Contact and Trip Leaders

Kristen was born and raised in the southwest, attending college in Arizona, where she found a love of life sciences and majored in Human Development. Adventure was calling and she decided to spend 2 years in Africa where she served for the Peace Corps as a Community Health Educator and learned about the dynamics of people and their environment. She quickly found an interest in education and upon her return to the United States, she began teaching which ultimately led her to her passion in outdoor education and conservation.

Her backcountry career began with the Student Conservation Association working in remote areas of the Canyonlands National Park before transitioning to the Grand Staircase Escalante Partnership as a Field technician and Education Coordinator for 2 seasons. She returned to the Park Service for 7 seasons working for the Maze District and Glen Canyon NRA where she cultivated a leadership role in training and education. During that period, Kristen returned to Escalante often to spend time with the community and landscape she had come to cherish.

When work duties are not calling, Kristen enjoys exploring creativity in the geography and rich history of the area, taking a walk about with her god dogs and lending a hand to help with projects around the community.

They say there must always be a sacrifice in the place you live, the work you do and the friendships you create, but Kristen feels truly fortunate to have found a home where all of these basic needs are not only fulfilled but continue to inspire and amaze her.

Victor was born and raised in a small village in France, nestled between ranches, vineyards, and castles. After high school, he worked various jobs until he immigrated to the USA in search of better opportunities.

He first visited the Colorado Plateau and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in 2012 and was instantly captivated by it. As his fascination grew over the years, he decided to give back to the land in the spring of 2023 by joining a stewardship project. The experience ignited a desire to contribute more significantly, and profoundly reshaped his career aspirations.

Victor is excited about working with the community and volunteers for the benefit of this special place.

Kaitlin was born and raised in the big sky country of Montana, where she also attended college studying Natural Resource Conservation. She grew up spending vacations exploring the canyon country of the desert southwest.

Upon receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Montana, Kaitlin quickly moved south. She spent six years working throughout Utah conducting extensive aquatic sampling and monitoring, while also developing ways to better present and use data for public land management. She is excited to find ways to help educate and involve everyone in protecting the Grand Staircase.

Whether exploring the Rocky Mountains or navigating the deep canyons of Southern Utah, Kaitlin’s passion lies in protecting and appreciating our public lands.