Our team

Jeff “Willy” Willis, Founder, CEO & & Adventure Architect

Since 1991, I’ve been cooking up camps and expeditions across Canada, Japan, Germany, Colombia, Ecuador, Fiji, Yukon, Europe, and even the Arctic. My recipe? A big scoop of outdoor experiential education, a dash of youth and family work, and a whole lot of passion for environmental education and social justice. That mix became Fireside Adventures. Becoming a dad turned up the heat. When I realized my kids weren’t getting climate change education at school or camp, I built the World Bound Climate Change Courses series. Then I supercharged Fireside’s Explorer Series and added the Salty Express, Ocean to Mountains, and Earth Roots experiences for schools— because the next generation deserves both adventure and answers.

When I’m not scheming up new expeditions, I’m also the founder of Vancouver Outdoor School. With Barnsy, me, and the Fireside crew, we create outdoor learning that doubles as life and social skill training—because climbing trees and building fires can teach you way more than just, well, climbing trees and building fires. Book a phone or zoom meeting with me now and ask a gazillion questions. Certifications: Wilderness First Aid, Flatwater Canoe instructor, Outdoor Council of Canada Field Instructor, Moving Tandem Canoe, L1 Kayaking, Ocean Canoe Instructor and more.

Email Jeff

Liam “Barnsy” Barnes, Director & Lead Guide

been working in Experiential Education since I was 16, first under the mentorship of Mike Kent and then under Willy since 2019. I am in this business for life. “Kids these days!!!” - they need something fast and furious, some sort of “electric guitar of learning”, and Outdoor & Community Experiential Education is my answer.

Catch me on the River and I will give you a harmonica (if you do dishes).
Catch me in the Big Machine and I will teach you how to do a backflip (if you can do the safety skills first).
Catch me across the Seven Seas, and… who knows what we will learn together.

Every child is born a shining light. If we keep all those lights from going out, there’ll be no darkness.

Book a phone or Zoom meeting with me now and ask me lots of annoying questions

Ethan Barnes, Coordinator, Office Administrator, Mentor (Between The Trees), Grant Consultant

Growing up in a small town in BC’s interior, being outside was taken for granted. Rather than summer camps, my friends and I spent summers exploring the mountains around our home, building forts, foraging for snacks, and bumping into bears. Like a typical teen, I didn’t appreciate how unique and profound this experience was at the time. After graduating high school, I ‘escaped’ my hometown to explore the world. Many countries, a couple of degrees, and lots of unusual jobs later, I realized just how rare my childhood experience was, how few opportunities many children and youth have to explore and grow from experiences in the outdoors. It was around that time that Jeff offered me the opportunity to help provide these opportunities.

Initially, I joined Fireside as a remote web content and grant writer. However, after moving back to Vancouver from England, I found myself pulled into the world of outdoor experiential education. I now wear many hats for Fireside, including office administrator, camp coordinator, and outdoor instructor, and I also work at Fireside’s sister company Vancouver Outdoor School as an intensive 1:1 support worker. During my time here, I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of kids from a wide range of backgrounds, in big-group and 1:1 settings, in locations from Vancouver to the Yukon to Fiji. It’s incredible to see how much children and youth of all ages can grow from outdoor experiences when they are given support, challenge, and the opportunity for adventure. Email me at office@firesideadventures.ca.

Certifications: Wilderness First Aid (50-hour), Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader (Hike and Paddle), a couple of degrees (notably, an MA Counselling Psychology - in-progress)

Bella Vedova, Artemis and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Coordinator, Expedition Guide

I've had the honour of growing up on the west coast of Vancouver Island, where I have spent my life exploring the forests and oceans that make this place so special. My passion lies in connecting people with the land, and that journey has brought me here to Fireside. Through guiding, I have paddled, hiked, biked, and run alongside our campers in some incredible places. I am continually inspired by what the natural world can teach us, and I believe the challenge and discomfort of being outdoors are some of our greatest teachers.

I recently graduated from UVIC in Geography and Environmental Studies, where I focused on the relationship between people and the natural world, and studied how we can best support the earth with different environmental restoration. You will find me swimming in any body of water, climbing trees, painting, or playing guitar. You'll be hearing my songs if we are on a trip together! This summer, I will be leading the Canada World Bound Paddling Expedition from Sechelt to the Yukon, as well as our first Artemis trip to the Yukon River. I am so excited to keep exploring, connecting, and learning with the amazing groups I get to travel with. 

Certifications: Wilderness First Aid - 90 Hour, CPR Level C, Tandem Moving Water Canoe Certification, OCC Field Leader, Food Safe BC, Double Major Geography and Environmental Studies BA. 

