Matt’s passion for teaching came from his time as a snow board instructor at Northstar. Though he enjoyed instructing adults, it was the kid groups that truly made him smile. Life had other plans though, and Matt put his ideas of teaching on hold while working in the private yacht industry, plying the waters of the South Pacific during the winters and cruising around New Zealand during the summers. He ended up going back to school to get his teaching degree in New Zealand and worked in a local elementary school as a 4th/5th grade teacher for 2 years before moving back to the USA. Once back home in 2012, Matt joined TEA where he taught 5th grade for 6 years before making the transition to the Middle School and High School in 2018. Matt was thrilled to join the Middle and High School team and have the opportunity to focus in on his love of history, while also helping to solidify the Middle School as an integral part of TEA.

What inspired you to join TEA? Seeing my kiddos come home from school each day with smiles on their faces and stories to tell.

Where did you go to school? University of Waikato / Graduate Diploma in Teaching; Sierra Nevada College / BS in Business Administration

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I have logged over 26,000 nautical miles at sea.

Carolyn grew up on the Maine coast, and has been slowly moving west ever since. She got her BA in Creative Writing & Spanish at Northwestern University in 2012, then moved to the Colorado to pursue a MA in Education at the University of Denver in 2015. Carolyn spent 3 years teaching in a bilingual 4th grade classroom in Denver Public Schools, then 3 years teaching 4th grade & coaching the biathlon team at TEA.

Carolyn is a 4-time NOLS grad, having completed a semester course in New Zealand in 2012, an Outdoor Educator course in Wyoming in 2019 and several WFR recertification courses over the years. She spent many summers leading international & domestic trips for teenagers with Adventures Cross Country. Any spare second she can get, Carolyn can be found backcountry skiing, trail running, mountain biking, backpacking or multi-sporting–she is a particular fan of long-distance sufferfests.

She is also an author and a freelance writer with work published in Backcountry Magazine, The Ski Journal, the WildSnow & NOLS blogs, and the Teton Gravity Research website. Her first book, Out Here: Wisdom from the Wilderness was released by Rocky Mountain Books in 2020 and is available at Word After Word in Truckee!

What inspired you to join TEA? I love the opportunities for creativity at TEA (both for teachers & students!), as well as the holistic approach to education. Getting to help students push themselves beyond their perceived limits, explore what they’re passionate about, and engage with real-world issues is such a gift!

Where did you go to school? BA in Creative Writing, Northwestern University 2012, MA in Education, University of Denver 2015

Do you have any special certifications? WFR since 2015, AIARE Rec Level 2, Endorsement in teaching culturally & linguistically diverse populations

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I used to work for the Appalachian Mountain Club’s hut system in New Hampshire, and got to live in a hut up on Mt. Washington for a fall season!

Loren earned his California Multiple subject Teaching Credential from Chico State University and is currently working toward a Waldorf teaching certificate. During his most recent teaching experiences in Waldorf education he discovered many alternative methods for reading instruction and teaching techniques. Loren discovered his passion for working with children at a day camp in Tahoe City more than fifteen years ago and is very excited to be doing what he loves in Tahoe once again. He is eager to learn more about the expeditionary model and looks forward to sharing his ideas with the communiTEA.

He also enjoys many outdoor activities including mountain biking, kayaking, fishing and exploring nature with his family. Loren likes to play music and work making things with his hands. He lives in Kings Beach with his wife Ashley and daughter Iyla. Loren believes that a teacher’s task is to help each student reach their greatest potential. To do this he must be a guide, and companion in the pursuit of knowledge and the pursuit should be authentic for the student and teacher.

What inspired you to join TEA? The opportunity to help kids reach their greatest potential.

Where did you go to school? California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Chico State University

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I am an avid blacksmith and teach a blacksmithing class at TEA’s summer camp.

Andy is excited to be teaching upper school science and leading 9th-10th grade crew at TEA. Andy cultivated his experience in education over the course of 14 years in independent schools where he served variously as a science and photography teacher, department chair, residential life staff, Director of Experiential Ed and Dean of Students. He is focused on connecting students with their own curiosity and fostering self-awareness under the guiding principle that safety and challenge must coexist in the learning environment. He excels at pushing students to contextualize their experience in pursuit of their goals. Andy’s focus in the classroom is to continually push core understandings in science by drawing together big ideas. He asks students to develop the ability to make observations, ask scientific questions, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and create scientific arguments. In this way students develop scientific habits of mind while building confidence and independence.

What inspired you to join TEA? I’m inspired to be a part of a learning community that shares my goals and values. I’m excited for the opportunity to innovate in the classroom, to explore unifying through lines across the student experience, and the constant pursuit of growth and collaboration.

