In an organization like Rustic Pathways, having dedicated staff with caring hearts, positive outlooks, and strong
backgrounds is essential. Rustic Pathways is a rich and diverse company full of sincere, committed professionals with
wonderful experience in their various fields.
Taken together, our team members speak more than 30 languages, have traveled across more than 130 countries, hold
degrees from some of the world’s top schools, and have led countless groups of students and adult clients across some
of the most interesting and exotic places on the planet. The Rustic Pathways’ team is a large, cohesive, loving family.
And while individual backgrounds are extraordinarily diverse, every person holds to a common set of values regarding
the standards of the company, a single-minded dedication to excellence across our organization, and an absolute focus
on the safety of our programs and the well-being and enrichment of our students.
In terms of diversity, our full-time team includes international sportsmen and sportswomen, champion snowboarders,
former Buddhist monks, football stars, accomplished musicians, mountain climbers, graphic designers, competitive
surfers, pilots, academics, teachers, authors, published songwriters, parents with school-age children, and grandparents.
Most of our more senior managers have grown up inside Rustic Pathways, adding a great deal of depth and an
immeasurable amount of experience to our team. We also have a very dedicated and caring international team of outside
advisors who work closely with us in such areas as risk management, safety protocols, and program development. Our
recently formed Board of Village Advisors (see below) rounds out our international team.
David Venning
Chairman and Founder
Raised in a family of inveterate travelers,
David founded Rustic Pathways in
Australia in 1983. An honors graduate from
Georgetown University’s School of Foreign
Service, David spends his life sharing
his passion for travel and people with
students and families from around the
world. David splits the year between his
farm in Australia’s Glasshouse Mountains,
our Ohio office, and Thailand where he also
serves as the resident country director.
Evan Wells
Director - South Pacific
Born in New Zealand and now living
between Australia, Fiji, and the USA, Evan
has spent the last 14 years enthusiastically
helping to shape Rustic Pathways. His love
of the outdoors, travel, and diverse cultures
of the world, combined with a business
degree, carry over to all aspects of his own
life. When away from Rustic Pathways,
Evan can be found racing and ranking
highly in international marathons & multiday
adventure races around the world.
Ginger Bartholomew
Director - Finance and Administration
Ginger embodies the hard work ethic
and benevolent spirit of Rustic Pathways.
As director of the administrative arm
of Rustic Pathways, Ginger oversees all
office activities and staff members with
a permanent smile. Ginger has visited Fiji,
Australia, Costa Rica, and Thailand, and
possesses a solid understanding of our
programs and operations. Organized and
indispensable, kind and caring, Ginger
truly is a cornerstone of our company
Jessemin Sheyda-Losick
Director - Latin America
A Cum Laude graduate of Georgetown
University with extensive study in environmental
science, international politics,
and Spanish language, Jessemin brings
his passion for international travel and a
love for community service to the Rustic
Pathways family. His enthusiasm, smile,
and depth of knowledge in Latin America
make him a wonderful leader for our dynamic
Latin American team. He also chairs
the Board of our non-profit organization.
Tanya Rinaldi
Director - New Zealand and Africa
Raised on Australia’s beautiful Sunshine
Coast, Tanya the true blue Aussie
has worked for us for eight years and
manages our excellent New Zealand
and African programs. With university
qualifications in both Business and
Recreational Studies, coupled with travel
to over 39 countries, Tanya brings a
wonderful mix of humor, sensitivity and
enthusiasm to every group she leads.
Good on ya, Tanya!
Jamie Spates
Director - China and Vietnam
Originally from New York, Jamie has lived
and studied abroad the majority of his life.
After receiving his BA in English Literature
from Hobart College, Jamie spent three
years teaching and traveling in Vietnam
and China. A natural photographer, a born
adventurer, and a hilarious storyteller,
Jamie has been a key member of our
Asian team for four years. He also works
alongside our chairman spearheading
new program development worldwide.
Kadum Sanboon
Director - Rustic Pathways Thailand
A devout Buddhist, Kadum spent six
years as a monk before joining Rustic
Pathways. Raised in a rural rice farming
village, Kadum has lovingly managed our
Thai service programs for the past eight
years. With extensive travel in fourteen
countries, fluency in three languages,
and an intimate knowledge of our global
operations, Kadum is one of the most
experienced members of our Thai staff.
