Our Guides

Aleta Walther, Naturalist Guide

“Whalicious” fun and frolic is how I describe my job as a naturalist and interpretive guide for Gastineau Guiding Company. I enjoy sharing the cultural and natural histories and the mysteries and magnificence that make a trip to Alaska a unique adventure. Alaska’s vibrant landscape, meandering waterways and spine-tingling wildlife encounters are beyond “Wow ”. I look forward to summers of spine-tingling adventures throughout the Tongass National Forest and the waterways of the Inside Passage.🙂

Alyssa Hetherington, Naturalist Science Guide

Hello my name is Alyssa and I am one of the naturists science guides on the team! I am originally from Marietta, Georgia and graduated from Brevard College with a degree in Biology. If I am not working, I’m most likely hanging with friends, playing soccer, or on an adventure somewhere outdoors. I first came to Juneau in 2022, and was blown away by its landscape, wildlife, and plants. Now I am lucky enough to call the Tongass National Forest and the surrounding areas my office. Happy Trails!

Amy Balagna, Office Manager

I moved to Alaska the day after completing my degree in Archaeology from the University of Nevada. Alaska has given me so much more than I could ever give back; my love of nature, a wonderful community, and my beautiful daughter Clara. I’m excited to rejoin the Gastineau team after we decided Juneau is the perfect place to raise my family.

Ariel Hasse-Zamudio, Naturalist Science Guide

I was born and raised in the Matanuska Valley, where I developed a deep love for nature through backpacking, fishing, and science. My passion led me to earn a BS in Physics at Caltech, strengthening my commitment to sustainability. I’ve traveled to all 50 states, backpacked across Europe, and published research in energy technology. Though my adventures took me far, my heart belongs to Alaska. I’m thrilled to share the beauty and wonders of Southeast Alaska as we explore the wilderness together.

Ashlynn Antoni, Director of Sales and Marketing

In 2011, I came to Alaska with plans to work a seasonal position, and when the adventure was over head off to the next new and exciting experience.  Yet, to this day, I’m still waiting to get my fill of Juneau.  At every turn, I find myself captivated by the breath-taking beauty of Alaska, and inspired by the incredibly kind and welcoming people. Being part of such a vibrant, engaged, and compassionate community is truly a privilege.

Ava Newel, Dock Representative

Hi! I’ve lived in Juneau for the past 8 years, but have also lived in a handful of other places such as Sitka, Homer, California, Connecticut and North Carolina. From moving around and living in so many cool coastal towns, I have been very interested in nature from a young age. Because of this I plan to study Wildlife Biology and Conservation at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I also have a bunny, his name’s Louie.

Bob Janes, Owner / Operator

I have lived in Juneau since 1965. With my wife Dawn, we founded our little interpretive company in 1994 as a way to keep fit and stay in touch with nature’s lessons. In the summer, our guests are likely to find me roaming the trails with my camera, piloting a safari vessel, or sharing stories about Juneau with visitors on the dock.

Bryce Breslin, Boat Captain

Hello! I grew up running around barefoot in the swamps and beaches of South Florida. I’ve been in love with the outdoors my whole life. Which lead to me working as a whitewater raft guide for over a decade. (Not in Florida). As well as working on powerboats and sailboats. Traveling as often as I can in between. Such a big beautiful world to explore. Out in nature is where you’ll find me. Hope to see ya there!

Cam Byrnes, Naturalist Photo Guide / Driver Trainer

Born “outside” I moved to Alaska in 1974 and have never wanted to make my home anywhere else. I have been involved with photography for 40 years and have been leading tours in Juneau for 15 years. The two go together perfectly. Leading tours lets me share this wonderful place with our guests and keeps me on the trails and on the water during our long summer days. I like to travel and take pictures around the world but I’ll never run out of things to photograph here in Juneau.