Where did you go to school? I earned a BS in Biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an MS in Zoology from Washington State University.

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I love tying flies. There is nothing quite as satisfying to me as the combination of art, science and sport. It’s also quite funny to watch big old me tying tiny little flies.

Carrie Haines is from Mill Valley, California. She studied with the School of Dramatic Arts at the University of Southern California and earned her BFA in Acting. Carrie did her post graduate work in English and Dramatic Arts at Sonoma State University. She has been a member of both SAG AFTRA, and Actor’s Equity Association. Carrie has been directing stage productions at both the community and professional level since 1990. Carrie is the Artistic Director for Truckee Community Theater and teaches workshops, camps, and directs main stage productions. Carrie is a member of the California Educational Theatre Association (CETA). She is excited to be joining the communiTEA along with her husband John and daughter, Lily who is now at the middle school.

What inspired you to join TEA? Just about everything at TEA inspires me, but what stands out is the idea of challenging students to reach beyond their comfort zone to explore the world around them.

Where did you go to school? The University of Southern California, School of Dramatic Arts, BFA

Do you have any special certifications?California Educational Theatre Association (CETA, Member Actor’s Equity Association, Retired member Screen Actor’s Guild/SAG/AFTRA.

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should?I am an introvert.

Merinda is from California and grew up spending time exploring and playing in the Sierras. She studied International Development with a focus on Latin America and Political Ecology. Her studies focused on trying to find solutions that balance the social, environmental and economic needs of the world, which makes her very excited to be at TEA where students grapple with those problems regularly. She has spent time working with non-profits that tackle these challenges in Ecuador, Chile and Costa Rica.

Prior to working at TEA, Merinda worked as a ski instructor and naturalist in Tahoe. These jobs helped her realize her passion for teaching kids in settings where they are empowered to learn through their own experiences and pursue their curiosities. Merinda also spent a year in Madrid, Spain where she studied Spanish and worked as an au pair to foster language acquisition for the three young girls in the family.

Teaching Spanish at TEA is a culmination of many of Merinda’s personal interest and she is excited to share her passion for the value of language with the students. Outside of TEA Merinda loves to ski, run, climb, bike and generally take advantage of the outdoor opportunities in Tahoe.

What inspired you to join TEA? TEA’s approach towards framing learning as a way of tackling real world problems as well as their acknowledgment of the value of learning through experiences.

Where did you go to school?  University of California Berkeley, Bachelors in International Development with a focus on Political Ecology in Latin America

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I have skied in more countries than states.

Ana was born and raised in Miami, FL, where she studied Visual Arts at New World School of the Arts. For her undergraduate degrees Ana studied science & design at the New School in New York City, receiving a BA degree in Environmental Studies and a BFA in Design and Technology from Parsons, as well a double minoring in Interdisciplinary Science and Hispanic Studies. Her thesis Solaic documented the creation of dye-sensitized solar cells and studied their potential use as a hands-on way of learning about energy, electricity, botany, and chemistry.

Ana has worked with various institutions as an educator, designer, and marine species researcher– whether it was exploring Alaska in the name of renewable energy, mucking about SF Bay for invasive clams, or biking through Brooklyn with tupperwares of phosphorous-loaded pond water.

After graduating Ana moved to Reno, where she worked for the Desert Research Institute to created citizen-science centered curricula to engage the surrounding communities with their local ecology. She is currently enrolled in Sierra Nevada University’s Masters of Arts in Teaching program. Her work focuses on the intersection of art, science, and education, and her passions lie in interdisciplinary avenues of promoting STEAM engagement for all.

What inspired you to join TEA? TEA’s commitment to providing inquiry-based and experiential education fosters the curiosity and passion of its students, making it a unique and inspiring place to have the pleasure of contributing to each day!

Where did you go to school? Parsons School of Design, BFA in Design & Technology & Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, BA Environmental Studies with minors in Interdisciplinary Science and Hispanic Studies

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I like to experiment with making raspberry-powered solar mosaics (dye-sensitized solar cell arrays) in my spare time

Eric graduated from Salisbury University in 2004 with a BS in Business Marketing. At Salisbury, Eric had a standout lacrosse career — winning two National Championships in 2003 & 2004 and was named the 2003 & 2004 National Defenseman of the Year and the 2004 National Player of the Year. The summer following college, Eric was drafted by professional lacrosse teams in New York and California. After spending time on both coasts Eric made San Francisco home for the next 8 years, that is, while he wasn’t flying to/from or playing lacrosse games across North America. Eric enjoyed a nearly 10 year professional lacrosse career in the National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse. Eric was a member of the US Men’s National Team that won the 2010 World Championship in Manchester, England. He’s a member of the Salisbury University Athletics Hall of Fame. Eric started working at TEA at the beginning of the 2011/12 school year. Prior to moving to Tahoe, Eric worked in sales and marketing within the sport and manufacturing industries. He directed and coached One City Lacrosse, a non profit that introduced lacrosse to underserved youth in San Francisco. He also co-founded and ran a lacrosse camps business. Eric believes that athletic participation and competition define character and perseverance. Eric will draw from his extensive professional background to help students discover and pursue their athletic passion.