Pat Taedaengpetch
Director - Southeast Asia
For nine years Pat has brought his
professionalism, knowledge of Buddhism,
zany sense of humor, cheerful nature,
and love for adventure to our global
operations. An experienced computer
engineer, talented photographer, and
former Buddhist monk, Pat is one of
Rustic Pathways most versatile and
beloved directors. Pat is a kind, caring, and
indispensable member of the company.
Orville McEachron
Director - Human Resources
A graduate of Cleveland State University
with a degree in Business Management
with a minor in Computer Science. Orville
manages our Human Resource
Department, coordinates our flight
leaders, and serves as technical support
for our staff. He works tirelessly to support
our global operations, and strives to
provide the best possible customer service
to our parents. In his spare time, Orville
loves to play ultimate frisbee and soccer.
Ann Fuller
Director - Global Service Initiatives
Ann has a Masters in Urban Planning
from NYU, where her studies culminated
in a project with the United Nations
Development Program in Nicaragua. She
has managed volunteer programs in New
York City, studied in Bolivia, and has a BA
in Anthropology from Bates. Ann began
working with us in 1996 and now oversees
our global service operations and ensures
that RP community service programs
operate effectively and with integrity.
Gabe Porter-Henry
Director - Peru and Mexico
A Summa Cum Laude graduate in
Anthropology from UMass, Gabe brings
his passion for empowering people and
experiential education to our team. Gabe
has lived and traveled throughout Asia,
South America, Europe, and Australia. An
avid skier, whitewater kayaker, and veteran
raft guide, Gabe is an expert leader in both
the service and adventure travel arenas.
His previous posting was a two-year stint
at our Ricefields Base in Thailand.
Ricardo Romero
Associate Director - Costa Rica
Ricardo joined Rustic Pathways after
earning his MBA from the University
of Costa Rica. He is part of the core
management team that runs our
extensive Costa Rican operations and he
also advises the Board on new program
opportunities throughout Latin America.
In his spare time, Ricardo enjoys riding
horses, playing soccer & kayaking. He was
also on the whitewater rafting team that
won the CR National Championships.
Marc
Bartholomew
Associate Director
Group Travel and Educational Advisor
With degrees in English and Counseling,
Marc has spent the past 35 years teaching
English and coaching track at a local
high school. Now recently retired from
education, Marc coordinates all group
and family travel, and works with school
groups where he assists teachers in
planning exciting, educational, and
culturally based travel. Marc has been to
Australia, Costa Rica, Thailand and Fiji.
Bryan Haggerty
Associate Director - Thailand
Born in Connecticut, Bryan spent four
years teaching & working with NGOs
on indigenous issues in Thailand before
joining RP. With a BA from Saint Michael’s
College in Philosophy, Religious Studies &
East Asian Studies, Bryan has a passion for
world cultures, speaks fluent Thai, played
collegiate soccer, and is an avid skiier and
traveler. Bryan is an integral part of our
dynamic Asian team and spends most of
the year in Northern Thailand.
Scott Poniewaz
Associate Director - India
Born and raised near Madison, Wisconsin,
Scott began trotting the globe after
completing his degree in photojournalism
at the University of Montana. Scott joined
Rustic Pathways as a photography program
leader in Thailand, and last year stepped
up to be our Country Director for India.
He’s a great cook, an avid adventurer, an
empowering leader, a gentle-hearted man,
and a great asset to our global team.
Board of Village Advisors
In addition to our formal Board of Directors who oversee our
international operations, Rustic Pathways has also established a Board
of Village Advisors who come from rural villages around the globe
where Rustic Pathways has ongoing service programs. This group of
villagers advises us on our overall approach to village service, and helps
to ensure that Rustic Pathways operates appropriately, respectfully,
and in an effective manner in the villages we serve. Members of this
team have the special chance to visit villages in countries other than
their own, allowing them to learn from the service models we use
in different settings, share ideas and develop new service initiatives,
and form friendships with village peers from around the world.
