We are Raven
Our Instructors
From technical rescue instructors to medical instructors to standby rescue technicians, our team is made up of people who have a long history of using their skills in real-life situations. We confront and learn from challenging environments together.
Our Team Members
We hire people who have a long history of using their skills in real life situations. As a result, our team members are subject matter experts before they even start working for us.
They are highly conversant with the application of the latest developments in the theory and practice of technical rescue and wilderness medicine. In addition, we seek out team members that are already equipped with the mindset required to really connect with clients.
Technical Rescue Instructors
Our technical rescue instructors regularly work in high-risk environments including swiftwater or confined spaces and utilize technical technical rope systems with ease.
This means that your training is conducted in a safe environment. It also means they understand how to break complex skills down into simple, logical progressions that are easy to learn and remember.
Raven Medical Instructors
Our wilderness medical instructors are all medical rescue professionals who actively work in remote or unconventional settings. They are also experienced educators, researchers and advocates for healthcare in adverse conditions.
What’s more, our consistency and rigorous instructor training process ensures that we use a logical, systems-based approach to teach complex medical subjects in a way that makes sense.
Standby Rescue Technicians
We apply the same rigorous standards to our standby rescue technicians.
Some of our clients would rather hire us to provide a standby rescue team, than take on the time and expense of training their own personnel to meet safety and rescue requirements for challenging environments – short or long term.
As a result, clients know they are getting subject matter experts who understand safe work procedures and how to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. This is the kind of peace of mind that keeps our clients coming back repeatedly for a range of projects lasting anywhere between a few hours to several months.

Adam Joy
Instructor
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Adam Joy
Instructor
Adam began his career in safety and rescue as a kayak, raft and canoe guide; today, Adam works as a full-time firefighter. This combined background makes Adam’s course delivery invaluable. Through years of practice guiding on the river, Adam’s ability to craft effective learning environments for diverse clients ensures that you’ll receive the key messages you need for your workplace. From resource and industry, to guiding or emergency response, you’ll leave your course with the tools you need to do your job… safer!


Alle Jan de Vries
Instructor
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Alle Jan de Vries
Instructor
With a background in cave rescue and rockclimbing instruction, Alle Jan has a passion for rope systems that is obvious when he teaches. He is Deputy Chief with Smithers Fire Rescue, and a member of BC Cave Rescue. He also loves skiing – he is a CSIA ski instructor, and has his CAA Operations Level 1 and spends as much time ski touring during the winter as he can. Alle Jan consistently demonstrates unparalleled client care, and has a reassuring demeanor that you’ll value when you’re hanging at the end of a rope.


Ben Baber
Instructor
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Ben Baber
Instructor
Ben started as a kayak and canoe guide in the UK, working primarily with people with different and limited abilities.
He joined the Rescue 3 International team while in Malaysia, working as a Training Manager. After spedning several months there exploring new rivers in the Perak mountain range, he carried on to work and run courses around the world. Of note was his time spent in Nepal, where he worked with local NGO’s and rescue companies to create and deliver a Village Emergency Response Course, aimed at educating remote villages in natural disaster response.
Today, Ben guides for Glacier Rafting on the Kicking Horse River and teaches rescue courses for Raven Rescue. He also works on the Golden Fire Rescue Department, and runs a media company called Peak Adventure Canada (PAC). PAC is currently working with Rescue 3 International to bring new cutting edge forms of media to their educational material.
On the rare days when Ben isn’t working, he loves being in nature with climbing, kayaking, or whatever the mountains have to offer that day.

Chad Guenter
Instructor Trainer
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Chad Guenter
Instructor Trainer
Chad teaches our full line of confined space courses from Awareness to Technician level. His list of certifications is as long as your arm, and his practical work experience is longer – he has been working with rope for 10+ years as a steel worker at height, climbing instructor, arborist, and is fire and medic trained. Chad is also an accomplished paddle boarder – he’s crossed from Vancouver to Victoria, ran a 500km self-supported river expedition, and is a competitive SUP racer and paddle surfer.
A tireless advocate for mental health and wellness, Chad is the founder of two remarkable non-profits: Keep Calm Paddle On, and Project All In. He is a calm and focussed instructor and ensures that all his clients understand the concepts being taught.


