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The Directors: An Introduction to the Stein Family
Jim and Donna Stein have been seeking adventure, perfecting wilderness travel, and teaching 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. When 15, he participated in a nine-week wilderness trip with Nelson Weiters, founder, director, and pioneer of the first wilderness adventure program offered in the western United States. Jim led and directed expeditions for Nelson for nearly a decade. With his extensive experience, Jim is involved in all aspects of expedition safety, management, program design and training.
Donna’s love of the outdoors began while growing up in Detroit, Michigan. At an early age, during the turbulent ‘60’s, Donna escaped the hot summers of Detroit and found respite in 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, 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 has chosen California as her home, studying and rowing at Cal-Berkeley, and Emma is practicing the art of “mental health days” escaping to the woods of Michigan every chance she can.Truth be told, despite many adventures around the world, their favorite time of year is still the two weeks spent living with RLT leaders during staff training each summer.
