Our Outstanding Student Summer Travel Program Leaders

Odette Pretty

Odette has been a key member of our team for 11 years. Her varied experiences include an internship in West Africa where she counseled locals on HIV/AIDS and general health. As the Assistant Director of a Drop-In Center, Odette developed Peer Educator programs for high school students at risk. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Human Sciences with a Major in Human Relations. Odette has led many of our Global Adventure and Community Service programs in addition to scouting new programs and meeting with community leaders to collaborate on group service projects.

Odette serves as a facilitator and trainer during our Trip Director and Leader seminars. She specializes in workshops on conflict resolution, debriefing, reflection and group dynamics. Her extroverted personality and understanding of human interaction makes Odette an excellent role model for our Directors and Leaders. Odette has traveled and lived in Australia, Thailand, Africa and North America from East to West. She is fluent in French, English and can even speak some Ewe (West African dialect).

Adam Chaim

I love experiencing the world through the eyes of a teenager, whether I’m teaching English in Hong Kong or Phys Ed in my native Canada. No matter where each Westcoast adventure takes me, my personal connection with each Trip Member has made me feel as though I was seeing each place for the first time.

Dawn Ronfeld

I have been a classroom teacher, taught skiing in Switzerland and volunteered as a “tracker” (teaching children who have received organ transplants how to ski) and believe the greatest wisdom in life comes from the experiences one has and the people we meet along the way. I love sharing my summers and perspectives with teen travelers each summer.

Rich SwamiNathan

Rich is truly compassionate and community minded. He has supervised our Community Service programs, helping with daily logistics and especially with group dynamics. Rich is a busy yet selfless individual who plays many roles and is an accomplished mentor. He has coached soccer for the Special Olympics, and has also coordinated, planned, and implemented international community service travel programs for University students. Rich has built homes in New Orleans, cared for orphans in Africa, and led programs to Dominican Republic, London, Louisiana, Slidell, Monte Cristi, Mexico…the list goes on. Rich has managed several University Residence Halls. He has a B.A. in Applied Sciences focusing on Child, Family, and Social Relations and is presently completing his M.A. in Experiential Education.

Gavin Whitehead

In 10 years as a trip leader, I have had the privilege of guiding teens everywhere from Arizona to Australia. I am a full time educator and volunteered for a year in Ireland at Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Camp as the high ropes instructor. Whether I am offering encouragement during a service project or while teaching a new skill, it’s so rewarding seeing young people conquer their fears and challenges experientially.

Lindsay Reid

As a teacher, former ski & snowboard instructor in Colorado and a summer Trip Director, I’ve dedicated myself year round to working with kids in many capacities. I know what it takes to provide teens with the optimal summer (or winter!) experiences, whether on the slopes of the Rockies or discovery the Great Barrier Reef!

Sarah McKenna

I have spent many amazing summers leading trips for Westcoast and 360 Student Travel and am currently studying toward my Masters in Environmental Studies with a concentration on Tourism Policy and Planning. This inspires me to motivate my groups to explore and search for new ways to travel while sustaining our precious environment.

Dani Rotstein

As a filmmaker, I live behind the lens. As a Trip Director, I love bringing my creativity into the spotlight, while helping teens understand the rewards of travel. You’ll usually find my group engaged in crazy group bonding activities, whether we’re singing on the bus or cheering each other on in my own version of “The Amazing Race.”