Ski Patroller, Search & Rescue Responder, Avalanche Educator

#My Mountain Rescue Ethos

While many retreat from the mountains during adverse conditions, I’ve developed a purposeful commitment to mountain safety and rescue. My journey in ski patrol and search and rescue combines my passion for mountains with a genuine dedication to keeping people safe in challenging alpine terrain. This calling has led me to specialize in technical rescue skills that make a meaningful difference in emergency situations.

#Ski Patrol and Search & Rescue Experience

My journey in mountain rescue began in 2019 when I joined the Hyak Ski Patrol, where I’ve progressed from Alpine Patroller to Designated Patrol Leader. Since 2020, I’ve been an active member of the Ski Patrol and Rescue Team (SPART) SAR Unit, advancing from Field Rescuer to my current role as Unit President. Throughout this progression, I’ve served on the Avalanche Advisory Team and Board of Directors, and led the organization as Training Director from 2021 to 2025. As a founding member of the King County SAR Winter Response Team, I’ve helped establish specialized protocols for enhancing safety and operational effectiveness during complex winter rescue missions.

#Ski Patrol and SAR Roles

#SAR Experience in Avalanche Terrain

My expertise in avalanche terrain goes far beyond recreational backcountry travel—I’ve been called upon to respond to actual search and rescue missions where deliberate, thoughtful evaluation of risk and consequences is critical to mission success. These high-stakes operations demand advanced avalanche assessment skills, technical rescue capabilities, and the ability to systematically analyze complex risk factors while maintaining operational effectiveness:

#Establishing a SAR Winter Response Team

After recognizing the need for enhanced safety protocols for rescuers in avalanche terrain, I led the development of a multi-unit winter operations response team within King County SAR.

This specialized team consists of rescuers with A3 Pro 1 and ProAvSAR training who:

• Evaluate mission profiles and risk factors
• Analyze avalanche and weather forecasts with technical precision
• Collaborate with SAR operations leaders to develop safer routes and tactics

This initiative has significantly improved both safety and effectiveness of SAR missions in complex winter conditions, establishing new standards for winter rescue operations.

#Training and Qualifications

My commitment to mountain safety is built on a foundation of extensive, progressive training that spans nearly a decade of continuous learning. From foundational wilderness medicine to advanced avalanche rescue techniques, I’ve pursued comprehensive education across multiple specialized disciplines to ensure I can operate safely and effectively in the most challenging alpine environments:

#Completed Courses:

#Instructional Roles:

My passion for alpine safety naturally evolved into a calling to share these critical skills with others. I believe that expanding the community of well-trained mountain travelers and rescuers creates a safer environment for everyone who ventures into the backcountry. Teaching has become an integral part of my mountain safety journey, as I’m a strong believer in constant growth and lifelong learning, and there’s no better way to stay sharp than by teaching and learning from others.

Since 2021, I have served as an instructor and lead instructor for various NSP Level 1 and Level 2 Avalanche courses, Companion Rescue, and Organized Rescue skills refreshers with SPART and Hyak Ski Patrol. I’ve developed and led specialized avalanche rescue skills refreshers, including advanced drills such as the SPART AvSAR 50m x 50m x 2 x 7min Rescue Skills Refresher.

In 2022, our region faced a significant challenge when several experienced Mountain Travel and Rescue (MTR) instructors retired. Recognizing this critical need, I stepped forward to contribute my alpine experience and passion for teaching to this essential discipline. MTR focuses on developing ski patrollers into effective search and rescue unit members, teaching the specialized skills needed to operate safely and efficiently in complex mountain terrain. This transition felt like a natural extension of my commitment to building capable rescue teams.

Each teaching opportunity reinforces my own understanding while helping build the next generation of skilled mountain safety practitioners.

#Honors and Awards

I’m grateful to have been recognized by my peers and organizations for my contributions to mountain safety education and rescue operations:

My commitment to mountain safety continues to drive my work in ski patrol and SAR, where effective rescuers combine technical expertise with compassion and clear communication. I remain dedicated to advancing rescue techniques and protocols that enhance safety for both rescuers and those we serve.