Staff

Chris holds a B.S. in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University and brings nearly a decade of outdoor leadership and youth development experience to his role as Director of Programs at Julie’s Dream. A passionate outdoor educator and seasoned operations leader, Chris has built a career guiding youth through transformative adventures that foster confidence, teamwork, and joy in the natural world.

Before joining Julie’s Dream, Chris served as Director of Snowsports at Beech Mountain Resort, where he managed a team of over 80 staff and cultivated a culture grounded in safety, kindness, and fun. His earlier work as a rafting manager, river guide, and outdoor instructor took him across the country—from the rivers of Utah and Colorado to the forests of North Carolina and Alaska—leading youth and adults alike on immersive, character-building experiences. A certified Wilderness First Responder, CPR instructor, and Eagle Scout, Chris combines technical expertise with an innate ability to connect with children from all backgrounds.

At Julie’s Dream, Chris’s strategic mindset and deep commitment to mentorship add to the impact of our programs. His focus on equitable leadership, guided discovery, and outdoor safety enhances every aspect of our youth experiences, from adventure design to staff training and risk management. Chris believes that when kids feel safe, valued, and inspired in nature, they not only learn new skills but also discover their own capacity for resilience and wonder.

Emily joined Julie’s Dream as a Program Coordinator in 2023. Prior to joining Julie’s Dream, she studied Human Development and Family Science at the University of Georgia with focused research on adolescent development and holistic well-being. Upon graduating in 2018, she began serving in full-time ministry with the UGA Wesley Foundation. During her years of ministering in the Athens area, she was able to form relationships and minister to a community of under-resourced youth in Athens Clarke County. She also led efforts in city outreach, community discipleship, and intercessory prayer for local, global, and ministry-related needs. Her love for intentional discipleship and integrating faith into holistic well-being is what led her to work at a summer camp with teens after her time with the UGA Wesley Foundation. It was her experience at camp that sparked a new sense of ministry as she hiked, mountain biked, kayaked, canoed, sailed, camped, and shared the gospel with several youth under the remote, starry skies of Maine. Always finding God’s rest and wonder in nature, she is hopeful to be a conduit of His peace and strength by guiding the youth of Atlanta through His creation and ultimately to His unfailing love.