MEET THE TEAM THAT MAKES IT HAPPEN.

In a little more than 4 decades, Brett has lived two distinct lives. In the first - spent mainly in the suburbs of Chicago, IL, his path was quite traditional and prescribed. Brett’s “second life” began with a car wreck in 2002 that should have killed him, but instead shook him just enough to create a new path that felt more authentic and passion-driven. This lead to the creation of GOALS - and the opportunity to combine his talents, passions, and experience in a manner that improves the lives of young people while satisfying his own desire to never stop exploring, dreaming, and growing. Brett has spent 23 years with his hands on oars, and has lead river expeditions in Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Idaho, California and Arizona - as well as in Peru, Chile, Nepal, and Morocco. His favorite river is generally the one he’s on, though there are a few he wishes he could find himself floating more than others. When Brett isn’t in a wild river canyon, you can find him near Evergreen, CO - chasing his favorite adventure partners (wife Kristin and daughters Molly & Maya) around the recreational paradise they call home.

My name is Camille Kintzele, I grew up in Clear Creek County, but interestingly enough, have never actually rafted Clear Creek (wild, I know). I now work as a multi-day guide in Utah for ARTA River Trips on the Yampa and Green rivers. I love rowing big gear boats, they remind me how strong and powerful I am. When I was in middle school, I signed up for my very first GOALS trip. I actually backed out because I was so anxious! I decided to give it another go in high school for Cataract Canyon. I still had feelings of anxiousness, but I pushed through and had the best experience of my life. I remember being completely caked in mud from head to toe and not having a single care in the world. If you're reading this, and feeling a little anxious about your trip, I hope you know it's completely normal and that you've got this! If we get to do a trip together, get ready to make the most spectacular PUD (pineapple upside-down cake) you've ever seen in your life.

I grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado, where I mostly played outside and somehow earned a BA in English at Colorado State University. I found my way to Evergreen, Colorado, to play outside some more and teach high school. It was there that I discovered GOALS and the rivers that brought me to where and who I am today. In 2016, my students and I experienced our first GOALS expedition. Many years, rivers, and games of kubb later, I moved to Ireland to earn an MA in Applied Positive and Coaching Psychology at University College Cork. I now work at University of Colorado in Boulder as an academic coach. I still love playing outside, and I also love helping students discover their strengths and live their best lives. I can't think of a better place for those things to happen than on a river with GOALS. When I'm not working with students, you'll probably find me wandering the wilderness, getting lost in a book or series, discovering a new restaurant, attempting to learn Spanish, or planning my next travel adventure.

My name is Ben Shay and I grew up in Clear Creek County right here in Colorado. Thanks to GOALS I was introduced to rivers as a middle schooler. On that first trip, the magic we have all experienced on the river captivated me and I've now spent the last 10 years guiding, competing, exploring and educating in wild places. I feel fortunate enough to have guided, competed and led expeditions in 4 continents, 6 countries, and countless states, adding thousands of miles of fun to my river and wilderness resume. I love the outdoors in all its outlets, from rivers, to climbing mountains, skiing, biking, shooting photography, hunting, fishing, skateboarding and the list goes on. If it's outdoors I'm in! My favorite GOALS river is the Rogue because it is such a fun river to photograph, there is so much color and the light does really unique things with the water currents. In the kitchen I love cooking pineapple upside down cake because it always knocks people's socks off. Yes, we can bake on the river and yes, it is the best thing you have ever tasted. If I had any advice for youth it would be to never stop asking questions, stay curious, open minded and always seeking to learn more.

I am from New Hampshire and my favorite color growing up was orange. Now I usually say it's blue, but my wardrobe might make an argument for green. I'm a teacher and oral historian, which is another way of saying I am always learning and I love it. My favorite questions include how we know what we know and how we came to be where we are. Somehow I'm both a night owl and an early bird. My favorite way to get down a river has always been ice skating, but I'm ready to fall just as in love with the liquid state. I'm grateful for my family, my curiosity, my body, and my heart -- or/still as my preschool self once wrote on a take-home art project, "Carlin is thankful for being who she is." If I could shrink any animal down to fit in my hand and keep as a pet it would be fox, which (like me!) resembles some magical mixeroo of a cat and a dog.

Frank Anello was born and raised in Tampa, Florida and moved to Colorado in 2000. He has always had a heart for serving others, and is excited to scratch that itch through GOALS.
Frank has been married for 24 years and has two amazing daughters— Livia, 17 and Iliana, 14. In 2011, Frank and his wife cofounded Project Worthmore (PWM), a non-profit that works to break down the barriers that stand in the way of refugees from all over the world who now live in the Denver metro area. The organization serves 4,500 refugees annually from over 26 different countries and a staff of 38 that speak over 25 languages.
When Frank is not working on the East Colfax Corridor, you will find him running ultra marathons in the mountains of Colorado.

