Testimonials written by young adults who have worked directly with Julie as their instructor, teacher, guide, leader, or mentor.
High Desert Center Gap Year Participants, 2016-2017
“I am so excited to see Julie’s passion for education and for her students take flight in the form of Curious Kaleidoscope. Julie has a unique ability to truly connect with her students and co-create the settings, challenges, and supports that they need to grow. Her complete engagement in her work and dedication to making the most of every experience are parts of what make Julie a true example of what it means to be an educator. As staff on the 2016-17 High Desert Gap Year, she went above and beyond for each of the participants, and helped to make that year one of the most growthful and inspiring of my life. I’m overjoyed that, through her new company, young adults will be able to have the life-affirming, adventuresome, passion-finding, and oh-so-silly moments and months which Julie expertly cultivates. The only thing I have to say to someone considering a Curious Kaleidoscope trip is: Do it.“
Oscar Wolfenstein
Studies at University of New Mexico
“Julie was a staff person on a gap year program I was in last year, so I have experienced her leadership and mentorship first hand. Julie’s experience and passion for her work shone through in every moment that I was lucky enough to spend with her. She’s responsible, conscientious, professional, and incredibly proficient as a traveler in the front and back country. Julie brings the stoke, energy, fun, and her contagious adventurous spirit full force. She’s kind, compassionate, and loving. She is highly perceptive of people’s emotional states, and incredibly skilled at tracking a group of people, and responding to each person’s needs in a way that is tailored to them.
Julie works with young people in a way that is honest and real. She makes a strong effort to find a honest connection with everyone she comes in contact with. She reaches out to every person and meets them where they are. She is raw and open and curious. She builds trust through honesty and vulnerability.
Julie has inspired and empowered me to get after my craziest dreams with tenacity and excitement. Our time together has opened up worlds of possibility for me. She has ignited in me a new level of stoke and wonder for the world. Her guidance in figuring out how to direct my own learning and structure my life in a way that feels productive and joyful has been invaluable. She’s given me hope, comfort, and guidance when I was struggling. She is raw, real, and alive in a way that is rare to encounter. I’m incredibly thankful for the time I’ve gotten to spend with Julie, I can truthfully say that she’s been one of the most important influences in my young adult life.“
Hero Klimek-Brooks
“I got to know Julie this year as a mentor on my gap year program. We’ve climbed mountains together, sang old time tunes, maneuvered through canyons, attempted to Lindy hop to the top, and when we were thousands of miles apart Julie made sure we had frequent Skype check-ins, even when she was on her own travels through South America. Through all of these experiences I’ve witnessed Julie’s remarkable ability to be truly alongside young people (like me!) in their journeys, to share in struggles and triumphs while also providing incredibly valuable advice and support. I’ve learned so much about how to connect with others and be bold in the world through knowing Julie. If you have the chance to spend time with Julie I would highly recommend it! 100/100, five stars on yelp, 100 on rotten tomatoes.”
Mary Grace Campbell
Studies at Bard University
“I’ve had the pleasure of spending a year with Julie on the High Desert Center Gap Year. She has become a true friend and mentor because of her passion for adventure and skill at creating deep connections with others. When conflict arises, she brings a wave of calmness and offers total support to those in need. I’ve learned to be more compassionate from the experiences I’ve shared with Julie, and the idea that being honest and present with others helps them feel validated and important. Julie puts so much time and effort into making memorable moments; her experience, dedication, and interpersonal skills make her a tremendous leader. I’m so excited for her future programs, and I would recommend them to any young adults looking for personal growth, meaningful relationships, and incredible adventures!”
Christian Ferrer
High Desert Center Gap Year Intern, Fall 2017-Spring 2018
“Julie is someone I feel truly grateful and blessed to have met in my lifetime. Her wisdom and ability to listen makes her not only a great friend, but a great leader too. She has a way of looking at situations for what they are while also seeing the silver lining, and that positivity has been a reassuring and comforting guidance for me through many difficult times. Her skill and passion for the outdoors is fierce, and her love of genuine connection makes her an easy person to love and trust. I would highly recommend any program Julie is a part of to anyone seeking a life changing experience full of amazing stories, interpersonal growth, and community.”
Milla von Tauber
Blues and Fusion Partner Dance Instructor
“Julie’s passion for life is infectious. She is a natural leader who is extremely kind and wise, making her a wonderful person to seek guidance from. Her easy-going attitude and ability to be silly make her an amazing friend to giggle with and lightens any atmosphere! Over the time I have known Julie she has shown me how to be patient with myself and others and how to show compassion in difficult situations. I would recommend any of Julie’s projects for people seeking unique adventures, fun memories, and a chance to grow alongside a truly special human.“
Lainey Bein
Traveler, Self Directed Learner, and Musician
Urban School of San Francisco Cal Studies Students, Spring 2016
“Julie is one of those people you feel absolutely blessed to have encountered in life. Having worked and traveled with her, I’ve gotten to witness the unique spirit and attitude she carries in all situations. She is full of laughter, learning, and finds joy and inspiration in the little things. I’ve learned everything from leadership strategies to the stories behind the constellations from her, and these lessons are ones I keep with me everywhere I go. She’s been a true inspiration in my life and anyone would be extremely lucky to have the opportunity to spend time with and learn from her as I have!”
