Why Travel Beyond
I love to explore new places, around my neighborhood and around the world. During college, I was constantly trying to find study abroad programs and volunteer opportunities that would allow me to travel to unique destinations like Ghana, Honduras, Belize, and Peru. After spending a few years working as a primate keeper at zoos across the country, I found myself looking for a more “normal” job. Instead, I found Travel Beyond! Now I can help clients pursue their wildest travel dreams and get to explore magical destinations I might have otherwise never been able to see. The Travel Beyond team is a passionate, creative, flexible, and supportive group that works together to thrive, despite the many challenges that have been thrown our way; I am so lucky to be able to work alongside them!
Destinations Visited
Africa: Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe
Latin America: Peru
Additional Countries: Dominican Republic, Belize, Honduras, Ghana
Education
BS in Biology from Loyola University, Chicago
MS in Biology with a concentration on Animal Behavior from Tufts University, Boston
Career History
Prior to working at Travel Beyond, I was a zookeeper at a few zoos around the country. During my time at the Houston Zoo and Toledo Zoo, I was a primate keeper, working closely with orangutans, gorillas, chimps, and several species of monkeys. Several of the conservation organizations that I used to work with are organizations that Travel Beyond also supports on the ground in Africa.
Most Memorable Travel Experience
In July of 2015, I started a month long study abroad program at a primate research station in the Peruvian Amazon. I spent three weeks studying dozens of primates in their natural habit while learning about conservation and field work. After I completed the program, my mom met me in Lima (with a suitcase full of clean clothes). We spent the next week exploring Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. It was a wonderful trip full of animals, food and culture. It was made even more special by the fact that I got to share the experience with my mom on her first trip out of the country.
My Most Recent Trip
At the end of 2023, I visited Kenya with a small group from Travel Beyond. We stayed in Amboseli National Park, Meru National Park, Lewa Conservancy, and the Masai Mara. Each area brought the chance to look for different animals in ever changing landscapes. Recent rains throughout the country lead to thick brush and tall grasses. The dense vegetation made game drives a bit more work, but so much more rewarding! We searched high and low for leopard at our first few stops, so when we finally found one in the Mara, we sat with her for hours! We even shared a very special sundowner from within our vehicle, so that we could spend a bit more time watching her.
Favorite Properties
Tswalu the Motse
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa
Situated in the Kalahari Game Reserve in South Africa, Tswalu is made up of a small luxury camp and a five-bedroom villa. Each booking is guaranteed to have a private safari vehicle and guide to help you make the most of exploring the expansive reserve. There are also several unique species that are more common to this area than anywhere else in South Africa including aardvark, pangolin, and black maned Kalahari lions!
Kanga Camp
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Kanga Camp is a great place to experience the “arm chair safari!” With a pump-fed watering hole directly in front of camp, you can see tons of amazing animals without needing to leave camp. One evening, while we were getting seated for dinner, a pride of lions came into camp and attempted to ambush a young elephant. Luckily, the mom was close by and chased off the lions by trumpeting and charging into the bush!
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Singita Kwitonda is a stunning property located just outside Volcanoes National Park. After a challenging gorilla trek, this magical property is the perfect place to enjoy an amazing meal and a fantastic massage. The private plunge pools in each suite are also the ideal spot to take in the beauty of the surrounding volcanoes!