GOAT Alumni

Ellen Bannon

SFS ’19
Major: STIA; Minor: French
Certifications: GOAT, First Aid, CPR, WFA, ET Top Rope Course and ~~~Lifeguard~~~ certified
My name is Ellen Bannon (nicknames: LN, ello, ellobean, and elbow) and I could be one of your ~~~illustrious~~~ outdoor ed guides on your next adventure! I was born and raised in North Salem, NY and spend my summers working, hiking and swimming in North Eastern, Vermont. Hobbies include: hiking, climbing, camping, scuba diving, being in nature and taking sick photos of people doing all those things. My favorite places to hike/climb include the Green Mountains, Red Rock Canyon NV, Death Valley CA and Seneca Creek WV!

Camden Blatchly

College ’19
Major: Computer Science
Certifications: GOAT, GRIP, WFR, LNT
Camden is a true New England outdoorsman. Raised in the chilly waters of the North Atlantic, he ventured inland, much like Darby Field did in 1648, to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. There, Camden found his true calling: wrestling pebbles in the mosquito-infested North Woods, running/falling along ridge lines, and furthering the AMC’s mission of High Mountain Hospitality while working as a member of their infamous hut crew. Among his many accomplishments include running up two mountains and trying to eat a 36-egg omelette (he only ate 2/3), permanently losing feeling in both of his big toes after hiking 52 miles in a day, and baking the best backcountry whoopie-pies you will ever eat.

Kesiah Clement

SFS ’19
Major: Science, Technology, & International Affairs
Certifications: GOAT, WFR, ET Top Rope Course
Born in Arizona but raised in Portland Oregon, you will most likely find Kesiah in a hammock on Copley Lawn with at least five layers on. Her favorite outdoor activities include hiking, white-water rafting, skiing, and rock climbing. She also enjoys writing and reading creative non-fiction, coordinating for DC Reads, watching Arrested Development, and drinking tea with friends

Dylan McCarthy

SFS ’19
Major: International Political Economy
Certifications: GOAT, WFA
Hello Everyone! My name is Dylan McCarthy class of 2019. I was born and raised in the warm sun of Long Beach, California. I joined Outdoor Ed freshman year and have had great experiences exploring West Virginia, the California Sierras, Catalina Island, and Canyonlands, Utah. Coming from California, I also enjoy all the beach time I can get! I’m currently studying abroad in Japan where I’m planning on climbing Mt. Fuji and doing some adventures in the Gifu Prefecture. When I’m not backpacking or climbing, I enjoy philosophizing about song lyrics, swapping stories, seeking out weird foods, and watching as many movies as possible. Can’t wait to see you out there!

Connor Pace

College ’19
Major: Environmental Biology
Certifications: GOAT, ET Top Rope Course, WFR
I was born and raised in Redwood Shores, CA. Up until Georgetown, I got to spend about 2/5^thsof my life in Lake Tahoe and the Sierras. My family has been incredibly supportive of my adventures throughout my life, allowing me to live alone at times for months. One of my greatest passions in life is learning new skills and teaching. These days I climb every chance I get and hope to get involved in the intersection of environmental policy and business interests.

Devon Schmidt

SFS ’20
Major: French Culture; Minor: Scarves
Certifications: ????
Hullo, my name is Devaugn. In case you didn’t know, I studied abroad in France last semester and really discovered myself. I now wear scarves and gender-neutral headbands. I enjoy the outdoors and particularly enjoy a good broulder session with my best friend and roommate, Camden. If I were to describe myself in one word, it would be cobra, because they are calculating and exotic, much like myself.

Will Thacher

College ’19
Major: Math
Certifications: GOAT, WFR
Will Thacher is from Oakland, CA majoring in math in the class of 2019. Will loves his family and friends, bluegrass music, playing his guitar, and being outside. He has a twin brother and a big sister and two dogs. Will is WFR certified.

Hannah Funk

SFS ’20
Major: Culture and Politics
Certifications: GOAT, WFR, LNT
Hannah hails from Bristol, Vermont and is an avid skier, hiker, and runner. She also loves to cook gluten-free food and, when not exploring the wilderness, can usually be found on Lau 4. Hannah’s favorite outdoor memory is her trip to Sequoia National Park in California this summer.

