We select responsible and inquisitive leaders with dynamic stories and compelling backgrounds to facilitate our programs. They thrive on sharing transformative experiences with young people! All leaders possess strong risk management skills and trip specific knowledge.
Julie McPherson
Julie’s first big adventure was at age 18 when she organized a solo trip to Bulgaria to volunteer at a children’s orphanage. This trip cemented the fact that traveling abroad would be a key ingredient for her future. During the past 10 years, Julie has said “Hell yes!” a handful of times, and “No” often. Her intention to only work jobs that resonate directly with her values and curiosities shapes her ability to be calm, excited, and present in life. A longtime outdoors and teaching enthusiast, she continually chooses to work outside with self-directed young people. This path led her to start Curious Kaleidoscope in 2017 to offer an adventurous option for individuals seeking something different than college. Julie has been an international trip leader, an outdoor guide, a program coordinator, a high school teacher, a gap year mentor, and a co-leader of an intensive teen leadership program at a wilderness summer camp. Some of her out-of-the-box jobs include golf caddying, package delivering for UPS, ski instructing children, and teaching sail training and marine science on a 104-year-old wooden tall ship. Discovering birds and wildflowers with young adults makes her giddy and even though she likes dancing, it still makes her nervous. She often travels from the mountains to the sea, collaborating with as many passionate people from all walks of life along the way. Julie has traveled to Latin America multiple times, and blogged about it often on her website. She is 29 years old and a UC Davis graduate. Learn more at juliemcpherson.com.
Trip Leader Gap Year 2018-2019
Jesse Olson
Jesse hails from the Pacific Northwest, studied Physics in New Mexico, lived in and explored the vivid southwest for 11 years, and now calls the entire west coast home. Through an amazing Boy Scout troop in Leavenworth, WA Jesse discovered his deep love for the magic of the natural world, the wonder of which has powered a lifetime of exploring the outdoors, many cozy nights on mountainsides in a tent or in his car, or on a bare rock under the desert stars. Jesse’s eclectic mix of interests from art, technology, carpentry, dance, and others have created a livelihood equally varied. Teacher and Guide are words through which Jesse often understands himself – he’s lead many boating and hiking trips for various summer camps and youth organizations, guided longboat day programs and overnight trips through the NorthWest Maritime Center and crewed for the educational tall ship, Schooner Adventuress. Jesse’s Dream is a world where all people, especially those in their impressionable, yet powerful youth have their dreams supported and encouraged – can see their own unique gifts as valuable, wanted, and deserving of expression – a world where we all feel the right to follow whatever strange, powerful, and purposeful path we feel called to.
Trip Leader Gap Year 2018-2019
Elana Hirschkatz
An excited and passionate educator with a zest for the outdoors and connecting with others, Elana is beyond thrilled to be a part of Curious Kaleidoscope. Elana grew up in southern Ohio, and didn’t discover her love for combining outdoor adventures and education until she was introduced to her university’s outdoor adventure program. It was there where she learned about experiential and alternative education. After living and working in southern Utah for a number of years, exploring canyons and desert as a canyoneering guide, Elana made her way to Colorado to instruct for the Colorado Outward Bound School. Along with a hunger for teaching, Elana is passionate about connecting with others. She chooses to guide programs that allow her to share extended periods of time with her students. Elana frequently plays outside and likes to rock climb, backpack, go canyoneering, and ski. She is currently an excited novice to mountain biking. Activities like baking sourdough bread, cooking, playing music, identifying wildflowers, and spending time with her nephew balance her time between outdoor adventures. Elana is ready to teach, share her enthusiasm, and learn alongside this group of young adults.
Trip Leader Gap Year 2018-2019
Photo Credit to Dave Vyas for the headshot of trip leader Julie.