If Kristin is on the river with your child, it’s a sure sign that they’re among her favorite students to spend time with. You see, while Kristin loves to camp and would rather spend nights under a blanket of stars than in the comfort of 5-stars, she’s admittedly terrified of whitewater. That hasn’t stopped her from leading trips in Desolation and Lodore Canyon of the Green River, Ruby Canyon of the Colorado River, on Oregon’s Rogue River, and even on the mighty Rio Futaleufu in southern Chile. Her willingness to wear her vulnerability on her sleeve and face/conquer fear empowers kids to do the same, and help Kristin bond quickly with those who might feel a bit nervous entering rapid day. When she grows up, Kristin wants to be a beekeeper and lavender farmer whose alpacas follow her through the mountain meadows she calls home. Until then, she’ll continue giving everything she has to the kids she works with in classrooms and canyons, to the causes she feels need a bit more attention and care.

I am from Portland, Oregon and my favorite color has always been orange. Not necessarily to wear, but most certainly to decorate my life with. I'm a teacher, a coach and a tinkerer; I love learning and problem solving. My favorite river is the Columbia River, especially where it meets the Pacific Ocean and my favorite way to travel on both is a boogie board but I'm excited to get out on a raft. I'm grateful for my relationships, my health and my opportunities!

As a grade and middle schooler, my parents sent me to camp for 7 weeks in 3 summers in Northern Michigan, a great gift of privilege I received in formative years. My last year there, at 13, I spent about half my nights in the woods on hike/canoe trips. I LOVED IT. The other great gift was moving us, a few years later, from the suburbs and the country club scene to a farm and the ‘put-up-hay-and-shovel-manure-12-hours-a-day” scene. I loved that too. As a grown up (if it can be assumed I have achieved such “status”), I have 25+ years combined experience as a restaurant chain franchisee and franchisor, and 25+ years combined experience in non-profits as a volunteer, and board member.

The GOALS mission resonates with me because: After spending about 30 minutes in the parking lot with middle schoolers getting gear loaded for a GOALS trip (my first, and the second or third for at least 2/3 of them), I found myself thinking, “Whatever these kids got going for them, I want some. I’m pretty sure my wife and my employees would appreciate it if I acted a little more like these kids.” By the end of the trip I was absolutely sure. When one is willing to waste time with some one or some thing, it is a sure sign of a sense of love. As those times gets filled with attention and appreciation, if one allows, they can be stretched, and connected with core and community and creation. From that kind of love really good, world-changing things can happen.

I was born and raised in Dallas and attended school in Austin, TX. I don't have much of an accent but I do drop the occasional "y'all" and love the colloquialism "cattywampus" as in, "lemme fix your PFD, the straps are all cattywampus". Last summer was my first season with GOALS. I spent a week on the Rogue River in Oregon, and it holds a special place in my heart as favorite river... by a landslide. I grew up floating down the Guadalupe in central Texas and I'm sorry to say, it doesn't hold a candle to the wild and scenic Rogue. I spend most of my year teaching Middle School English in Evergreen Colorado, and my summers are spent travelling/camping/reading/sleeping/running/swimming/cooking/playing. This summer, I'm laying (temporary) roots in Medellin, Colombia and will be back just in time to hit the Green River in Lodore Canyon with GOALS. I'm grateful for the wonderful people in my life, my health, my curiosity, and the endless opportunities for growth and wonder provided by the beautiful world around me.

I’ve lived in Evergreen my whole life, but next year I’m heading to Michigan and Western Michigan University. I went on my first GOALS trip down Ruby and West Water Canyon when I was 12 and have been completely hooked ever since. Since then I’ve made river trips a priority every summer because there’s really nothing else like them Over the last three summers I’ve been lucky enough to help GOALS and go on some elementary school and middle school trips as an assistant guide. My favorite GOALS river has to be the Main Salmon in Idaho. The crystal clear water, wildlife, and huge mountains are unlike anything else. I can’t wait to get back on the river and jump into new adventures this summer!

Growing up in urban Midwest cities, I did not realize how amazing time in nature could be. My travels to different parts of the U.S., Europe, and Central America after college showed me what I was missing! I moved to Boulder five years ago and fell in love with the people and the scenery! I am grateful for my friend and coworker at CU Boulder, Maurissa Moore, who introduced me to the GOALS team. Before working as a college academic advisor and coach, I taught high school music and directed fine arts programs for over fifteen years. I love working with students, and thrilled to trade the stage for a river!