Carl Moot, Naturalist Science Guide

I moved to the pacific northwest in Fall 2021, bought a sailboat, and lived on it for a year and a half, with plans to sail and cruise it to Southeast Alaska. This past winter I worked and lived at Crystal Mountain, one of the top ski resorts in Washington State. Before this I worked and lived in Mt. Rainier National Park. I have a passion for the ocean, the mountains, the tall trees, and the wildlife. I enjoy talking to people about anything and whales in particular. Juneau is my new home now.

Chloe Anderson, Naturalist Photography Guide

I was born and raised in Kansas, but I lived in Boulder for a year before coming to Juneau. I’m an award-winning photojournalist with work in Climbing magazine, The Denver Post, The Colorado Sun and many more publications. In my free time, I enjoy skiing, riding my bike and rock climbing. This is my first season with Gastineau and first time in Alaska. I love sharing the joy of photography and marveling in the beauty of nature, and I’m excited to be here doing just that!

Collin Padilla, Naturalist Photography Guide

Born and raised in Colorado, I grew up in the mountains and learned a great respect for nature. I started documenting my backpacking trips in Colorado with a point and shoot over a decade ago. That passion for photography has evolved into a career. I’ve been living on Maui the last 5 years teaching photography workshops and working on a catamaran in West Maui. I love teaching others the principles of photography and look forward to sharing the beauty of SE Alaska with you!

Corban Stearns, Naturalist Science Guide

Hi there! My name is Corban and I am one if the naturalist science guides here! I was born here in Juneau, but I lived in Washington from 11-18. I am a current student here at UAS, and I am studying Biology. Outside of work I love everything outdoors, usually during the summer I am fishing, rock climbing , or hiking. Growing up here I always appreciated its immense beauty. However, I didn’t know quite how much until I moved. Once I hit 18 I knew I needed to find my way back here!

Dale Brandenburger – Naturalist Science Guide

I moved to Juneau in 1982. I worked for Ak Fish & Game for 32 yrs, spending much of my time in remote field camps, running projects related to Chinook management. I enjoy hiking, skiing, fishing, writing and playing music. I am a published novelist. I look forward to sharing my love of the outdoors with the crew and clients of Gastineau Guiding.

Daniel Bauer, Naturalist Photography Guide

Born in Peru. I’ve been in the US for 24 years. With a media production background, decide to walk into the unknown in 2022 by thru hiking the Appalachian Trail, GA to ME in 200 days straight. A new me, thirsty of adventure brought me to Alaska to find a new home away from home. Aspiring to inspire people to go outside to explore the amazing world we live in, by sharing my experiences through photography and video content creation.

Daniela Shuping, Naturalist Photography Guide

I’m Dani! I grew up in a military family and moved around a handful of times as a kid. Most of my childhood was spent in Germany among forest trails and old castles! I then moved to Maryland where I studied photography in high school, and then animation at the Savannah College of Art and Design. My favorite photography subjects are water and animals and Juneau has a lot of both, often at the same time! This will be my first season with Gastineau Guiding and I am thrilled to be joining!

David Thomson, Naturalist Guide

Juneau has been my home since 1983. Originally from the Maryland/D.C. area, moved north after graduating college in Iowa figuring that if it didn’t work out, I could always move back to the Lower 48. Landed work with the State of Alaska in finance and spent 31 years with the last 14 managing the money for the Division of Wildlife Conservation within the Department of Fish and Game, retiring in 2015. I contacted Gastineau Guiding before retiring; what could be better than to go hiking and share my love of this area with visitors. I hope you savor your time in Alaska, once you have been here; a little part of you never goes home.

Dawn Wolfe, Owner / Operator

My two week vacation to Juneau in 1980 still hasn’t ended. I’ve somehow managed to become the company’s administrative lifeline. When not playing softball, working in the yard, or enjoying the outdoors with our twins, I’m likely to be planning our next company party, or buried in piles of paperwork at our downtown office.

