Online course: Plan Like A Pro

Meet the instructors

Meet our stellar instructor team, who guide students through our online backpacking course and pre-guided trip curriculum. Our instructors are fastidious planners, have great attention to detail and impressive backpacking resumes.

Our Team:

Ella Nuttelman

  • Boulder, CO
  • 36 years old
  • Married to Charlie and mother to Logan (1-year-old)
  • Instagram
  • she/her

I began working with Andrew in the summer of 2022 as the Operations Assistant.  My guiding history began in my early 20’s at a YMCA camp, where I took youth into the Goat Rocks Wilderness in Washington.  From 2012-2021 I led backpacking, canoeing, and rock climbing trips for Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center throughout western Colorado and southern Utah.  

I believe outdoor recreation is an essential human need and is intrinsically therapeutic.  Being active in the outdoors through human-powered travel is something that makes me tick, and I want to share that with others.  I strive to teach outdoor skills and instill confidence in backcountry travel and hope that the lessons and experiences gained through backpacking can be taken back to benefit one’s everyday life.

I grew up backpacking with my family in the Wind Rivers. With family as my #1 priority, you’ll often find me with Logan on my back exploring the trails these days. Finding time to escape to the trails has always been a priority, with adventure and fitness motivating my actions.  Recent highlights include:

  • Trail ran the Rockwall Traverse and the Lake O’Hara Circuit in the Canadian Rockies
  • Climbed the East Ridge of Edith Cavell
  • Traversed from Glacier Bay to Yakutat, AK
  • Section hiked the Grand Canyon, AZ
  • Cathedral Traverse, WY
  • Trail ran the Gore Range Trail and climbed Mount Whitney, training for the Squamish 50
  • Fastpacked the Wonderland Trail, WA
  • Gannett Peak Project, WY
  • Climbed the Kautz Route (2x) on Mount Rainier
Ella hiking in the Grand Canyon

Mikaela Osler

  • Albuquerque, NM
  • 30 years old
  • Instagram
  • she/her

This is my fourth season guiding with ASA; last year I surpassed 100 days with the program. I also have more than a decade of experience in outdoor education with kids and young adults. My favorite thing about guiding is helping others gain the skills and comfort they need so they can challenge themselves, grow, and have a blast outdoors.

I hiked the PCT in 2016. Since then, I’ve completed the triple crown and have set FKTs on the Colorado Trail and Long Trail. When I’m not on trail, I dabble in ultrarunning and backcountry skiing. I’m also a writer; I completed my MFA in creative nonfiction in 2022. You can find my writing about the outdoors in places like Archetype and Blood, Sweat, Tears, an anthology about women outdoors.

In the winter and between trips, I work as a ski patroller and volunteer EMT in rural New Mexico. I previously spent several years instructing college English. Whether I’m teaching how to structure a paragraph, assess a patient, or read a map, I love finding creative ways to help people connect with new skills and ideas.

My favorite client testimonials from 2024

  • Mikaela has superb people management skills. She made sure everyone felt included and listened to.
  • Always upbeat, even when things weren’t perfect. She helped me feel safe, when I was terrified.
  • Mikaela’s knowledge and her willingness to share it in a way that worked for me was wonderful. She is thoughtful in her presentation and was willing to adjust her teaching style to fit the learner and the occasion.
  • It is also an absolute joy to see and hear Mikaela’s appreciation for the plants and animals of an ecosystem!
  • Mikaela maintained a positive and bubbly attitude for the entire length of the trip. The energy she brings to the trip is unmatched and it really has a big impact on the trip.
Mikaela enjoying a snack break in Yellowstone.

