olivet College with a BA in Environmental Science and Fine Arts. He began sharing his love for nature by teaching environmental education at YMCA Camp Orkila on Orcas Island in Puget Sound. At the camp, he explored tidal pools with youth, worked as the Art Director, and enjoyed creating art that both promoted environmental stewardship and involved the community. These interests led him to San Francisco, where he taught school groups and led volunteer groups in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Shane was continually impressed by the community members who painted educational murals and sustainably landscaped gardens. His need to connect with the land, the people, and the wildlife led Shane to the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Wilderness Crews
Meg Paugh, Crew Leader
Meg is returning to the VYCC after a season in 2009 as a Roving Crew Leader. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. After college, Meg focused on counseling work with teenagers at various therapy and human service organizations, as well as with Christ Hamilton United Lutheran Church. Meg will draw upon teaching skills gleaned as a yoga instructor and a hiking guide with Edge of the Woods Outdoor Outfitter. She brings much enthusiasm to working with youth and refining her technical skills.
Thorin Markison, Crew Leader
Profile coming soon!
Claudia Munoz, Crew Leader
Claudia grew up near San Francisco, but her curiosity and love for adventure has since then led her to travel, study, and work all over the world. She received her degree in Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbra. She then spent two years as a Peace Corps Natural Resource Volunteer in Niger, West Africa. This experience sparked Claudia’s love for camping and backpacking. She has participated in SCA’s Leadership Program in Idaho, where she completed a season restoring trails in the Salmon-Chaillis National Forest. She will be joining the VYCC this summer after have just concluded her first season as a Field Instructor with Ecology Project International in Mexico. Claudia is excited to bring her backpacking experience and passion for conservation to Vermont this summer.
Carrie Johnson, Crew Leader
Carrie comes to the VYCC from Athens, Georgia. After graduating from the University of Georgia, she spent six months in Costa Rica working as a naturalist for the UGA Costa Rica program. Carrie is coming off of a stint working for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as a Ridgerunner on the AT in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When not hiking and bird watching, Carrie enjoys hiking, watching wildlife documentaries, and reading. Carrie is excited about sharing experiences while working outside, learning, and making friends as a Wilderness Crew Leader!
Rick Heine, Crew Leader
Rick Heine comes to the VYCC from Southwestern Montana, where he was an outdoor guide and naturalist at the Sun Ranch. He was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, educated at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in natural resources, and has worked all over the country. He is returning to the VYCC for his second season and is excited to lead wilderness crews throughout the Vermont woods.
Maureen Hanlon, Crew Leader
Profile coming soon!
Roving Crews
Mo Wieser, Co-ed Leadership Development Crew Leader
Mo Wiser grew up in Portland, Oregon and attended Gonzaga University where she earned a Bachelors of Art degree in Pyschology. While in college, she led crews for Northwest Youth Corps in Oregon and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps in Colorado. Upon graduating, she led a team of eight 18 – 25 year olds in a yearlong community service program. When not tromping through the woods, you can find Mo hanging out with friends, kicking a soccer ball, and playing basketball, Corn Hole, and cards with her family and friends.
Marcus Santos, Co-ed Leadership Development Crew Leader
Marcus Santos, a Los Angeles native, is very excited to join the VYCC team! Last year, Marcus served some of America’s most at-need communities with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, where he first spent time on Vermont’s trails. Marcus has a great passion for providing youth with guidance and empowerment to help them find a better quality of life. Marcus has a long professional background in mortgage and real estate, but has enthusiastically changed direction and serving our country’s communities, natural resources, and people in need is what’s on the horizon. He is excited to provide Corps Members with the guidance and empowerment he is so very passionate about, and to expand his his and other’s leadership, interpersonal, and technical skills.
Heather Nielson, All-female Leadership Development Crew Leader
Heather is back at the VYCC in a new role, having been a Wilderness Crew Leader in both 2001 and 2003, a Field Assistant, and Program Coordinator. She will be using her past trail work experiences from Minnesota, North Carolina, and Vermont as she assists with training this spring and then launches into leading the all-female Leadership Development Crew this summer. Heather brings her most relevant experience supervising an all-female Young Adult Crew with the Minnesota Conservation Corps to the VYCC. She also brings a variety of theater and environmental education experience, having taught at Deep Portage Conservation Reserve in Hackensack, Minnesota and at the Youth Performance Company as an actor/educator in Minneapolis.
