JOURNEY 2 - MEET THE CREW!
Amy Blanding has the unique ability to lift spirits with an ever-present positive nature, all the while keeping everyone's feet planted firmly on the ground. Amy calls Prince Edward Island home and has a strong passion for soccer and rugby. She is a firm advocate of the three universal languages: sport, music, and laughter. After attaining an Honours Degree in Political Science from Dalhousie University, Amy wanted to combine her formal education with first-hand experience. Volunteer work with AIDS and sex trade victims in Bangkok’s largest slum provided Amy with an unflinching, but rewarding, glimpse at real world issues. This experience inspired Amy, who now inspires others as she searches for “funkadelic ways to get youth involved in the social justice and environmental issues; empowering the leaders of a sustainable revolution."
Amy Newman
Heather Hall is known for her openness, compassion and interest in the healing arts.
She currently works as a Certified Massage Therapist and is passionate about creating
community through workshops, social gatherings, volunteering and being outdoors. She is
inspired by her mother and sister who are both dedicated to 'walking their talk'. Heather is at her highest when she is helping others while traveling and experiencing different cultures.The beautiful coastlines drew this Canadian to the California coast where she lives with her beloved, Dave, and you can often find her communing with nature sitting in a tree, or at the beach contemplating life. Heather's enthusiastic and outspoken nature regarding environmental and humanitarian issues adds a lively and essential perspective to this diverse group of youth. Heather will certainly continue her dedication to manifesting positive change throughout the world.
Klara Schwab is a vibrant and energetic Canadian girl whose smile lights up a room. A graduate of Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC, Klara is passionate about promoting community wellness and empowering youth to follow their dreams. Klara’s passion for youth leadership developed at an early age when she competed as a provincially-ranked gymnast and semi-professional dancer. Last year, Klara cycled 7,000 kilometers across Canada promoting clean air and raising money for the Canadian Lung Association. She has also volunteered extensively with the Jessie’s Hope Society, which is dedicated to the prevention of eating disorders. Klara’s extensive history of working with youth and passion for engaging our next generation of leaders will be a positive asset to the Education Team.
Advanced Team
Angus Argyle can often be found perched on top of a tall building or a fire escape... directing people on the ground to form a larger-than-life image or message with their bodies. This 'aerial art' is one of the
more dramatic examples of how Angus works with the local chapter of the Western Canada Wilderness Committee to raise public awareness about theneed to protect wilderness and marine areas on Canada's west coast.
Angus is completing his PhD in Statistics at the University of Victoria. In his research, he is developing new methods of estimating the number of species in a habitat using field data gathered by scientists from a small site inside the habitat. Angus truly enjoys helping people learn mathematics using fun games & activities for young kids and one-on-one tutoring sessions for university students.
Fond of fresh ocean breezes and lush forests, Angus has worked on the west and east coasts of Canada for several government agencies during work terms while completing his Bachelors of Science in Math & Computer Science. He has also travelled around Normandy and down the east coast of Australia. Angus is looking forward to an amazing one-of-a-kind experience as an Advance Team member of Pole to Pole.
Steve Ingold is amongst the most enthusiastic people you would meet. His over-the-top energy empowers him to work continuously on projects long after most would have given up. During his Engineering studies at McGill University Steve became recognized as an Engineering Student leader both locally in his community but also nationally across the country for relentlessly inspiring those around him to become involved in matters that are important to them. He was attracted to Pole to Pole for his affinity of fast moving water, rock and snow, but also for his life-long love of teaching others, something he has done both as a hobby and a career. Pole to Pole has thus far given him the ability to redefine the meaning of the term "impossible", and he aims to use his energy and teaching skills to pass this gift onto others.
Scott Gluck might become the first environmentalist who doesn’t really like the outdoors. Growing up in the suburbs of Alberta, Canada, Scott developed a passion for shopping, talking and personal hygiene. These interests were great for Scott’s previous life as a TV reporter, but don’t necessarily lend themselves to outdoor adventures and humanitarian work. After three years riding the airwaves from one side of Canada to the other, Scott is breaking out of his comfort zones. Working in the media gave him a chance to experience the good, bad and ugly aspects of his community. Pole to Pole is his opportunity to channel his cynical energy towards positive change, and hopefully help him find a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty in the world around us.
Stephanie Harrer has had the pleasure of following her dreams, and experiencing the world through travel and with people of different cultures. Her experience volunteering in Angola, Africa when she was 19, teaching in Japan, and living in various European countries, has instilled in her a strong sense of global citizenship. She has learned a lot about the power of rising to one's own potential, overcoming challenges, and being out in the world. Consequently, she is inspired by the potential of the individual that Pole to Pole will shed light upon with its journeys and through youth sharing with youth. Stefanie is excited to bring the energy and excitement of youth overcoming challenges through travel and through inspired projects in new and different ways through Pole to Pole. Building this community of international youth who are positive, playful and courageous is what Stefanie strives to accomplish on the Education Team.
Expedition Team
Jon Earle may be our down-to-earth Kiwi, but his calm demeanour hides a burning passion for change. He has an extensive work history in Outdoor Youth Development both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Jon has also submitted to numerous other "menial jobs" to support an addiction to mountain life and fresh powder. He has travelled extensively but the things most important to him are family, friends and our natural environment. Jon is dedicated to seeing firsthand the changes occurring around the world, both positive and negative, and sharing his experiences with the world's youth. His quiet physical strength and calm, positive outlook will be integral to the team's success.