Lucy Morrison

College ’20
Major: Environmental Biology
Certifications: GOAT, WFR, ET Top Rope Course
I grew up in Beijing but spent my summers in Lake Tahoe where I learned to love cold water, scrapes on my knees, and pine needles in my hair. My favorite hiking friend is my dog, and if I’m not outside, I’m probably in the kitchen making cookies.

Charlotte Phillips

College ’20
Major: History & Government; Minor: Spanish
Certifications: GOAT, WFR
Hey! My name is Charlotte and I’m a sophomore in the college, studying history and government with a minor in Spanish. I’ve loved spending time outdoors for as long as I can remember, growing up spending a month each summer on hiking and paddling trips in Maine. I now spend my summers leading similar trips, which is what made me want to be a guide at Georgetown. My favorite locations to lead trips to in the D.C. area Strickler’s Knob and the Dolly Sods, but I’m really excited about our newly expanded paddling program and hope to lead some canoeing trips soon.

Dani Sparling

MSB ’20
Major: Marketing & OPIM
Certifications: GOAT, WFR
Hi my name is Dani, I’m a sophomore in the MSB. I like long walks in the mountains and Granny Smith apples. One time my mom told me I’m a badass, and it was the greatest moment of my life. Very #stoked to lead some trips!!

Maddie Finn

SFS ’21
Major: Science, Technology, & International Affairs
Certifications: GOAT, WFR
Maddie hails from the wilds of suburban Alexandria, VA. She enjoys long romantic walks up mountains, pineapple juice, docudramas, and painting. Along with OE, she keeps herself busy by writing for the guide section of The Hoya, attempting to master rock climbing, and snacking. Her aspirations in life? To go into outer space and to be on the Bachelor.

Reed Hasson

SFS ’21
Major: STIA; Minor: Arabic
Certifications: GOAT, WFR
Hi, my name is Reed Hasson and I hail from Los Angeles, California. I am in the SFS studying STIA with a minor in Arabic. Growing up my family went to Yosemite every single year and did countless weekend hikes! Coming to Georgetown, I never had gone backpacking but had always been interested, which is why I signed up for GOPOP. Ever since I have explored whatever opportunity possible to go backpacking and I will be backpacking for three weeks this summer. All in all, Outdoor Education has been a great opportunity to escape the Georgetown bubble!

Freddy Ludtke

SFS ’21
Major: International Politics/International Security
Certifications: GOAT, WFR
Born in a small rural town in New Jersey but partially raised abroad in France, Freddy loves hiking, skiing, and seeking out beautiful sunsets. When not soaking in the outdoors, he also enjoys reading non-fiction, finding pick-up soccer games, trying to learn languages, watching historical documentaries, eating chocolate chip cookies, and following developments in international affairs. Before hopefully spending a good part of his life traveling overseas, he dreams of exploring his own country by driving cross-country.

Charlotte Rosenblum

College ’21
Major: Government
Certifications: GOAT, WFR
Charlotte is from Cambridge, MA and has never sat in the driver’s seat of a car. By March 21st, 2018 she will be a certified beekeeper. She is passionate about biking, ravioli, warm socks, oral hygiene, the color yellow, rap music, flash floods, and dream analysis.

Estelle Spanneut

MSB ’21
Major: International Business
Certifications: GOAT, WFR
I was born in France but have lived in Boise, Idaho for a significant part of my life, where most of my time was spent outdoors. I love hiking, backpacking, kayaking, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, and surfing. When we moved to the US, my parents decided that they wanted to see as much of America as possible, so I’ve gone hiking and backpacking in many different states with my parents and two brothers.

Anne Stonecipher

MSB ‘21
Major: Marketing and Finance
Certifications: GOAT, WFR
Born in Seattle, Washington, Anne has grown up being surrounded by the beautiful outdoors. She enjoys hiking, backpacking, and seeking out the best star-gazing spots in the country. When not exploring the outdoors, Anne spends her time at Georgetown as a photographer for The Hoya, going on adventures with friends, and baking whenever possible. She hopes to one day live abroad, ideally with her adorable yellow lab Chloe.