North American Staff
Debbie Shimek
Manager - Financial Administration
Debbie manages accounting, office
operations, and support staff for Rustic
Pathways. After visiting our projects in Fiji,
Costa Rica, Thailand, & Australia, she brings
an in-depth understanding of our international
programs to the Ohio office. Debbie enjoys
gardening, cooking chili, and spending time
with family & friends.
Roger Ah Chang
Manager - Special Projects
Roger is a born and bred bonafide Kiwi, mate!
A graduate of Victoria University in New
Zealand with a BA in Sociology, Roger studied
post-grad sports management. Well-traveled,
Roger is always looking to find creative ways
of solving problems, and has been central in
helping Rustic upgrade its computer systems.
Jamie Kobylinski
Flight Administrator - Asia
Jamie joined the Rustic Pathways Team in
February 2007. She manages our Asia flight
desk, oversees incoming applications and
other administrative tasks in our Ohio Office.
She is currently enrolled at Cleveland State
University as a psychology major. Armed with
a laugh and a smile, Jamie brings reliability
and care to the office every day.
Kelsey Brown
Flight Admin. - Central & South America
Kelsey began her relationship with Rustic
Pathways when she tutored our Thailand
staff in English. She efficiently handles
administrative matters in our busy Ohio
office. Kelsey is an avid dog lover, and is a
Master Trainer in professional dog training.
Recently married, Kelsey will soon bring an
additional member to the Rustic family.
Katie Ortman
Administrative Assistant
Katie has been instrumental in assisting in the
Administrative Office. Her love for music has
resulted in her playing the viola for the past
eight years. In her spare time, Katie is an avid
baker and enjoys sharing her tasty creations
with the Ohio staff. She is also a huge movie
watcher, and can play a mean Guitar Hero.
Moukmany Khamphilapanyo
Flight Administrator - South Pacific
Moukmany is a graduate of Marietta College
with a BA in International Business
Management and Spanish, and a minor in
Finance. She is of Laotian decent, was born in
Thailand, and moved to the United States at a
young age. Moukmany loves a great read,
lilies, food, traveling and hanging out with
family and friends.
Teri Hare
Graphic Designer
An Ohio native, Teri has been designing and
producing Rustic Pathways catalogs and sales
materials since 1999. Affectionately referred
to as “mom” by many RP staff members, Teri
and her husband Chuck were married at the
Rustic Pathways Ricefields Base in 2004 in a
traditional Buddhist ceremony attended by
300 guests. If you find typos, email Teri!
Kevin
Chartrand, MD
Medical Consultant
Kevin is a board certified Family Practitioner
and Fellow of the American Academy of
Family Physicians. He specializes in Travel
Medicine and Occupational Health and is
a board certified Medical Review Officer.
Kevin provides the company board with solid
medical advice and keeps us apprised of key
medical developments around the world.
Michael Schachtman
Program Manager - New Orleans
Michael grew up in Minnesota and has
since followed the Mississippi River south to
New Orleans. He earned a degree from the
George Washington University in Political
Science/Environmental Policy and in his spare
time, enjoys studying wildlife, kayaking, and
playing ultimate frisbee. Michael is devoted to
preserving the rich culture of New Orleans.
Doug Ober
Program Manager - Baja
Half man, half mountain goat, Doug has
traveled worldwide studying, teaching
monks, climbing mountains, and surfing.
With a degree from the U of Puget Sound,
Doug is also certified in TESOL. He is pursuing
his master’s in South Asian studies from
Washington University. Doug speaks Spanish,
Tibetan, and Dzongkha, and he studies Hindi.
Too Many Faces, Too Few Boxes
Once upon a time, our catalogue was eight pages long and our entire
global team got their pictures inside. For the past several years we have
not had adequate space to showcase all of our full-time employees and
list their interesting backgrounds, let alone picture and celebrate all
of our fantastic summer staff and seasonal helpers. Collages and cut
outs decorate many pages in this catalogue in an effort to show the
wonderful people who make Rustic Pathways the world leader in our
industry. Check out our website for hundreds of additional pictures of
team members who are vital to our organization but not pictured here.
China, India, Cambodia, Vietnam
Dr. Francis Shi Limin
Chinese Language Programs Coordinator
Educated in Scotland, Francis has dedicated
his life to improving higher education
standards of university students around
the world. Heading up the Foreign
Language Department at Dali University,
Francis provides invaluable oversight for
our Chinese Language programs.