Xiang Qin Qing is little ball of muscle with a thousand-watt smile and an infectious spirit. An exceptional guide and explorer who grew up on a rural farm in China, Xiang has spent the last three years running experiential education adventure programs for international school groups and team building programs for corporations. He has worked on several projects to aid the development and growth of Chinese school children through sports, school improvement and the payment of school fees. Xiang has been certified in wilderness first aid and is a rock climbing instructor.
Kim Raess combines her athletic background with an unquenchable lust for life. A soccer player since childhood, Raess graduated from Washington University in St Louis. An experienced leader in the outdoors, Kim's passion for nature has already taken her to three continents. She completed a three-month expedition through Chilean Patagonia, travelled with Outward Bound in Utah and led backpacking trips in Europe. She also has gained considerable trip-planning experience as the Director of Adventures Cross-Country. Kim's personal travels have taken her to Spain, France, England , Switzerland, Italy, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. She is passionate about giving back and has spent time doing outdoor education in National Parks and fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Dave Henley is a true "Man for All Seasons". He is an athlete, activist, youth leader and musician. He has competed in several triathlons and multi-sport event marathons. As a ski instructor he is well acquainted with the snow and has recently discovered the wonder of New Zealand's Southern Alps through alpine and rock climbing. Dave put his post-graduate studies in renewable energy and sustainability on hold in order to be part of Pole to Pole. His travels in Asia, Africa and Europe have given him the gift of a global perspective. Dave likes to look at the big picture and illustrate to others the importance of creating a sustainable tomorrow.
Teddy Barrett embodies the unlikely combination of Southern Gentlemen and outdoorsman extraordinaire. He has extensive experience teaching, leading and learning through his travels in the Caribbean. Over the past several years working as a sailing and scuba diving instructor, Ted has been fortunate enough to work with hundreds of bright and inspiring youth. After taking a Leadership Course with Outward Bound he was immediately hired on to the staff to lead white water-rafting, kayaking, surfing, and scuba trips. Ted is also a wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). His extensive experience teaching youth life skills through wilderness training will be a major asset to the expedition team.
Aukje van Gerven may be from a small town in the south of the Netherlands but she has big dreams and bigger abilities. A self-described "bookworm" as a child, Aukje began working at the age of 15 as a bartender and an entertainer at theme-parties where she discovered a passion for making sure people are having a good time. Aukje studied at the University of Tilburg from 1996 till 2001. After completing her masters in Dutch Law she travelled for a year to Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia . This year of travel sparked her interest in other cultures and adventure. Despite that, Aukje continued her success at home, beginning a professional career as a legal advisor at the city council of Bergen op Zoom in 2002 and starting her History Studies at Utrecht University in 2003. Because she has a passion for the environment and animals, she worked as a volunteer for WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) from 2003 till 2006, organizing nature-related events for children to teach them about the goals of the WWF. Recently Aukje obtained a Bachelor Degree in History with a focus on International Relations.
Ryan Barron could be the most cultured cowboy in the West. Growing up on a horse ranch near Calgary, Alberta, this son of a horse trainer learned early on to respect and care for nature. All of his spare time was spent outdoors; back-country skiing in the winter months and giving horse riding lessons to youths at his mother's summer camps. After graduating from high school Ryan realized the sky was the limit and enrolled in a commercial helicopter school where he graduated at the top of his class despite being just 19 years of age. To pay for his large education loans Ryan started a career in the Canadian film industry, where he worked extensively as a stunt man and stand-in. There he found his love of being in front of the camera and mixed media forms of arts and entertainment. Looking to once again broaden his horizons, Ryan moved to France where he caught on at Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show Dinner Theatre in Disneyland Paris. In his four years abroad he travelled as much as possible, touring throughout most of Europe, parts of Africa, Russia, and South America. In his travels Ryan saw that there are much larger issues at hand than his own personal interests. Pole to Pole is the natural next step for Ryan. He sees it encompassing the true and real things in life, and says it has the ability to touch the lives of so many in such a positive way.
Eric Welscher-Bilodeau might be the "kid" of the group, but he's far from your average 18 year old. Eric is extremely well traveled throughout North America and currently calls the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia home. Eric is a true outdoorsman with a passion for environmentalism. He often ventures from home on kayak or foot to explore the coast and mountains where he feels extremely lucky to live. He is very active in his local community raising money for local charities, taking action on environmental issues, and teaching other youth about sustainability. Many who meet Eric comment that he has wisdom well beyond his age. This was very evident when he was chosen by 33 other exceptional Canadians to represent his country on the Expedition. Eric is committed to continuing Pole to Pole's vision of taking the success and impact of our previous humanitarian/environmental work and magnifying it through this incredible "world's first" journey.
Expedition Team (Northern Hemisphere)
Stefan Hadfield, or more appropriately named 'Stewhan Hadfleas' is undoubtedly one of the most incredible guys you will ever meet, even if it is just a glance of the man, you will understand what he is capable of. Hailing from the shores of Aotearoa New Zealand, Stefan is a rock climber. Although he won't openly talk about it, he holds a world record for a climbing manouver called a 'dyno' which is an incredible combination of acrobatics, gymnastics, coordination, strength and power. A talented musician, whitewater kayaker, skier, all round sports man and hacky-sack player, he also has a deep understanding and passion for people and for the environment. Stefan's work when he had to, was in Hydrology, which he majored in, but he was not the 9 to 5 kind of guy, when ever he could he would be charging off into the hills, paddling his kayak, 'consulting the rocks' or planning his next adventure.