Marie Bergsund
Studies at Bowdoin College
“My passion has always been for the outdoors. I love to hike, camp, swim, and just adventure, but I was in need of some guidance and experience to really hone in on this passion. Julie was exactly the leader and role model that I needed to help me explore and learn about the wilderness and how to ground and actualize my deep love for the outdoors. Julie is an exuberant leader with knowledge stemming from environmental science to leadership qualities and wilderness exploration. Her most inspirational quality is her willingness and eagerness to adventure with a group of students. She wants to explore our interests through engaging us one on one and in group settings to become comfortable and challenge ourselves in the outdoors. Julie brings an awareness of many different aspects of life to her leadership, balancing independence and community building she empowers her students to develop our own toolbox of tips and tricks so we have the experience and knowledge to navigate the outdoors with confidence. Julie is an incredible educator, guide, role model, and friend. My passion for the outdoors grew immensely stronger with her support and encouragement to never stop exploring. I would recommend Julie to any family or individual looking for a person to help foster growth, adventuring, and above all a rad time.”
Kira Waldman
Studies at Middlebury College
“When I worked with Julie I was initially struck by her contagious enthusiasm and go-with-the-flow attitude. She never gets mad or frustrated when things go wrong. Her hands-off approach to leadership encouraged our group to work collaboratively, ultimately bringing us closer together. I was also impressed by the effort she made to get to know all of us on a personal level and maintain relationships even after the program ended. Oh yeah, and she can tell a KILLER story!”
Sonia Fillipow
Studies at Duke University
High Desert Center Gap Year Participants, 2014-2015
“I admire Julie for a number of reasons, the list of which would stretch to the moon and back. In brief, I admire Julie because she lives her life with a strong sense of purpose and play. She is a phenomenal guide (of wilderness, urban jungles and life,) she is master communicator, talented storyteller, hyper observant, jack-of-all-trades and she has a smile more glorious than the sun! Moreover, she has oceans of experience leading purposeful programs for curious young people and she is now offering her very own adventure program!”
Monica Thom
Studies at Concordia University
UC Davis Freshman Backpacking Trip Participants, Fall 2010
“I first met Julie when I was a young wide-eyed freshman at UC Davis, looking for community and a way to get outside. She was one of two visionaries and trip leaders who created a freshman specific backpacking trip through the outdoor program in order to help connect new folks on campus to the larger community of outdoor enthusiasts. Immediately Julie left a huge impact on me. Her exuberant personality and enthusiasm for life was contagious, and inspired me to apply to be a guide for the outdoor program as well. More importantly, Julie became a close friend of mine who has continued to positively impact my life. She inspired me to pursue a career in outdoor education and has connected me with many amazing individuals and opportunities. On a recent course I was instructing for the Northwest Outward Bound School, we were sharing stories of how we had come to be where we are in life. I specifically highlighted how Julie has empowered me to think outside the box, to dream big, to find excitement in all that nature has to teach us, and importantly to feel good being purely myself. Julie is a one of the most genuine, selfless, inspiring individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting and I would highly recommend her courses to anyone. She is sure to provide a once in a lifetime experience that will leave young adults feeling confident in themselves and their ability to shape their futures.”
Arianna Kosel
Northwest Outward Bound School Instructor
“I met Julie when I was an 18-year-old participant on a five-day backpacking trip that she guided. I was prepared for a fun adventure with new friends, but I didn’t expect to meet someone who would significantly impact my life. Julie has a special ability to connect with young people, and she finds ways to challenge each individual to dig deep, embrace his/her unique talents/interests/personality, and put these abilities to their best use. As a leader, she sets a good example, facilitates group cohesion and provides constructive critique. Perhaps more importantly, she has a talent in gently guiding others to step up and assume leadership roles while helping them develop their own styles of effective leadership. I remember being astonished that, with Julie as a guide, creativity, innovation, curiosity and often tear-rolling-hilarity blossomed in our group in just a few short days. Over the many years that I’ve gotten to know Julie as a friend since that trip, I’ve seen this time and again. Her way of making sense of the world and operating in that world as a joyful, thoughtful and compassionate person of integrity continues to inspire and challenge me.”
Michelle Stone
PA Student, Stanford University
Deer Crossing Camp Campers, 2005-2016
“I first met Julie many years ago when I was a young boy at summer camp. I immediately loved her vibrant attitude and zest for life. A couple years later when I got into a bit of trouble at camp (to which I denied any wrongdoing), it was just Julie who helped me understand my misbehavior in a constructive way. Because of Julie’s help, I grew immensely from that experience. And without it, I wouldn’t have recognized my own bad habits, and subsequently, I wouldn’t have changed my own character for the better. And for that, I am eternally grateful.“
Christian Laurence
Camper & Instructor, 2009-2016
Self Designed a Gap Year during 2016-2017
Studies at Quest University Canada
“One thing you will learn quickly about Julie is that she is always smiling, and her kind heart and passion for adventure is unmatched. As a sailing and rock climbing instructor at a remote wilderness camp called Deer Crossing, Julie taught me not only how to sail, but taught me the joy of being outdoors and exploring. Julie’s ability to lead a group, and still make very strong connections with each individual in the group, is one of her skills that will make any Curious Kaleidoscope trip the trip of a lifetime.“
Kristian Hayward
Camper & Instructor, 2005-2014
Studies at Cal Poly
“Julie is the best! Having spent many summers working with her between ages 9-17, she left a lasting impression that has stuck. Julie inspires people to work toward their goals and whenever I worked with her I found I was always striving to do my best! Her energy is amazing and can bring anyone’s spirit up.”
Michael Mainiero
Camper, 2006-2014
Pilot for Advantage Aviation Charters
Photo credit to Journey Temple for “Gap Year Crew 2017.” All other photos were taken by Julie.