TIANA “TIMO” MORRIS

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Expedition Program Coordinator

A little about me:

Hey Friends, My name is TIMO and I am originally from the Peach State. Since leaving GA I have lived in IA, MI, MN, MD, CO, MT and traveled to 32 other states. My personal goal is to get to all 50 states and beyond. I am passionate about service and spent my young adulthood serving in AmeriCorps. I moved to Maryland to continue my journey with AmeriCorps, and as a resort I found my home here at CBOBS. I'm always down for a good movie night, good food and great company!

Favorite field meal to cook:

Jambalaya

A stand out course memory:

First night of course a storm rolls in and it's raining cats and dogs! There is lighting on top of us so we get into lighting drill. The first 5 mins, I'm thinking "wow this must be tough for the students". Then I realized there was another sound in the distance. It sounded a little like," I guess you'd say, What can make me feel this way. My girl, my girl, my girl, talkin' 'bout my girl. My girl." The whole crew was singing at the top of there lungs so that they could hear each other because we were all spaced out. That's when I knew this crew was ready to take on any challenge with style. We were out there together.

Something you love about your job:

Course Magic. Everyday is a new adventure.

Advice for a future student:

You don't know it yet but everyday you are making memories of a lifetime. So enjoy the little things. That's how you show up for your life's journey.

ANDREW “SULLY” SULLIVAN

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Day Program Coordinator

A little about me:

Hi, I’m Sully, like the monster from “Monster’s Inc” (or the pilot who landed on the Hudson)! I’ve bounced around from Boston to DC to NYC and am happy to have settled into beautiful Baltimore. You’ll find me at rock climbing gyms, playing tennis at Leakin Park, and hiking any mountain within a 4 hour drive!

Favorite field meal to cook:

No need to cook a Clif bar 😉

A stand out course memory:

When a student pushes past their perceived limit on the Goal Pole high ropes element, with the support of their class of course!

Something you love about your job:

The thoughtfulness and introspection of our students inspires me to push myself to grow

Advice for a future student:

Try everything, find your passion(s), and do that!

Paris

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Day Program Specialist

A little about me:

I am a storyteller by trade, I have a theater background that I have had the opportunity to integrate into the work I do here at the Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School. The staff at our base have such interesting backgrounds that bring a different spin to the way we lead courses. I started in 2019 and gained so many skills throughout my apprenticeship. This place is where I met my love of sea kayaking, which I started in high school but never really learned the skills until I met my mentor and dear friend Rick, a trainer, and phenomenal teacher. This place offers so much personal development for both students and staff, from kayaking the Bay to cruising down the Potomac along the West Virginia-Maryland border; Or looking over the vastly changing landscape of the Dolly Sods. I remember our staff trip fondly, but I try to never forget how challenging it can be for your first time. Staff travel allows all our field staff to get the experience we ask of our students, to provide relevant hands-on training, and to learn our course area. I love that this job emphasizes the power of role modeling, compassion, and integrity. I'm a better person through this work.

Favorite field meal to cook:

One of my favorite backcountry meals is a simple one. French toast bagels (I even bring out Gluten Free options). I love how few ingredients make such a sweet treat that fuels the crew on the trail. And to me, the smell of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting through the fresh backcountry air is a delightful experience that flavors those cool mornings and adds sweetness to the breathtaking views of waking up with the sunrise on a crisp mountain peak.

A stand out course memory:

I have so many great memories and some are hard to get the full picture without context. People bare their souls out there on many of the courses I’ve been on, and it's our responsibility (as witnesses to that vulnerability) to extract the lesson and not share the details of other people's experiences. But I can say my favorite thing to happen on a course is when my co and I get everyone in tears laughing and falling over with joy, which has happened a great deal!