Jess “JD” Dick, Lead Expedition Guide

My whole world spins around the wild: climbing into it, splashing through it, and inviting you to join me in the mud, stars, and everything in between. After spending many sunsets abroad, these days, you’ll find me chasing sunrises, paddling or hiking into “I swear it’s just around the bend” territory, or swapping stories by the fire.

I’m a foodie, especially when it’s the kind that fuels us to pull off wicked feats and launch into super cool adventures. Fireside is my favourite place because everyone gets to show up exactly as they are—muddy boots, wild hair, snack crumbs and all—and still be celebrated. That’s the kind of energy I want to bring everywhere.

As an outdoor educator, my whole world is about connecting with the wild and helping others do the same. I'm a firm believer in the power of stepping outside your comfort zone—whether it’s a big, challenging hike, a long day of paddling, or just a quiet moment of observation in the woods. There’s nothing quite like that “wild feeling” you get when you let go of the everyday and just sink into the natural world around you.

I’m truly grateful for the incredible beauty of nature, and I love sharing that sense of awe with others. My goal on every trip is to help you see how important it is to be outside, to find your own connection, and to appreciate the amazing places we get to explore. Come join me for an adventure; see you in the wild!

Heather Potkins, Lead Guide + World Bound Climate Change Coordinator

Growing up, I felt most calm and confident in wild places — alpine valleys, fast cold rivers, rock faces, and snow-covered mountains — and in the in-between moments: huddled under tarps as rain drummed overhead, gathered close around a flickering fire, passing snacks via paddle, with laughter and song echoing across the water from our canoe flotilla. These are the kinds of experiences I want to share with young people — where they can show up as they are, try things they’re unsure of, take on responsibility, and realize they’re more capable than they first thought. For me, education is about drawing out the greatness already within each youth, with the land as a powerful teacher.

I’ve always been drawn to the relationships between people, place, and social justice in local contexts, and that curiosity shapes my work. The aim is to invite young people to notice more deeply, question more freely, and feel a real sense of belonging in the natural world. When I’m not guiding with Fireside, I work as a secondary teacher with Skyzeh on Witsuwit’en territory, weaving together science and outdoor education through a river and land guardianship program.

Certifications: Wilderness First Responder First Aid + CPR-C, Flatwater Canoe Instructor, Moving Water Tandem Canoe, Swift Water Rescue Technician, NCCP Canoe Kayak Level 1 Competitive Coach, Canoe Kids Instructor

Justin Ming, Expedition Guide

Hailing from the rocky shores of Victoria, B.C., I love all things outdoors. For over half my life, I have been an avid rock climber, scaling cliffs in Senegal, China, Australia, Colombia, Mexico, and western North America. In 2008, I competed for the youth Canadian climbing team in Australia. On the water, I have kayaked from Victoria to Port Hardy, and rafted 280 miles of high-class rapids in the Grand Canyon with a formidable team. In 2010, along with 39 other adventurous individuals (Tour du Canada), I cycled 8,600km across Canada from my hometown to St. John's Nfld. In my spare time, I lovee to play Joe Hisaishi songs on guitar, read, keep up with my French (C1) and Spanish (B2) fluency with practice. 

In tandem with the adventures mentioned above, for over 12 years, I have facilitated engaging outdoor educational programs for youth in Canada as well as Central and South America. More than anything, I love to share my passion for adventurous self-discovery, a growing understanding of the environment, and how to be stewards of the land, with young aspiring minds. 

Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, CPR Lvl. C, Paddle Canada Skills Lvl. 1, Outdoor Council of Canada C Field Leader, B.Sc. Geography (Conc. in Natural Resource Mgmt.)

Ben Wein, Expedition Guide

Born and raised in Montreal, I was always captivated by the wilderness that I loved to learn about on Animal Planet. Growing up, I spent my summers at a camp in the Adirondacks exploring the woods, and falling further in love with nature, hiking, biking and paddling. In my teens, I participated in a month-long expedition in Big Bend National Park in Texas, which cemented my desire to work outdoors.

These days I'm studying in a three-year adventure tourism program focused on teaching students to guide in the backcountry, and the skills to lead a number of outdoor activities. When I am not guiding, you will find me paddling if the river is high enough, bikepacking if it is not, or repairing gear. Excited to see you on the water!

Certifications: Advanced Wilderness First Aid, Tandem Canoe (Lake, Moving Water), Sea Kayak, Whitewater Rescue, Restricted Operators Certificate Maritime

Rachel Orr, Expedition Guide (Artemis Women’s Adventures)

I’ve been lucky to spend so many moments of my life outside, travelling by canoe, bike, snowboard, and my own two feet. The land has shaped me, humbled me, fed me, challenged me, and occasionally reminded me that I am, in fact, just a soft mammal with a backpack. It has taught me that wild places have a powerful way of bringing people together and drawing out our bravest, goofiest, most grounded selves. As a trip lead, my goal is to help people feel curious, capable, silly, and deeply connected to the land and each other. My favorite guiding experiences have been in the beautiful and remote Quetico Provincial Park, sharing adventure, laughter, and the kind of time outside that sticks with you. Time in nature with me means play, close listening, learning from the land, way too many bug facts, and lots of EATING.

