fbpx

Our Amazing Team

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

EMILY KRALL OSTERMAN

Founder & Executive Director

Emily graduated from Whitman College with a BA in Environmental Studies and Sociology. A native of Steamboat Springs, she moved to Boulder after graduating from college to work at Natural Capitalism Solutions, an environmental non-profit that provides green solutions to businesses. She then worked as a teacher at Thorne Natural Science School, and as the Outreach Development Coordinator at INSTAAR (Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research), a research institute of the University of Colorado. Emily took these experiences with her to Steamboat Springs. Her encounters working at her parents’ independent bookstore, Off the Beaten Path, along with her love for the outdoors and teaching, guided her to found BookTrails.

Emily is an avid outdoors-woman and loves to explore the Colorado backcountry and Taos, New Mexico. She enjoys skiing, rafting, hiking and traveling. She has extensive traveling experience in Latin America and the American West and is fluent in Spanish. She also loves to cook and spend time with her golden retriever and camp dog, June. Emily’s husband, Jordan, is also a big supporter of BookTrails and can often be found fixing things at camp! Emily and Jordan welcomed their son, Griffin, in January of 2018.

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

ANNMARIE BLODGETT

Administrative Director
Annmarie was born and raised on the coast of Maine.   After graduating high school she went off to Rhode Island to attend Providence College. There she studied Health Policy and Public and Community Service, graduating with a Bachelors of Science.  Since graduating college Annmarie has served several terms with AmeriCorps.   Her experiences range from serving as a VISTA at a school-based health clinic and community health clinic, working on a trail crew in southwestern Colorado, and currently as a School-Based Mentor at Steamboat Springs Middle School.   Annmarie has also worked as a Summer Reading Coach at a charter school in Maine.    In her free time Annmarie enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, biking, camping, and reading in her hammock.   A summer in Steamboat seems like the perfect setting to do all of these activities she loves so much.  Annmarie is very much looking forward to working for BookTrails this summer to continue following her passion of working with kids, reading, and the great outdoors! This will be Annmarie’s third summer with BookTrails.

2023 Teachers

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

JAZZEL GARDEA

 Guide 2023
More

Hi, my name is Jazzy! I was born in Craig, Colorado then moved to Steamboat Springs to be raised here! I have been working for BookTrails for two consecutive summers now and this will be my third summer working for the organization. I also speak Spanish! I am a junior at Regis University majoring in politics and peace and justice. After graduation, my goal is to attend law school! My favorite books are The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas and The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. While growing up in Steamboat Springs I learned to value nature and adventure. I love hiking, snowboarding, traveling to new places, and chasing sunsets. I love exploring the world and I am always up for a crazy adventure. I am excited to work with BookTrails again and hopefully learn along the way.

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

Julia Yahres

Guide 2023
More

I was born and raised in Holden, Massachusetts. Currently, I’m an undergraduate student at Syracuse University in New York. I’m studying Communication Sciences and Disorders to become a future Speech-Language Pathologist. I grew up hiking around New England in the warm months and curling up with a good book during the cold ones. I’m looking forward to combining both joys this summer!

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

Parker Goss

Reading Guide 2023
More

Hi! I’m Parker! I am super excited to be at Book Trails this summer. This summer, I look forward to sharing my love of reading, the joy reading can bring, and spending time outside and connecting reading and writing with the outdoors. A little bit about me, I currently hail from Baltimore, MD, where I am an elementary school teacher with Baltimore City Schools. In 2022, I graduated with my Masters in Education at Johns Hopkins University. Before teaching in Baltimore, I served in the Peace Corps, teaching in Paraguay. When not working in the classroom you can find me exploring the local trails by foot or bike, enjoying a book, or dancing in the kitchen while cooking a meal.