Witt Wisebram

  • Santa Fe, NM
  • 40 years old
  • Cat Dad to Rutherford (Trail Name: Catmandu), Dog Dad to Agnes (17 year-old Chihuahua), Partner to Megan
  • Instagram
  • he/him/his

This is my fourth season guiding with Andrew. I am excited to continue learning from such an experienced team, and I am also looking forward to bringing my skill-set, experience, and perspective to our clients this season. I have guided close to 100 days in the field for Andrew and over 100 clients. I grew up backpacking in the Southeast. I worked as an Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner, patrolling 55 miles of trail between Harpers Ferry, WV, and Shenandoah National Park in the years before guiding for Andrew. In the past I have guided for REI and privately guided in Chilean Patagonia.

Some of the most profound and enriching outdoor experiences I have had in recent years have been helping others to achieve their goals. It feels like a natural extension, after achieving many of my own goals and dreams, to help others find their way to their own goals in the outdoors. From helping Stringbean achieve his amazing Arizona Trail FKT to helping friends finish their first 100 mile races to encouraging hikers as they begin the 2nd half of the Appalachian Trail, these experiences have helped broaden and expand my own relationship to the outdoors. I hope to help clients not only learn and grow, but to do so in a way that fosters respect, connection, and a deeper relationship with the natural world.

I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2003, at the age of 19. Since then I have completed the Triple Crown of long distance hiking, and I have been able to find strength and push my limits in the outdoors in ways that I never thought possible. I have held FKT’s for the 100-mile-wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail (unsupported), the Arizona Trail (self-supported), the four-state-challenge of the Appalachian Trail (unsupported), and the Appalachian Trail through all of Shenandoah National Park (unsupported). I have been competitive in a broad range of ultra marathons, including top 5 performances at the Moab 240 and the Cocodona 250. Most recently I took 2nd place at the Across the Years 10-day-race by running 630 miles in the 10 days. I am a Wilderness EMT as well as a Leave No Trace educator. Lately I have been enjoying instructing Wilderness First Aid classes for the Skurka program.

My favorite testimonials from 2024

  • Witt demonstrated deep experience with the area and with backpacking generally. His instruction was clear, comprehensive, and very well done. Witt has a wonderfully calm and quiet, but humorous demeanor, and he exhibited great care and empathy… I really enjoyed my conversations with Witt. I think everybody in the group had complete trust in his abilities. I would not hesitate at all to be guided by him again.
  • Witt was an outstanding co-guide, helping to amplify points Andrew made. He was a thoughtful and interesting conversationalist, a great instructor, extremely dedicated to the well-being of the clients (like running back to get my buddy’s lost knee brace), and just an overall pleasure to hike with.
  • Witt was just fantastic listening to and learning about each of us. He always took time to explain technical topics in detail. Witt asked us every night what were our Lows, Highs and Lesson’s Learned. That led to great conversations.
  • Witt was phenomenal at managing expectations and energy within the group. Early on some members were experiencing health issues, and others in the group expressed their frustration at the potential impact that might have on the success of their trip. Witt was able to diffuse the situation, address the concerns of the group and realign everyone’s expectations accordingly. Secondly, Witt is an exceptional teacher. He has unparalleled patience and his deep experience with all the teaching modules was clear. I also appreciated that he would also step back and let us try out our new skills in a way that felt authentic but also safe.”
Witt in his element in Bridger Teton NF.

Tina Currin

  • Boulder, CO
  • 37 years old
  • Married to Grayson + 2 cats
  • Instagram
  • She/her

I joined ASA in 2024 as an Online Instructor, and 2025 marks my first year as a guide. For years, I’ve worked as a Park Ranger with the National Park Service; now, I’m based in the foothills above Boulder. I am a Wilderness EMT and a Certified Interpretive Guide. Before settling in Colorado, my husband, two cats, and I crisscrossed the country in our van, hiking, climbing, and running through all 50 states—one giant, chaotic adventure. Over the last six years, I’ve logged 11,000 miles of backpacking, plus countless hours scrambling up cliffs, carving through snow, and pounding pavement. Right now, I’m obsessively ticking off the National Scenic Trails:

