The Directors: An Introduction to the Stein Family

Jim and Donna Stein have been seeking adventure, perfecting wilderness travel and teaching through community service for over 30 years. As owners and directors, they have nurtured the growth, development and direction of The Road Less Traveled. Their concern for each individual participant and their commitment to the RLT mission are evident as they both personally oversee each individual student and program.

Jim discovered his lifelong commitment to education and leadership in the wilderness at an early age. At age 15, he participated in a nine-week wilderness trip (the inspiration for our own Water and Rocks adventure program!) with Nelson Weiters, founder, director and pioneer of the first wilderness adventure program offered in the Western United States, Man and His Land. Jim led and directed expeditions for Nelson and Man and His Land for nearly a decade. Jim is extensively experienced and involved in all aspects of expedition safety, management, program design and training.

Donna’s love of the outdoors began growing up in Detroit, Michigan. At an early age, during the turbulent 60’s, Donna’s respite was found escaping the hot summers to the north woods of Michigan where she discovered independence and solace in the outdoors. Donna gained extensive business experience in corporations and non-profit organizations. She manages all development, operations and marketing and upholds the rigorous standards that support the mission, training, and policies of RLT.

Their children, Ben, Callie and Emma, are ardent explorers. Ben has traveled to more countries than either parent, Callie, just returned from Norway, and has chosen California as her home for the next four years as she rows for Cal-Berkeley, and Emma is practicing the art of “mental health days” escaping to the woods of Michigan, just like her mother did, every chance she can and deciding which of our new Global Perspectives programs she likes best. Truth be told, despite many adventures around the world, their favorite time of year remains enjoying the remarkable opportunity of spending two weeks living with RLT leaders during training each year.