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

Vivian Lundeen

Administrative Support Staff 2023
More

Hey, I’m Viv! I spent my childhood living in Portland, Oregon, but moved to Salt Lake City, Utah when I was 13, and it is now where I call home! Living in two beautiful states has allowed me to spend a lot of time outdoors. Whether I’m on the beach or in the mountains, I’m happiest when I’m outside. I am currently a student at the University of Utah, where I’m studying elementary education, as well as working as a nanny. My only sibling is nine years younger than me, so caring for children has always been an extremely important part of my life. I am especially passionate about teaching kids new ideas. Growing up, I attended all sorts of different summer camps, and have always appreciated what I’ve learned from them. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to work at one as awesome as Booktrails! When I’m not in school or playing with the kids I babysit, I love to go hiking with my dog, do yoga, travel and explore new cities, and learn facts about all different species of animals. I can’t wait for an awesome summer in Steamboat, and to share my passions with your kids!!

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

Lucy Holtkamp

Intern 2023
More

Hello! My name is Lucy Holtkamp and I am going into my third year at Colorado State University. I study Natural Resources Tourism with minors in Business and Global Environmental Sustainability. I am also a 200-hr Certified Yoga Teacher! I also love to read; some of my favorite books right now are The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver and My Vegetable Love by Carl H. Klaus. I am so excited to be an Intern with BookTrails and share my love of literacy and nature with every kiddo! 

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

Tony Gandolfo

Intern 2023
More

My name is Tony Gandolfo, from Potomac Maryland. I am currently advancing my education in Environmental Science at the University of Utah with a focus on earning my Bachelor of Science degree. I love all things outdoors, so I am very interested in doing what I can to help preserve our planet and reduce the negative impacts on it. I do all sorts of activities, but skiing and camping are my favorites! I have extensive experience camping in the backcountry of Quebec, and I am hoping to share some of the skills I have learned from these experiences over this coming summer. As for my literary taste, I usually find myself reading fantasy novels. I love diving into the vast and wonderful universes that different authors have created. My favorite book series would have to be The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. Introduced to these books at an early age, I’ve found myself drawn back to them over time, relishing their content and narrative with each successive reading. I am very excited to be a part of the BookTrails crew, and am looking forward to sharing my passions and knowledge, and of course having fun!

head shot holder for a person

THIS COULD BE YOU!

CLICK HERE to see how you can get involved.

Past Teachers

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

KAITLYN HERMAN

Intern Guide 2021
More

I was born and raised in Stevens Point, which is located directly in the center of Wisconsin. Point, and the Midwest as a whole, has always blessed me with many great outdoor resources. Fantastic trails, the Great Lakes, and state parks have always been available to me at my fingertips. Some of my favorite activities include mountain and road biking, swimming, paddle boarding, rock climbing, and hiking. When not joyously out in nature, you will most likely find me at the library. I currently study English with an emphasis on 19th Century and Modern American Literature, at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI. After I graduate in the spring of 2022, I plan to finish my Women’s Studies minor as a B.A. at the University of Wisconsin. After completing my undergraduate education goals, I plan to achieve the biggest goal of all—and hike the entire Appalachian Trail! I am anticipating not only a great summer here in Steamboat, but am looking forward to uplifting and carrying out the mission of BookTrails every single day.

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

DOMINIQUE ROSARIO

Outdoor Science Guide 2021
More

Dominique was born and raised in Austin, Texas. After graduating high school she went to college at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Environmental Studies and Spanish. After college, Dominique moved to Colorado where she found her love of Rocky Mountain Ecology and working in Environmental Education. You will find Dominique reading, hiking, camping, eating ice cream, and finding new places to explore in her free time. Dominique is excited to join the BookTrails team and to spend another season in the Colorado Mountains. 