Something you love about your job:

My students make the experience worth all the challenge that comes with the adventure. I love journeying alongside the lives of my students, getting to know them, and making them laugh. James M. Barrie put it best when he said, “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves”. The crews make me smile! I bring back some of my most cherished lessons from expeditions and meeting new people on day programs. I get to play a role in facilitating a space where students see just how impressive they are in a new setting with different minds and skills that are unique to every crew. The work is rewarding and it demands the most truthful side of yourself, which can be as invigorating as it is exhausting. This work can keep you in touch with your deepest values and show you what is most important. My work is simple, but it isn't easy... so at first glance an expedition seems like some basic camping trip, however, our focus on character development and reflection makes it so much more than an "outdoor adventure". The lessons we focus on can be just as valuable to the person who has never camped or hiked as it could be for a person who has climbed many mountains. Life lessons and personal insight are learned on our courses, and opportunities to see what role we each play on a team in different conditions have been wildly beneficial for countless students. Some see the value right away, others write to us later, we have so many parents write or call in with gratitude and stories of lasting change and some students process it privately and never share, but work is always happening. André Gide said, “Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But since no one was listening, everything must be said again.” So, I come back time and time again, and I see something new. There is always something of substance to grasp on every trip from day programs to 12-day expeditions, and this is one of my channels.

Advice for a future student:

If you are considering any programs with us at Outward Bound bring your knowledge and experiences; it will surprise you how relevant your existing skills are to the work we do on expeditions and team-building program days. The emerging generation has a distinct perspective that is needed to build a worthwhile future and they are more deeply informed on current issues than ever. I feel like it’s an exchange project. No other place I’ve worked before has viewed, utilized, and collaborated with youth in this unique way. I have been grateful for the space we provide even our adult programs to take new perspectives and strengthen their power of discernment and improve cohesion among their colleagues. With student collaboration, there are so many freedoms and creativity that emerge for self-driven student exploration. There is value in what these leaders bring to our table. To the student on the fence about going, consider it an opportunity to work on anything you care about by first starting with your main ingredient, you! This place can have space for you to do some of that inner work if you are willing. I hope to see you on the trails!

Shelby Fredrickson

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Expedition Program Specialist

A little about me:

I’m Shelby (she/they), from Baltimore! My friends & family call me Bee. I grew up exploring the mid-Atlantic trails and rivers I now get to re-explore with Outward Bound. When I’m not in the field, I’m in my studio painting plants, portraits, pets, and designing tattoos for clients. My dream superpower would be being able to speak to all animals and my real life superpower is parallel parking. I adore fungi, urban agriculture, sloths, Baltimore, and our local animal shelter. You'll hear me constantly talk about my beloved pets; my pups Cricket & Moose, my cat Pancake, and my baby corn snake Marshall. Come play outside with me!

Favorite field meal to cook:

Special desserts to celebrate birthdays!

A stand out course memory:

Seeing a BABY RIVER OTTER playing with a MAMA RIVER OTTER on the Potomac this spring. Magic. Life changing.

Something you love about your job:

My students. It is so easy in this world to become (or stay) jaded, cynical, and pessimistic. My students have taught me over and over again to embrace joy, to be brave in pursuit of new experiences, and to remain hopeful. This work can be indescribably challenging, but my students remind me every course of the immense gratitude I feel to get to be here with them. Also, my co-instructors. I work with the brightest, most supportive, talented group of people in the world. Yes, the WORLD.

Advice for a future student:

Outward Bound is a transformative experience, there is no doubt about that. I want to stress that this doesn’t mean the goal is to come out on the other side a different person. The goal is for you to come out on the other side a person who better understands themselves & what they are capable of; to have more tools to navigate change and challenge that will continue to be part of your growth. You come to course on the very first day exactly who we need you to be.

My favorite book:

Gathering Moss, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Tiny, seemingly insignificant plants (mosses) actually shape so much of our world- this author weaves botany and poetry together in a profoundly beautiful way.

Gary Appel

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Instructor

A little about me:

Gary here. Been a Marylander all my life living up in Harford County. Used to want to leave so bad and now you couldn't drag me out. Its home. Retired from careers in both the military and government civilian service. Love the outdoors and working with those younger than me (that list keeps getting longer) so CBOBS is the perfect fit. Married with a couple of grown kids. Hobbies include running, vegetable gardening, and bee keeping.

