MEET OUR GETAWAY TRIP HOSTS!
Get to know the incredible Women Who Explore ambassadors who lead our adventure travel getaways! From the moment your group is confirmed, our hosts are there every step of the way—ensuring everything runs smoothly and you feel the full magic of the Women Who Explore community. Whether it’s your first adventure or you’re a seasoned traveler, our hosts are there to support you, share their expertise, and make your getaway experience unforgettable.
They’re passionate, trained, and ready to make sure every moment of your getaway is filled with connection, adventure, and fun! You can even connect with them through their local Facebook groups or check out their Instagram for some adventure inspiration before you go.
Ready to meet your host? Scroll through and get excited for your next adventure!
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Alana is the one of the Greater Chicago Area ambassadors and has a love for all things outdoors. Give her a good sunrise or sunset, the smell of pine, and a good kayak trip and she is one happy camper!, Alana has worked in the ecological field working in places like Wyoming, Northern California, and now calls the Midwest home. She loves leading hikes and adventures for Women Who Explore and making sure that everybody feels welcomed in the outdoors!
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Lisa first became involved with Women Who Explore in 2018 on a leap of faith and a plane bound for Iceland. Since becoming an ambassador in 2020, she hasn’t looked back on encouraging all women to choose nature and seek adventure beyond their comfort zone. For as long as she can remember, the desire to spend time outdoors and travel to new places has always been rooted within her. Through the years, she’s grateful to have traveled to all 50 states and over 30 countries to date.
When she’s not exploring, Lisa calls the northwoods of Minnesota home residing not far from the lake cabin of her childhood. She feels most alive while in the outdoors hiking, chasing waterfalls, downhill skiing, mountain biking and curiously seeking the road less traveled.
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Krystyna, a native to southern New Mexico and one who loves exploring the land of enchantment through exploring the outdoors and art of photography. By trade she is a mental health therapist, but by heart is an outdoor chica which allows her to bring both worlds together to heal and to provide a safe space for others as well. She is a big advocate of solo hiking and empowering other women to also try solo outdoor activities, with the right knowledge and preparation.
Krystyna first joined Women Who Explore in 2020 and loves to take women out hiking, camping, backpacking, ice skating, bouldering, meet and greets and many other fun events. She is excited to lead international trips where her adventurous heart leads her.
Instagram
Local Chapter FB Group
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Amanda Lane is originally from the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, where she was introduced to outdoor adventures and family road trips from a young age. She moved to the Northern Colorado area in the late 90s, which provided a gorgeous backyard playground comprising Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. She enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including downhill mountain biking, canyoneering, backpacking, cross country skiing, and scuba diving.
Amanda has been a Women Who Explore ambassador since 2019 where she has led a variety of events from whitewater rafting to backcountry skiing. She will be an official "empty nester" in 2023, so she is looking forward to leading more international trips and sharing her love of adventure in a supportive and inclusive community!
She is excited to be on this journey with you!
Instagram
Local Chapter FB Group
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Stephanie Pyle grew up in small town Missouri with fields & forest in her backyard and an amazing state park close by which nurtured her spirit and love of being outside and connecting with others in the outdoors. She enjoys spending her time hiking, bird watching, practicing yoga, and camping (tents, hammocks or RV… she’s your gal).
Her love of international travel was sparked during her summer studying abroad in Florence, Italy. She returned the following year as the Student for the program in both Florence & Lugano, Switzerland.
Trained in Maui, Hawaii, Stephanie is a 200 hour certified yoga instructor and has been teaching in studio & privately in the St. Louis area. She teaches hatha, vinyasa and yin varieties.
Stephanie has been an ambassador for Women Who Explore since 2022 in the St. Louis, MO chapter where she has led events such as hikes, yoga classes & board game nights.
Instagram
Local Chapter FB Group
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Alyssa Heuberger lives in Oregon where she was born and raised. She grew up living a small town life, camping, and exploring Oregon with her family. She has since found a love of traveling domestically and internationally during her breaks as a special education teacher. She enjoys hiking, leisurely paddling, camping, spending time with friends and family and reading a good book in her spare time.
Alyssa had been an ambassador with Women Who Explore since 2019. She has been a part of many adventures with Women Who Explore including getaways to Joshua Tree, horseback riding and camping in the Canadian Rockies, Bali, and most recently she lead a trip to the Greek Isles. She can’t wait to explore with you soon!