I’m finishing up my Master’s in Biology, studying aquatic bug communities in rivers and streams. Understanding the busy life below the surface has made every moment by the water more meaningful. This summer, I’ll be joining Fireside on the first Artemis trip to the Yukon River. I can’t wait to share, connect, laugh, and guide an incredible group of women through such a magical landscape.

Certifications: Whitewater Safety and Rescue, Wilderness & Remote First Aid with CPR level C, ORCKA Canoe Levels 1-4, Biologist in Training 

Maya Beakhouse, Kids Camp Instructor

I am an aspiring educator, passionate about empowering youth to think critically and build empathy and understanding for the world around them. I love working with kids of all ages, and I have led many summer camps in Canada and Europe! I grew up riding horses in Alberta, but since moving to Vancouver six years ago, I now call this city home. I love anything to do with water, especially swimming in open water on a summer day! My favourite way to get around the city is by bicycle, and in my spare time you might also find me DJing!

I did my B.Sc. in Global Resource Systems at UBC, and I am now finishing up a Masters in Human Geography at the University of Amsterdam. I have worked on climate change programming for UBC and CityHive, and I am especially interested in climate change education for children and youth.

Certifications: National Lifeguard (Pool), Standard First Aid/CPR-C

Charlie Muegge, Kids Camp Instructor & 1:1 Mentor (Between the Trees)

I’m currently attending Emily Carr University of Art + Design, and majoring in film. I believe there is a creative outlet for every child, and they just need to find it

I’ve been camping since I was a child. Through this, I gained not only skills but also the belief that these experiences shaped me into who I am today, and allowed me to connect with others in a truly unique way, making lifelong bonds.

I grew up neurodiverse myself, in a neurodiverse family. I am very passionate about inclusion and working to create strategies and tactics for different brain styles. It is one way to make it easier to exist in a world that was not built for us.

Certifications: Wilderness First Aid 50-hr, Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader (Paddle and Hike), National Lifeguard

Daniel “Dani” Mikolela, Lead 1:1 Mentor (Between the Trees) & Parkour Camp Instructor

My name is Daniel Mikolela Agosta. Since I grew up in Kenya, I was a stone's throw away from birds’ nests near my home. Despite being so close to nature, I only started appreciating it when I came to Fireside Adventure for my first camping experience. Hiking the Juan De Fuca trail and travelling down the Yukon River for 2 months, as part of Yukon Explorer, really changed my relationship with the outdoors. When I came back, I was trained as a parkour instructor in order to give back the experiences I received.

I’m passionate about rapping, parkour, sound engineering, composing, voice acting, and makeup art! As a Parkour Instructor, I want to help the next generation to keep their curiosity about the world and see things in a positive light. Outside of the work I’ve done with Fireside these past 2 years, I have been studying molecular genetics as I prepare to work in the genetic engineering field. I look forward to connecting with you!

Certifications: Wilderness First Aid 50-hr, Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader (Paddle and Hike), National Lifeguard

Eva Sarango: Fireside South America Representative and World Bound Instructor

Carmen Chandler, OEE and Leadership Advisor

The concept of 'Paying it Forward' is one of the driving factors behind my passion for Outdoor Education. As a teenager, I had the opportunity to participate in many different experiences. Being a part of the Fireside team is my chance to facilitate similar life-changing experiences for the next generation.

I’ve been with Fireside since 2016, and I’m a BC Teacher. The Yukon River is always a highlight of my summer because it is magical to see the youth disconnect from their devices and start to wonder and feel the joy the wilderness offers. I love being a part of Fireside because it feels like family.

Ian Ross, OEE and Leadership Advisor

By day, I’m a high school science and geography teacher, fluent in the latest youth lingo (yes, I know what “rizz” means—don’t test me). By adventure, I’m your go-to guide for decoding the mysteries of the natural world—whether it’s identifying the glittery minerals in your pocket full of rocks or figuring out why that river looks like a giant latte.

With me, science isn’t trapped in a classroom—it’s alive in every splash, sprint, and stumble. We’ll plunge into creeks, learn why we can’t see through silty rivers, and race across beaches that sink beneath our feet. (Don’t worry, I promise to keep it fair… but no, I’m not letting you win.)

