The People Behind Every RLT Trip—And The Impact They Make

For over 30 years, our trip leaders have been the heart of The Road Less Traveled.

They’re the reason a group of strangers becomes a community. The reason a quiet teen starts to speak up. The reason so many students return home with a different sense of themselves and the world.

We spend months finding the right people to lead our trips. It’s a detailed process that includes multiple interviews, background checks, scenario questions, and a deep look at how someone shows up for others. Every leader attends a 10-day, in-person training focused on safety, group dynamics, youth development, and risk management.

They’re certified in Wilderness First Responder, CPR, AED, and Mental Health First Aid. They prepare for the unpredictable and learn how to lead with clarity, empathy, and steadiness.

Many of our leaders come back year after year. Not because they have to—but because they believe in what this work can do. They’ve seen how travel, when done with intention, helps young people grow in real and lasting ways.

Here are a few of the leaders guiding trips this year. Each one brings something different to the table—but they all lead with care, curiosity, and a deep belief in young people.

Meet Some Leaders

Connie

Connie has a way of making everyone feel at ease—whether she’s leading a group through the mountains or asking big questions around the dinner table. She’s taught music and English in Georgia, Alaska, Mexico, and Spain, and has led RLT trips in Thailand, Norway, California, South Dakota, and the Azores. This summer, she’ll be leading in Alaska.

Genevieve

Genevieve started as an RLT participant, traveling to Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador. Today, she brings that full-circle perspective to her role as a leader. With a degree in Social Work and a job at a nonprofit in Austin, she blends structure with empathy and helps students step into leadership themselves. This year, she’ll be heading to Peru, Puerto Rico, and Morocco.

Audrey

Audrey planned to guide for one summer. That was years ago. Since then, she’s built a life around adventure and community—guiding across Spain, Zambia, Patagonia, and Southeast Asia. Her trips are thoughtful, grounded, and full of quiet growth. When she’s not guiding, she’s climbing, packrafting, or planning the next big thing. This summer, she’s off to Norway.

Anna

Anna is a high school English teacher who brings calm, clarity, and a steady presence to her groups. She’s led in Colorado, Greece, and Italy, and believes deeply in helping students find their own voice and rhythm on a trip. This summer, she’s leading in Puerto Rico and Hawaii.

Matt

Matt brings a decade of youth work experience and a global outlook to everything he does. He’s lived in Tanzania and Australia, worked in rural Colorado, and led trips across British Columbia, Alaska, and Costa Rica. He’s steady, thoughtful, and deeply committed to helping students grow. This summer, he’s leading our Greece and Alps trips.

At the core of every RLT trip is a leader who knows how to meet teens where they are—and help them grow from there. These aren’t just guides. They’re mentors who bring steadiness, curiosity, and care to every moment. They set the tone, build the community, and shape how the experience feels.

If you’re curious whether an RLT trip is a good fit for your teen, a great next step is to schedule a quick, no-pressure call with our team. We’re happy to answer questions, share more about our leaders and programs, and help you figure out what’s best for your family.