Briana Shewan, All-female Leadership Development Crew Leader
Briana Shewan was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She is a recent graduate of the University of San Francisco with a Bachelors of Art degree in environmental studies and a minor in African studies. Briana has had rich experiences that indicate her love for the outdoors and women's focused work: she was an intern for Aki’ll’ Dada, a Kenyan women’s education organization, spent a semester abroad in Tanzania studying wildlife ecology and conservation, most recently worked with urban community gardens. Briana is passionate about making the all-women’s leadership crew an empowering and stimulating experience this summer!
Elon Parker, LEAP Crew Leader
Elon returns to the VYCC after four seasons as a Wilderness and Roving Corps Member. As a Vermont native, Elon brings curiosity, creativity, and an outside-the-box approach to all his outdoor leadership and wilderness adventures. Digging a trench, seasoning a pot of curry, or tying down a tarp transcends the ordinary with Elon. He is very excited to share his enthusiasm for the details and strong sense of place with others. When not in the woods, Elon is working towards a B.S. in Sustainable Design and Technology at Vermont Technical College.
Heather Moore, LEAP Crew Leader
Heather Moore is back at the VYCC for another season after recently completing her Masters in History from the University of Vermont. She received her BA in History, Government, and Environmental Studies at Skidmore College. At Skidmore Heather helped to establish a stewardship program for a small woodland adjacent to campus, iniated a community bike sharing program, was President of the Environmental Action Club, and wrote a book about the history of Architecture in Saratoga Springs, NY. Last summer she worked at a camp for the visually impaired called Enchanted Hills Camp for the Visually Impaired. Heather led the LEAP crew last summer and is extremely excite to return for 2010!
Kateri Virgilio, US Forest Service Crew Leader
Kateri Virgilio grew up outside of Albany, NY in a rural area where she always felt the need to move, to play, to run, climb, laugh and feel free in the outdoors. She moved to Bennington, Vermont when she was 14 and had many experiences such as leadership trainings, mentoring elementary kids, attending outdoor camps, and pre-college art programs that furthered her devotion to art. Kateri has attended Alfred University and taken time off to work with Developed Mentally Disabled Adults. Before finishing her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration of Painting at the New Hampshire Institute of Art this fall, Kateri is looking forward to embarking on her VYCC journey this season!
Cyndi Nichols, US Forest Service Crew Leader
Cyndi Nichols is a native Vermonter, who grew up skiing! She spends most of her time in the mountains and during the winter she is a ski patroller. In the off season, Cyndi likes to enjoy life and travel. Cyndi’s past professional experiences include being a camp counselor, as well as working for Underhill State Park here in Vermont. This is her first time leading a crew, and she is looking forward to rising to the challenge as she inspires her crew on work projects in the Green Mountain National Forest.
Brigitte Derel, US Forest Service Crew Leader
Brigitte Derel joins the VYCC after spending the winter working and snowboarding at nearby Stowe Mountain Resort. Although she was born in France, Brigitte grew up in Chicago. She graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Conservation and a minor in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management. Before the VYCC, Brigitte worked as a river guide, a historical interpreter, and an organic farmer. She strives to find work opportunities that allow her to live her passions and connect her with like-minded people. She is passionate about working outdoors, traveling, farming, boating, and dancing.
Nikki Boyce, US Forest Service Crew Leader
Nikki made her way to the VYCC with style, grandeur, and a flick of the cap. Romping over from a recent AmeriCorps conservation adventure with the Coconino Rural Environment Corps in Arizona, she is excited to explore the eastern seaboard and join the VYCC team. Hailing from the great frozen North, she soaked in mosquito and sun filled-Alaskan summers as a Park Ranger Aide between months in Oregon earning a sociology degree from Willamette University. Nikki further broadened her horizons by travelling and studying abroad in New Zealand and working with the JEM and Heads Up Youth Mentoring Program. Above all, she loves connecting with people and exploring with a smile, loud laugh, and red boots!
