AMY KRUEGER

BA - Environmental Education and Outdoor Recreation -Western Washington University
Graduate Assistant, Outdoor Programs
828.262.4077
kruegeraj@appstate.edu 

Most recently I’ve come east from the redrock deserts of Moab, Utah to pursue a Masters in Community Counseling here at Appalachian State University.  Throughout my life I have enjoyed wilderness and adventure in many forms.  I love being involved with introducing this experience to others.  Over the years I’ve worked for numerous outdoor organizations ranging from leading trail crews for the Student Conservation Association to backpacking trips with The Women’s Wilderness Institute.  Over the past decade I’ve worked for Outward Bound Wilderness in both the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and the great state of Utah doing everything from packing courses to leading courses to administrative work.  In addition to being outdoors I enjoy strong coffee, reading, cooking up tasty meals with friends, and gardening.  I am looking forward to all that ASU and Boone have to offer over the next few years!

CARSON RIVERS

BS-Recreation Management: Outdoor Experiential Education - ASU
Graduate Assistant, Outdoor Programs/HPC Department
828.262.4077
riverscg@appstate.edu

I am very excited to be back in Boone and back on campus working on a Master's in College Student Development:  College Outdoor Program Administration.  I have been working in the Outdoor Education Field in part time and full time positions for almost 12 years.  Most recently I was the Director of the Outdoor Program at River's Way Outdoor Adventure Center, an AEE accredited program near Bristol, TN.  I also work very heavily in the Challenge Course industry with Blue Ridge Learning Centers/Challenge Towers.  My responsibilities here at the University are shared between Outdoor Programs and the Human Development and Psychological Counseling Department.  They include managing the Blue Ridge Parkway Corps and working to make formal connections between departments with outdoor interests on campus.  I live in Boone with my wife Christy and our dog Blue.

alex schwartz

BS in Philosophy and Minor in Outdoor Leadership from North Carolina State University
Graduate Assistant, Outdoor Programs/HPC Department
schwartzae@appstate.edu

I'm at ASU working on a Master's in College Student Development: College Outdoor Program Administration. I've spent most of the last six years instructing at the North Carolina Outward Bound School, with a brief stint at Outward Bound Australia. When not working, I've spent much of my time traveling; across the US as well as to Mexico, Australia, and Thailand. I enjoy rock climbing, white water paddling, and mountain biking (and when recovering from injuries sustained doing those activities I enjoy reading and watching movies). I lived in the Appalachian mountains most of my life, and I'm excited to be calling Boone home for next few years.