About Us
Ryder Talcott
Director of Experiential Programs - Lead Teacher
Ryder grew up on the south shore of Massachusetts. As a kid, he spent nearly all his time playing and exploring in the woods, often climbing trees, getting muddy, and building forts. He spent so much time in the woods that his mother needed to use a cowbell to summon him for dinner and bedtime, as it was always difficult to know where he would wander. From finding frogs and newts to eventually climbing mountains and teaching adventure sports- Ryder has always had a deep passion for playing outdoors and introducing others to the joy and freedom of outdoor adventures.
Ryder graduated from Stetson University with a Sport & Recreation Management degree and is nearly finished earning his Master of Education degree in Experiential Education & Development. Ryder is also pursuing his professional guiding certifications with the American Mountain Guiding Association (AMGA). He has over ten years of experience working with students in various capacities, including snow sports, mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, summer camps, and experiential therapy. He loves to inspire others, especially children, to fall in love with the outdoors and the different ways to experience it!
Certifications:
-Wilderness First Responder (National Outdoor Leadership School- NOLS)
-Leave No Trace Trainer (Leave No Trace)
-Adult-Child-Infant First Aid/CPR/AED (Adventure Medics)
-Snowboard Level 3 (American Association of Snowboard Instructors- AASI)
-Alpine Level 2 (Professional Ski Instructors of America- PSIA)
-Children’s Specialist Level 2 (PSIA-AASI)
-Avalanche Level 2 (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education- AIARE)
-PMBIA Level 1 (Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association- PMBIA)
Kendal Sweeney
Preschool Director - Lead Teacher
Kendal grew up on the beaches of southern NJ. Kendal has spent the past ten years working with children in a professional setting. She spent five years as the director of a children's fitness center in Boston. She lead parent-and-me style classes as well as independent fitness classes for children ages 3-8 years. After leave the fitness center Kendal has spent the last 5 years in preschool classrooms. Traditional classroom are wonderful, however she always felt the outdoors had more to offer these growing minds. Kendal is fascinated with child development and is currently continuing her education in Early Childhood Education. Her bachelor's degree was Integrative Health Science with a minor in Spanish. Other experiences she has with children include nannying, ski instructing, teaching swimming lessons, and running after school programs as well as summer camps.
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Certifications:
-Leave No Trace Trainer (Leave No Trace)
-Adult-Child-Infant First Aid/CPR/AED (Adventure Medics)