Dayna Johnson, Dock Representative

Hey, I’m Dayna! If you’re ever wondering where to find me, chances are I’m outside. Hiking, camping, chasing sunsets, or exploring somewhere in nature, I love it all. I’m someone who loves to stay busy, so when I’m not adventuring I’m also a highland dancer, cake artist, business owner, English teacher, and student. I couldn’t be more excited to spend the summer in Alaska, surrounded by incredible wildlife and amazing people!

Derek Mason, Boat Captain

Derek spends most of his time on the water, both as a whale watching captain as well as a commercial fisherman. He loves Southeast Alaska and is excited to share the waterways with you! 

Dirk Miller, Naturalist Guide

As a local teacher I’ve always had a passion for sharing the outdoors with my students and now guests visiting our great city. I’ve done a lot throughout my teaching career; from establishing active clubs and educational field trips, to raising grant money to provide materials such as bikes for kids. I’ve created programs that establish leadership, healthy habits, and overall provide a safe and exciting learning environment for students. I love my job and was recently recognized by Discovery Southeast (organization promoting education and nature exploration for kids in Southeast Alaska) with the 2019 Discovery Award. I’m super excited to spend another summer with Gastineau Guiding and share the many reasons I love Juneau.

Elisabet Mandl, Naturalist Photography Guide

Originally from Broomfield, Colorado, I grew up spending a lot of time hiking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors! I am a photographer and videographer with a love for telling or hearing a good story. I recently graduated from Colorado Christian University and have been traveling and working remotely since! Ask me about the Pittsburgh Steelers and we’ll be friends 😉

Emma Good, Naturalist Science Guide

Hello! My name’s Emma and I was born and raised in Juneau, AK, but I now call North Carolina my home. I have a degree in environmental science – marine ecology, years of experience guiding tours on the waterways of Juneau and Washington, as well as professional experience managing the quality department for a biotech company that turns crab shell waste into eco-friendly chemicals. My passions outside of work include climbing, mountain biking, skiing, playing piano, crafting and bluegrass shows.

Emma Hertel, Naturalist Guide

Originally from Pittsburgh, but I’ve always been drawn to the water. As a diver, former mermaid, and captain, my journey has been shaped by the ocean, and now I’m passionate about sharing the wonders of nature in a more personal way as a naturalist! This is going to be my third season in Juneau and I’m beyond stoked. Alaska’s breathtaking summers just keep calling me back 🙂

Ernest Taylor, Naturalist Photography Guide

Ernest Taylor is a full-time student currently attending Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. Originally from Ohio, Ernest moved to Montana in 2021, and started his first Summer in Alaska in 2023. Previously, he guided horseback rides and pack trips in Yellowstone, as well as sea kayak tours in Sitka, AK. Ernest studies film and photography in school and is excited to share his knowledge with his tours. His favorite medium to shoot on is 4″x5″ film!

Grace Fawbush, Naturalist Science Guide

I originally came to Alaska to be a kayak/canoe guide for one summer, but I couldn’t get enough, so I returned to work as a raft guide. Now I’m studying Biology at UAS and minoring in Teaching. I’ve always had a fascination with the natural world that I love sharing with others. Outside of school I volunteer my time in kelp research, and science field trips. Born and raised in Utah, I was lucky to be part of the snowboarding community there. The adventure never ends with me!

Haylee Jameson, Naturalist Science Guide

Hi there! My name is Haylee and this will be my first season in SE Alaska. My background is in accounting and corporate consulting, but my passion for marine ecology and adventure won out over office life. I am particularly passionate about our planet’s polar regions, and most recently was working in Antarctica at McMurdo Station. When I’m not working, you can find me scuba diving as much as possible. I’m stoked to share the wonders of our natural world with all of our GG guests!

Jade Hicks, Dock Representative and Hiking guide

Hello everyone, I am Jade, a Dock Rep/Hiking Guide this summer with Gastineau Guiding. I have grown up in Juneau and am excited to share my appreciation for this wonderful town with future visitors. Currently, I attend college at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, so I am elated to be back for the summer and enjoy the fresh Alaskan air.

