Team photo by @katieslaterphotography
OUR MISSION:
Create experiences in the natural world that connect our guests with the energy of life and the joy of being in the moment
Land Acknowledgment
Developed in collaboration with the Nolumbeka Project
We must acknowledge that we are occupying and benefiting from this Indigenous land upon which we stand, upon which our personal homes and businesses are located.
In addition to the land, we also acknowledge the beautiful rivers that are part of Indigenous homelands: the Pocumpetuck (Deerfield), the Pocomegon (Green) the Paguag (Millers), the Chicopee, and of course the long river, the Quonektacut.
For thousands of years this has been the traditional territory of the Pocumtuck people and their Indigenous kin and neighbors: the Nonotuck/Norwottock, the Agawam, the Woronoco, the Tunxis and the Podunk among many others.
This is still the homelands of the Pocumtuck and neighbors, they are not gone, they are in the air that we breathe, their voices linger in the landscape and riverscape.
We acknowledge the continued presence, resilience, and sovereignty of their descendants the Nipmuc/k and the Abenaki. We will continue to acknowledge and support all Indigenous communities in our activities upon this land and upon these waters.
About Our Team
We like to think of our amazing team of instructors and guides as a herd of unicorns! With their expansive knowledge of both the region and their own areas of expertise, they are all incredibly passionate about sharing their love for Western Mass, the outdoors, and connecting people with nature. Our team firmly believes that everyone should have equal access to the beauty and benefits of spending time outdoors regardless of skill level or access to gear necessary for an outdoor adventure. They go out of their way to ensure that every trip with us is safe, educational, and - of course - fun. We hope you have the opportunity to meet with members of our team, soon!
The Team
Brian Pearson (he/him)
Founder, Kayaking Guide, Ski Guide
ACA Level 2 Kayaking, PSIA Level 1 Ski Instructor, SOLO Wilderness First Aid and ServSafe Certified
My life has been an adventure, starting from my first home on a lake next to a small ski hill, 600 vert - Song Mountain is still going strong! We moved to Colorado when I was 8 and I launched my first “start-up” when I was 12, raising quarter horses. We moved to Vermont when I was 15 where I learned to mountain bike before there were shocks on bikes! I did experiment with a real career in health finance. After completely burning out, my wife and I went on an adventure backpacking through South America for seven months. Settling in Santiago, Chile, I built a travel company opening up some of South America’s first cat skiing, wine lodges and pop up glamping. It’s nice to be settled now in a peaceful and beautiful valley where so many adventures are less than an hour away. I love campfires and cooking on a fire.
Ami Jean Aubin (she/her)
Director, Environmental Education & Wellbeing
CyberTrackers, Wildlife Tracker, Level 3; Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership, Mindful Outdoor Leader, Level 2; MA Audubon, Certified Naturalist.
I was raised free range, allowed to explore and connect with the natural world. Memories of balancing on logs perched over the river behind my childhood home and running through the corn fields fill me with a sense of belonging to nature. After a long career in the restaurant industry as the owner of a popular French bistro, I’m now returning to those childhood roots and regaining that sense of being connected to nature's web. As a trained Forest Bathing and Mindful Outdoor Guide my mission is to help people find that deeper connection within the forest. My most enjoyable hobbies include gazing into the sky while searching for migrating birds and examining the ground for animal toes. I’ve recently completed a wildlife tracking apprenticeship with my tracking mentor George Leoniak and have become a certified naturalist through Mass Audubon. I’ve discovered that the more I learn about our mother earth, the more mysterious she becomes. Creating a sense of eternal curiosity. There is nothing I love more than being with a group of people in the forest while attempting to unravel these great mysteries of the natural world.
Ben Drake (they/them)
Operations & Safety Advisor, WFR/WFA, Wilderness Survival and Team Building Instructor, Camping, Hiking, & Paddling Guide
Brad Walker (he/him)
Paddling Trainer & Guide
I was born 2,000 feet from the Cooper River in New Jersey. Back then, it was so polluted they didn't need signs warning folks to keep out. It is no wonder the canoe in our garage was only used for special trips farther from home. The driver's license was my ticket to paddling. Suddenly my friends and I could go to the Shore and paddle back bays, navigate islands with nesting herons, and explore tangled creeks of the Pine Barrens. Years later my daughter was born in a hospital overlooking Kachemak Bay and there was no question that she would enjoy a ride across the bay at just 5-days old! Now, in addition to supporting Adventure East activities, you might spot me paddling the whitewater of the Deerfield, Millers, and Connecticut Rivers.
