Meet Our Team
Carolyn Walton
Founder/Executive Director
Carolyn is the Founder and Owner of ADK WOODS (Wilderness Opportunity to Offer and Develop Skills). Over the past ten years Carolyn has worked primarily in Wilderness and Outdoor Recreation programs across the country (New York, Oregon, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Vermont). Carolyn has also worked in a wilderness based boarding school for boys as well as at a young adult residential treatment program. Carolyn’s mission and goal is to provide accessible wilderness immersion trips to adolescents through the public school system in the Adirondacks. Carolyn believes that through disconnection to the saturated tech world we live in, participants will find deeper connections with themselves, their peers and their community. Carolyn, along with the WOODS team, will carry this mission out based on the four core values WOODS is built off of; Basic Needs, Self-Reflection, Belonging, and Rejuvenation.
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Jill Byrne
Guide
Jill is a passionate guide for WOODS, bringing her love for the outdoors and diverse background experiences to every trip. Jill was born and raised in Syracuse, New York, where her deep connection to nature was cultivated. Jill joined the WOODS team in the fall of 2023 and brings a unique perspective and approach to guiding that is both refreshing and insightful. Her genuine love for people and knack for fostering connections make her able to resonate with trip participants.
Kiana Roach
Guide
Kiana grew up on Long Island and spent most of her days on the beach. Walking it in the winter or spending hours in the water during the warmer months. Kiana moved up to the North Country in 2015 and received her BA in Anthropology at SUNY Plattsburgh. Kiana fell in love with life in the Adirondack mountains and the creation of all its opportunities for adventure with friends. Kiana was introduced to rock climbing, snowboarding and winter camping. Kiana loves the simplicity as well as the moments of difficulty that come with life in the wilderness and hopes to share that on WOODS trips through real communication and experience.