Chris Burnham
Instructor Trainer
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Chris Burnham
Instructor Trainer
Chris is at home on rivers worldwide having kayaked and rafted in places like the UK, Italy, Norway, Chile, New Zealand, Nepal & Zimbabwe. Longtime owner and guide of Chinook Rafting, a river company that runs trips close to Banff, AB, Chris is now focussing on his work with the Banff Fire Department. In addition, Chris is a rafting examiner for the BC and AB River Outfitters Association, a certified kayaking instructor, and is an emergency medical and advanced wilderness first responder.
Chris also has a strong background in rope rescue and has worked for the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association and is now a Rescue Specialist with Canada Task Force 2 (CAN-TF2) a government National ‘all-hazards’ Disaster Response Team. Chris brings a wealth of experience, skill and charisma to the Raven team.


Colin Saurette
Instructor
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Colin Saurette
Instructor
Colin is a professional firefighter in the lower mainland of BC, and has been a SAR team member for 15 years. Colin was a PCP paramedic for over a decade, holds his raft guides license, and recently left the Coast Guard after working as a Rescue Specialist for 10 years. Colin is a consumate professional and goes the extra distance to make sure his clients learn the skills they need in order to do their jobs in the safest manner possible.


Corey Gladish
Instructor
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Corey Gladish
Instructor
A career firefighter with the City of Ottawa since 2004, Corey has a vast background in technical rescue ranging from swiftwater to technical rope. But really, certifications are the easy thing compared to what Corey gets up to when he’s not on the payroll: he’s guided all over the world, placed in the top 10 of the World Rafting Championships on several occasions, was a competitive cyclist for Team Volkswagen, and is an avid downhill, cross country and telemark skier.
He’s a passionate guy who pursues life with enthusiasm – and you’re sure to experience this during your next course with Corey! He is currently working towards becoming a Rope and Tower Rescue instructor for Raven Rescue and Raven Safety.


Craig Gerrard
Rescue Curriculum Director & Instructor Trainer
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Craig Gerrard
Rescue Curriculum Director & Instructor Trainer
Craig teaches rescue courses from the awareness to the technician level – from boat handling and confined space to technical rope and tower rescue. He has a strong background in whitewater, being an accomplished paddler and rafter. With Craig’s wealth of knowledge in emergency services he now acts as a specialized resource for Cowichan Search and Rescue and North Cowichan Fire Department.
We’re proud to have Craig as our Rescue Curriculum Director. He also mentors our instructor team as one of our Instructor Trainers. Craig is an organized, intuitive and patient instructor and gets great reviews from his students.


Dan Kirvan
Ontario Regional Manager & Instructor Trainer
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Dan Kirvan
Ontario Regional Manager & Instructor Trainer
Dan Kirvan runs Raven’s Ontario office, and ensures the smooth delivery of Raven Rescue, Raven Safety and Raven Medical courses in that province. He is a firefighter with the City of Ottawa and has strong river credentials as an international raft guide in Mexico, the US and Australia. In addition, he managed OWL Rafting and Madawaska Kanu Centre for more than 10 years. His combination of technical skill and customer service make him a valuable asset to the Raven team.
On course, Dan is an engaging instructor able to connect with a diverse clientele base from firefighters, industry, resource personnel and outdoor enthusiasts.


Dave Walter
Instructor
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Dave Walter
Instructor
David Walter grew up in northern British Columbia and is a lifelong enthusiast of the great outdoors. When not at work, he can be found enjoying what the Bulkley Valley offers; mountain biking, skiing, paddleboarding, or trail running. David believes in giving back to his community and dedicates his time as a volunteer member of the Bulkley Valley Search and Rescue. He is a member of the Winter Rescue Team and manages the Rope Rescue Team.
David’s professional approach goes the extra distance to make sure his clients learn the skills required to work, live and play in the safest manner possible.