  • Ice Age Trail — 1,200 miles, November 2024
  • Continental Divide Trail — 3,000 miles, Summer 2023
  • New England Trail — 220 miles, February 2023
  • Arizona Trail — 800 miles, October 2022
  • Florida Trail — 1,200 miles, January 2022
  • Pacific Crest Trail — 2,652 miles, Summer 2021
  • Appalachian Trail — 2,192 miles, Summer 2019

Each trail has taught me something new about keeping spirits high when the rain won’t stop, the food runs out, and the miles stretch on. Guiding isn’t just about showing people the way—it’s about helping them find their grit, their humor, and their capacity for awe. Because that’s the wilderness: it will humble you, and, if you let it, change you.

In another life, I worked as a journalist, founded a social justice nonprofit, collaborated with Duran Duran and Dave Matthews Band, organized music festivals and bike races, crafted “viral” internet campaigns, and even snagged a Guinness World Record. The throughline? Changing how people see the world and, hopefully, themselves along the way.

Tina staying highly visible in CO!

Jose Mendez

For the past four years I’ve worked in outdoor education and guiding as a camp instructor, day guide, and multi-day guide teaching backpacking, climbing, canyoneering, and kayaking. I started with Andrew Skurka Adventures in 2022 guiding trips in the Sierra and have now also guided in Utah, Alaska, and Yellowstone.

I didn’t grow up spending much time outdoors and had to pick it all up as an adult later on in my life. Guiding gives me the opportunity to share my newfound love of the outdoors with those who also haven’t had the ability or resources to discover these amazing places and experiences. On each trip I lead, I try to share all the skills I’ve acquired as an outdoor enthusiast and my passion for preserving these beautiful wild places.

I’ve gone on some long walks on the John Muir Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Colorado Trail and routes like the Lowest to Highest, Hayduke Trail, Wind River High Route and Yosemite High Route. I’ve also done a lot of technical climbing all over the West including Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Tahoe, and the Grand Tetons among many other places. I love to focus on the geology and indigenous history of the area I’m guiding in in order to expand the client’s perception of these wild and wonderful places. I also love identifying wildflowers, especially in the Sierra.

My favorite testimonials from 2024

  • “He was very supportive of my weather/cold anxiety, very patient with us, really listened to everyone, clearly communicated our route and goals, attentive to physical support if needed. He put our safety first.”
  • “Jose is very caring, attentive and patient to the needs of others.”
  • “Demonstrated techniques (with some flair); Calm and Resolute”
Jose in the Brooks Range in Gates of the National Park, Alaska

Hunter Hall

I’ve been working as an instructor for Andrew’s guided trips and online class, Plan Like a Pro, since 2019. I’m thrilled to be the new Program Manager in 2025!

I love being an instructor and guiding because it gives me an opportunity to share hard-won knowledge with others and empower people with the skills to do their own exploring. In the field, I’m very level-headed, safety conscious, and believe in fostering a culture of risk awareness, open/transparent decision making, and healthy, fun group dynamics.

In another life, I’m a hospitality industry executive, HR professional, lobbyist, government contractor, and management consultant. I’ve led over 50 seminars and workshops in this capacity and have directed teams of 100+ since 2007.

I spend most of my outdoor time in the mountains of California, from the San Gabriels to The Sierra, most of which is off-trail along high routes like the SHR, KCHBR, SoSHR, YHR, etc. I love winter backpacking, snowboarding/skiing, adventure cycling, and packrafting. Recently, I’ve combined these pursuits with things like Bikerafting, Skirafting, and more traditional Bikepacking. I have a newfound fascination with geology and natural history.