NEXT GETAWAY:
Croatia Yacht Adventure
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Hey! I’m Jasmina, and I’m all about exploring wild places and helping women discover their strength on the trail. As a Women Who Explore Ambassador in Washington, I get to bring women together for epic adventures—whether we’re chasing mountain views, sipping cacao during a ceremony, or just laughing our way through the woods.
I didn’t always live in the Pacific Northwest, but it quickly became home when I moved here in 2023. Since then, I’ve tackled the 26-mile Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge, tried ice climbing on a whim (and absolutely loved it), and now I’m training to summit several mountains in the PNW. Seems like that one ice climbing adventure turned into something bigger, and now I’m all in on mountaineering.
Overall, my events are all about connection and adventure, because I believe there’s nothing like the confidence boost of trying something new and realizing you can absolutely do it.
When I’m not guiding hikes, I’m exploring with my dogs or dreaming up the next adventure.
Wanna come along? 🌲
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Kristina was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon. She is an avid backpacker, hiker, mountaineer and rock climber with an affinity for photography. She loves to travel, and especially loves trying more traditional foods/cuisines while visiting new places.
Having been an ambassador for Women Who Explore since 2018, her favorite part is all the incredible new women she gets to meet on her adventures.
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Kika was born in Brazil and moved to Utah in 2001 to pursue a Masters Degree. She confesses that, at first, she thought Utah was boring (gasp!) but she soon learned to appreciate all the beauty and outdoor activities the state has to offer.
Kika joined the WWE ambassador team when the program first started and loved to spread the message t hat we ALL belong in the outdoors, no matter our background or our looks. She wants all women to feel the happiness and peace that being outdoors can bring, even during a walk around a local park.
Her favorite thing about WWE is the opportunity to make friends, try new things and visit new places. She has hosted events in Central and Southern Utah, in Iceland and is planning to participate in much more!
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Karrie is a self-proclaimed “awe-seeker” and looks for wonder in her daily life. An explorer and conservationist at heart, she approaches her adventures with curiosity and loves to learn about the natural world and different cultures. Whether padding the Florida Keys or the San Juan Islands, or hiking the forested trails or alpine peaks of the Northwest, Karrie is at home in nature and always eager to adventure.
When she’s not hugging trees or crushing summits, she’s on her mat practicing and teaching yoga. Karrie (RYT-200) teaches heart-centered, alignment-focused yoga and enjoys modifying her sequences for all levels. She’s a believer in the healing power of mindfulness and breath work, and incorporates yoga philosophy into her daily life.
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Vanesa Farmer is originally from Decatur, Georgia and began camping with family at a young age. She moved to Northeast Georgia in 2016 and especially loves hiking, SUP, backpacking, and kayaking.
Vanesa has been a Women Who Explore ambassador since 2018 and has led both local and international experiences. She loves the connection that can be found with people surrounding shared experiences and getting outdoors.
IG: @dr.vanesafarmer
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I am a military wife and stay-at-home mom of two boys, three cats and a dog. I am originally from southwest Missouri but currently live in North Dakota. I love exploring new places and the military life has given me the opportunity to live in several different states and countries. A few of my favorite activities are hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, cycling, open water swimming, watching movies, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and eating.
I became an ambassador for Women Who Explore in September 2020 and lead monthly hikes, camping, backpacking, and kayaking trips. I'm an advocate for women to step outside their comfort zone and try something new. I love watching women push themselves and accomplish something they never thought possible. I want to help all women experience the beauty and peace the outdoors can provide and to help them realize that they are stronger and more capable than they ever thought possible.
Instagram
Local FB Group
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Have pack, will hike! I am a mom, wife, friend, office manager, photographer, website developer and explorer of Mother Nature! The outdoors has been my saving grace through every good or hard phase of life but especially the one I am in now. I am a new ambassador to Montana and I am diving in head first to this incredible community! While I have loved the outdoors my whole life I am learning and adding many new outdoor skills, like winter camping, ice fishing and more. I love meeting & connecting with new people who enjoy adventuring as well. Looking forward to exploring the ends of the earth with you ladies!
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Elissa Volkman is originally from southern Minnesota, where she spent most of her time outside biking, playing, taking photos, and learning about the wildlife around her. In 2010, she moved to the Twin Cities and attended the University of Minnesota for an undergrad in Recreation, Parks & Leisure Studies and a Master’s in Sport Management, emphasizing in outdoor program planning.