David Prothero
Instructor
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David Prothero
Instructor
Born on Vancouver Island, Dave started paddling rivers during a trip to Nepal in 1995. Shortly after he started guiding in Banff and then on to the Ottawa. From there Dave starting travelling / working on rivers all the world including Australia, NZ, Iceland, Honduras,Turkey, Morocco, Scotland, Northern Canada, Chile, Northern India and a number of other places in between.
Dave now spends most of the year on Vancouver Island in Courtenay working as a Health Care Aid and educator at the local Hospital. He finds time to teach with Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training, a High school outdoor program (ROAMS), and North Island College.
He has been involved in rivers for a long time and enjoys spending time on the rivers during the rainy season on the island or in northern Canada during the summer as an expedition guide for Canadian River Expeditions. He is a brand ambassador for NRS and Western Canoe and Kayak.
Dave looks forward to sharing his knowledge of whitewater on your next SRT course.
Whitewater is a magical place!

David Stirling
Instructor
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David Stirling
Instructor
Dave was a lifeguard for years before becoming a PCP in 2009, and has been an EMT/Firefighter with the Fort McMurray Fire Department for seven years. When he’s not at work, Dave is skiing and paddling, and loving life with his partner Amanda, and their son and two dogs. The first aid training you’ll get from Dave is rooted in years of recreational and industrial experience – its this blend of experience that makes his delivery of technical skills so easy to understand. Paddler, Firefighter, Lifegaurd, and Skiier – he brings it all to the table to make your learning relevant.

Frank Swanson
Instructor
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Frank Swanson
Instructor
Frank brings both years of river experience and professional rescue to the Raven team.
Frank spent over 10 years in the whitewater industry, during many of which he was guide manager at industry leading whitewater outfitters. Frank has gained valuable experience working in the industrial rescue world and is currently a professional firefighter. Frank’s vast portfolio allows him to gear specific lesson plans to meet the exact needs of the group he is working with. He has experience teaching in both English and French, and his “can do” teaching style benefits all the students he works with.
Frank is currently working towards becoming a Tower Rescue instructor for Raven Rescue and Raven Safety.


Garth Lemke
Instructor
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Garth Lemke
Instructor
Garth has lived in Jasper, Alberta since 1991 where he works SAR for Parks Canada. He has 24 years of SAR experience responding to river and technical mountain rescues. His water and paddling skills go back to the 1980’s, but these days he prefers jetskiis and jetboats. Garth is known to have an “infectious enthusiasm” and is passionate about passing on his knowledge to others.


Jason Wolsky
Yukon Regional Manager & Instructor
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Jason Wolsky
Yukon Regional Manager & Instructor
Jason Wolsky began as a volunteer with the Whitehorse Fire Department in 1996, and moved through the ranks to serve as Deputy Fire Chief. Before becoming a full time firefighter, Jason worked with the Whitehorse international airport fire department. He also holds a certificate in emergency and disaster management through Ryerson University, and holds a commercial pilot’s licence.
When Jason isn’t teaching a rope or tower course for Raven Rescue with his signature upbeat delivery, you’ll find him spending time with his wife and two kids, or taking his professional photography to the next level anywhere he can, from his backyard to safari trips in Africa.


Jordan Thompson
Instructor
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Jordan Thompson
Instructor
Before joining the Raven team, Jordan dedicated many years as a volunteer to Search & Rescue as a swiftwater, HETS, rope rescue, and ice rescue team member. He was also a volunteer firefighter for four years in Squamish.
Jordan is a very sociable person with a knack for taking charge in challenging environments. He takes pride in everything that he does, and will pass lessons and skills on with pleasure and probably a story or two! Jordan moved to Kamloops in 2012 with his son and amazing wife.


