Staff

STAFF AT RIVER RIDERS

Our guides separate us from the competition. With experience on world-class Whitewater Runs in North, Central, and South America, our staff leaders have the seasoned skills and know-how to provide you with the most enjoyable trip possible. The guides pride themselves on your positive experience. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources certifies all guides at River Riders.

 

We train our staff on customer service skills, river ecology, wildlife, flora and fauna. In addition to learning how to skillfully maneuver river craft, new staff are trained in First Aid, Professional Rescuer CPR, and Basic Swift water Rescue. Among our senior staff, we have in house First Aid and CPR instructors, Swift Water and Whitewater Rescue Technicians and Instructors, EMT’s, and First Responders. Jefferson County Emergency Services calls River Riders to assist with river related rescues in the Harpers Ferry area.

RYAN M.

Hometown: Frederick, MD
Position: Trip Leader, Sweep, Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Underwater basket weaving, ice cream with Garrett
What I like about working in this industry:  Hanging out with great people on the river!

BILLY

Hometown: Frederick, MD
Position: Trip Leader, Sweep, Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Long walks through quiet parks, relying on my magic 8 ball for my most important decisions.
What I like about working in this industry: It’s fun, I feel like I can express myself here, I think the people here really like me.

GARRETT (FERRETT)

Hometown: Centerville, AL

Position: River Manager, Trip Leader, Sweep, Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Under water basket weaving, synchronized skinny dipping, ice cream with Ryan 
What I like about working in this industry: I like boats! 

DANNY (DANNY BOY)

Hometown: Laurel, MD
Position: Trip Leader, Sweep, Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:

KAYLA L.

Hometown: Mount Airy, MD
Position: Trip Leader, Sweep, Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Anything Outdoors (Rafting, Fishing, Camping, Hiking, National Parks, etc), WVU, and spending time with my husband/2 dogs.
What I like about working in this industry: Helping people discover and rediscover a passion for the outdoors!

JEFF

Hometown:
Position: Trip Leader, Sweep, Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry: 

KAITLYN

Hometown: Harpers Ferry, WV
Position: Trip Leader, Sweep, Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Gardening, art, boating, hiking, and music.
What I like about working in this industry: I get to meet some truely amazing people that are looking to have an adventure! I love being on the water with my friends and “guide family!”

BAILEY

Hometown: 
Position: Trip Leader, Sweep, Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry: 

TOMMY

Hometown: 
Position: Trip Leader, Sweep, Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: 
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KELSI

Hometown: Frederick, MD
Position: Trip Leader, Sweep, Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry: 

SAM

Hometown:
Position: Trip Leader, Sweep, Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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KAYLA R.

Hometown: 
Position: 
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SAIGE

Hometown: Charles Town, WV
Position: Sweep, Raft Guide, Assistant Sales Manager
Hobbies/Interests: Boating, Tokyo drifting, synchronized swimming
What I like about working in this industry: It’s so fun and different that it doesn’t feel like work. 

MEARA

Hometown: 
Position: 
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TIM

Hometown: 
Position:
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MARCO

Hometown: 
Position: Raft Guide, Sweep
Hobbies/Interests: 
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DANA

Hometown: 
Position: Raft Guide, Sweep
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JOEY

Hometown: 
Position: Trip Leader, Sweep, Raft Guide
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MARIAH

Hometown: 
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: 
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MERCEDES

Hometown: Taneytown, MD
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Sewing, crafting, biking and caving.
What I like about working in this industry: Keeps you healthy and in shape sharpening skills every signle dat. Lots of time in nature. 

ALEXIS B.

Hometown: Van Lear, Kentucky
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Running with my dog, traveling, and cooking.
What I like about working in this industry: I enjoy working in this industry because it is challenging yet fun. Every trip is a new experience and a great chance to show off the outdoors.

SARAH E

Hometown: 
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry: 

ASHE

Hometown: Harpers Ferry, WV
Position: Sweep, Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Disc golf, reading, gaming
What I like about working in this industry: The water, the fun guests, and the adrenaline rush 

JAKE S

Hometown: Ashburn, VA
Position: Sweep, Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Fighting fires, saving lives 
What I like about working in this industry: I like being a raft guide because of the adventurous experience I get to share with guests!

ABIGAIL

Hometown: 
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry: 

ASHLEY

Hometown:  Shepherdstown, WV
Position: Raft Guide, Sweep
Hobbies/Interests: Photosynthesis; the molecular structure of oxygen
What I like about working in this industry: Everyday presents itself with new challenges and the rewards are even better.

BRADY

Hometown: Purcelville, VA
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Frisbee
What I like about working in this industry: I like being able to cool off in the river whenever I want! 