Grace Lobo

MSB ’18
OE Certifications: GOAT
As a proud New Jersey native, I grew up as a bagel and pizza snob with a love for spending summers down the shore. My involvement with Outdoor Ed at Georgetown started with GOPOP VA and after spending almost a week exploring Shenandoah, I knew I had to get more involved! I love hiking as well as kayaking, swimming, sailing and basically anything having to do with being on the water. I also love nutella, Disney movies, thunderstorms, vegetarian pad thai, and The Office and I have a pet cactus named Ernie.

Tami Lacasse

SFS ’18
Major: International Economics
Certifications: GOAT, WFA, CPR, ET Top Rope Course
I moved to Georgetown from Michigan where I developed a passion for scuba diving. I know… you must be wondering: what is there to see in lakes? I was pretty skeptical myself. I think that despite the lack of majestic coral reefs and fish it was the peaceful feeling of being underwater that allowed me to forget the low visibility and cold thermoclines. Because of diving, I have pursued other outdoor activities that offer the same feelings of peacefulness and accomplishment. I have found these through climbing, hiking, stargazing, and camping with OE. I hope you find what you are looking for in OE the same way I did!

Ty Loft

SFS ’18
Major: Science, Technology, and International Affairs
Certifications: GOAT, WFA, ET Top Rope Course
I love getting outside to wander along trails, climb cliffs, and look for cool creatures. In the classroom, I study wildlife conservation issues and Portuguese. I spent last summer driving a stick shift pickup through Mozambique’s national parks, where I narrowly avoided being squashed by an angry elephant.

Jesse McNeil

College ’18
Major: Environmental Biology
Certifications: GOAT, GRIP, WEMT, WAFA, CPR, ET Top Rope Course
Interests: kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, surfing, yoga, tie-dye, and coconut water.

Ali Stephens

College ’18
Major: English & French
Certifications: GOAT, WFA
Ali is a senior in the college studying English and French. She joined OE her sophomore year after spending the summer working at a Dude Ranch in Colorado, where she fell in love with all things outdoors. Ali enjoys hiking, paddle-boarding, hammocking and backpacking. The summer before her junior year, Ali lead a GOPOP backpacking trip in Virginia with two other OE guides and had a blast. Ali spent a semester studying abroad in Lyon, France and is from the Boston area.

Madison Ashley

SFS ’16
Major: Culture and Politics
Certifications: GOAT, WFA
Born and raised in the bayous of New Orleans, La, Madison traded her below sea level paradise for the good ole Shenandoah Valley on GOPOP VA 2012. Per the tradition set by her Mountain Mamas, she has a strong attachment to live mac and Georgetown Fight Song singalongs. If prompted, she can debate both the finer points of New Orleans cuisine (gator included) and her overwhelming attachment to her Tevas in equal turn. When not chasing waterfalls, she can be found eating Pop’ems in the Hoya office or stargazing at the Observatory. Who Dat.

Emma Murphy

SFS ’16
Major: International Politics, Arab Studies
OE Certifications: GRIP
Medical Certifications: WFA, CPR
Born and raised in the Seattle area, Emma loves all things outdoors. When she’s not hanging onto a rock face, backpacking through the hills, or camping with friends, you can find her dancing, studying Arabic, and making a mess in the kitchen. Emma’s introduction to the east coast “mountains,” live mac, and Georgetown’s outdoor community was GOPOP VA 2012. And including the time a group of guides decided to walk to Harper’s Ferry, WVA in one day, OE has been possibly the best part of life at Georgetown.

Sam Hanslits

SFS ’16
Major: STIA and E&E (Science, Technology & International Affairs with a concentration in Environment & Energy)
OE Certifications: GRIP
Medical Certifications: WFR
Sam was born and raised in Salem Oregon. He grew up hiking, skiing, and rafting with his family, but now almost his whole family has the climbing bug. Sam is most at home in a harness 100 feet off the deck, but you can also find him running trails around DC and grooving to the beat at any rock or EDM show.

Helen Sprainer

SFS ’16
Major: STIA
OE Certifications: GOAT
Medical Certifications: WFR, CPR, WWS
Helen was raised in the land of ten thousand lakes and feels most at home listening to the loons as the sun sets over the pine forests of northern Minnesota. She is working for OE for the second time this year teaching the new guide class in the fall and running training trips in the spring semester. Places you are likely to find Helen on campus include: the Outdoor Ed office, with friends playing the violin or the guitar, and making snow angels outside of Healy in the winter.