Dominic Minichiello, US Forest Service Crew Leader
Dominic Minichiello joins the VYCC after graduating with a B.S. degree in Art Education from Pennsylvania State University (PSU). Growing up in New York and Pennsylvania, Dominic nourished an enthusiasm for the outdoor world. He was an active member of PSU’s Eco-Action and Outing clubs, organizing and participating in campus-wide conservation efforts. His love for the outdoors is complemented by his passion for the arts. Dominic is a visual and musical artist who has staged solo exhibitions, undertaken freelance commissions, led an oil painting class for fellow students, and illustrated a soon-to-be published Penn State biology lab book. He has also recorded and performed his music in many venues. Dominic is thrilled to move to Vermont, so he can officially call himself a Vermontster!
Katie Carroll, US Forest Service Crew Leader
Katie Carroll arrives at the VYCC after graduating from the University of Vermont with a B.A. in Environmental Studies & Political Science. At UVM, Katie was an Alternative Spring Break leader, leading students on a service trip to Kansas City, Missouri. She just completed her Environmental Studies senior thesis, which consisted of returning to her hometown in Barton, Vermont to design and implement an environmental science unit for 3rd and 4th graders.
Matthew Moore, US Forest Service Crew Leader
Matthew Moore comes to the VYCC after pursuing a Master’s in Marine Science from the University of Georgia. Most recently a resident of Athens, Georgia, he has lived in Ocoee, Tennessee working as a Summer Camp Director of YMCA Camp Ocoee. Matt earned a BS in Biology from Berry College in 2006. In 2009, Matt received his Wildland Firefighter Certification from the Cleveland branch of the Chattahoochee Forest Service. In the future, Matt intends to manage natural resources for the Forest Service. A few of his interests include diving, camping, tree identification, managing a tree farm, pottery, and sustainable farming.
Elizabeth Hawkes, US Forest Service Crew Leader
Elizabeth Hawkes comes to the VYCC after graduating from Saint Michael’s College with a B.A. in Elementary Education and Psychology. Elizabeth became interested in outdoor education after three years of trip leading with the St. Mike’s Wilderness Program. She is excited to be a leader for the VYCC, implementing the Leadership Development Curriculum.
Chris Ricker, Crew Leader
Chris Ricker remains with the VYCC this season after spending last summer as a Roving Crew Leader and then transitioning into a Conservation Intern at VYCC Headquarters throughout the winter. Born to the urban environment of New York City, Chris feels more at home in the wilderness of Vermont than the jungle of the big city. As a Leave No Trace Master, a graduate of a Wilderness Education Association summer courses in Utah, and with an educational background in adventure recreation, Chris strongly believes that experiential and community development curriculums create competent outdoor leaders. Chris ooks forward to bringing this passion to his crew each day.
Ashley Butterfield, Crew Leader
Ashley comes to the VYCC from Massachusetts, where she lived and worked at Heifer International’s Overlook Farm as a livestock assistant and educator. Originally from New Hampshire, she has taught conservation and sustainable agriculture for ten years with organizations like the NRCS and 4-H. Ashley plays 17 wind instruments and is an avid traveler who has lived and hiked in seven states. She is looking forward to a great summer in Vermont!
Shane Prisby, Crew Leader
Shane Prisby is a new addition to the VYCC staff and a recent graduate of the University of New Hampshire, with a degree in Environmental and Resource Economics. A bit of a nomad in his early life, Shane moved around New England eventually settling in New Hampshire where he currently resides. At UNH, Shane participated in student organizations and studied abroad in Aotearoa-New Zealand as part of the EcoQuest Education Foundation. Shane is eager to share the lessons he has learned abroad, as well as his deep love of music, political philosophy, and the natural world.
Emma Frappier, Crew Leader
Emma returns to her homeland of Vermont after completing her senior year at Warren Wilson College in Asheville NC. She began as a VYCC Corps Member in 2005 on a Wilderness crew and rapidly fell in love with VYCC, leading her to return during the summers of 2006 and 2007. In 2008, Emma was a Corps Member on the VYCC’s pilot Leadership Development Crew. Emma recently returned from a semester studying abroad in Botswana, Africa. Along with her passions for the outdoors, hiking, travel and agriculture Emma is an avid distance runner and road biker who often enjoys cooking and baking with friends.