Kelsang Dhondup
Manager - Rustic Pathways India
Kelsang enjoys educating students about
Tibet. After graduating university in South
India, Kelsang taught at a Tibetan school in
India. His knowledge of Buddhism, sense of
humor, spirit of adventure, and fluency in
English, Hindi, and Tibetan make Kelsang a
great leader of the growing RP team in India.
Yunxin Wu
Shaxi Village Service Coordinator
Living with his wife and child in the small
village of Shaxi, Yunxin spends his time helping
his wife and mother run the household, and
working to provide quality education to village
children in his local school. His educated,
kind, positive manner is a welcome addition
to the Rustic Pathways Family.
Sophie Namy
Program Manager - India Service Projects
Sophie has a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs
and International Studies from the University
of Washington. She also has a passion for
service that led her to work as an intern for
UNICEF in India, a consultant for NGO’s in
Ecuador and Peru, and photographer in Asia.
Sophie also speaks French, Spanish & Hindi.
Li Wei
Giant Panda Conservation Coordinator
Levi’s love and dedication to the Giant Panda
species is unmatched. Levi spends his days
overseeing the researchers and volunteers
who work alongside these magnificent
animals. In his free time, Levi enjoys heading
out into the reserve and photographing the
rare wildlife species that live in Wolong.
Nate Sutton
Manager - India Adventure Programs
Hailing from northern Minnesota and
transplanted into Seattle, Nate’s love of
climbing, trekking and a thrill-seeking
personality make him a student favorite!
His experience working in China and India
bring a wealth of information on the
cultures of this corner of the world.
Le Xuan Thuy
Head Vietnam Coordinator
With joint degrees from the Hanoi Tourism
College and the Hanoi Foreign Language
Teachers’ University, Thuy has firmly
established himself in the tourism industry
over the last 7 years. For the last three years
he has overseen all of the Vietnam logistics
for Rustic Pathways.
Allison Kwesell
Manager - India Adventure Programs
Born in Chicago, raised in Colorado and calls
Montana home, Allison has just completed
an internship with The Kathmandu Post and
Kantipur Daily in Nepal. She is now working
towards a post-graduate degree in Anthropology
at The University of Montana. Ali speaks Tibetan,
Hindi, Nepali & is learning Arabic.
Do Vinh
Vietnam Programs Coordinator
“Everybody loves Vinh.” His level of
professionalism, combined with a
hilarious sense of humor, unforgettable
laugh, compassionate nature, and deep
knowledge and love of his country make
him an invaluable addition to the Rustic
Pathways family.
Pannha “Panya” En
Country Manager - Cambodia
This gentle-hearted university graduate hails
from humble roots in rural Cambodia. Now
based in the capital, Phnom Penh, Pannha’s
professionalism, attention to detail, and work
ethic are truly inspiring. He is a great example
of a man who has worked diligently and
cheerfully to raise his family out of poverty.
Alex Dolce & Somkit
Program Managers - Cambodia
Hailing from opposite ends of the world,
Alex & Somkit make a terrific team for both
our Floating Villages and 12 by 12 by 3 service
programs. Typical of the multinational
leadership teams Rustic Pathways builds,
Somkit and Alex blend together the best of
the west with the spice of the east.
Liv “Chea” Sokchea
Head Guide - Cambodia Programs
One of the hardest working guys in Cambodia,
Chea was able to teach himself English, attend
guide school, and pull his family out of poverty
by leading groups as a licensed tour guide at
Angkor Wat. He’s a fun and knowledgeable
guide with an adorable baby son. We’re very
lucky to have him leading trips in Cambodia.
Jarey “Lay” Yaja
Base Manager - Lisu Service Base
A key member of our Thai team, Lay manages
our new Hill Tribe Base nestled in the
mountains of Mae Hong Son Province. Born
into a traditional Lisu family, Lay’s charming
character and knowledge of Hill Tribe cultures
and languages makes it easy for our students
to learn about these captivating cultures.