Julie Cossette
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Julie Cossette
Hailing from the province of Quebec Julie felt the urge to move to western Canada over 20 years ago to explore the outdoors. Her passion for adventure has taken all over the mountains of BC and Yukon rock climbing, mountaineering and skiing. During the summer time you can find her working as a Park Ranger and in the winter as a ski patroller for Whistler Mountain Ski Patrol doing rescues and avalanche control, as well as one of the rope rescue / avalanche safety instructors. Julie also works as a standby CDFL rescue technician working in BC and Alberta during the off season. Outside of work you can find her camping, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, mountaineering or volunteering for Pemberton Search and Rescue where she is the training officer and team leader specializing in mountain rescue, 1st aid, avalanche safety and rope rescue. One thing you will find with Julie is her love of passing on her passion of the outdoors to those in her classes. “I do enjoy interacting with people and I like to share knowledge that I am passionate about. I find it very rewarding to see students learning new skills and becoming better at it throughout a course. ” |

Karsten von Hoesslin
Instructor
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Karsten von Hoesslin
Instructor
Karsten has a long history of working and playing in the far corners of the world’s oceans. His background is in small team deployments that include field intelligence operations, hostage rescues, and disaster response in remote and hostile maritime environments. Whether it’s medical, conduct after capture/hostile environment, or technical rescue, Karsten has a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge. Karsten now lives in Vernon BC, and although he continues to consult on international investigations relating to homicide and wildlife crimes, he spends much of his time as a Search Dog handler working in the explosives, avalanche, and water human remains detection (HRD) disciplines. If it’s happening on his swiftwater SUP, touring skis, or the training range, Karsten’s trusted K-9 partner, Delphin, is at his side!
Karsten spends his winters in the snow. He is a CAA Avalanche Professional focussing on forecasting, avalanche control, and ski guiding (CSGA). He is also enrolled in the Remote Paramedic Practise Diploma/BsC programme with the College of Remote and Offshore Medicine Foundation. He is also completing his Police K9 Instructor certification.

Kira Gangbar
Instructor
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Kira Gangbar
Instructor
Kira brings a deep level of knowledge and passion to Raven Medical’s team. With a background in guiding expedition canoe trips for Black Feather in Canada’s Territories for over a decade, Kira is currently an emergency physician in BC. She has extensive training in remote and expedition medicine, and has completed her Fellowship in Wilderness Medicine. She’s finally getting back in the guiding saddle after finishing her medical training, and can be found paddling northern rivers in the summertime. When she’s not working, you can find her outside climbing, skiing, mountain biking, and whitewater paddling.


Kirstin Thompson
Instructor
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Kirstin Thompson
Instructor
Kirstin is a certified kayak and swiftwater instructor. She’s been working within the whitewater industry for nearly two decades, where she has continued to gain a variety of experience in both the outdoor and rescue industries. She has worked throughout Canada and internationally, including guiding whitewater trips in USA, Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand. While many of her years were spent between seasons as the River Operations Manager for OWL Rafting in Foresters Falls, ON, and a ski patroller at Sun Peaks in BC, Kirstin has recently shaken it up a bit by becoming a mom!
Today, Kirstin brings her experience, high energy, and enthusiasm to her swiftwater, boat operator and Raven Medical courses. She consistently delivers professional courses in a comfortable environment.


Kit Little
Instructor Trainer
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Kit Little
Instructor Trainer
Kit is a Captain with North Vancouver District Fire and Rescue and is in charge of their #1 Rescue Station. Kit teaches swiftwater rescue, rope rescue, confined space, tower crane and trench rescue. He is also our only Instructor to have demonstrated a full headstand in an inflatable kayak – while descending Class III whitewater! In the past, Kit has also volunteered with the Lions Bay Search and Rescue and is now keeping very busy with two young boys.