What inspired you to join TEA? The opportunities and challenges that Lake Tahoe and its surrounding lands provide to everyone willing to step out of their comfort zone.

Where did you go to school? Salisbury University, BS in Business Marketing

Do you have any special certifications? High Sierra Lacrosse Board Member, Wilderness First Responder

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I’m a better cook than you.

Greg’s path to joining TEA was through the world of action sports. Prior to TEA, Greg was at the helm of an influential action sports publishing network whose titles included Freeskier Magazine and Snowboard Magazine. His particular area of expertise is branded content production and distribution, and he’s found an impactful application for that skillset at TEA. From our TEAFilms.org program to our yearbook, website blog, social media, and monthly feel-good email newsletters, Greg may have earned the title of “Chief Storyteller” at TEA.

What inspired you to join TEA? The opportunity to use storytelling and content distribution to influence kids to solve real-world problems and advocate for causes they believe in.

Where did you go to school? Sierra Nevada College, BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Ski Area Design, Layout and Management.

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I love to cook and have even won competitive cooking awards for my pork green chili (that’s made with 100% jalapeños).

Ken is a lifelong student & practitioner of leadership and management, having led teams in several military, corporate, & non-profit environments. Ken derives immense satisfaction from helping people use their talents to accomplish goals. Ken is deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a school where the students are enthusiastic learners, where the teachers and staff are creative and passionate, and where the entire community pulls together time after time to support this unique and powerful program.

What inspired you to join TEA? Seeing students learn what they’re capable of when they’re tested by adversity. Seeing confidence, self-knowledge, passion, and purpose develop in students.

Where did you go to school? Vanderbilt University BE Chemical Engineering and University of Houston – Clear Lake MBA

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I love to sing, mostly in quartets & choruses, having performed for thousands of people in many different settings, from elementary school classrooms to nursing homes, theatres and sports venues including the NHL Predators at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. As a teenager, I performed at the Palace Theater at Six Flags in St. Louis, MO. Most recently, I’ve performed with Nashville’s Music City Chorus in the 2018 BHS International Chorus Contest in Orlando, FL, placing 5th.

Mara was born and raised in Oregon. Whether it was skiing Mt. Hood, traveling the world with her family, hiking the Pacific Northwest or camping up and down the West coast, Mara spent her childhood taking advantage of the beautiful world around her. Mara attended the University of Oregon to earn a Bachelor of Arts in History. After graduating, she moved to Tahoe and enrolled at Sierra Nevada College where she earned her teaching credential in secondary social studies as well as a Master of Art in Teaching. Her master’s thesis focused on using primary and secondary sources to teach about social injustices throughout history. Mara is passionate about connecting history to current events and sharing the passion for learning that she enjoys with her students. Mara has worked in a variety of settings with students and teachers ranging in levels from Kindergarten through University teaching subjects like math, writing, social studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies. In 2016, Mara joined the faculty at Tahoe Expedition Academy and has worn many hats since then, such as humanities teacher, crew leader, Dean of Students, and Program Director. She is passionate about bringing real-world experiences to the students of TEA and ensuring they have the skills and abilities to leave TEA to become courageous citizens of the world. She was drawn to her leadership position in order to advocate and support students, parents, and teachers while contributing to the “magic sauce” of TEA.

What inspired you to join TEA? TEA allows teachers to bring curriculum alive in order to make learning fun, challenging, and applicable to the real world. Traveling for fieldwork with students allows them to dive deeper into content, work with experts, develop a multicultural understanding of the world, and allows the student and teacher relationship to develop. When I see TEA students alongside students from other schools I am always blown away by their social and emotional maturity. TEA allows us to bridge the gap between rigorous academics, social-emotional learning and character development, and real-world adventure. At most schools, it is hard to implement change, but at TEA we thrive on it because we live in a dynamic world.

Where did you go to school? University of Oregon, B.A. History + Sierra Nevada College, M.A.T.

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I love cooking and baking. I used to make wedding cakes and novelty cakes for special events.