Favorite field meal to cook:

Crunch wraps with 2 kinds of cheese.

A stand out course memory:

At the end of my first expedition we had a student cry when the bus came to pick them up because she didn't want to leave.

Something you love about your job:

Hanging back on the trail and listening to laughter and trail talk.

Advice for a future student:

Clear eyes, full hearts, cant lose. (from my favorite TV show ever, Friday Night Lights)

Winston Ernst

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Instructor

A little about me:

My name is Winston and I was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. Growing up in the suburbs between DC and Baltimore, I often turned to nature to relax and play. My love for the outdoors motivated me to earn a degree in Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Education in Western Maryland. Afterward, I served with Americorps NCCC and worked with various nonprofits and schools around the country. I returned to my roots on the east coast in 2021 to start instructing with Outward Bound. In my free time I enjoy playing guitar, cooking, biking and paddling.

Favorite field meal to cook:

Thai peanut fried rice

A stand out course memory:

Backpacking along the AT while a hurricane passed through, unleashing six inches of rain in twenty four hours. The trails we hiked became streams. We dried our boots over a fire the following morning on a beautiful sunny day.

Something you love about your job:

I love being able to introduce others to nature and every experience is unique because of the diversity of individuals I get to meet.

Advice for a future student:

Come to Outward Bound with an open mind and heart. The more present and engaged you allow yourself to be, the more you will learn and take away from this experience. Dive in!

Ty Fontanilla

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Instructor

A little about me:

Hey! I’m Ty (he/they), from Frederick, MD. I started working in outdoor education at the University of Maryland in 2018, and I’ve been pursuing opportunities to be outside as much as possible ever since! In my free time, I love rock climbing, mountain biking, playing video games, and going to concerts. Always down for trail conversations about music, Dungeons and Dragons, or thoughts on Bigfoot being real (I hope so). Can’t wait to explore with y’all!

Favorite field meal to cook:

Coconut Curry!

A stand out course memory:

Learning the history of Lord of the Rings from a student who talked about it for 8 hours straight while hiking.

Something you love about your job:

As great as it is being outside all the time, the best part is getting to see students succeed and find joy in their own ways while exploring new spaces and ideas with them. Also my coworkers here have become some of my best friends, so you should go read their bios. They’re all absolutely amazing people.

Advice for a future student:

Embrace the weird stuff, and no matter how hard it gets, it’s gonna be a fun course.

Lenna G. Forman

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Day Program Specialist

A little about me:

Born and raised in New York City, Lenna’s love of the outdoors was nurtured by regular trips north to the waterfronts and mountains of Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine. A child of former summer camp counselors, Lenna followed in their parents footsteps and worked two summers at the Red Spruce Grove program of the Farm and Wilderness Camps in Vermont. It was was here that their passion for outdoor education bloomed. Searching for opportunities to continue working in the field near the Maryland Institute College of Art, where Lenna studies animation, led them to the Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School. Lenna began working as a Day Program Facilitator in June 2021 and became a full time Day Program Specialist in September 2022.

Favorite field meal to cook:

Greek Lentil Soup and Fireside Flatbread

A stand out course memory:

Being recognized by students who I had worked with previously and being greeted by the silly call and response their crew had come up with on that first day.

Something you love about your job:

Being able to introduce young people from Baltimore to this incredible public park in their city.

Advice for a future student:

Be ready to get silly!

Daniel Higinbotham

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Instructor

River Hofkamp

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Instructor

A little about me:

Hey y’all my name is River! Born and raised in the wilds of Colorado, I’m a wild hearted rover who chases the things that make me feel most alive. From climbing frozen waterfalls to taming wild mustangs, and every adrenaline pumping thing in between, I live for the adventure that is life. As a professional horse trainer turned outdoor guide, I’m passionate about helping those around me discover their true potential. When I’m not working at Outward Bound you can find me doing all the same Outward Bound things. From rock climbing to backpacking, I just can’t get enough of this beautiful wild planet we call home. Let’s go climb a mountain!

Favorite field meal to cook:

Coconut Curry! More spices!!!