Jaymini(Jay) Davé, Naturalist Science Guide

Hello everyone! I’m a boat captain and marine mammal naturalist based in CA. I spend as much time as possible on and in the water – diving and travelling the world to photograph marine life In my free time, you can find me volunteering to help protect and rescue sick and stranded marine mammals in LA or hiking with my dog Ashe. I’m so excited to share my love for nature and the ocean and create meaningful experiences that inspire a deeper connection with the natural world!

Jessy Goodman, Naturalist Science Guide

In my regular life, I teach and run the Writing Center at UAS Juneau. My favorite classroom, though, is a boat. I don’t have a formal science background, but I love telling stories–and my favorites are about Alaska: the Tongass, the ocean, the wildlife (esp. my whale friends), and the cultural past and present of this incredible place. I’ve been working in AK tourism in AK since 2017 in Ketchikan, and I moved to Juneau full time in 2020. I also have an MFA in fiction writing.

Josh Wallace (Jezzy), Naturalist Photography Guide

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, I moved to Seattle, Washington, at the age of 28, where I lived for eight years. In 2016, I gave away all my possessions except for what could fit into two bags, becoming a vagabond. What was meant to be a one-year sabbatical turned into a 63-month-long journey. As a Naturalist Photography Guide, I look forward to sharing my passion for nature and wildlife photography while helping you capture the best vacation pictures possible.

Katie Nieuwlandt, Naturalist Science Guide

Hi y’all, me name’s Katie. I’m from Longmont, CO, where I grew up alongside my older brothers to love all things outdoors. I recently graduated from Colorado State University, where I grew passionate about conservation; I love learning about the world around us and how we can help protect it. I hope to one day help research the conservation of raptor species in North America (I love birds!). I love traveling and hope to keep doing so in the coming years, whether here in Alaska or somewhere new.

Keith Pahlke, Lead Naturalist Guide

I am a retired fish biologist from Colorado and have lived in Alaska for the past 35 years. I love animals of all sorts and even owns 7 pets ranging from dogs to snakes and lizards.

Kelby Randall, Naturalist Science Guide

Howdy y’all! Coming at you from Juneau, the place I call home. Originally, I’m from Illinois, but I left in search of the mountains, glaciers, & oceans – I haven’t looked back once. I have guided for 3 years in Alaska, & I am a full time student at UAS, studying Biology. Outside of work and school, you’ll find me exactly where I want to be – at the end of a rope, maybe on a dancefloor, jumping crevasses, bushwhacking in the woods, or behind the wheel of my little red 85 Corvette.

Kristen Cooney, Naturalist Photography Guide

My love for the wild started early, romping around in the creeks and forests of Pennsylvania since I knew how to walk. That childhood obsession evolved into a lifelong pursuit as a wildlife photographer and naturalist. My work has taken me from misty Central American cloud forests to the vast Pacific Ocean. I earned my degree is in visual arts and environmental science from Ursinus College and am certified as a Master Naturalist. Hope to see you in the field!

Kyra Lussier, Naturalist Science Guide

After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in Environmental Studies, I entered the workforce working on a remote, off the grid Alaskan commune. There I studied salmon migration and collaborated with the state on conservation efforts. Now, I live in Juneau, where I’ve been a nature guide for the past three years. I split my time between guiding in Juneau and traveling the world. Every summer I return home to the beautiful SE Alaska –much like the salmon I once studied.

Larry Talley, Naturalist Guide

I was born in Ketchikan and had my childhood in a floating logging camp in the Ketchikan vicinity. Growing up on the water I didn’t learn to ride a bike or play basketball — and in fact am still somewhat inept in those areas — but I learned to love the water and the outdoors. Later I worked for forty years for Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game and National Marine Fisheries Service, teaching computers to count fish. As a retired bureaucrat I am making up for lost time on the water and trails.