STEVE

Hometown: 
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry: 

RILEY

Hometown: 
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: 
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TYSHANE

Hometown: 
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: 
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LILLY

Hometown: 
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, Herbalism
What I like about working in this industry: Meeting new people; assisting in their experiences

FRANCIS

Hometown:  Frederick, MD
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Guitar, classic literature, drawing on white boards
What I like about working in this industry: Crushing whitewater; being on the river all day

CASSIDY

Hometown: 
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry: 

KYLE G

Hometown: 
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: 
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RYAN B

Hometown: 
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: 
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Stacie Farmer (In Memorium)

Hometown: Whidbey Island, WA
Position: Camp Director, River Guide
About: Stacie was a wonderful, valued friend and Camp Director at River Riders whose life was cut short in a bicycle traffic accident in 2010.  She is fondly remembered by all those whose lives she touched.
What I like about working in this industry: Sharing my love of the outdoors with others

JARED C

Hometown: 
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry: 

CARSON

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Assistant Manager
Hobbies/Interests:
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TAY

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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AVA

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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KENDALL

Hometown: Castroville, TX
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Jiu Jitsu, Video Games, Trumpet, Hiking
What I like about working in this industry: Keeps me in shape and I get to make people laugh and help people get over their fears.

GEORGE

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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WALDRON

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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KORBEN

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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LAUREN

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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SIERRA

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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ALEX

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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JOHNNY

Hometown: Frederick, MD
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Classical music, contemporary music, percussion, pop music, jazz, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Health and Fitness, Start Trek, and Ethnomusicology.
What I like about working in this industry: Being outside, interacting with guests, and coworkers.

KELLY

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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SETH

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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ETHAN

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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INDIGO

Hometown: Winchester, VA
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Foraging, Taxidermy, and Hiking
What I like about working in this industry: Being outside, interacting with different types of people and helping people realize how capable they are.

ADRIANA

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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KEIFER

Hometown:
Position: Zipline Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
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WILLOW

Hometown: 
Position: Adventure Park Monitor
Hobbies/Interests: 
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WILLSON

Hometown: 
Position: Adventure Park Monitor
Hobbies/Interests: 
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CASEY

Hometown: 
Position: Adventure Park Monitor
Hobbies/Interests: 
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SOFIA

Hometown: 
Position: Adventure Park Monitor
Hobbies/Interests: 
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ASHTON

Hometown: 
Position: Adventure Park Monitor
Hobbies/Interests: 
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HARRISON

Hometown: 
Position: Adventure Park Monitor
Hobbies/Interests: 
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HANNAH

Hometown: Charles Town, WV
Position: Adventure Park Monitor
Hobbies/Interests: Microbiology, Space Travel, Dance, Star Wars, Video Games.
What I like about working in this industry: Helping people have a great experience and overcome their fears, and spending time being active outside. 

BROOKE

Hometown: 
Position: Adventure Park Monitor
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

BAILEIGH

Hometown: 
Position: Sales Manager
Hobbies/Interests: 
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SAIGE

Hometown: 
Position: 
Hobbies/Interests:  Assistant Sales Manager, Raft Guide
What I like about working in this industry:

EMMA

Hometown: 
Position: OAC Assistant Director
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

JESS

Hometown: 
Position: Retail Coordinator
Hobbies/Interests:  
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PATTI

Hometown: Toronto O-H-I-O 
Position: Sales Staff
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, Cooking, Reading, Meeting new people, Traveling, and Photography.
What I like about working in this industry: Meeting new people, and providing smiley good customer service.

OWEN

Hometown: 
Position: Sales Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 
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KADE

Hometown: 
Position: Sales Staff
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ZENIA

Hometown: 
Position: Sales Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 
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MAKANI

Hometown: Hillsboro, VA
Position: Sales Staff
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Nature, Mashed Potatoes, and Art.
What I like about working in this industry: Talking to new people and watching people use the coin machine.

LIZZIE

Hometown: 
Position: Sales Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

HAILEY

Hometown: Shepherdstown, WV
Position: Sales Staff
Hobbies/Interests: Various sports, hiking, and reading.
What I like about working in this industry: Meeting all of the people who travel here from around the world! And helping people book their first outdoor experience.