Patrick Neff, Crew Leader
Patrick Neff was born and grew up in Springville, New York just south of the Buffalo area. In an attempt to escape the small town life, he went away every summer to his family’s cottage in Algonquin Park. Patrick spent a lot of time canoe tripping and eventually worked in the park as a guide for Camp Northway for four summers. Patrick graduated from Saint Michael’s College in 2009 with a B.S. in Biology. He spent a lot of time leading skiing and hiking trips and became a sea kayak instructor through the school’s Wilderness Program. Patrick is excited to be leading a Roving crew this summer.
Cara Leander, Crew Leader
Cara Leander is joining the VYCC this summer from her sunny home state of Florida. For the past seven summers, she has worked a as a summer camp counselor and an Assistant Camp Director. Cara majored in Landscape Architecture at the University of Florida, and her work this summer will help her obtain the final credits for her degree. In addition to working extensively with elementary school students, she loves to travel and has been to most of the countries in Europe. Cara is excited to get to know her crew and accomplish great things together!
David Ozahowski, Crew Leader
David is excited to join the VYCC as a Roving Crew Leader! Born and raised in Thetford, Vermont, David holds a great appreciation for his home state and the outdoors. David graduated from high school at Thetford Academy and went on to further his educational pursuit at St. Lawrence University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. However, David contends that his real education surfaced from the ample time spent in the Green Mountains, the White mountains, traveling around the world, and extensive backpacking in Alaska, where he lived for over a year. With a smile for summer and the joyous laughter for life, David’s vision remains focused on being an admirable figure for the VYCC.
Vanessa Emery, Crew Leader
Vanessa is joining the VYCC after four years in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, where she recently graduated from Warren Wilson College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Studies and a concentration in Environmental Education. At WWC, Vanessa worked on an organic vegetable farm, did trail work on the Appalachian Trail and Cumberland Island National Seashore, and studied and served abroad in Quito, Ecuador. Working at VYCC will tie together all her experiences and passions for conservation work, cooperative group living, being in nature, and inspiring awareness of the environment in young people.
Pete Ginsbury, Crew Leader
Pete was born and raised in Colchester, VT and is psyched to be back in his homeland working with the next generation of Vermonters. Pete has spent time in many other places around the world and in the American West. After graduating from Wheaton College in Massachusetts, Pete spent some time ski bumming in Montana and then working in the outdoor industry back in Vermont. He just acquired a VT teaching license in middle and secondary social studies through the Upper Valley Education Institute in Lebanon, NH. If you happen to see him around, Pete loves a great high five!
Community Crews
Catsey Heath, Burlington Crew Leader
Catsey Heath grew up in Vermont, moved away for ten years, and returned two years ago with her daughter. During the years she was away, she worked for Greenfield State Park in NH, Stagecoach State Park in CO, and was the Ranger/park manager at Miller State Park in NH. Catsey spent a summer in the backcountry program with Rocky Mtn Youth Corps, a year with Youth Serve AmeriCorps in Northern California, and a year and half with the California Conservation Corps. Catsey has taken a few years off to spend time with her two and a half year old daughter, Jasmine, but is looking forward to her summer working as a Crew Leader for a Community Crew. She has a great love for the outdoors, enjoys working with young adults, and is currently in the Environmental Science Degree program at CCV.
Ryan Morra, Burlington Crew Leader
Ryan comes to the VYCC fresh off the Gringo Trail backpacker circuit in Central America this winter. After majoring in Biology & Environmental Studies from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC, Ryan headed west to acquire a Colorado teaching license in secondary science through Eagle Rock School in Estes Park, CO. Ryan has now successfully maxed out his national service years as an AmeriCorps*NCCC Corps Member, Team Leader, and Public Allies member. Additional field experience includes working for the Forestry Crew at Warren Wilson College and as a backcountry caretaker with the Green Mountain Club. His passion for working at VYCC as a Community Crew Leader in Burlington stems from his avid hiking and mountain biking.