Megan McAdams
Program Manager - Cambodia
Megan returns to Rustic Pathways having
traveled and studied extensively in South
Africa and Asia while graduating from
Skidmore College. Megan’s passionate drive
and good will continually foster a deep sense
of global responsibility and adventure among
both students and fellow staff.
Thailand and a Little Bit of Laos
Jay Slangen
Program Manager - Southeast Asia
Jay has a BA in Journalism and minor in
Anthropology from St. Michael’s College
and wears two important hats for Rustic
Pathways. He has run student programs in
Asia for five years, speaks fluent Thai, and is
a key program leader for us in Thailand. He
is also an award-winning photographer and
co-manages our dynamic global website.
Nopparat “Toy” Boonchaliaw
Manager - Global Website
A native of Chiang Rai, Thailand, Toy’s passion
for computers and technology landed him
in Chiang Mai where he graduated from
Rachamangkala University with a degree in
Visual Communications and Design. Toy puts
a lot of love into designing our website. When
he’s not working magic with his computer, Toy
enjoys playing soccer and traveling abroad.
Panuwat “Maha” Noikamkong
Manager - Ricefields Base
Maha was a Buddhist monk from the age
of 13 until he turned 25 in 2004 and joined
Rustic Pathways. He has an advanced degree
in Buddhist Philosophy, speaks four Asian
languages, and works year round at our
Ricefields Base and on RP Buddhist Study
programs. In November 2007, Maha married
Nong Koi, the love of his life.
Tim Porter-DeVriese
Program Manager - Southeast Asia
A love of art, music, and cultural exchange
fuels Tim’s travels throughout Asia and the
world. An honors graduate of the
Massachusetts College of Art, Tim designed
and manages our new summer art programs
in Thailand. His experience as a builder and
draftsman also helps him to manage Rustic’s
global base construction projects.
Podpreecha “Ooey” Thammakot Accounting Manager - Ricefields Base
Everyone’s favorite accountant, Ooey
manages the finance and administration of
the Ricefields Base while keeping the Base in
tip top shape. We couldn’t do it without him – he’s helpful, caring, positive and utterly
committed to making the Base the best that
it can be. When not at work, he loves spending
time with his wife and 13-year-old son.
Sean McGann
Program Manager - Photography
An award-winning freelance photojournalist
and college-level photography teacher, Sean
joined the Rustic Pathways Team in 2007. His
extensive travels in Colombia, Eastern Europe,
and the Caribbean precede his latest foray
into Asia where he shares his vast expertise
with aspiring photographers on programs in
Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Andrew Stanbridge
Program Manager - Laos and Thailand
Andrew was three days old when he took his
first flight. He’s been traveling the world ever
since and never leaves his camera at home. He
has spent the past 9 years working on various
photographic projects ranging from the modernization
of Thailand to bomb removal in
Laos. His work has been published in newspapers
and books and hangs in many homes.
Anon Santananat
Program Manager - Amazing Thailand
Born in a Karen Hill Tribe village, Anon has
worked for Rustic Pathways for eight years.
He is a professional jungle survival expert, a
licensed tour guide, and a repository of
knowledge about Thai plants, animals,
legends, and tribes. Anon is also a local hero,
and there’s no better guide to have by your
side as you plunge into the wilds of Thailand.
John Basbagill
Manager - Ricefields Service Base
John is an honors graduate of Harvard with a
giant heart and a real passion for community
service. He has worked and traveled in Nepal,
Fiji, Australia, and Thailand. John is currently
finishing his masters degree in architecture at
the University of Southern California and will
return to Thailand this summer to help
manage the Ricefields Service Base.
Brent Watkins
Manager - Ricefields Service Base
A gifted teacher and certified EMT, Brent’s
flair for travel and enthusiasm for helping
others rubs off on everyone around him.
When he’s not offering expert medical advice,
you may well find Brent teaching salsa dancing
lessons to students and staff at the Ricefields
Base. Brent is an important part of the team
at the legendary Ricefields Base.
Dan Schaeffer
Manager - Ricefields Service Base
A double major in Global Studies and Sociology
at St. Lawrence University, Dan’s desire to
affect positive change in the world has led
him to engage in humanitarian aid work in
Kenya as well as community service in innercity
Boston and Washington D.C. Dan is a
knowledgeable, high-energy project leader,
and an important part of our Thai team.