SIERRA

Hometown: 
Position: Sales Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 
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ELSIE

Hometown: 
Position: Sales Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 
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BEN

Hometown: 
Position: Support Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 
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AUSTIN

Hometown: 
Position: Support Staff
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ISAAC

Hometown: 
Position: Support Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 
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NATHAN

Hometown: 
Position: Support Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 
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JOJO

Hometown: 
Position: Support Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 
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STETSON

Hometown: 
Position: Support Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 
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Carmen

Hometown: 
Position: Photography Supervisor
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

Kenzie

Hometown: 
Position: Photographer
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

Gabi

Hometown: 
Position: Photographer
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

NATE

Hometown: 
Position: 
Maintenance Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 

What I like about working in this industry: 

FAITH

Hometown: Augusta, WV
Position: Maintenance Staff
Hobbies/Interests: Basketball
What I like about working in this industry: Meeting new people and learning new things.

ATLAS

Hometown: 
Position: 
Maintenance Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 

What I like about working in this industry: 

ED

Hometown: Nowhere, Kansas
Position: 
Maintenance Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 
Mountain biking, skateboarding, and kayaking
What I like about working in this industry: 
It allows me to live in my own little world.

PETEY

Hometown: 
Position: 
Maintenance Staff
Hobbies/Interests: 

What I like about working in this industry: 

JANET

Hometown:Harpers Ferry, WV
Position: Driver Manager
Hobbies/Interests:My two boys, hiking, walking, biking, water activities, baking
What I like about working in this industry:My co-workers are awesome. I love dealing with nice people.

DEBBI

Hometown: Frederick, MD
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests: Bowling, sewing, metal detecting.
What I like about working in this industry: Co-workers, customers, great summer job

JENNIFER

Hometown: Ranson, WV
Position: Aerial Adventure Park Monitor, Canopy Tour Guide, and Driver Staff
Hobbies/Interests: Gardening, kayaking, quilting, and cooking.
What I like about working in this industry: I get to work outside all summer having fun with the best people. I get to share the outdoors with guests and give them great new experiences.

LEO

Hometown: 
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

EUGENE

Hometown: Clarksburg, MD
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests: Motorcycles and shooting targets
What I like about working in this industry: It is so much fun!

MIKE

Hometown: 
Position: Van Driver
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

DARRYL

Hometown: 
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests: 
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PAUL (DOUG) 

Hometown: 
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

BRAD

Hometown: 
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

KRISTINE

Hometown: Falling Waters, WV
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests: Photography, art, crochet, and jewelry making
What I like about working in this industry: I enjoy working with and meeting all kinds of different people.

BRIAN

Hometown: 
Position: Van Driver
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

TONY

Hometown: 
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests: 
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TOM

Hometown: 
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests: 
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CHRIS

Hometown: 
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

ONEIL

Hometown: 
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

ANTON

Hometown: 
Position: Van Driver
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

LEWIS

Hometown: 
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

MARY

Hometown: 
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry:

HARRY

Hometown: 
Position: General Manager
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry: 

RYAN MICHAEL

Hometown: Stephens City, VA
Position: Director of Operations / Aerial Manager
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking and uh man um doing activities where I can photosynthesize (playing outside) / Physical fitness and a mental well being.
What I like about working in this industry: I appreciate being able to enjoy experiences with everyone.

KAITLYN

Hometown: Harpers Ferry, WV
Position: Administrative Assistant
Hobbies/Interests: Gardening, art, boating, hiking, and music.
What I like about working in this industry: I get to meet some truely amazing people that are looking to have an adventure! I love being on the water with my friends and “guide family!”

KAYLA

Hometown: Mount Airy, MD
Position: Hiring and Compliance Manager
Hobbies/Interests: Complying, Anything Outdoors (Rafting, Fishing, Camping, Hiking, National Parks, etc), WVU, and spending time with my husband/2 dogs.
What I like about working in this industry: Helping people discover and rediscover a passion for the outdoors!

BAILEIGH

Hometown: 
Position: Sales Manager
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry: 

FAITH

Hometown: 
Position: Support Staff Manager
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry: 

BEN

Hometown: 
Position: Maintenance Manager
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry: 

GARRETT

Hometown: Somewhere in Alabama
Position: 
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry: 

CALEB

Hometown: 
Position: Outdoor Adventure Camp Director
Hobbies/Interests: 
What I like about working in this industry: 

Matt, Laura, Alexis, Zach, & Sierra 

Hometown: Harpers Ferry, WV
Position: Owners & President
Hobbies/Interests: Whitewater, the outdoors, & camping.
What I like about working in this industry: Started as a raft guide as a teenager & we love being able to share our knowledge & experience of the area with you.

 

Sierra Knott

Sierra aka Cici (photo from 2008)

Hometown: Harpers Ferry, WV
Position: Thinks she’s the boss 😉
Hobbies/Interests: River Riders camp, general mayhem, swimming, soccer, rafting, tubing
What I like about working in this industry: the people