Elissa, her husband Eric, and chow mix Archie spend as much time outside as possible and enjoy traveling. She also enjoys a variety of other outdoor activities including rock climbing, downhill skiing, backpacking, canoeing, and nature and landscape photography.
Elissa has been a Women Who Explore ambassador since 2020 where she has led a variety of events from hiking to skiing to rock climbing to pints & puzzle nights. She’s excited to explore the world and learn with you soon!
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Kristi, a long-time resident of the Four Corners region, finds herself blessed with the diversity of landscapes within a few hours' drive. Her journey to rediscover her love for the outdoors began during her time in Houston with her family, where she realized how much she missed the natural world. Upon returning to New Mexico, Kristi fully embraced her passion for outdoor adventures, embarking on trips with her husband and teenage daughter as much as possible. She aims to be a positive example to her daughter, demonstrating that as a strong woman, one can achieve anything she sets her mind to.
An enthusiastic adventure seeker and nature lover, Kristi is dedicated to sharing incredible outdoor experiences with other like-minded women. Since 2022, she has served as an ambassador with Women Who Explore, furthering her commitment to empowering women in the outdoors. For Kristi, the connections formed on the trails are the most profound journeys of all.
Whether traversing varied landscapes, overcoming fears, or pushing personal limits, Kristi believes in the magic of exploring the outdoors. She cherishes the moments of escaping reality and embracing the beauty of nature, creating unforgettable experiences that resonate for a lifetime.
Social Media
Instagram: @krispy.adventures
TikTok: @Krispy.adventures
Blog: www.krispyadventures.com
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Jamie grew up in the Central Coast area of California. She fell in love with the outdoors while living in the Bay Area and frequenting Yosemite & the stunning areas surrounding San Francisco . She has been living in Portland, Oregon since 2013 after visiting several times and falling in love with the access to so many gorgeous places - the coast, the mountains, high dessert, the gorge & beautiful areas of Washington.
Jamie has been a Woman Who Explore ambassador since 2022 after attending a few events & wanting to connect with women in nature even more! She leads hikes, backpacking trips, campouts & more. She loves seeing friendships bloom & women feeling empowered to get outside.
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Stephanie is a Vancouver-based Women Who Explore Ambassador and adventure lover who’s traveled to 25 countries across six continents. Since joining WWE in 2023, she’s hosted community events and international getaways in Thailand, Finland, India and Morocco, bringing women together through adventure and connection.
When she’s not planning her next trip, you’ll find Stephanie hiking, camping, practicing yoga or scuba diving. As a trip host, she’s known for her positive energy and welcoming style — blending thoughtful organization with a go-with-the-flow approach to ensure trips feel supportive, fun and unforgettable.
For Stephanie, the best adventures aren’t just about where you go — they’re about who you share them with.
Instagram @stephpiano
Facebook @ Vancouver chapter
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I am a lover of the great outdoors!!! I find joy in immersing myself in nature's embrace and sharing its magnificence with fellow enthusiasts. I cherish leading others through the serene beauty of natural landscapes, fostering a deep appreciation for the wilderness. The majority of my hobbies are spent outdoors, including but not limited to hiking, trail running, camping, backpacking, fishing, hunting, ATV riding, and the list goes on!!! Short term goals? Add mountain biking and gardening to that list!!!
My career title is “Maintenance and Operations Specialist” at an Equestrian and Event Facility…long winded: I am a heavy equipment operator, welder, fabricator, and maintenance guru…best way to describe my job: at least half of my time is spent as a tractor Zamboni driver at rodeos 🤪
I live alongside my husband and our two adorable but large and slobbery canine companions in Queen Creek, Arizona. I cherish the simple yet profound moments spent exploring nature's wonders. I look forward to discovering the beauty and tranquility our world has to offer with you – one adventure at a time!!!
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Jenny's adventure began in the Southwest, where she grew up exploring the Arizona desert. In 2004, her first backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon sparked a love for the outdoors and challenging her limits.
Moving to California in 2018, Jenny discovered the beauty of the Eastern Sierra Nevada. Two summers were spent backpacking in places like King’s Canyon and Tahoe before returning to Arizona.
In 2023, Jenny settled in Oregon, joining the local Women Who Explore chapter as an ambassador. She enjoys leading day hikes, camping trips, paddle days on the river, and introducing women to safe and responsible outdoor recreation. She even hosts the occasional stitch-n-bitch night.
When she’s not leading a hike in Central Oregon, Jenny ventures into the desert for overlanding adventures, seeking slot canyons and waterfalls, or camps along the coast with her partner and their 9-year-old McNab mix, Oakley.
