Adventure Center Manager
First Aid, CPR
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
School: University of Georgia

Ben was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and attended the University of Georgia. After graduation, he moved to Estes Park, Co and became a mountain biking, hiking, and backpacking guide in Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding wilderness areas. There, he developed a deep desire to be in the mountains and nature and to share that appreciation with others. Later, he worked as a Landscape Architect in Boulder, where he designed parks, school grounds, and state parks. Ben's desire to live a simple, authentic life in the mountains with good people kept pulling at him, so he and his wife, Addie, decided to pack up and move to Clark. In their free time, they love to do anything to get them outside along with their dog, Chief.

Fly Fishing Manager
First Aid,CPR,AED
Hometown: Plymouth, MN

Isaac is an outdoors-man in every sense of the word. Growing up he spent his time wrangling turtles, catching monster Pike, and frogs. Now he splits his time between fishing, hunting, and backpacking. Isaac just recently took a trip to Belize where he spent his time chasing Bonefish around the flats. We are excited to have Isaac and his expertise at the ranch again this season, now heading the fishing program!

Safety Manager/Guide
CMC EMT Program
Hometown: Elgin, TX

Nate is officially our Safety Manager, but that is just the start of what he does at the ranch! When not fixing things or overseeing our fleet of 14 hot tubs, or guiding, or wrangling, he finds time to pursue his hobbies that include hiking, playing softball, dancing, and horseback riding. Nate really enjoys playing on Vista Verde’s intramural softball team during the summer and volleyball during the winter. For his first job, Nate was involved in restoring a 1939 Cadillac LaSalle. He is a volunteer with North Routt Fire Department as an EMT and Firefighter type 2. Finally, Nate married our own lovely Melissa in October 2016 in VVR's Great Room!

Guide
Hometown: Ipswich, MA
School: Johns Hopkins University

Natalie graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2017 with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Marketing. Along with her studies, Natalie was also a member of the lacrosse team. She loves the beach and enjoys horseback riding. Natalie is also a lover of animals and the great outdoors. This is her third season here at VVR and she is so excited to explore the mountains of Colorado with our guests! Fun Fact: Natalie's middle name is Summer and she was born on the Summer Solstice!

Guide
Wilderness First Responder
Hometown: Placerville, CA
School: California Polytechnic State University

Shannon is constantly trying to get her hands on a new adventure. She is outside from sun up to sun down, rarely seen without her Jammy Pack (music playing fanny pack). She loves to travel! Shannon has been to over ten countries and visited every continent except Antarctica. She most recently came back from a six week trip hiking throughout England, Italy and Slovenia. Fun Fact: Shannon loves Thai food!

Guide
Hometown: Albany, GA
School: University of Georgia

After a couple seasons with Vista Verde, Rachel moved to Waco, Texas to work on a farm various skills in agriculture. We are so excited to have her back with us! She spent the summer baking with Melissa, the winter as ski guide and will be with us this summer hiking and biking! Rachel has a passion for nutrition, wellness and travel. Most recently, she went on a six week trip throughout England, Italy and Slovenia with Shannon!

Fly Fishing Guide
Hometown: Charleston, SC
School: The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina

Miller studied Business Administration at The Citadel in South Carolina and graduated from the college in 2011. His interests include: fly fishing, fly tying, running, hiking, and playing soccer. His main passion is fly fishing. He has previously worked as a fly fishing guide for Rainbow Trout Ranch (2012, 2016) and Tarryall River Ranch (2016). During the Christmas/New Year holidays in 2015 he traveled to Chile/Patagonia for 2 weeks to fish, a Do-It-Yourself trip with a friend. His next destination for fishing is New Zealand. When not on the river, he also enjoys horseback riding.

Human Resource Manager/Fly Fishing Guide
USCG Certified Captain, CPR, AED
Hometown: Annapolis, MD
School: University of South Carolina

Zach is a dedicated outdoorsman who has been chasing anything with a set of gills or pair of antlers since he was 2 years old. Growing up on a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, he enjoys fishing for striped bass and sailing during the summer months. In the fall, he can be found bowhunting for whitetails and sika deer. Zach is also a proud USC Gamecock and looking forward to an awesome summer at VVR! Fun Fact: Before joining us at VVR, Zach sailed 1,900 nautical miles from Annapolis, MD to the Bahamas with his father.

Fly Fishing Guide
Hometown: Milford, MI
School: Michigan State University
First Aid CPR & AED Certified

Andrew grew up in Michigan and has been exploring the states' many lakes and rivers with a fishing rod in his hand ever since he can remember. Once he was introduced to fly fishing as a teen, it was all over. After graduating from Michigan State University, Andrew decided to pursue his passion for fishing and make it his career. He has spent the last four years at Boyne Outfitters in northern Michigan guiding and sharing his love for the intimate fisheries with guests. He is very excited to take his passion and love for fly fishing and the outdoors and share them with our guests at Vista Verde. When not fishing Andrew enjoys fly tying, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and snowboarding. Fun Fact: Andrew is a huge hockey fan and a die hard Detroit Red Wings fan.

Fly Fishing Guide
Hometown: St. Cloud, MN
School: Bemidji State
First Aid, CPR & AED Certified

Harry has grown up with a passion for the outdoors. When he is not in school, he spends his time fishing, hunting and backpacking. Harry is also a big hockey fan. His favorite teams are Minnesota and Detroit. He is excited to spend his first summer with Vista Verde!