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Catalina Foothills School District

🌲 Meet Our Community Schools Outdoor Adventure Guides! 🌵

Posted Date: 05/14/26 (09:27 AM)


🌲 Meet Our Community Schools Outdoor Adventure Guides! 🌵

We are so excited for our upcoming summer adventures! Our program is led by a team of highly qualified, passionate educators and outdoor professionals dedicated to providing a safe, educational, and "breathtaking" experience for our students.

Get to know the team leading the way:

Our Leadership

  • Mary Grodman (Program Coordinator & Guide): A Tucson resident since 1998, Mary founded the Outdoor Adventure Program in 2013. With a BA in Environmental Science and multiple guide certifications, she is passionate about opening students' eyes to the beauty of the Southwest.

The Adventure Team

  • Jacob "Jake" Ball: A former high school science teacher and National EMT with 10+ years of experience. Jake is an expert in sustainable education and fly fishing.

  • Abbie Weeks: A Mechanical Engineering grad and certified Wilderness First Responder. Abbie has years of experience guiding teens through backpacking and kayaking.

  • Mackenzie Fritz: A Tucson native and Master Naturalist. She integrates her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology with yoga training to build resilience and confidence in hikers.

  • Alex Pierce: An Eagle Scout and Wilderness First Responder. Alex has spent years guiding specialized llama-assisted expeditions through the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone.

  • Blake Hinson: A teacher and coach at Catalina Foothills High School with a Master’s in Special Education. Blake brings 8 years of experience working for Rocky Mountain National Park.


Ready to Explore?

Join us this summer for fun, adventure, and education!

Enroll today: cfsd16.arux.app