Lalo Ruiz
Instructor
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Lalo Ruiz
Instructor
Born in Mexico City, Lalo has been working in the outdoor industry for 19 years as a raft guide and kayak guide in Spain, Switzerland, Austria, United States, Costa Rica, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Lalo came to Canada in 2009 to work as a guide at Esprit on the Ottawa river, which is also when he began teaching swiftwater courses.
Lalo lives in Ottawa, and is passionate about kayaking, especially creeking. When he’s not in his kayak, you’ll find him mountain biking, rock climbing, snowboarding, skate boarding… and never sitting down. “I feel privileged to have discovered, and to still be part of the outdoor industry that brings much happiness to my life,” says Lalo. “I’m always happy to share my knowledge and help beginner paddlers improve their skills!”


Len James
Raven Medical – Curriculum Director
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Len James
Raven Medical – Curriculum Director
Since 1979, Len has worked in diverse pre-hospital related professions. For the past 15 years, he has worked as an Operations Supervisor with Hamilton Paramedic Service. In this position, Len has held various portfolios including paramedic professional development, planning, and special operations. Currently, he certified as an Advanced Care Paramedic and maintains his clinical skills on the road in Hamilton, and through providing medical services to large music and athletic events. Len is a recipient of the Governor General’s Exemplary Service Medal –Canada’s highest paramedic honour.
Being raised on a hunting/fishing lodge northern Ontario, Len has the Canadian shield etched in his heart. Len has a Bachelor of Physical Education and Bachelor of Education both specializing in outdoor education. He has worked for Outward Bound Canada, adjudicated youth, and high school outdoor programs. Len remains connected with Outward Bound by sitting on its National Safety Committee for the past 20 years.
Len has been teaching wilderness medical programs since the mid 1980’s. Len has taught course in 10 countries around the world. From “north of 60” and South America, to teaching the first wilderness medical program in China, he enjoys adopting medical training programs to meet the needs of diverse students.

Liz Demers
Instructor
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Liz Demers
Instructor
With a BA in Outdoor Eduation and over fifteen years of expedition canoe guiding under her belt, Liz’s outdoor experience enlivens and informs every single one of her Raven Medical courses. Today, Liz is an RN, a Primary Care Parademic, a firefighter, and a fireground survival instructor. Thanks to her broad background, Liz can consistently bring home Raven Medical techniques and strategies, regardless of your field of work.
When she’s not teaching or working, you can find Liz seeking out a good adventure in the wild spaces right in her backyard!

Logan Vander Hoef
Instructor
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Logan Vander Hoef
Instructor
Logan has a devout passion for wilderness and tactical medicine. For over eleven years, he has served in a variety of roles as a medic within the Canadian Armed Forces, from working in base clinics and field hospitals, to operating independently and remotely as a company medic with the light infantry. He has accumulated experience from multiple domestic and international deployments, and has organized numerous Tactical Combat Casualty Care courses. These experiences make him well-versed in practicing medicine in austere locations.
When away from military duties, he loves everything mountain related. From backcountry skiing and climbing to biking and hiking, he enjoys the escape offered by a short drive from Calgary, Alberta. He is an active member of the Wilderness Medical Society and is completing his Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine. Logan combines a love for austere medicine and a personal patient centric approach, all while aiming to inspire others to perform their best regarding medical treatments and patient care.


Maddie Long
Instructor
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Maddie Long
Instructor
“Maddie is a passionate outdoor enthusiast who has spent much of her life playing, learning, and working in the outdoors. With a focus in whitewater paddling, Maddie has a background as a kayak and canoe instructor, expedition guide in the NorthWest Territories, and teaching swift water rescue programs. In addition, she was a River Manager and Guide Trainer at OWL Rafting. In the winter season, Maddie works ski patrol at Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia.
Maddie is known as a charismatic and energetic leader / instructor able to converse, connect, and communicate with ease, allowing participants to learn skills required to pursue their outdoor activities with confidence.”