Brit Kurtz, Montpelier Crew Leader
Brit is super excited to work with the VYCC. After learning about the program through the purchase of a thrift-store t-shirt while attending Green Mountain College, she has finally found the time to make the goal of working as a crew leader a reality! Brit graduated from GMC in 2008 with a degree in Environmental Science, focusing on outdoor recreation. She has spent time in Alaska while attending Alaska Pacific University, completed a semester with NOLS, and worked many a summer in Northern California at a farm camp. As of late, she can be found ski bumming in the winters and pursuing farming and outdoor education the rest of the year!
Carly Dilworth, Montpelier Crew Leader
Carly Dilworth arrives to the VYCC after wintering in Portland, Maine. Since earning a BS in art and environmental studies from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse Carly has bounced back and forth around the country. She began her conservation career as an SCA trail crew intern in Baxter State Park Maine. She could not get enough of the AmeriCorps experience so she made her way to Washington last season to work with the Northwest Service Academy. Her NWSA crew worked within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and at the Mt St Helens National Monument. Carly is excited to further develop her teaching and leadership skills this season in a new place. Aside from her love of the outdoors Carly is an artist, crafter, talented home cook, and world traveler having explored Oceana, Ireland, and Central Europe.
Marie Goodman, Woodstock Crew Leader
Profile coming soon!
Erik Debbink, Woodstock Crew Leader
Erik is excited to be working with VYCC for the first time this season! Erik has just completed his Adventure Education degree from Green Mountain College. During that time, Erick attained numerous certifications that will make him support him during his journey with the VYCC community. Erik fell in love with Vermont while hiking the Long Trail after completing Disaster Work on the Gulf Coast with AmeriCorps NCCC. Erik has spent the last six summers as a white water raft guide on the New and Gauley Rivers in West Virginia and originally hails from Cincinnati, Ohio.
Marissa Palmer, Richmond Crew Leader
Marissa arrives from sunny California, where she is currently a graduate student in Social Work at California State University, Long Beach. Marissa is fueled by all things outdoors and is passionate about conservation and sustainable design. Past work experiences include a variety of outdoor education and wilderness leadership roles, including leading summer backpacking trips in the Sierras for Camp Max Straus and becoming a Head Instructor for Redcliff Ascent’s Wilderness Therapy Program in Southern Utah. In between school and work, Marissa has spent months travelling around South and Central America, teaching English to children in the small village of Pedregal, Ecuador, and brushing up on Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala.
Nate Stratton, Richmond Crew Leader
Nate Stratton makes a glorious return to the VYCC for his second season as a Community Crew Leader. Rejoice! Although originally hailing from Illinois, he has a tendency to get restless and move around haphazardly. Nate studied Mediaeval History at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland for 4 years. Upon graduating, Nate packed his bags and relocated to a rural village in the Japanese Alps, where he spent a year teaching English to villagers of all ages. He then caught the outdoor education bug and took a job as an instructor at the Redcliff Ascent Wilderness Therapy Program in Utah. After a few other travelling experiences abroad, Nate co-lead the legendry St. Albans Community crew for the VYCC. Currently, he is in the middle of completing graduate school at the University of Denver where he studies Social Work.
Tyler Andrews, Rutland Crew Leader
Tyler recently moved back to his home state of Vermont after earning a Bachelors of Science Degree in Resource Conservation from the University of Montana. Tyler is highly invested in environmental restoration, most recently working on rehabilitating riparian buffer zones and native species restoration. Tyler is an outdoor enthusiast and traveler, spending last summer in the northwest Indian Himalayas studying livelihood and sustainability while climbing 17,000 foot peaks. He is looking forward to being a part of the VYCC team and contributing his knowledge and expertise to others, while constantly learning more.
Nigel Tilson, Rutland Crew Leader
Nigel Tilson was born in a small farming community in the Adirondack Mountains of Northern New York and is excited to co-lead the Rutland Community crew this summer. In September, Nigel will be returning to his final year studying Renewable Resources in British Columbia, Canada. His studies focus on Recreation, Fish and Wildlife at Selkirk College. Nigel has traveled extensively throughout North America as well as the southern counties of Ireland. Nigel is enthusiastic about hiking, canoeing, climbing, and mountain biking. He loves to share his passion for nature and believes that hands-on outdoor experience is the best form of education.