Aisling Kerns
Manager - Hill Tribe Orphanage Project
Aisling is passionate about travel and very
passionate about powerful community
service. Starting out as an RP student,
Aisling’s talent to lead and to inspire has
taken her to the Hill Tribe villages of Mae
Sariang where she enthusiastically helps
manage our Hill Tribe Orphanage Project.
Jawsamoo “Moo” Pluktantoon
Manager - Hill Tribe Orphanage Project
Raised in a refugee camp where he took care
of himself from the age of eight, Moo speaks
his native Karen language as well as Burmese,
Thai and fluent English. Wise beyond his
years, Moo has a warm heart, a gentle nature,
and tremendous maturity. He is at the core of
our new Karen Hill Tribe Orphanage Project.
Yootthana Saengthien-ngam
Manager - Hill Tribe Orphanage Project
Now in his seventh year with Rustic Pathways,
Yootthana was born in the village where our
new orphanage is located. A native Karen
speaker with a kind-hearted nature, Yootthana
confidently leads the way into remote Hill
Tribe villages familiar to him and provides a
natural bridge into local Hill Tribe cultures.
Pornchana “Jupe” Srisuwan
Program Manager - Ricefields Base
To truly know Jupe you have to meet him on
the soccer field where his exceptional skill
makes him a fearsome adversary or a crucial
teammate. Jupe is a fantastic leader, athlete,
coach, and role model. He leads the Soccer and
Service program, as well as managing several
service projects at the Ricefields Base.
Bancha “Ting” Chandaeng
Program Manager - Ricefields Base
An English major at Udon Rachapat University,
Ting is a veteran community service manager
at the Ricefields Base. His sly sense of humor,
warm smile, and easygoing nature make him
a much admired leader, while his strong
education and deep local knowledge make
him an invaluable RP staff member.
Chatchai “Chat” Pongkan
Program Manager - Ricefields Base
A soft-spoken hero of the Ricefields Base,
Chat is a wonderful guide and friend to all
visitors. He comes from a beautiful out-ofthe-
way village in NE Thailand where his
family runs a small farm that warmly hosts
our students on weekend outings. Chat is
also part of the RP Village Board of Advisors.
Veerayut “Ched” Suphadee
Program Manager - Ricefields Base
This soft spoken, easy-going veterinary student
is a favorite with all. He leads the Veterinary
Assistance project at the Ricefields Base and
works wonders to keep all of our animal friends
in top condition. Ched is one of the first people
you’ll meet at the Base, and one of the great
friends you’ll take home after your summer.
Sarawut “A” Sukkaew
Program Manager - Ricefields Base
We discovered A in Bangkok where he worked
at a prestigious Thai hotel. One of the key
people maintaining the Base, A is also one of
our resident soccer stars and leads fitness
training at the Ricefields gym. His daytime
job is running community service programs
at the Base and smiling at everyone broadly.
Caroline and Leslie Service
Managers - Ricefields Base
A real dynamic duo, Leslie and Caroline hail
from Glasgow, Scotland. Their caring and
adventurous natures along with their
backgrounds in group leadership and safety
make them an essential part of our Ricefields
staff. A short chat with the two of them is like
a crash course in colloquial Scottish English.
Samrit “Jackie” Wongpoothon
Program Manager - Ricefields Base
Jackie is the embodiment of positive energy.
Blessed with an inhuman work ethic and a
heart of solid gold, Jackie is the local celebrity.
Whether sharing a laugh, learning some
English, running circles around the soccer field,
or flipping out of a palm tree, Jackie and his
son Sizzler always make a lasting impression.
Clayton Smith Program
Manager - The Art of Muay Thai
One of the most dedicated followers of the
ancient tradition of Muay Thai boxing that
you’ll ever meet, Clayton received his BA in
molecular biology and anthropology from
Kenyon college where he founded and led the
kickboxing club. He’s a certified EMT and has
traveled to Africa to study public health.
Nonthachai “On” Charoensuk
Program Manager - Ricefields Base
Music runs in the veins of this outgoing Udon
Thani native. A gifted singer and guitarist, you
can usually hear On before you see him. He’s
an expert English speaker, almost entirely selftaught.