Marshall Ezelle
Instructor
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Marshall Ezelle
Instructor
With 16 years of professional river guiding in Alaska, New Zealand’s North and South Island, and Western Canada, Marshall Ezelle brings a wealth of experience to his courses.
“Everyone needs help sometimes, and as a long-time guide, I have the ability to recognize when different people need a bit more time on a concept or skill,” says Marshall. “I have lots of patience, and I am always happy to answer questions!” Marshall loves sharing his passion for the outdoors and water sports with new folks, and one of his favourite things is seeing a concept “click” for someone. Marshall has always been intersted in teaching, and in rivers. After years of river guide mentoring and teaching in guide schools and for his SAR team, it made sense to make his passion into a profession.
“I love getting out on the water any chance I can. You can find me kayaking, rafting or tubing the Skookumchuck Creek in South East BC.” Marshall and his wife enjoy exploring the Kootenays, and they camp, hike and ski tour as much as they can. You can find him on Facebook, but Marshall cautions you… “don’t expect a quick reply! I try to spend my time outside, and I’m not too attached to my screen!”
Marshall is a member of the Kimberley Search and Rescue team, and spends lots of time training, practicing, and responding with them as their Swiftwater Team Leader.

Matt Kilback
Instructor
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Matt Kilback
Instructor
Matt Kilback spent six years on the Raven team as our Retail Sales Manager. During that time, he specialized in connecting teams and individuals with the gear they needed to stay safe at work or play. Today, Matt continues to teach for Raven Rescue as a swiftwater and ice rescue instructor, and to work for Raven Safety as a standby safety technician.
Matt is a busy dad of two, and yet he still finds the time to go ski touring, mountain biking, and compete in the Tough Mudder just for kicks.


Mike Neville
Instructor
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Mike Neville
Instructor
With over a decade of river guiding, sea kayaking and white water kayaking to his name, Mike is almost more at home in the water than on dry land. Currently a member of the faculty in Tourism and Hospitality Management with North Island College, Mike’s fascination with technical rescue led him to join our team.
We’re proud to include his wealth of experience in our instructor family, and we know you’ll experience the depth of Mike’s expertise on your next Raven Rescue course with him.

Mitch McCambly
Instructor
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Mitch McCambly
Instructor
Mitch is the swiss-army knife of guiding. With a background in leading expedition canoe trips for Black Feather and Canadian River Expeditions in Canada’s Territories for nearly a decade, he is also working as a backcountry splitboard guide in the interior of British Columbia for Ice Creek Lodge and Baldface Lodge.
When he’s not guiding, Mitch can be found in the mountains working on his alpine climbing skills and whitewater paddling. He has a BA in Outdoor Education from Augustana University and brings passion and experience to Raven’s team.

Paul Carus
Instructor
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Paul Carus
Instructor
After completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, Paul relocated to BC to pursue a career in adventure tourism. His experience in the outdoor industry is diverse, ranging from raft guiding to paragliding to Hydro Broncs. Paul is a member of the Pemberton Search and Rescue group, and a Wilderness First Responder.


Phillip Middleton
Instructor
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Phillip Middleton
Instructor
Phil began his passion for the outdoors in the UK at a young age, being introduced to climbing, kayaking, canoeing, caving, camping and skiing by age 5. Climbing and mountaineering became the main pursuits during teenage years, with many trips to Chamonix over the years.
Later, after working two winter seasons in the French Alps, Phil made the move to Whistler, BC in 2007 to continue to chase the dream. The Sea to Sky proved to be an ideal location for so many sports, and surrounded world class whitewater rivers, kayaking became a priority following a break of a few years. On moving to Pemberton in 2016, Phil joined the Volunteer Fire Department and Pemberton Search and Rescue. This was an opportunity to give back to the community and learn new skills, which has been a great background to join Raven Rescue as an instructor.