My favorite testimonials from 2024 clients

  • “Wealth of knowledge. Excelled at understanding and adapting to the group’s emotional and physical state. He was also great at allowing the group to learn by experimenting, only stepping in when necessary to correct or alter a decision if needed.”
  • “Uncanny ability to explain something so you understand quickly and retain it.”
  • “Great at teaching us how to travel in difficult terrain safely. I felt completely safe knowing he was there.”
  • “Amazingly supportive and encouraging. Generous, kind, soft-hearted, and fascinating to talk to.”
  • “Great teacher who made sure each of us intentionally walked the group through how we came to conclusions while we were leading.”
  • …and my favorite (thanks to the beard): “The Most Interesting Guide in The World!”
Hunter on the Kings Canyon High Basin Route.

Katie Gerber

Since joining ASA in 2021, I’ve spent 186 days in the field with clients in Utah, Alaska, California, Colorado, and West Virginia. At the beginning of 2023, I took on the role of Co-Director of the company.

As a guide and outdoor educator, my goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to safely pursue trips of their own. I enjoy teaching risk-management, sharing about local flora, and creating a group environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves.

In addition to guiding and co-directing at ASA, I run my own business as a holistic health coach, where it’s my mission to help others feel their best — on trail and off. I’m the creator of the Backpacker Academy online courses and author of the backpacking guidebook Adventure Ready: A Hiker’s Guide to Planning, Training, and Resiliency.

A few of the notable hikes I’ve completed include:

  • a 115-mile off-trail ridgeline traverse of the Sangre de Cristo range, all above 12,000′, starting at Blanca Peak and finishing at my front door;
  • an off-trail, end-to-end hike of the Grand Canyon;
  • the Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, Oregon Desert, and Colorado Trails;
  • the Pfiffner Traverse;
  • the Wind River High Route;
  • and a 900-mile off-trail route in the Great Basin.

I love alpine travel and have summited all of Colorado’s 14ers. I’m currently working on the Centennials as well as the ranked 13ers in the Sangres. I also enjoy backcountry skiing, canyoneering, (gf) baking, tending to my houseplants, and volunteering on my local Search and Rescue unit.

My favorite testimonials from 2024 clients

  • Katie was encouraging, approachable, and empowering. She took incredible care of us and also gave us space to learn, make mistakes, and grow our skills in a supportive and safe environment.
  • Katie is just an absolutely top notch guide. She’s a complete badass, but very understated, allowing others in the group to shine. She is deeply knowledgeable about all aspects of backcountry travel – food, walking, packing, gear and is happy to share when asked. I love hearing her stories and following along on her adventures. She does an excellent job managing group dynamics, never flinching, showing exasperation and keeping everyone on task and in a good mood.
  • Katie is an exceptional guide and leader. She demonstrated deep experience with the area and with backpacking generally. She demonstrated great on-the-fly decision-making skills. She is an excellent instructor; her instruction on maps and navigation was the clearest and most complete that I have experienced (and this is my 4th Skurka trip). She related to everybody in the group on a warm, personal level. She “led from behind” very well: she gave the group room for an appropriate amount of individual freedom and opportunities to take on leadership roles, while ensuring the group was staying cohesive and on point. I think everybody in the group had complete trust in her abilities. I can’t say enough good things about Katie. I really enjoyed meeting her, and would be overjoyed to have her as my guide again.
  • Katie goes out of her way to check in with every client and make sure they’re getting the best out of the experience and themselves. She’s a calm presence who offers tons of reassurance at any time. It was great to learn from her and her enthusiasm for the outdoors is inspiring.
  • “Katie is the rock on which the trip stood. I can’t overemphasize how much her steady, evenhanded guidance added to the trip. What stood out most was: 1. Expert shepherding of the dynamics of the group across a wide range of personalities, experience levels, and day-to-day fitness levels. She turned a rambunctious all-male group into a harmonizing boy-band in under 36 hours, and somehow the key to this was teaching us the names of 30 wildflowers. 2. Skillful matching of the route and responsibility sharing to Curriculum. We were continually challenged but never beaten down, and never were we given a problem we didn’t have the toolbox to solve. “
Katie feeling grateful to be in the Brooks Range of Alaska.