A stand out course memory:

One of my favorite memories on course was when one student in particular rose to the occasion to motivate and encourage his peers. He was a return student from the year before and brought with him the courage, joy, and perseverance the group desperately needed. He helped turn the tide more than once when spirits and motivations were low. It was incredible to see a student rise to meet his potential in such an inspiring and community-driven way. It helped to remind me of how truly impactful an Outward Bound course can be, not just in the moment, but in the years to follow.

Something you love about your job:

What I love most about my job is experiencing the one of a kind community built through our shared joy and passion for the outdoors. At Outward Bound we are creating transformative experiences for students through perseverance, challenge, and exploration. Watching individuals transform into versions of themselves they never thought possible, It’s magic! Pure wilderness magic.

Advice for a future student:

If I’ve learned anything in life it’s that you shouldn’t wait until you have all the skills, time, money, or motivation to make your dreams/goals come true. You CAN succeed in the things you are passionate about AND you will also fail. Turns out, that’s a good thing! If you aren’t failing that means you aren’t trying. It is equally through success AND failure that you learn so much about yourself and what you are capable of. So get out there! Try! Succeed! Fail! It’s all beautiful.

David Jahng

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Instructor

A little about me:

Hello, I'm David, or you can call me Dave. I have called Maryland my home my whole life. My love for the outdoors started with family trips to Shenandoah when I was young, and grew as I earned my Eagle Scout. I earned my bachelors in Journalism at College Park and decided to pursue early literacy education with an AmeriCorps program in Baltimore City Schools. I combined my interests in the outdoors and education and joined Outward Bound in the Spring of 2022. When I am not working, you can find me playing tabletop, video and card games - specifically Magic the Gathering!

Favorite field meal to cook:

Pasta with tomato sauce, veggies and pepperoni/sausage.

A stand out course memory:

Waking up at 4 am to make it to our destination almost 10 miles away by 11 am. (And we got there early!)

Something you love about your job:

The healthy lifestyle changes that come with working in the outdoors industry.

Advice for a future student:

Every Outward Bound course has moments of challenge. Do not give up, believe in yourself and your crew! (Your instructors believe in you too!)

Eric E. Lowenthal

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Instructor

A little about me:

You can call me Eric, EEL, Dr. Lowenthal, or by my superhero name, Engineer Man. After 20 years working in research and development as an engineer, I decided to try something new at Outward Bound. I hail from the land of many waters, the great state of Michigan, where I spent countless hours, camping, canoeing and fishing. I have been living in the Baltimore area for 24 years. When I am not working with students at Outward Bound, you might find me on my bicycle, climbing the hills of Baltimore County. I hope to see you out on the trail!

Favorite field meal to cook:

Coconut curry with rice and lentils: so tasty

A stand out course memory:

The look of pride on the faces of our first DC crew at the end of their longest hike still glows like a lightening bug in my mind.

Something you love about your job:

I enjoying sharing my love of wild places, especially with students who have never been camping.

Advice for a future student:

Come to Outward Bound with an open mind and an open heart. Push yourself beyond your comfort zone, physically and emotionally, and you will accomplish much more than your expectations.

Aphiwe Mndini

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Instructor

A little about me:

Hey friends, my name is Aphiwe from Ngqoko Village in South Africa. I started my Outward Bound journey as an apprentice for Outward Bound South Africa in 2017 and that is how my passion with working with youth started. I came here at CBOBS to upgrade my skills as well as to pass on my outdoor knowledge to others who might learn from me. My hobbies are Deep House music as well as making music mixtapes on my free time.

Favorite field meal to cook:

Jambalaya

A stand out course memory:

During my CBOBS staff expedition it started to snow on the first day of the course and that was such an awesome moment for me because I have never been in snow before. It was cool experience.

Something you love about your job:

I have the most amazing colleagues ever. I felt so welcomed from the first day I set on my foot on the CBOBS campus.

Advice for a future student:

Your comfort zone might suffocate you.