Think of me as the friendly “mad scientist” of Fireside: equal parts curiosity, chaos, and contagious energy. If my adventures were a movie, the trailer would read: “On the edge of madness… one teacher dares to make science ridiculously fun.” Spoiler alert: it’s going to be epic, and you’re the co-star.

Lenaya Sampson, OEE and Leadership Advisor

I’ve been leading outdoor adventures on the BC coast and in the Yukon for over 12 years, but my journey actually began as a participant at Fireside Adventures in 2012. Those first trips sparked my love for being on the land and water, building community, and learning through adventure. Over the years, I’ve grown from camper to instructor, and now I’m proud to be a senior instructor and advisor, helping others discover the same joys that inspired me.

I’m also a certified teacher with a focus on Indigenous education and outdoor and environmental education. From my perspective as a guide and an Indigenous educator, teaching and guiding go together. It allows me to help people of all ages, especially youth, connect with the natural world, try new skills, and gain confidence in themselves in settings that they might not normally be in!

Whether we’re paddling, hiking, or gathered around a campfire, my goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where everyone feels encouraged, supported, and excited to learn outdoors.

Sebastian Jenkins, Canadian Independent School Travel Advisor (Canada and International)

I am a Fireside alumnus, international traveler, and hospitality and travel professional with a passion for cultural exploration. My interests include cuisine, language, history, astronomy, and education through global engagement. I first joined the Fireside community in 2006 as a teenager, participating in the second-ever program held in Alberta, Canada. In 2008, I took part in the international youth leadership program in Germany, and in 2021, I joined the Yukon Explorer paddle expedition. 

Over the years, I’ve traveled to 30 countries. In 2012, I spent a year living in Mombasa, Kenya, where I volunteered in rural communities, building schools and teaching English. These experiences were pivotal to my maturation and development of an open mind. Thus, I firmly believe that people of all ages, especially children and youth, benefit immensely by exploring and interacting with the world around them. My goal is to provide students everywhere with the opportunity to gain this priceless global perspective. Email me at international@firesideadventures.ca

Ami Nagata, Canada and Japanese Travel Advisor (Japan and Canada School Group Specialist) 

I was born and raised in Japan and moved to Canada in 2020. So far, I’ve explored 18 countries, driven by a deep passion for discovering new cultures and fostering meaningful cultural exchange. My professional experience includes working at an immigration agency, where I helped Japanese students pursue their dreams of studying in Canada.

I believe it is essential for children and youth to explore the world—not only to learn new languages, but also to build social skills, leadership abilities, and a strong sense of identity. My motto, “一期一会” (Ichigo Ichie), or “once in a lifetime encounter”, reflects my desire to inspire more Japanese people to step into the world, embrace meaningful connections, and bring fresh energy and perspective to the global community. Email me at international@firesideadventures.ca

Daniel Macías Barajas, Recruiter - International Camps Association

Daniel creció en el mundo del campismo, de niño atendió campamentos en México y Estados Unidos. Daniel tiene un Master en Gestión y Dirección de Centros Educativos por la Universidad de Barcelona. Sus veranos de estudiante los pasó siempre trabajando como miembro del staff en varios campamentos en Estados Unidos, Canadá, Alemania y España. Desde 2007 dirige la corporación International Camps Network a través de la cual gestiona recursos y fomenta la promoción de una vasta red de Centros Educativos al Aire Libre especializados en técnicas de Aprendizaje a través de la Experiencia. Entre los programas que dirige se encuentran Camp Europe y Camps Canada, éste último programa fortaleció los lazos con Fireside Adventures para crear una sinergia donde Daniel es ahora oficialmente el coordinador para Latinoamérica de Fireside Adventures. Y está muy emocionado por ello!

Jessie “JT” Trudeau, Advisor

Fireside found me during a five-month solo Yukon adventure (cue epic soundtrack). Fully immersed in the challenge and magic of the North, I discovered just how much I love sharing the experience with others. I’m an Indigenous woman, post-secondary educator, and counselling psychology student which basically means I live at the crossroads of brains, hearts, and the great outdoors. I carry stories and perspectives from both Indigenous and Western worldviews and am eager to share this knowledge in ways that create deeper and more connected learning.

My passion? Helping people discover how nature isn’t just pretty to look at—it’s a legit powerhouse for mental health and well-being. I guide folks through land-based learning adventures where you can ditch the stress, reconnect with yourself, and maybe even feel like a wilderness superhero (cape optional).

On a trip, you can usually find me flipping chocolate chip pancakes for a crowd, coaxing fire from damp kindling, tracking animal prints, or scanning the horizon for bears (from a safe distance, of course). But, at the end of the day, trips are about more than great food and campfires. Let’s build connection, confidence, and space to reflect on who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re headed next.

Junior Instructors