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Lou Mei Gutsch

@loumeigutsch

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Outdoor educator and adventure guide who teaches safe, inspiring experiences in the outdoors.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for outdoor education and guiding work where safety is non-negotiable, teaching is hands-on, and I can lead challenging yet welcoming experiences. I want a team that values continuous learning and responsible Leave No Trace practices.

I’m an outdoor educator, guide, and graduate teaching assistant with a strong foundation in outdoor recreation and education. I combine coaching-focused coursework with real field leadership to help people learn confidently in dynamic environments.

Through my Master of Science focused on Outdoor Education and Sports Coaching, I’ve deepened my skills in adventure facilitation, dynamics of skill acquisition, research methods, and psychology of coaching. I bring that same structure to how I teach—setting clear learning goals, building competence step-by-step, and supporting participants throughout the experience.

I’ve worked as a glacier and day-hike guide in Alaska, educating guests on routes and outdoor skills while keeping the experience engaging and accessible. I’ve also taught undergraduate students stand-up paddleboarding, introduction to backpacking, and navigation at Ohio University, and I’ve supported the Mountain Safety Crew at a ski resort by helping with ski patrol operations.

My certifications and hands-on leadership strengthen my safety-first approach, including Wilderness First Responder, Avalanche Recreation 1 & 2 certification, Level 2 Sea Kayak Instructor (ACA), and Leave No Trace. I’m especially drawn to roles where I can lead outdoor learning, facilitate adventures responsibly, and help others grow through meaningful outdoor experiences.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Park Patroller (Hiking/Packraft)

Current

National Parks Service

May 2026 - Present (1 month)

Patrolled via hiking and packrafting in the Gates of the Arctic, collecting data on human activity, airplanes, and wildlife. Supported field monitoring while maintaining safe, responsible outdoor practices.

Packrafting Field Data Collection Environmental Monitoring Safety In Remote Areas

Glacier Day Hike Guide

Salmonberry Travel and Tours

Feb 2026 - Apr 2026 (2 months)

Guided and educated guests on day hikes on the Matanuska Glacier, delivering safety briefings and outdoor instruction. Supported a positive learning experience focused on terrain awareness and responsible travel.

Guided Hiking Outdoor Education Glacier Travel Guest Instruction Leave No Trace

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Ohio University

Aug 2024 - May 2025 (9 months)

Taught undergraduate students stand-up paddleboarding, introduction to backpacking, and navigation as part of Ohio University Outdoor Programs. Delivered instruction and supported learning through structured course activities.

Stand Up Paddleboarding Instruction Navigation Outdoor Safety Outdoor Curriculum

Outdoor Retail Associate

Hoarding Marmot

May 2024 - Jul 2024 (2 months)

Worked in outdoor retail, supporting daily store operations and customer needs. Assisted with maintaining an organized, gear-focused retail environment.

Customer Service Gear Organization Merchandising Team Collaboration Product Readiness

Glacier Guide & Camp Counselor

Salmonberry Travel and Tours

Apr 2024 - Jul 2024 (3 months)

Served as a glacier guide and summer kids camp counselor, supporting participants during outdoor activities. Helped provide instruction and supervision for safe, engaging experiences.

Kids Camp Support Glacier Guidance Outdoor Supervision Youth Instruction Safety Spotting Outdoor Education Team Coordination

Glacier Day Hike Guide

Salmonberry Travel and Tours

Apr 2022 - Sep 2023 (1 year 5 months)

Guided guests on day hikes on the Matanuska Glacier, providing instruction and on-trail support. Focused on safe navigation, trip planning, and outdoor education.

Guided Hiking Glacier Travel Outdoor Education Navigation Group Facilitation

Adaptive Ski/Snowboard Volunteer

Challenge Alaska

Jan 2021 - Jan 2023 (2 years)

Assisted physically and developmentally challenged individuals to ski and snowboard at Alyeska Ski Resort. Provided hands-on support to help participants participate safely during sessions.

Adaptive Ski Assistance Snow Sports Support Safety Spotting Communication Team Coordination

Outdoor Retail Associate

Hoarding Marmot

Feb 2021 - Sep 2022 (1 year 7 months)

Worked in outdoor retail, supporting store operations and keeping inventory and displays organized. Contributed to a customer-focused gear retail experience.

Customer Support Stocking Cleaning Organization Merchandising Gear Display Team Coordination

Backcountry Guide Intern

Alaska Alpine Adventures

May 2021 - Jun 2021 (1 month)

Learned and trained as part of a backcountry backpacking guide internship. Built experience supporting backcountry preparation and guided travel.

Backcountry Backpacking Wilderness Skills Route Planning Safety practices Outdoor Instruction

Retail Support Assistant

Bike Shop

May 2020 - Jul 2020 (2 months)

Supported bike shop operations by stocking items, cleaning, and organizing. Helped maintain an orderly environment to support daily customer-facing tasks.

Stocking Cleaning Retail Operations Attention To Detail Team Support

Backcountry Ski Intensive Assistant

Steller Secondary School

Dec 2021 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Assisted high school students with backcountry terrain guidance during a week-long backcountry ski intensive in Hatcher Pass. Supported lesson planning and logistics for the program.

Backcountry Skiing Youth Instruction Lesson planning Logistics Support Outdoor Group Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Ohio University

Master of Science, Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism

Grade: GPA 4.0

Activities and societies: Wilderness Literature; Trends and Global Issues; Social Foundations; Hotel Operations; Coaching 1; Psychology of Coaching; Dynamics of Skill Acquisition; Research Methods; Adventure Facilitation; Festival and Event Planning

Earned a Master of Science in Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism with a focus on Outdoor Education and certification in Sports Coaching. Completed coursework including coaching, adventure facilitation, and research methods.

Alaska Pacific University

Bachelor of Arts, Outdoor Studies

Grade: GPA 3.8

Activities and societies: Alaskan Geology; Intro to Sea Kayaking; Intro to Wilderness Skills (10-day field course); Prince William Sound 7-day field course (Chugach Front Range); Advanced Outdoor Leadership; Adventure Therapy; Alpine Ski and Ride; Outdoor Education; Intro to Search and Rescue; Snow Science 1; Food Security; Co-taught Backcountry Ski Clinic

Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Studies. Completed coursework and field experiences including wilderness skills, kayaking, sea and geology topics, outdoor leadership, search and rescue, and snow science.