STAFF

Ken Briles - Director

Dennis Roberts - Assistant Director

Andrew Shallcross- Program Coordinator

Andrew grew up in the Southeastern United States where at a young age he was introduced to whitewater kayaking. His interest grew rapidly and he soon found himself working as a rafting guide and kayaking instructor on rivers is North Carolina and Tennessee. As his interest grew, Andrew found himself kayaking in exotic locations like Ecuador and Costa Rica. After graduating from James Madisson University with a degree in Recreation Management, Andrew headed out west. When his car finally died in Flagstaff, he knew he had found his new home and hasn't left yet. For the past 5 years, Andrew has spent his time exploring the southwest by kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, backpacking, skiing and snowboarding. An active lover of all thing outdoors, Andrew's energy and enthusiasm have contributed to many wonderful adventures with Fort Tuthill as he continues to bring new programs and ideas to the table.

Sarah Buss - River and Backpack Guide

Sarah dawns from Fargo North Dakota where a hardy outdoor lifestyle has shaped her into an essential member of the Fort Tuthill staff. She fell in love with the sport of whitewater rafting at an early age and has been guiding river trips all over the west for most of her life. When Sarah is not rowing boats on the water she is shaping young minds as a teacher at Flagstaff's Arts and Leadership Academy. Sarah's passion for adventure and enthusiasm to share those passions with others make her memorable guide and a fun companion while raging through the Grand Canyon.

JASON HUGHES - River and Backpack Guide

Jason comes to Fort Tuthill via Grand Canyon National Park where he works on the trail maintenance crew. Originally from Wyoming, for the past 5 years Jason has spent every spare moment exploring Grand Canyon either by boat or by boot. He is known on Fort Tuthill trips as not only an accomplished boatman but a splendid fireside entertainer as well. Ask him to break out his box of instruments!

Shasta Wright - River and Backpack Guide

As a Flagstaff native, Shasta discovered the wonders of the Grand Canyon very early in life and has found opportunities to pursue her desires as an occupation as well as a hobby. After spending several years living and working at Phantom Ranch, situated in the bottom of the Canyon, she decided to take up boating and has become and outstanding river guide. Shasta works with many different organizations guiding adult and youth trips as well as science trips for the National Parks Service. With a degrees in women's studies and nursing she has dedicated herself to helping others in the scopes of practice she know best.

Deanna Sanderson - River Guide

Born and raised in Flagstaff, Deanna Sanderson has had a unique opportunity to explore and connect with the Colorado plateau as any child would their very own backyard.  Deanna has recently completed a bachelor’s degree in G.I.S. as well as a bachelor's in Remote Sensing. Prior to Deanna’s guiding career she spent five years working with the US Forest Service traveling around the lower forty-eight fighting wild land fires. After a private Colorado River trip in 2001 where she fell in love with the mystery of the Canyon she decided to make a career change and explore those mysteries and gifts.  The last five years Deanna has found herself pursuing life as a guide and student of life in the Grand Canyon.  “The Grand Canyon and Colorado river are one of the world’s most hands on classrooms, encouraging me to become a better geologist, botanist, anthropologist, historian, cook and most of all human being.   The largest reward I get as a guide is sharing a connection or a moment with others here in the magical world of the Grand Canyon.”

Nolan Horowitz - River, Biking and Backpack Guide

Originally from Cleveland Ohio, Nolan has spent the past decade living in Flagstaff indulging himself in all of the great outdoor activities the southwest has to offer. As an avid skier/snowboarder, mountain biker and whitewater boatman he has pushed the limits of extreme sports in this high altitude environment. As a student of Northern Arizona University Nolan has received bachelor degrees in both film and sociology, working as a freelance videographer he spends his free time putting together action packed documentaries depicting the adventures he loves. With a strong emphasis on safety Nolan has become a certified wilderness EMT in order to be better prepared for situations in the guiding profession as well as his life as an outdoorsman.

Brad Gardner - River, Biking and Backpack Guide

Brad Gardner grew up racing mountain bikes in southern California then spent most of adult life studying and working and goofing-off in Arizona. As a history major at Northern Arizona University Brad fell in love with the lore of the southwest and became a virtual database of Grand Canyon geology, archeology and anthropology. His passion for the sciences and his natural abilities in the art of storytelling have combined giving him an uncanny edge in way of guide interp.

Clark Wheeler - River, Biking and Backpacking Guide

From Tulsa Oklahoma, Clark has been living the life of a true outdoorsman since an early age. His experience in multi-day backpacking and long distance bike touring has given him unmatched sense of comfort and ease in the backcountry. Clark attended Northern Arizona University where he spent an entire semester in the Grand Canyon studying many of the physical science associated with the National Park. His adventurous spirit has taken him to some of the more extreme environments the region has to offer however his modesty keeps him from being labeled as such.

Alex 'Aqua' Mclellan - River, Biking and Backpacking Guide

Alex’s obsession with the outdoors began exploring the back roads and trails of Arizona’s Mogollon Rim as a young child. Alex’s backcountry skills were initially forged throughout his time in the Boy Scouts, backpacking in various mountains and canyons throughout Arizona and New Mexico.  The decision to attend college at Northern Arizona University brought Alex closer to the forests and canyons, allowing him plentiful opportunities to hike, camp and mountain bike.  After exploring several different majors including music education and wildlife biology, Alex decided to stick with what he knew and pursued a degree in Parks and Recreation Management with an emphasis in outdoor leadership. He went on to intern and eventually instruct for Outward Bound, leading backpacking and mountaineering trips in the northern Rockies of Montana.  His current certifications are: Wilderness First Responder, Leave no Trace Trainer, Backcountry Food Handlers and Whitewater Rescue Technician.