PS: The Cooper River has been clean enough that in 2006 they built an amazing boathouse and host national championship rowing regattas - we support the Clean Water Act
Bill Randolph (He/Him)
Naturalist, Birding, Hiking & Paddling Guide
I have been an educator my whole life while pursuing my life-long interest in understanding the natural world. As a California native, I once led natural history trips from the tundra in Alaska to the grey whale breeding grounds in Baja, Mexico, and throughout California's diverse environments. Since moving to Western Massachusetts, I have enjoyed learning about an entirely new community of flora and fauna with a particular interest in birds.
Cara Backman (she/her)
Archery, Paddling, & Hiking Guide
I grew up in a small town just outside of Boston. I was the wild child in my family who enjoyed finding bugs, catching little critters, and playing in the nearby town forest. Growing up, my family always had a cottage on Lake Winnipesaukee where I was set free to explore, so Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains have been my lifelong backyard and outdoor teachers. I first visited Western MA in 2005 while working at MA Junior Conservation Camp (for 10 years) as an archery instructor; through working at MJCC I was able to indulge my passion for both archery and outdoor teaching. After MJCC I wasn’t ready to commit to a career-type job so I spent a good chunk of time traveling domestically as well as internationally and could write a book on all the amazing sights, experiences, and adventures I was lucky to have before adult life caught up to me. Recently, I spent 5 years living in southern Maine at a manufacturing job that just wasn’t what my heart needed, so I worked hard to change my career path. Returning to the outdoor industry and western MA has given me the mental and emotional peace that I was longing for. Presently, I’m a full-time student earning my degree in Adventure Education as well as my Outdoor Leadership certificate. In my free time you can find me on the archery range, doing some multi-pitch rock climbing with my partner, or backpacking with my dog Kenai.
Dan Finn (he/him)
Caving and Paddling Guide
For nearly a quarter century I have had the great joy of paddling solo and with many great people in amazing places like Georgian Bay, the Thimble Islands of CT, the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, the coast of Maine, the San Juan Islands of Washington, Vancouver Island, and many beautiful canyons in Lake Powell. Whether I'm paddling locally or far away, I love the feel of the paddle and kayak as it moves through the water. In my concern that many of us have a one-sided relationship with the planet - where many of us get a lot more from nature than a lot of us give back - I love taking people into beautiful places to help deepen their connection with the world around them. As a friend who I took paddling once said, "I can see why you like kayaking so much, cause I've never seen you smile more."
Darya Zelentsova (she/her)
Photography Guide
Originally, I'm from Kyiv, Ukraine, where I graduated from the Kyiv National Linguistic University. I used to be a Turkologist for a while, then I turned to Journalism. I worked as an author, editor, and editor-in-chief at various fashion and travel magazines (Cosmopolitan (Ukraine and Russia), Only You, Mini, Auto Lady, etc.). Before moving to the US, I graduated from Kyiv Photography School. Later, I earned a certificate from the Digital Photography School at the Cornell University. I've been doing photography for about 10 years, and my photographs have been published in different magazines and newspapers, on websites, and on posters all over the world (National Geographic, Audubon, L'Officiel, Cosmopolitan, Canon USA, Gastronome, etc).
I do portrait, pet, wildlife, landscape, and commercial food photography.
Mass Audubon 2019 contest winner, Nature Photographer of the Year finalist (2021), Mass Audubon Statewide Photo Contest winner (2022), NWF Photo Contest (2023) prize winner
You can view my gallery here: https://darzel.pixels.com/
Dave Dersham (he/him)
Birding & Hiking Guide
I moved to Amherst from Eugene Oregon when I was still small. When I was 9, I discovered that our live-in sitter was enchanted by birds, and I immediately caught the bug. I’ve continued to bird throughout my life, punctuated by excursions to Kenya, Belize, and various sectors of the United States. For the last 12 years, I’ve contributed to the Christmas Bird Count, a volunteer group that provides population data for the benefit of conservation biologists. The CBC is considered the longest running “citizen science” survey in the world.