Laurie Clough, Lead Naturalist Guide

Lucas Young, Naturalist Photography Guide

With a B.S. in fishery biology, I worked seasonally around the west for many years. In 2012 I bought my first DSLR, and in 2017 I started guiding in Alaska. This path has taken me almost from pole-to-pole since, always with my camera in tow. My photography is driven by my mantra that perspective shapes experience; through my lens, I seek out unique angles, fleeting moments, and the interplay of light and shadow to invite others to expand their awareness and see the world differently.

Malia Fletcher, Naturalist Science Guide

I grew up in Seattle where I fell in love with the ocean and all the life it holds. That passion led me to UC Santa Cruz, where I earned a degree in Marine Biology. Now, I get to share that love not just for the marine world but all that Juneau has to offer! By helping people connect with nature, I am able to fulfill my dreams of working towards ocean conservation. I believe the more we learn about the planet, the more we want to protect it, and I’m excited to inspire that curiosity every day!

Marc Mintz, Naturalist Photography Guide

Born and raised in southern California, I traded a life in a cubicle implementing environmental policy for a life with a camera having real experiences with the people and environment around me, and never once looked back.  I came to Juneau for the summer of 2019 and never left.  (It happens a lot around here.)  I’m excited to show you a few reasons why.

Michael LaMonica, Boat Captain

After the Coast Guard stationed me in Sitka and then Juneau, Alaska, I decided I didn’t want to live anywhere else. I have worked on a variety of boats including the Alaskan ferries and a passenger ferry contracted to a local mining company. Now I am raising two sons while getting to share the beauty and history of “my backyard” as a boat captain at Gastineau Guiding.

Mike Hekkers, Lead Naturalist Guide

I left Colorado in the late 1990s to find a bigger and wilder place. Alaska fit that bill, and Juneau became my home base with a ski area, glaciers, water access, and a great community. After my mortgage banking career, I wanted to turn my love of mountaineering into a vocation especially after naturalist guiding in Denali National Park. I have a masters in geography (glaciology) and have instructed environmental science and geography courses at UAS for six years. I enjoy taking cabin trips and family adventures in the state. In the winter I can be found striding on Juneau’s cross country ski trails.

Natalie Book, Naturalist Photography Guide

Hi ya’ll! I was born and raised on the wooded hills and wide valleys of central Pennsylvania and studied biology-vertebrate physiology at Penn State University. I stumbled upon photography while conducting field research in the Masai Mara and have been honing the art since. This is my first summer in Juneau and I am thrilled to share my passion for natural history and wildlife photography in such a captivating and wild corner of the earth

Nyah Martin, Naturalist Science Guide

I’ve been lucky to call Juneau, Alaska, home for nearly my entire life! I recently graduated from Colorado State University, where I studied economics, journalism, and media. As a Native Alaskan—Tlingit Raven of the T’aḵdeintaan, X’áakw Hít—I hold a deep love and respect for the beauty of Southeast Alaska, and I’m truly passionate about preserving and celebrating it. Whether hiking, camping, or diving into the Arctic Ocean for the polar bear plunge, I’m always ready for an outdoor adventure!

Olivia Kraft, Lead Daily Coordinator

Originally from Southwest Virginia, I moved to Juneau in the summer of 2022 to work seasonally here at Gastineau Guiding. Like many others, I immediately fell in love with everything that is Southeast AK and have since decided to call Juneau home. I work behind the scenes at our office – coordinating with our cruise ship partners, creating the daily schedules, and dispatching tours. I thrive in the fast paced environment of the tourism industry and feel so lucky to be a part of the GGC family.

Paul Hudrick, Naturalist Science Guide

Growing up in inner city Philadelphia, my exposure to nature was limited at best. I’ve taken on the mission to continually augment my “natural world” knowledge base and enthusiastically share it with interested individuals. From volunteering as a hiking docent; educator and animal husbandry specialist; interpreting on marine mammal tours; assisting with pismo clam and limpet research; and working the CAFW. I’ve lived my adult life and am now “living the dream”.

