Why Travel Beyond
Working for Travel Beyond embraces my passion for opening doors to new experiences and providing opportunities for lifelong memories. My previous careers have shared this same theme in various forms. At Travel Beyond I am privileged to take my passion worldwide. An experience is worth a million words, whether it is walking a new trail or taking a different route on a routine drive. Life is full of wonderful experiences to embrace daily. I eagerly look forward to days with Travel Beyond, expanding opportunities to experience and feel fully alive in this beautiful world we are gifted.
Destinations Visited
Africa: Botswana, Zimbabwe
Latin America: Peru, Mexico
Additional countries: Scotland
Education
BS in Vocational Rehabilitation, minor in community-based living for people with disabilities at UW-Stout, WI.
MA in Human Development, minor in meditation coaching at St Mary’s University, MN.
Experience Living Abroad
I lived in Scotland for 4 months. Hiking waterfalls, trekking in the countryside, and connecting with the locals. It was action packed and a wonderful time!
Career History
Starting in college there was a mandate for hospital institutions to move people with disabilities into community-based housing. I was privileged to work with six individuals, who had never known what a living room was. To this day, I still remember the looks on their faces when we baked a cake for the first time or went to the movie theater. The joy and curiosity everyone showed by experiencing something outside of their normal routine brought such a delight to my life I knew I had found my passion: to provide others with amazing opportunities and experiences. I continued with my career working with families moving to the USA for the first time on work visas. Again, seeing their eyes light up with excitement on all the new experiences brings such a joy to the day.
Most Memorable Travel Experience
My first safari was so special! One of my most unforgettable experiences was getting an unexpected wake-up call—baboons racing across the top of our tent at dawn. It sounded like a tornado tearing through camp! Their chatter was wild and loud, and after a few minutes, they descended to drink from the pool. One even paused to peer at me through the window before resuming its playful chase with the others. Later, on our way into camp, elephants often greeted us, sometimes blocking the road and giving us the perfect chance to admire their graceful movements as they crossed our path. Then, there was the heart-pounding moment of being so close to a lion that I could feel my pulse quicken. The guides were incredible, remaining calm as they explained how the lions were accustomed to vehicles. They even managed to get us closer, tracking the lions as they moved silently through the bush. The sounds of the wilderness lulled me to sleep every night, a symphony of animal calls that I already miss dearly.
Our favorite chef, Babe, added a special flavor to the experience. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and her interactive dinners were both a culinary delight and a highlight of the evenings.
One night, during a peaceful dinner with fellow guests, two hippos suddenly decided to have a showdown right in the middle of camp! We all jumped up, eager to see what would happen next, but they vanished into the darkness, leaving only their footprints behind in the sand, Finally, the breathtaking views at Victoria Falls were beyond words. How could so much water possibly pour over the edge? It was truly awe-inspiring to witness!
My Most Recent Trip
My first African Safari took me through some of the most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife experiences in Botswana and Zimbabwe.
I loved spending time at Victoria Falls River Lodge. We enjoyed time on the Zambezi River and visited the majestic falls from various vantage points. At Vumbura Plains, we were immersed in the diverse ecosystems of the Okavango Delta. A mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) ride is a must-do, as it provides a peaceful view of the incredible wildlife. At Okavango Explorers Camp, we embraced a true wilderness experience. The camp’s remote location provided a genuine sense of adventure and exploration. Sitatunga Camp offered a unique opportunity to explore the Okavango Delta’s waterways. Activities here gave us a close-up look at the delta’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
Duba Plains offered the chance to witness the dramatic interactions of the local lion prides and buffalo herds. Game drives provided opportunities for close encounters with these powerful animals, while the camp’s secluded location offered a tranquil retreat. At North Island Okavango, we were surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Okavango Delta. We experienced a variety of activities while enjoying the camp’s luxurious amenities and breathtaking surroundings.
I loved our stay at San Camp, in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. A highlight was the cultural interactions with the San people, offering insight into their traditional way of life.
Favorite Camp
San Camp, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana
San Camp offers a completely new perspective on Africa. After a refreshing dip in the cold pool to beat the desert heat, our guide, Prince, led us on unforgettable adventures. One of the highlights was his demonstration of how challenging it is to walk in a straight line in the desert. He took us to the heart of the Salt Pans for an experiment, where we ended up walking in circles and barely moving away from our starting point. Through Prince’s captivating storytelling, we delved deeply into the desert culture of the Makgadikgadi. I’m already eager to return and experience the sleep-out adventure next! I held a scorpion successfully!! WHAT?! Never thought I would do that in my lifetime!