Birding blends the physical to the psychological in dazzling ways. It forces you to slow down, to become more mindful, to listen, to observe, to remain both patient and persistent. As a hiking guide, my pace is perhaps steadier, but no less appreciative of the unfolding landscapes, hues of shifting light, tributaries of air, meandering scents, both sharp and sweet. While at times physically challenging, Adventure East's overall ethos leans toward a more contemplative and inclusive approach to outdoor recreation — an endeavor open to anyone aligned with their own curiosity.
Garth Shaneyfelt (he/him)
Biking & Hiking Guide
I have been hiking, biking, skiing, and adventuring for over 35 years. From multiweek bike-packing trips on both coasts to hillwalking & mountaineering in New England, Pacific NW, Europe and South America, and organizing group outings here in Massachusetts there is always something to explore. My family moved to the CT River Valley 17 years ago and we continue to find great places to get outside right in our backyard.
Joe Jewett (he/him)
Cross-Country & Backcountry Skiing Guide
My ski journey began at age 3 when my parents started teaching me to climb up and slide down the hills on the Saxon Woods golf course near our house. My parents were sailboat racers-that was how they met-but they also loved winter sports. When my brother was born, our family bought a piece of land in Fayston, VT where we would, over time, spend weekends building a cabin as a family. What a joy it was to be able to choose between Glen Ellen, Sugarbush or Mad River Glen. As soon as we knew better it was always MRG so that is where my brother and I learned to be good skiers. Skiing there prepares you for almost any sort of backcountry conditions. Later in my 20s I moved to Montana for my musical work and got some more education. When I returned east in 2000, I began the typical spring pilgrimage to Mt. Washington where I’ve skied most of the routes - but there are still several I’d like to ski. One doesn’t always get to choose at that mountain! I even got in on a group trip with David Goodman who has written many excellent guidebooks about backcountry skiing in the Northeast that are published by the Appalachian Mountain Club. In September of 2020, I went back to school to get myself qualified to be an Outdoor Leader; first, Wilderness First Responder, and then a class fall semester at Greenfield Community College in their Outdoor Leadership Program. Next two courses with AIARE in Avalanche safety and rescue, PSIA Nordic Level 1 and ACA (American Canoe Association) Level 2. I have taught Alpine skiing for two seasons in Montana and coached Alpine Ski racing at the Academy at Charlemont for two years.
John Burns, aka "Burnsie" (he/him)
Botanist, Hiking Guide
I am a botanist specializing in rare and endangered plants, edible plants and mushroom identification. With my extensive knowledge of New England forests, I enjoy leading folks on nature walks and hikes and helping them gain a new appreciation for the environment as well as the plant-life unique to Western Massachusetts.
Mike Akrep (he/him)
Biking Guide
I grew up in Massachusetts, and have had a normal arc of going to school, earning an engineering degree from UMass Amherst, getting married, etc. But in the background at all times is a love of bicycle exploration on back roads and abandoned railroad grades. From leading small groups of friends as a kid, up to leading multi-state, high end gravel tours, I love sharing the beauty of quiet trails and roads with old and new friends. A particular interest is 19th stone railroad and hydro power infrastructure that can still be found deep in New England's forests. As I often say on many of my ride postings, "Hope to see you out there!"
Sean Condon (he/him)
Biking Guide
When not riding or racing any of my ten bikes (like handbags and shoes - a different one for different occasions - and no, I don't play favorites with them), I have been professionally working as a mechanic on bikes of all kinds for almost thirty years and own the mobile bike shop, Speed and Sprocket Cycle Works. Road, mountain, cyclocross, tandem...you name it and I’ve ridden and/or worked on it.
In addition, I’ve also ridden or volunteered my mechanical services at numerous charity rides around New England, such as the Pan-Mass Challenge, Katelynn's Ride, Will Bike 4 Food, the Rodman Ride for Kids, the Connecticut Challenge, and others. For a spell I ran an Earn-A-Bike program for urban youth in Holyoke where I taught kids the intricacies and joys of being a mechanic, sat on the Board of Directors for MassBike and the Pioneer Valley chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA), and served as a community member and co-chair on the Holyoke Bicycling and Pedestrian Committee.
You can find me pedaling twelve months of the year, whether it’s the paved and dirt roads of the Connecticut River Valley or the digital routes of Zwift!