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Mar avows her love for exploring nature through everyday adventures and proudly calls herself a nature nerd. As a geoscientist, she views the world through a lens of curiosity, mindfulness, and conservation, applying her knowledge to everything around her. She believes deeply in the power of healing, growth, and learning that come from wandering through nature—always honoring the land and the place she moves within.
As a child, she collected rocks with wide-eyed fascination; as an adult, she finds her greatest joy in climbing them, at every possible scale. When she isn’t seeking personal challenges to fuel her own growth, Mar keeps those around her inspired—helping them uncover their own defiances, build meaningful connections, and find moments of awe.
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Melanie became involved with Women Who Explore in 2019 on a backpacking trip in Oregon and has been active with the group ever since. After visiting Iceland and Costa Rica with the group, she became an ambassador in 2023 and loves encouraging women to expand their outdoor horizons and their comfort zone by hosting local hiking, backpacking, skiing, canyoneering, white water rafting, biking, mushroom hunting and snow shoeing events. Melanie has lived in the UK, Germany, Canada and all four corners of the US and has been a lifelong traveller throughout North America as well to 40 countries in Europe, Africa, South and Central America and Antarctica (her favorite!) She has enjoyed multi-day mountain treks in Peru, the Dolomites, Patagonia, the Cascades and on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Now calling the Pacific Northwest home, Melanie has lived in the UK, Germany, Canada and all four corners of the US. She loves exploring the great outdoors, hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, mushroom hunting, wildlife spotting, skiing, climbing snowy peaks and planning the next epic travel adventure.
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Melanie was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and also spent 15 years living on the beautiful west coast in Vancouver, British Columbia. She is incredibly fortunate to have the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Banff, Alberta as a backyard playground.
Mel enjoys hiking year round (yes, even in our crazy cold Canadian winters!), downhill skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, yoga and taking long leisurely walks with her favourite 4 legged trail pal! She is passionate about visiting other cultures and exploring the world and have been through much of Europe, Australia, and South America. Sharing a dual citizenship with the US she has also been through over half of the US states.
Melanie’s first international travel with Women Who Explore was the Laugavegur trek in Iceland in 2022 and it was life changing. This group was so inspiring that she applied and became a local ambassador in 2023. She has since travelled with WWE to Peru (Salkantay trek), Croatia, Vietnam and Colombia and looks forward to adventuring and exploring this incredible planet with you.
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In a “now or never” moment in 2023 Lyndsay set out to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Women Who Explore. That trip changed everything. It was there she learned about the community and many local chapters of Women Who Explore throughout the US and Canada. Inspired by their community and mission, she applied to become an Ambassador just two days after returning home. Since then, Lyndsay has dedicated herself to creating welcoming outdoor experiences that encourage women to connect, explore, and grow in nature.
When she’s not organizing hikes or events, Lyndsay enjoys baking, spending time with her dog, and getting lost in a good book. She believes every outdoor experience is a chance to refresh the mind, challenge limits, and build meaningful connections.
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Born and raised in Edmonds, Washington, I’m an avid hiker who finds peace, strength, and clarity on the trail. As a wife and mom to three amazing kids, spending time outdoors has become not only a personal passion but a vital way to recharge and stay grounded. Hiking—whether it’s a quick walk or a challenging climb—has taught me the value of presence, resilience, and making space for myself amidst the busyness of everyday life.
I’m especially passionate about encouraging women to get outside and invest in their own well-being. In a world where we’re constantly giving to others, it’s easy to forget how important it is to pour back into ourselves. I believe time in nature is one of the most powerful forms of self-care, and I love inspiring other women to slow down, reconnect, and discover the strength and joy that can be found just beyond the trailhead.
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Sharla is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota but has called the sunny, nautical life of Key West, Florida home since 2004. Her heart belongs to the ocean and the great outdoors- if it's an adventure, she wants in! That passion led her to a life changing trip with Women Who Explore to Peru in 2023. She came home and told her other half, “she had found her people”. Since then, she has trekked in Nepal, celebrated Holi in India, hiked around Mont Blanc, lived her best yacht life in Croatia and trained in Colombia with the incredible women of Women Who Explore. When she isn't busy chasing horizons, she is busy soaking up mom life with her 6 year old son and 14 year old bonus son, her partner and fur babies. She looks forward to leading and adventuring alongside all of you on your next trip!