On brings an easy smile to the Base
and is always eager to introduce newcomers
to the spicy local Thai-Lao cuisine.
Surasak “Koko” Kangkla
Program Manager - Tribal Trekking
Hailing from a small mountain village in
Chiang Dao National Park, Koko is an ultra
savvy outdoorsman & tracker. He will amaze
you with his boundless knowledge of
medicinal plants and Hill Tribe cultures, and
his contagious smile leads the way into the
stunning forests & hills of northern Thailand.
Phadung “Bay” Molaeku
Program Manager - Come with Nothing
Born in a remote Akha Hill Tribe village in rural
Northwestern Thailand, Bay has gone on to
speak four languages in addition to his native
Akha and is one of our resident experts on Hill
Tribe cultures. He’s also an awesome athlete
and a well-known jokester who keeps the
whole tribe laughing wherever he goes.
Latin America
Carolina Villamizar de Gacsi
Manager - Logistics and Finances
Carolina is an energetic, fun and super
organized Colombian with a degree in
Ecology and Biology from Javeriana
University, located in Bogota, Colombia.
Carolina has extensive experience in the
field of outdoor education due to her work
with the YMCA and other camps in the
United States. She brings not only her
knowledge about the outdoors but also
her love for Latin-American culture and
tropical ecology to the Costa Rican team.
Sammy Gacsi
Manager - Community Service Projects
Born and raised in Hungary, after finishing
high school, Sammy started his worldwide
adventures by visiting, studying and living
in more than 20 countries over 10 years.
During his travels, he also graduated from
the University of Szeged with a degree in
Socio-Linguistics. Sammy is an awesome
addition to the international team of
Rustic Pathways, contributing his great
Hungarian energy & enthusiasm as well
as his outdoor educational experience.
Roy Castro
Manager - Surf Programs and Supplies
Roy is a native Costa Rican who has 10
years of experience working with high
school students. Roy holds a degree in
Computer Science from the Latin
University of Costa Rica, and has been a
charismatic part of the Rustic Pathways
team for four years. His negotiation &
problem solving skills make him an
invaluable force behind our Costa Rica
programs. Always willing to lend a hand,
Roy is a true TICO part of our family.
Max Hoyng
Manager - Adventure Programs
This native Chilean holds a degree in
Social Communication and Marketing.
When not running summer programs in
Costa Rica, you can find him whitewater
kayaking or trekking in the farthest
regions of Patagonia. Max brings his love
for the outdoors and his communication
and leadership skills to our Costa Rica
Adventure Programs. Always searching
for new experiences and new adventures,
Max is a great addition to our team.
Puchi Avalos
Manager - Cano Negro Service Project
Blessed with a wonderful smile and a
deep commitment to helping others,
Puchi is a great addition to the team.
Whether he is leading horseback
adventures, initiating community service
activities, or hanging out with students,
Puchi is one of the most beloved members
of the Costa Rican staff and he has been
sharing his local knowledge and energy
with students for the past five years.
Chris Cheek
Manager - Maleku and Bribri Programs
A native of the Sunshine State of Florida,
Princeton University graduate and
experienced world traveler, Chris is a great
addition to our Costa Rican team. His
professional behavior and strong
commitment to others have significantly
helped our programs reach a higher
level. It is a true pleasure to have him
with us in Costa Rica managing our
indigenous community service programs
and special projects.
Jesse “JP” Porter-Henry
Manager - Programs and Development
A graduate in Geology from Colorado
College and a current high school math
and science teacher, JP brings a love for
the environment, community service,
and teaching to Rustic Pathways. A
trained EMT and Wilderness First
Responder, JP’s expertise and high
energy has been a valuable addition to
Rustic Pathways. When not teaching,
leading trips or playing ping pong, JP
can be found kayaking or skiing.
Angela Schluchter
Administrator - Latin America
A graduate from Middlebury College with
a degree in International Studies, Angela
has spent the past three years learning
the intricacies of community development
as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica.
She brings a love of Spanish, Latin
American culture, and the spirit of service
to the Rustic Pathways team. This year,
Angela will be sharing her knowledge of
our Costa Rican service initiatives with
both our Ohio and San Jose offices.