Trevor Brightman (he/him)
Hiking & Paddling Guide
I'm a native of suburban Boston, whose love of the outdoors started with backyard games and sledding as a kid with friends and family. Over the years, this passion has advanced and evolved to include hiking, camping, paddleboarding, kayaking, snowboarding, and more. My love of new experiences, and desire to give back, led me to an AmeriCorps Service year after college. This included Hurricane Katrina relief in New Orleans and Wildland Firefighting in Arizona. I always loved making home movies as a kid, so after studying communications in Charleston, SC I worked in TV production for 10 years at ESPN. TV took me to Los Angeles for a while, where I worked as a Visual Effects producer and manager. I'm also a National Park junkie; some of my favorites include Yosemite, Glacier, Channel Islands, Zion, and Arches. These days my home base is in the Pioneer Valley, a short walk away from the beautiful Deerfield River.
Jacob Lindeman (he/him)
Advisor
My earliest childhood memories are escaping into the woods behind our house and getting lost in adventures. That is still one of my favorite things to do, and I wish that everyone should (repeatedly) have that kind of experience. I went to a Maine "back-woods" summer camp with no electricity and no electronic "transistors" allowed. I learned to cook and bake on a campfire. Food shared on the trail is a highlight for me.
I have been a cook in a pizza shop and a grease wrench in bike shops. I love mountain and road bike rides, hiking and snowshoeing on (and off) trails, and whitewater canoeing. Making things is what I love to do the most. When I grow up, I want to build a canoe. My children call me "the fix-it-up chappie." It is always time to make the world a better place and revitalize our ecosystems.
Our Partners
We are very proud to be working with the following organizations in support of each of their missions to protect fresh waters, open space and wild lands, the wildlife that inhabit them and the access they offer to outdoor recreation for all. Adventure East experiences take place on beautiful and unique places preserved and cared for by our partners who are committed to making sure that our most cherished spaces remain healthy, accessible, and well-loved. We hope you will join us in supporting these organizations.
Connecticut River Conservancy
Connecticut River Conservancy is the voice for the Connecticut River watershed, from source to sea. We collaborate with partners across four states to protect and advocate for your rivers and educate and engage communities. We bring people together to prevent pollution, improve habitat, and promote enjoyment of your river and its tributary streams. Healthy rivers support healthy economies.
Hitchcock Center
The Hitchcock Center, founded in 1962, connects people with nature and encourages a deeper emotional bond with the natural world that sustains us all. The Center helps develop a community that understands connections among human health, ecosystems and economies through educational programs that offer a particular focus on children, who live in a world of environmental challenges.
Kestrel Land Trust
Kestrel Land Trust works with landowners and other organizations and agencies to conserve the land and natural resources that are so important to us in the Connecticut River Valley. Through community engagement Kestrel Land Trust provides opportunities for people to care for protected land while strengthening connections to nature and to each other. Our collaboration with Kestrel gives us an endless number of opportunities for exciting outdoor experiences. We look forward to planning trail walks with naturalists, yoga in the woods, bike rides, forest bathing, and bird watching excursions, just to name a few! All of our experiences on Kestrel Land Trust properties directly support their mission through a financial contribution included in the price of our experiences.
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust benefits the environment, the economy, and future generations by protecting significant agricultural, natural, and scenic lands and encouraging land stewardship in northern and central Massachusetts.
Nolumbeka Project
The Nolumbeka Project envisions a Connecticut River Valley where the histories, cultures, and persistence of Northeastern Indigenous Peoples are recognized and celebrated, and where all beings coexist in balance and reciprocity. They host Indigenous presenters sharing their cultures and histories at annual gatherings, as well as at educational programs for the public and in schools. Nolumbeka Project works to protect and preserve the land, especially the ancient multi-tribal villages of which Wissatinnewag is an integral part. We strive to serve as a bridge between cultures and between past and future generations. We work to fulfill our mission and vision as nolumbeka (Abenaki), “the calm waters between the rapids.”
The Trustees
For more than a century, The Trustees have been working to conserve and protect land across Massachusetts while building engaging new programs to share their expertise with people throughout the state. We are mutually excited to collaborate on programming to get more people outside and connected to our special places in the region and build the next generation of stewards of the natural world.
Career Opportunities
Calling All Guides!
We are looking to grow our team of guides, instructors, and educators. If you have experience in road/gravel biking, touring kayak paddling, or are knowledgeable about trails and conservation areas in Western Mass, then we'd love to talk to you!
If you are interested, we invite you to contact us at jobs@adventureeast.com and provide us with information about your areas of experience and interest. A recording of one of our guide information sessions is also available upon request.
Thank you!