Rachel Onsorge
Instructor
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Rachel Onsorge
Instructor
Rachel comes from a diverse background including firefighting, paramedicine and ski patrol. She has instructed in each of those settings, as well as teaching youth and adults alike to safely enjoy activities such as horseback riding, rock and ice climbing and even sailing.
In her free time, Rachel can be found either climbing up or skiing down the mountains near her current hometown of Whitehorse, sailing the lakes, or spending time training her wild Yukon horse.

Reta Boychuk
Instructor
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Reta Boychuk
Instructor
After spending many years as a coach in the ski and swim industries, instructing and teaching comes naturally to Reta.
The water is where Reta feels the most at home, and you can find her sending in every medium – whether it’s rafting, kayaking or canoeing, or representing as a Badfish SUP Athlete, Reta loves to push her limits on the water. Her newest endeavour, CANRVRSUP is Western Canada’s leading instructor collective, providing quality instruction in water environments ranging from flatwater to river.
Despite (and, just maybe, becuase of…) being an adrenaline junkie, Reta’s first and foremost focus is safety. Becoming a swiftwater rescue instructor has rounded out her teaching capacities provide a high level of confidence and safety on the water to all who paddle with her.

Rob Vance
Instructor Trainer
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Rob Vance
Instructor Trainer
Rob has been guiding and instructing outdoor skills for over 10 years. He has guided paddling expeditions in the Canadian North, Alberta and Ontario. Rob holds a BA in geography, Bachelor of Physical Health and Education and most recently a Bachelor of Education with a specialty in Outdoor Education. Rob has been a fulltime firefighter with Calgary Fire since 2014, and is an Aquatic Surface Rescue Team Member.
Rob has the most amazing wife and cutest little daughter – they call Canmore home, and they love to mountain bike, ski, hike and paddle. Rob is also the co-founder of Connected in Motion – an organization whose mission is to unite people with type one diabetes who want to live healthy outdoor lifestyles through outdoor experiential learning opportunities.


Ron Morrison
Executive Director & Instructor Trainer
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Ron Morrison
Executive Director & Instructor Trainer
As Executive Director of Raven RSM, Ron has accumulated over 20 years of experience delivering rescue and medical courses across the globe.
Ron’s ability to connect with clients with relevancy and clarity has been cultivated through years of experience in high risk environments working as a Fire Fighter, Search and Rescue Technician, Expedition Guide, Soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces and experiential educator.
Ron has authored field guides, technical papers, consulted as a subject matter expert, spoken at many conferences and has sat on numerous technical committees. He has extensive knowledge and experience in risk management, leadership, communication, standards/regulations and the development of Safety programs. Ron is an accomplished leader, entrepreneur and innovator who is passionate about sharing knowledge, learning, and is never satisfied with the status quo.
Email: ron@ravenrsm.com


Ryan McLarty
Instructor
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Ryan McLarty
Instructor
Ryan lives, works and recreates with his family in beautiful Clearwater British Columbia. He has worked as a paramedic professionally in urban, rural, and industrial settings in British Columbia and Alberta. Since 2005, he has been an employee of the BC Ambulance Service as a Primary Care Paramedic.
Ryan is a long standing member of Wells Gray SAR as a SAR Manager, Rope Rescue Team Leader, Executive Member and Provincial Rope Rescue Instructor. He is a graduate of both the Adventure Guide Diploma at Thompson Rivers University, as well as the Parks and Recreation Diploma from Lakeland College. Ryan’s outdoor experience includes 5 years as a senior ski patroller at Sun Peaks as well as a river guide in Jasper National Park.
As an approachable and enthusiastic instructor that loves to teach, he is looking forward to meeting you in Raven Medical and Technical Rope Rescue courses!


Scott Ballhorn
Instructor
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Scott Ballhorn
Instructor
Scott has been pursing his passion for self propelled adventures in the outdoors as a guide and outdoor educator for over 17 years. He has worked as a raft guide, taught rafting and white water kayaking courses, and has paddled recreationally all over Alberta, BC, western USA, Educador and Peru.
During the winter when he’s not in the office or teaching Ice rescue courses you can find Scott ski patrolling at Hudson Mountain and teaching avalanche courses. Scott is also a member of Bulkley Valley Search and Rescue where he is on the Swiftwater, Rope, Mountain and Avalanche teams.

