OLP staff

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OLP has a highly talented group of instructional staff that includes nationally certified instructor trainers, authors in the field, national champions, Kayak instruction and international guides. They're an unusually committed crew--some have worked for the program for 20 years! All of our instructors combine a high skill level in their specialty with a passion for teaching in the outdoors.

In awarding national accreditation to OLP, the Association for Experiential Education cited the outstanding commitment among its dozen part-time staff members as integral to the program's success.

Your OLP group will spend the whole year with several core instructors as well as with specialists who share their expertise for briefer periods of time. By spending time with them, you'll learn the skills they are teaching, as well as observe their diverse teaching styles.

Austin Paulson of Northfield, MA is the coordinator for the Outdoor Leadership Program at GCC and has been an instructor trainer for the program for almost two decades. In addition to his work with OLP, Austin operates Peak Expeditions, an international high altitude mountain guiding business. He has guided more than 50 expeditions to Alaska, South America, Africa, Europe, and has trips to the Himalayas scheduled this year. As a former consultant and instructor trainer with Project Adventure and High Five Adventures, Austin also maintains a strong interest in Challenge Course facilitation and management. Prior to his arrival at GCC, Austin served as adjunct faculty in Adventure Tourism at Lyndon State College and at the University of Vermont. Austin specializes in rock, ice and alpine climbing, as well as backcountry skiing and travel.

Evan Perkins of Bethlehem N.H. has been bringing his skills as a paddler, wilderness guide and counselor to the Outdoor Leadership Program, since 1997. As a certified canoe instructor trainer for the American Canoe Association he works to certify students in flat water and white water paddling. Evan has canoed and kayaked over 8000 miles through arctic and sub arctic North America. Along with many personal expeditions Evan has led four 60-80 day unsupported canoe expeditions into the most remote wilderness areas on the continent, the Arctic Barrens of Canada's Nunauut and Northwest Territories. Evan has also worked for many years as a wilderness therapy counselor for different organizations including the Connecticut Wilderness School and Summit Achievement of Stowe, M.E. Through his study of the natural world and wilderness survival skills, he brings his wealth of experience into the class room, helping students develop the core skills they need to be outdoor leaders.

Cathy Piffath, co-owner of H20 Outfitters in Orr's Island, ME, has brought her 20 years of sea kayaking experience to our kayaking touring program. An instructor trainer for the American Canoe Association, she helps to certify OLP students as guides for inland kayak touring. A former program developer for L.L. Bean's Outdoor Discovery Program, Cathy is still organizing the company's annual sea kayaking symposium that attracts thousands to the sport. A registered Maine guide; she is also an avid cross-country skier and former racer.

Laurie Gullion of Deerfield, NH has completed 11 whitewater canoeing expeditions to Arctic and sub-Arctic rivers in the U.S., Canada, Norway, and Finland--paddling almost 10,000 miles in remote regions since 1980. An avid photographer, Laurie has authored seven books on canoeing, kayaking, Nordic and Alpine skiing, including the national text used by the American Canoe Association in its certification programs. Her most recent book, Canoeing: A Woman’s Guide, includes the reflections of more than 100 women, some of whom have been paddling for 60 years. She has taught OLP students since 1982, specializing in canoeing, skiing, and backcountry travel trips. She is the former coordinator of the Outdoor Leadership Program at Greenfield Community College and currently is a full time faculty member in Outdoor Education at the University of New Hampshire .