Payten Rogers

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Instructor

A little about me:

Hi! My name is Payten and I am originally from Northern Colorado. I grew up going on camping/ backpacking trips and doing everything I could to get more time in the outdoors. I have spent the past several years backpacking and traveling around the globe and am happy to have landed in Baltimore and found purpose in sharing that passion with my fellow humans. When I am not working you can find me reading, playing video games, watching Lord of the Rings on a constant loop, or hiking with my pup.

Favorite field meal to cook:

Stir Fry, with my Special Sauce

A stand out course memory:

When my crew decided to hike several extra miles one night after an already very long day, just so they could camp next to the ridge and see the sunrise the next morning. Their dedication to beauty is what makes the job great.

Something you love about your job:

All the wonderful people we meet, and the shared experiences we have together.

Advice for a future student:

Be willing to experience the adventure that awaits you, in whatever way it comes to you. It will probably be different than you expect it to be, and that’s what makes it great.

Jimmy Stewart

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Instructor

A little about me:

Hey, y’all! I’m Jimmy (he/him) and I’m super excited to get to know you! I was born in Silver Spring, Maryland but I’ve spent most of my life in Texas. Sun-scorched forests, ancient caves, and creepy crawlies are my bread and butter. I’ve been everywhere from Rome to Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City and a bunch of places in between. One of my life goals is to find the perfect banh mi sandwich. When I’m not working I spend a lot of time going on walks, reading fantasy/sci fi novels, listening to rock n roll, and running games of Dungeons & Dragons for my friends! Can’t wait to get out there and explore with you!

Favorite field meal to cook:

Veggie Stir Fry with Peanut Butter!

A stand out course memory:

Paddling across the Nanticoke while three different storm cells clashed in the distance like Zeus and Poseidon were duking it out

Something you love about your job:

Being out in the world always gives me an opportunity to come back to the present moment, enjoy the large and small beauties of nature, and help others find the best versions of themselves! When you’re in the woods, truth and introspection are never in short supply.

Advice for a future student:

Lean into the challenge! There may be moments on course that push you or require you to dig deep. Always remember that you’ll be surrounded by caring, supportive people who are there to help you grow, make mistakes, and recharge your batteries. What you put in is what you’ll get out!

Chloe Straub

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Instructor

A little about me:

My name is Chloe, but I will also accept Chlo, Chlo-Chlo, Cleo, or any other (kind) name that my students choose for me. I grew up originally in Mid-Michigan, but have also lived in Southern California, and have now lived in Maryland for a few years. I graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Outdoor Recreation. I had never even been backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, or backcountry camping until my first year of college! Outside of OB, I am a yogi, watercolor artist, absolutely non-professional dancer, and tea enthusiast. Most days out of the field, you can find me cuddling my dog, Ninja or working on my small art business.

Favorite field meal to cook:

Cous Cous Breakfast (you've just got to trust me on this one)

A stand out course memory:

Sinking into the Dolly Sods mud up to our knees after the rain! It sounds like a sticky situation to be in, but it made us all crack up every time. We had to dig for our boots a couple of times, and we had a great time doing it. We ended up naming our crew "MudVille."

Something you love about your job:

No one day is ever the same! There's always a new adventure to experience and new people to make memories with.

Advice for a future student:

Come exactly as you are and let us follow suit- everyone has a place on our team.

Rachel Will

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Instructor

A little about me:

My name is Rachel and I am originally from Minnesota. I moved to Maryland last year and I love being in the Appalachian mountains, paddling east coast rivers, and relaxing by the ocean. Before joining Outward Bound, I served in AmeriCorps NCCC in the pacific region and spent a year working with various non-profits and exploring out west. I went to college in snowy northern Minnesota for Elementary Education and Spanish. In my free time you could find me going on a walk in Leakin Park, biking on the C&O canal, cooking a new meal, and drinking many cups of tea.

Favorite field meal to cook:

French Toast Bagel

A stand out course memory:

After a day of rock climbing at Annapolis Rock, having our last evening meeting while watching the sunset from the top of the climb.

Something you love about your job:

I love spending so much time outside along with meeting new students every course!

Advice for a future student:

You are capable of more than you know.