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

GRETCHEN CASTELLOE

Intern Guide 2021
More

Born and raised in rural North Carolina, Gretchen grew up exploring the outdoors. Whether swimming in the Atlantic or hiking in the Smoky Mountains, she loves to be outside taking in the wonders of mother nature. A rising junior at Wake Forest University, Gretchen is majoring in Environmental Science and minoring in Anthropology and Dance. There she studies how different facets of the environment interact with one another and with human society. In her free time, Gretchen can be found hiking, reading all sorts of books (but especially fiction!), painting, birdwatching, or watching nature documentaries on Netflix, especially those narrated by David Attenburough! Gretchen loves working with kids and appreciates their endless energy and fresh outlook on life. She has found that kids often teach us as much about the world as we teach them. Gretchen is thrilled that she gets to spend her summer in the beautiful Rocky Mountains reading and working with kids – pretty much her dream job! She can’t wait to get started and have a summer she’ll never forget!

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

MEGAN KRIEGER

Intern Guide 2021
More

Hi I’m Meg! I am from Boston, MA originally but I go to school in the beautiful state of Maine. I’m going to be a senior this fall at Bates College and I am a politics major and an education minor. I love to camp and hike with my friends back on the East coast, and have also spent the last month of this spring exploring Montana! I am a huge fan of all kinds of bodies of water (frozen ones too) and seeing every sunrise and sunset I possibly can! After graduation I plan on working in education in some way and I am super pumped to spend the summer hanging out with and teaching kids in CO!

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

DREA MABIE

Outdoor Reading Guide 2021
More

Drea was born and raised in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin but moved to Colorado in 2017 to attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. She graduated in May 2021 with a BA in Environmental Sociology and a BA in Economics. Over the years, Drea has had the opportunity to work in many areas of sustainability with a wide range of organizations. She has experience in alternative transportation, education for sustainability, clean energy solutions, and community based social marketing. Drea fell in love with the world of outdoor education during her time studying and working in Tasmania, Australia in 2019. She is beyond excited to work with the BookTrails team to inspire the next generation of students and leaders to be curious and caring about the world around them. Drea is an avid skier, climber, hiker, camper, biker, and general outdoors-person. She enjoys cooking, reading, writing, and playing cards when she’s not playing outside.

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

FAITH BURKE

Teacher Summer 2019
More

Faith was born in Washington D.C. and was raised close by in Virginia. She currently attends the College of William and Mary, studying Environmental Science and Anthropology, where she also works as an outdoor trip leader and rock climbing guide. During the school year-if not reading- Faith can be found trail running, hiking, climbing, camping or kayaking in and around Shenandoah National Park. She was lured to Steamboat this summer after catching word of the town on a trip to Moab, Utah and fell in love with Book Trails and its mission. Faith is so excited to join the team this summer and know it will be one for the books!

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

KEALY FOGARTY

Teacher Summer 2019
More

I was born and raised in the Florida Keys on a 2X5 mile island named Key West. I grew up in the outdoors; from chasing the waves to surf up the east coast of Florida to giving kayak tours throughout my high school years. Apart from water-sports, my favorite activities include chasing sunsets, bike-riding, and hiking. I fell in love with hiking in the mountains during a surf expedition to Costa Rica, so getting to work for BookTrails in Steamboat is a dream come true. I am currently studying at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL for a major in International Relations and Global Affairs and minors in Environmental Studies and Spanish. I have studied at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on global issues, as well as worked with the director of Eckerd’s service learning program on exploring environmental injustices throughout Pinellas County, FL. I am in Eckerd’s Peace Corps Prep Program, so after I graduate I plan to settle out west (maybe Colorado) for a short while and then join the Peace Corps.

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

ANASTASIA PAVLYUK

Teacher Summer 2019
More

I spent my childhood traveling between Florida and Russia. My first true experience with the outdoors came when I was fourteen on a multi-day backpacking trip in the Southeastern part of Russia. From then on, I’ve loved sharing stories around campfires, climbing mountains, and experiencing nature with special people. I am a rising sophomore studying Biology and Psychology at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Education is important to me, and I believe the best way to learn is to encourage the creativity and curiosity within us all. I love to get out of the city and spend my free time exploring and repelling off of waterfalls. I am so excited to intern for BookTrails and am ready to learn and grow throughout this summer!

