Mara’s two greatest passions are travel and being active in the outdoors, so she is thrilled to help students find their own passions while they are on our programs! She caught the travel bug early, and has traveled widely around the world to 36 countries. Mara studied Anthropology in college and still finds the study of, and immersion in, other cultures deeply rewarding. Closer to home in the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find her running and hiking on trails and near the water as much as possible. She’s the proud mother of two daughters, which makes adventuring all the more fun.
What is your favorite place to have visited?
Cuba is close to my heart, I honeymooned there and was in awe of the sights of the country and how different it is from home. Thailand seems to be the place I think of most often (I crave those mango smoothies even now!). Overall though, New Zealand will always be my favorite place- it’s a perfect country for outdoor adventures and beautifully scenic road trips that anyone would fall in love with!
What is on your bucket list?
Right now the top of my bucket list is to hike the Annapurna Circuit, a 100+ mile trek in Nepal. One day I’d also like to make it to Antarctica- it will be my 7th continent. For now, with two little ones I’m most excited about taking them on their first international trip.
What are you passionate about?
Travel, nature, sustainability, public lands, and good coffee. Finding non-harmful ways to achieve those passions is something I think about a lot so that, for example, I can recreate in ways that will still keep our natural areas intact and wild.