Raised in the mountains next to Bend, Oregon, Dani began her guiding career when she was still in high school, teaching her classmates how to backpack, rappel, white-water raft, and more. After leaving Oregon, she sought out other beautiful, mountainous areas and has lived or guided in New Zealand, Colorado, Alaska, Argentina, and New York. She graduated from Western Colorado University with her BA in Psychology & Sociology and currently lives in South Lake Tahoe with her partner Shelby and their dog Mongo.

Dani is an AMGA Apprentice Mountain Guide, a certified Wilderness First Responder, and has her AIARE Level II with hopes of becoming an AIARE Instructor. She believes the mountains can be a humbling yet empowering context. Through guiding, Dani loves using her skills to instruct and encourage others, especially those from marginalized communities, to become stronger, bolder versions of themselves. When she is not guiding on Komo Kulshan (Mt. Baker) for CTSS, you can find her instructing avalanche and backcountry ski clinics in the Carson Range, taking groups of women up high peaks in South America, or leading kayak trips on the beautiful Lake Tahoe. Off the clock, she enjoys working on her motorcycle, frequenting her local bowling alley, and taking extended vacations to surf in warm water.

“Kat and Dani are great instructors and guides. It’s not often you can come across guides who have done this so many times that they don’t naturally lose their “patience” when rookies like myself are clueless!

They deserve recognition, not only for this trip but for their experiences and expertise. From a personal standpoint, I was naturally a bit anxious to meet on Day 1. I think we can all agree that the Gear Check phase of an expedition can be stressful for everyone… but I didn’t experience that. Not once did I feel like I wasted money or was dumb for not having something, which is a first for me.

Kat and Dani set an immediate first impression of understanding and an approachable environment. No one was uncomfortable with them, which speaks to their character and professionalism but more so to their personal and natural leadership ability.”

– Adam F.