Scott Brady
Instructor
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Scott Brady
Instructor
Scott had been guiding whitewater trips since 1999, both in Canada and internationally. He currently works year-round in the wilderness of Northern Ontario, paddling in the summer and ice travelling in the winter, for a therapeutic program helping teenagers overcome addictions and mental health concerns.
He is also a ground-based search and rescue volunteer, and trained in Critical Incident Stress Management. His calm demeanour and reassuring smile help students feel comfortable pushing their limits.


Steve Ruskay
Instructor
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Steve Ruskay
Instructor
Since 1999, Steve has worked in the outdoor industry as a guide, instructor, photographer, avalanche forecaster, and ski patroller. During this time, he has guided on the arctic ice floe, in the most remote fjords of Greenland, and amongst the giant ice of Antarctica. Closer to home, Steve captained of the Islander X, a 40 passenger vessel that sails the waters of Georgian Bay.
Steve is a recognized name in outdoor and rescue instruction, including technical rescue, outdoor leadership, and wilderness medicine. More recently, Steve was the Technical Rescue Captain for a Volunteer Fire service in Ontario and Rescue Team Leader on the Ice Rescue, Rope Rescue, Marine Rescue and Airboat teams.
By combining his background, and contacts, Steve has been an instrumental part in multi-agency initiatives, such as providing the first ever Ice Rescue course to Nunavummiut in Pond Inlet, Baffin Island Canada.
Presently, Steve is full time as a fire fighter for the City of Ottawa, and an active Instructor for Raven Rescue Safety and Medical in the Rope, Water, Boat, Ice and Medical fields.
By combining his backgrounds in aviation, avalanche hazard forecasting, incident command, adventure leadership, and risk management, Steve brings a unique perspective and insight to courses he teaches. Coupled with an endless sense of fun, Steve is known for professional program delivery, with engaging and informative presentations.


Thyren Garde-Jacobs
Instructor
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Thyren Garde-Jacobs
Instructor
Thyren studied Adventure Tourism at West Coast Adventure College. Thyren has a wealth of outdoor experience, including sailing instructor and whale watching operator in the Southern Gulf Islands – he also owns and operates Aqua Brava kayak instruction. Thyren is a firefighter with the North Cowichan South End Hall, provides expert support for Cowichan SAR with swiftwater incidents, and was previously a crew member of the Royal Canadian Marine SAR.
He has taught technical rescue in Chile, and has headed to Indonesia and the United Sates to teach disaster response safety through the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Thyren is a Wilderness First Responder, and teaches swiftwater and motorized boat.


Tim Wheeler
Instructor Trainer
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Tim Wheeler
Instructor Trainer
Tim has an outdoor resume longer than your arm and teaches swiftwater, boat handling and ice rescue. He is an experienced backcountry guide, and leads mountaineering, hiking, canoeing and kayaking expeditions in many remote regions of Canada and around the world. Tim is a search manager for Lakehead Search and Rescue Unit and a Captain for the Lappe Volunteer Fire Department. He is a gifted and natural teacher and always gets huge kudos for showing clients how safety and rescue skills relate to their specific job responsibilities.


Travis Finlayson
Alberta Regional Manager & Instructor Trainer
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Travis Finlayson
Alberta Regional Manager & Instructor Trainer
Travis has been professionally teaching and guiding a wide variety of outdoor skills for over 10 years. He has led a number of river expeditions across Northern Canada, he is a certified paddling instructor, avalanche safety instructor, ski/snowboard instructor and instructor for the Canadian Safety Council. He is a Raven Medical instructor, and an instructor trainer for Raven Rescue’s swiftwater, jetboat, and ice programs. Travis is a dynamic and experienced instructor and we are proud to have him as part of our team.