Phil Gutleben, Naturalist Guide

After a long and varied job history in the private and public sectors, I found the ideal encore career as a naturalist guide for Gastineau Guiding. With a background in science education, I love the outdoors and all things Alaska, my adopted home. I am enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge and experiences with visitors.

Rachel Levy, Naturalist Photography Guide

I moved to Juneau last year from South Florida and I’m a filmmaker and have produced two documentaries in Hawaii and Tanzania focused on environmental justice. Recently I’ve gotten into block-printing and I host “open-carve” nights on Douglas once a month. You might even find some of my prints in shops downtown! My two truths and a lie: I drove from Fort Lauderdale to Juneau, I once worked at a circus and now know how to climb silks, and I rip the saxophone with my band Papaya.

Randy Brannan, Dock Rep and Hiking Guide

Having grown up in Phoenix, AZ and serving in the Army in Georgia and Texas, I had my fill of the heat and sought a change – leading me to Juneau in 2017. Captivated by its beauty, I developed a deep passion for the outdoors. I enrolled at the University of Alaska Southeast, earning my B.S. in Environmental Science, and worked with UAS and USGS in hydrology and ecology research. While my summers are spent guiding and conducting research, my winter is spent snowboarding and playing ice hockey.

Ray Flynn, Naturalist Science Guide

Hey everyone! I’m Ray, a Naturalist Science Guide with a background in seasonal outdoor work. Over the past two years, I’ve worked as a Crew Leader and Field Logistics Technician with the Utah Conservation Corps, both seasons based in the stunning Bryce Canyon National Park, which I was lucky to call home. Before that, I spent six years as a Chef and Baker. Fun fact about me: I have a 10-year-old rescue Beagle named Fig Newton!

Richard Stokes, Lead Naturalist Guide

Rob Peterson, Naturalist Science Guide

Hello! My name is Rob. I grew up in Utah among the high mountains and spectacular rocky landscapes. I developed a taste for tour guiding in the summer season of 2022 when I first started Deckhanding in Juneau. I lead scuba charters in the Caribbean during the off season but I’m always drawn back to Alaska.

Robie Janes, General Manager

I grew up in Juneau and love everything it has to offer.  When out of the office during the summer, you can find me out hiking, boating, or camping with friends.  During the winter I’ll be up at Eaglecrest, our local ski area.  I started working at Gastineau Guiding at 14 and for a couple years the most common question I would get was if I was legally old enough to work here.  I graduated from Washington State University with a business degree but after I couldn’t stay away from Alaska.  My favorite part about working at Gastineau Guiding are the enthusiastic, outgoing, and friendly employees that make this company Juneau’s premier whale watching and guiding company. 

Sam Orseno, Naturalist Photography Guide

Hello, my name is Sam, and I’ll be a naturalist photographer guide this summer. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania and attended school in North Carolina for sports management with a minor in media production. I have been doing seasonal work in the outdoor industry. I have worked as a media specialist for an outdoor summer camp and am now a certified snowboard instructor. I love being able to share my knowledge of photography and am excited to be able to do that in Alaska.

Sara Garrido, Naturalist Science Guide

Hi Everyone! My name is Sara Garrido and I am originally from Southern California, and am currently enrolled in Oregon State’s Ecampus. I am studying Fish and Wildlife Conservation, and have a special interest in Transient Orcas. I also love to go out on trail runs, hikes, and I love to read. I hope to share the beauty of Alaska with those on the tour, and I know that we will have a great time! Can’t wait to see you out on the water!

Sarah Reunitz, Naturalist Science Guide

Hi there! I’m Sarah, and my passion for the ocean has always been a driving force in my life. I’ve had the privilege of working in aquariums, leading educational programs, and working on boats in the Florida Keys. I’ve also lived in Hawaii, where I had the incredible opportunity to see humpback whales and other cetaceans. After a brief stint working in the film industry, I realized how much I missed being on the water, so I knew it was time to return to my true passion.