Tori Morgan

College ’17
OE Certifications: GOAT
Medical Certifications: First Aid, CPR, Lifeguarding
I hail from the beautiful town of Middleton, Massachusetts and love hiking, camping, and mountain biking. After working as a summer-camp counselor in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I knew that being a GOAT was the only way to satisfy withdrawal from the outdoors upon returning to Georgetown. While at school, you can find me cooking with friends, visiting the National Gallery, and exploring new running routes. My spirit animal is a dolphin because I love hanging out with groups of people, silly games and foreign languages. Can’t wait to meet you!

Katie Harper

Class of 2017
OE Certifications: GOAT
Medical Certifications: Lifeguard and CPR
Katie hails from right outside of Philly in the town of Villanova. She loves ice cream, coffee and breakfast. Her favorite outdoor activities include skiing and hiking but she aspires to become a surfer (she has tried and failed but will keep trying). She is a certified junior ranger of Yellow Stone National Park and is a two time champion of both her junior and senior gym class badminton tournaments

Frankie Collantes

Class of 2017
OE Certifications: GOAT
Medical Certifications: CPR
I hail from the suburban wilderness outside Atlanta, GA, and have a deeply ingrained love of country music, Chik-fil-a, and sweet tea. I got involved with Outdoor Ed through GOPOP VA, and after the experience of almost dying on a mountaintop I knew I had to get more involved with the program. I enjoy backpacking and day hikes, kayaking, fishing, boating, and rock climbing. I am also involved with DC Reads and Relay for Life at Georgetown, and I enjoy playing the guitar and ukulele, soccer games, and crunchy peanut butter.

Matt Harden

SFS ’17
Major: International Politics
OE Certifications: GOAT
Medical Certifications: WFA
Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, I have learned to love everything outdoors. Whether it’s backpacking in the Appalachian Mountains, whitewater kayaking, rock-climbing, or cooking a gourmet meal on a camping stove, there is nothing I’d rather be doing. As a proud member of the GOPOP VA family, I knew that I wanted to get more involved with OE at Georgetown. But outside of OE, I’m a certified Martial Arts Instructor and an avid fan of everything international relations

Jon O’Neill

College ’17
Major: Physics & Economics; Minor: Math
OE Certifications: GOAT
Medical Certifications: WFA, CPR
Raised by eagles in the Catskills, Jon is an experienced outdoorsman and frankly loves anything outside and joined OE to share his passion with others. Hiking, climbing, skiing, sailing… as long as a trip doesn’t interfere with his monthly square dance, he’d be willing to go. His favorite places on campus are the Quadrangle, Observatory Park, and the roof of Reiss Science Building. In society, Jon is an outspoken enthusiast for square dancing, MacGyver, obscure TV/movie references, and Choco Mint Chip.

Nick Mendolia

SFS ’16
Major: International Politics
OE Certifications: GOAT
Medical Certifications: WFA
I hail from the great state of New Jersey and enjoy anything in the fresh air. I love to run, bike, hike, climb, and occasionally binge-watch Parks and Rec on the weekends. At the age of 20, I have yet to pump my own gas or really visit the west coast – two things that I’m hoping OE will help me achieve.

Carley Tucker

Class of 2017
OE Certifications: GOAT
Medical Certifications: WFA, CPR
A North Carolinian who loves traveling and all things bluegrass and bacon related. I love square dancing, eating delicious food, mountain biking, and traveling anywhere and everywhere with my family. My family is very adventurous and I have spent many car rides searching for hiking trails and getting lost in foreign locations. I spent a year in Spain and could live off of chocolate and churros. I love college basketball, exploring museums in DC, and finding picturesque locations to hang up my hammock

Emma Holland

NHS ’17
Major: Nursing
OE Certifications: GOAT
Medical Certifications: CPR, WFA, Lifeguard
My interests are hiking and skiing, but I also just got scuba dive certified so that’s an interest too now other than the outdoors stuff. I also play rugby and I like to travel and play music.

Helen Faust-Little

College ’18
OE Certifications: GOAT, GRIP
Medical Certifications: WFA, CPR
I love climbing, camping, hiking, backpacking you name it! Pretty much anything outdoors. I’m also really passionate about animal rights, the environment, and my dog whose name is Caillou. My favorite thing to do is take long walks in the woods with my dog.