Time working with professionals of the greatest maritime force the world has ever seen, prepared me to “commit and then follow thru” without hesitaion. Sixteen years I spent working with amazing leaders of all ranks, bringing Quality of Life programs to the Fleet and Family. It was my honor to serve those who served.

Navy MWR's mission is to deliver high-quality, customer-focused programs, and services that contribute to resiliency, retention, readiness, and quality of life. Early in my career I was fortunate to conduct activities and events, deliver high-quality, innovative recreation programs in state-of-the-art facilities worldwide. I began onboard USS ESSEX (LHD2) serving over 800 days underway with 3,200 Sailors and Marines. I continued federal civiian sevice on shore in Misawa, Aomori Prefecture for 13 more years.

The instructor certifications I hold demonstrate expertise in teaching and leading diverse paddle sports like kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Key qualifications include training on instructional techniques, equipment selection, trip planning, and risk management - ensuring I can safely and effectively guide memorable paddle adventures in a variety of environments. I am currntly pursuing higer level Instructor Trainer (IT) certification in Kayak and SUP.

During Risk Management Training for US Navy Community Recreation in 2017, the comprehensive curriculum covered the essential elements of risk management for outdoor leaders and managers. The idea to host this course was partly developed by a conversation I had with a Senior MWR Leader a few years prior. The NOLS risk management curriculum is recognized as an industry-leading program for outdoor professionals.

WFR certification provides comprehensive training for handling medical emergencies in remote environments. Key aspects include in-depth instruction on patient assessment, critical thinking, and treatment techniques when professional help is limited. This rigorous curriculum prepares holders like myself to recognize, stabilize, and evacuate victims in backcountry settings.

The National Standards Program (NSP) certification prepares outdoor leaders like myself to safely and responsibly manage wilderness expeditions and activities. Key elements include instruction on trip planning, technical skills, environmental ethics, and leadership development - ensuring a high level of expertise in outdoor education and responsible land use. I’m currently pursuing higher level Certified Outdoor Educator (COE) certification with WEA.

The NZSIA Snowboard Instructor certification demonstrates expertise in snowboard teaching, including advanced technical skills, lesson planning, and safety protocols. Earning this globally recognized qualification, which I hold, validates my ability to deliver high-quality, progressive snowboard instruction to individuals and groups.

The Avalanche Canada training programs, which I have completed up to the AST2 (Level 2) certification, provide comprehensive education on avalanche safety and risk management. The curriculum covers avalanche awareness, snowpack analysis, terrain assessment, and effective rescue techniques - equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to safely venture into backcountry snow environments. I am currently pursuing Instructor qualifications.

The Backcountry Access Avalanche Companion Rescue Training focuses on the essential skills needed to effectively respond to an avalanche incident. This focused curriculum equips participants with the knowledge and practical abilities to quickly locate, uncover, and provide initial care for avalanche victims. Earning this certification demonstrates a commitment to avalanche safety and the skills to potentially save lives in the backcountry.

Licensed as a Class II Boat Captain with Commercial Operator Endorsement since 2012, I have many seasons of RHIB boat captain expeiece in the largest double caldera lake in the world, Lake Towada in Towada-Hachimanai National Park in Japan. It is likely I was the first licensed foreigner to fill this role.

As a Leave No Trace (LNT) Instructor, I teach specialized skills in promoting sustainable, low-impact practices for outdoor activities. This includes comprehensive training in the seven LNT principles, the ability to effectively teach and model these ethics, expertise in identifying and mitigating environmental impacts, and strong facilitation skills to inspire behavioral change. As an LNT Instructor, I’m a highly effective advocate for minimizing the human footprint on natural landscapes.

The Top Rope Climbing Instructor (TRCI) course provides an in depth standardized understanding of skills essential to teach climbing outdoors. Instructors are set-up to manage groups of climbers on technical terrain with non-technical access.

Top managed sites hold different risks and require different skills from base managed sites to effectively manage groups. The PCIA TMCI course addresses these needs in a one-day course designed to build upon skills acquired in the TRCI course. *Certification previously held.

Working as the Wilderness Course Director for SOAR's therapeutic wilderness programs in Wyoming provided me with invaluable experience leading 28-day expeditions for students with learning disabilities and ADHD. In this demanding role, I managed staff teams, ensured student and participant safety, responded to emergencies, trained instructors, and oversaw all aspects of the remote wilderness operations. This hands-on experience in outdoor education, risk management, and customer service has been a key asset in my current work in the adventure tourism and outdoor industry.

The Risk management training program has provided me with comprehensive risk management education for outdoor leaders and organizations. Key aspects include risk assessment, emergency preparedness, safety system design, and building a culture of safety. I continually demonstrate my commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and risk management in the outdoor industry.

My newest strategic partnership forming in 2024. With Mr. and Mrs. Kishi, I share core values and an interest in continued professioal development with international standards for the outdoor industry in Japan.

In-Progres

In-Proress

Level 2 Instructor