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

ALLISON HANSON

Lead Teacher Summer 2018
More
Since finishing her summer with Book Trails, Allison moved on to become a field instructor at an outdoor science school in the San Bernardino National Forest in southern California. Allison teaches 5th & 6th graders about a variety of nature topics like plants, animals, water, environmental awareness, climbing, and archery. In her free time, Allison explores the mountains of SoCal, reads, knits, and plays games with friends.
booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

KAYLEE DILLON

Teacher Summer 2019
More

My name is Kaylee Dillon and I grew up in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. I currently go to school at West Virginia University, I am currently studying Environmental Soil and Water sciences and am extremely passionate at the environment and our beautiful planet. At school I am apart of the rail trail clean up, where we go around the hiking trails of West Virginia and pick up all the trash to keep our trails beautiful. I’ve always spent my free times outdoors, but my favorite thing to do is hiking. Getting lost in the trees or mountains is a feeling that can’t be compared to anything else. I love to do yoga and meditate. I am extremely passionate about spiritual and mental health and think that being outside is something that is essential to both of them. My other passion is books and poetry. I love books because it gives us the chance to visualize the words we read in our minds and every person interprets a book differently. I love children and look at myself as a young spirited person who loves to be goofy and have fun. Children are our future and I think it’s important to get them outside in nature, and being able to make them happy, makes me the happiest. When I graduate school this upcoming May, I plan to work as a hydrologist, which is a person who studies properties, distribution, and effects of water in our world.

booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

MICHELLE NEDEAU

Assistant Director Summer 2018
More
Michelle Nedeau was an Assistant Director at BookTrails during the summer of 2018. Michelle reports she “had the most amazing summer working at BookTrails and was sad to see the summer go.” However, she quickly moved onto other adventures that would not have been possible without the inspiring summer she spent at BookTrails. Michelle is now living in Whitefish, MT where she is the Unit Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country! Working so closely with kids and their families is what makes the job so rewarding. Michelle loves knowing that the organization is able to make a positive impact on the small community. Also, being only 30 minutes away from Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort is not too shabby either!! Thank you for reading, if you are considering sending your children to BookTrails considering working here, Michelle highly recommends it!!
booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

ANDREW PRYOR

Intern Summer 2016 & Lead Teacher Summer 2017
More
Andy was an intern at BookTrails in the summer of 2016 and a Lead Teacher in the summer of 2017. He went on to complete his teacher’s certificate during his time as a paraprofessional in his hometown of La Crosse, Wisconsin and now is a teacher in Bellingham, Washington. Andy teaches three middle school science classes including earth and space science, life science, and physical science as well as a couple of math classes. Just as he was in Steamboat, Andy is still fly fishing, skiing, and mountain biking. Although, the influence of sea run fish has sparked a new found interest of his; spey fishing!
booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

OLIVIA WRIGHT

Intern Summer 2017
More
Olivia worked for BookTrails in the summer of 2017 as a teacher and absolutely loved it! BookTrails definitely helped solidify her interest in environmental education. She is now in her senior year of school at Colby College studying Environmental Policy and Anthropology. After spending a semester studying at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, Olivia spent the summer in Namibia interning for an environmental education non-profit. There she helped develop educational materials focusing on sustainability in both urban and rural contexts, and helped to teach week-long programs similar to BookTrails camps! After graduation, Olivia plans to go into more environmental education (and likely return to Colorado)!
booktrails-camp-staff-emily-02

STEPHANIE STEINBRECHER

Intern Summer 2016
More
After living in Steamboat as a teacher with BookTrails, Stephanie moved back home to the San Francisco Bay Area. She worked for McSweeney’s Publishing and worked with local high schoolers to produce the 2017 Best American Non-required Reading anthology. Now she lives in Oakland, where she spends her days poking into local bookstores, hiking, and working for the Sierra Club on the national communications team. Stephanie continues to be passionate about literacy, education, and environmental stewardship — and spends as much time in the Sierras as she can.
En español »