| Meet
the team
At
Pacific Challenge, we believe it's all about quality
people ~ leaders and participants. We've selected
a dynamic team of supportive, resourceful and
experienced people, to head up our trips. They
understand implicitly, the importance of balancing
the needs of individuals with group objectives,
facilitating a high level of group cohesion, inspiring
a lasting appreciation for the areas visited,
and an awareness of minimum impact travel ethics.
They take take a genuine interest in your welfare,
and seize every opportunity to give you the time
of your life!
All
our leaders are trained in wilderness or remote
travel first aid, outdoor leadership, and risk
management. They all hold graduate or post-graduate
qualifications.
|  Dave
Wright, PhD, is an Australian
and the Director and founder of Pacific
Challenge. He brings his love of the outdoors
and vast experience to the program and trips
he leads. Dave's background in Environmental
Studies and Tourism also provides a strong
interpretive emphasis to our time in the
lands down under. With his approachable,
outgoing nature, he makes friends the world
over.
|
 Crockett Roberts brings a real love for people and the outdoors to our program. His classically Australian personality and sense of humor are unforgettable. Crocket's unparalled knowledge of the marine environment and wealth of experience as a PADI scuba instructor from the Great Barrier Reef are an excellent addition to our outdoor leadership skills. There's no one better to introduce you to the wonders of the aquatic world! |
|  Adam
Elson, MAT, a past NZ/Australia trip
participant from the US and now a NZ resident,
is a teacher and dive instructor, with a
background in experiential education and
leadership in the outdoors. His warmth,
supportiveness, approachable nature and
calm disposition make him an invaluable
member of the PC team.
|
 Craig
Allen grew up surfing and kayaking
around New Zealand. On completing a post graduate
diploma in Marine Science he spent 6 months
exploring the beaches and rivers of Australia's
east coast. Home again from a 3 year stint
working and travelling in Asia and South America,
Craig is currently balancing his passion and
work in the outdoors with newly aquired home
renovation skills on his coastal retreat.
Craig has a calm competant charisma, the ability
to converse with anyone and makes a wicked
curry. |
 Sophie
Bisdee is a native who is inspired
by the land, culture, and music of Aotearoa
New Zealand. She loves adventures and has
lived overseas as well as in many parts of
New Zealand. Sophie has a Masters in Preventative
Medicine and is currently directing a youth
development program. She has the fantastic
ability to make a game out of anything, and
has more energy than you can shake a stick
at. |
 Julie Sevier, a past participant of Pacific Challenge, brings to our team an enthusiasm for exploring the outdoors from the top of snow covered peaks to ocean floors. She calls Oregon home and claims the NW Cascades as her backyard playground. While also pursuing an education in nursing she has spent a significant amount of time traveling through Europe, SE Asia, New Zealand and Australia. Julie's down-to-earth nature makes her a great confidant and her fun-loving attitude is infectious! |
 Tara Murphy, also a past participant of Pacific Challenge, brings a passion for life to every occasion. She has traveled extensively throughout New Zealand, Australia, Central America, and the Pacific Islands. She is an accomplished outdoors woman who adores snow boarding and scuba diving. Tara has a bachelors degree from the University of Oregon in journalism and fine arts. She is a free lance jewelry designer who has work in Oregon and New Mexico galleries. She is partial to red wine and easily tempted by anything chocolate. |
 Marie Kirschstein interned with Pacific Challenge on the New Zealand/Australia program and loved it so much she joined the team! Her passion for experiential education and the outdoors make a great combination. Most of all she loves to make everyone feel right at home even while they travel on the other side of the world. She plans to pursue a masters degree in education leadership. |
|
