Staff
Experience Learning is staffed by seven year-round employees and 14-20 seasonal instructors and support team members throughout the 8 month season.
Kristen Beverage is the Executive Director of Experience Learning, where she leads the organization’s vision, strategy, and daily operations. She oversees immersive programs at the Spruce Knob campus and other sites, ensuring they are safe, high quality, and rooted in meaningful outdoor learning. She has a deep connection to Experience Learning, having spent time at the Spruce Knob campus throughout her life.
Before joining Experience Learning, Kristen managed the West Virginia Recreational Economies Initiative at Partner Community Capital, helping communities and businesses leverage outdoor recreation for economic growth. She previously served as Executive Director of the Snowshoe Foundation and as a Business Advisor with the West Virginia Women’s Business Center, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state. Kristen holds a Master of Arts in Applied Community Development from Future Generations University, which grounds her leadership in community-driven, place-based approaches to learning and rural development. Contact Kristen
Melinda Brooks, Program Manager, oversees education, summer camps, and our second campus the Sweetwater Farm Trail Center. She has filled various roles within the organization since 2010. She has a BS in Recreation, Park, & Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University and has over 20 years of experience in the field of outdoor and adventure-based education. Melinda spends her time exploring the bounty of the local area through farm escapades, mountain bike rides, and climbing outings with her husband and three children. And yes, that is a photo of a hellbender, North America’s largest salamander. Contact Melinda
Katrina Weyland, Course Director and HR manager, started working at Experience Learning in 2004 as an intern. She earned her BS in Recreation and Tourism from Winona State University and has over 25 years of experience in the outdoor field. With two thru-hikes under her belt, the Appalachian Trail (2,190 miles) and the Continental Divide Trail (3,100 miles), she has logged more than 5,000 miles of hiking and over 600 nights of camping out in the wilderness. Katrina also works part time for Andrew Skurka Adventures, leading expeditions on both the east and west coast. Contact Katrina
Jackie Lambert, Spruce Facility Manager, has been with the organization since 2014. She earned her BA in Latin American Studies from William and Mary in 2011 and found her passion in experiential and wilderness education shortly after graduating. Jackie has completed several long distance hikes and enjoys caving in her spare time. Contact Jackie
Erika Vikander, Program & Logistics Specialist, started with the organization as a seasonal instructor and took on her current logistics support role in 2020. She has a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Delaware. Erika likes to spend her free time exploring the surrounding natural areas, scuba diving, and bopping around the country on personal adventures. Contact Erika
Ashley Ackley, Program Coordinator and Summer Camp Director, started working at Experience Learning in 2021. She earned her BS in Environmental Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University. In her free time you can find Ashley scaling mountains, paddling down streams, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery and adventures of local Pendelton County. Contact Ashley