Scott Ranger, Lead Naturalist Guide

I came to Juneau to visit my daughter and son-in-law in the summer of 2008. It rained the whole time and I’ve been in love with the place ever since. I love to share my passion for the natural environment with others — whether running a nature center, working as a park ranger, or hiking the trail with guests. If I’m not hiking the trails in Juneau, you can find me in Georgia editing the newsletter for the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society, or heading up a Habitat Humanity team in Southern Africa with my wife.

Stella D, Naturalist Guide

I began guiding to combine my love of wild nature with my skills as a journalist for communicating great stories. I have led backpacking trips in the White Mountains and Green Mountains of New England and trekked widely in Europe and the Americas. I trained as a naturalist on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where I volunteer to preserve the wetlands and barrier islands on the Atlantic flyway, and I’ve studied geography, so I geek out on glaciers. In my other life, I train my German Shepherd.

Tana O’Leary, Naturalist Science Guide

I’ve lived in SE Alaska for 15 years, delighting in the region’s beauty and abundance. I’m a mother of three and also work with a local nature education nonprofit for kids. As a Forest Ecologist, my background includes leading hikes with the National Park Service, guiding canoe expeditions, studying endangered birds on the volcanoes of Hawaii, and surveying birds by land, sea, and air in the wilds of the Tongass National Forest. I’m thrilled to help visitors connect with this special place!

Tatum Hartlieb, Dock Rep and Naturalist Hiking Guide

I’m a full-time Marine Biology student at UAS and have loved exploring Southeast Alaska since moving from Anchorage. Growing up surrounded by both mountains and ocean, I love spending my time exploring and learning about the wonderful creatures around us. In my free time, you can find me wherever the water is—tide pooling, swimming, or having a fire on the beach.

Tatum Hartlieb, Naturalist Science Guide

I’m a full-time Marine Biology student at UAS and have loved exploring Southeast Alaska since moving from Anchorage. Growing up surrounded by both mountains and ocean, I love spending my time exploring and learning about the wonderful creatures around us. In my free time, you can find me wherever the water is—tide pooling, swimming, or having a fire on the beach.

Theresa Miller, Naturalist Guide

I’ve lived in Juneau over 40 years, where I married and raised two sons. I was a stay at home mom and homeschooled my boys from crib to college. In 2020, I retired from teaching and now spend winters traveling in the southwest visiting and hiking national monuments and parks. During the summers I love to hike, fly fish and garden, including adding hardscape.

Tristan Gibbs, Dock Rep and Hiking Guide

Hi! I am Tristan Gibbs, and I have lived my entire life in Kansas. I was raised by an avid outdoorsman and rock climber and spent every summer of my life outside rock climbing and hiking in the mountains. I have spent the last year and a half working at Wichita’s local rock climbing gym teaching people about the sport and taking them outdoors. This is my first season with Gastineau as I am fresh out of high school, and I am excited to see where Alaska and Juneau are able to take me!

Zoe Preble, Naturalist Photography Guide

Hi, I’m Zoe! Originally from Maine, and I’m beyond excited to join the GGC team. With a degree in Graphic Design and Fine Arts from Flagler College, I’ve spent the last 5 years carving my path in the creative world. When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me surfing, rock climbing, or exploring new places with my camera in hand. For me, the outdoors has always been a source of inspiration and connection, and I can’t wait to connect with all of you and share some adventures!

Zoey Eckman, Naturalist Science Guide

Hello! I’m originally from St. George UT but decided to come up to the last frontier and chase some (whale)tail with my partner back in 2022. Although my last two years in Juneau were spent giving only whale watching tours, I know a lot about the local plants, birds and glaciers and I’m SO EXCITED to take you through our unique and rugged landscape. Some of my other hobbies include crocheting, drinking lots of tea and yearning for a sunny day.