Callie Lajza

Reservation Specialist

Callie is passionate about outdoor education and creating meaningful experiences in nature. With an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership focused on Outdoor Education, she has led and trained teams in outdoor recreation, guiding, and experiential learning. She has worked as a Trips Coordinator, raft guide, and climbing supervisor, fostering leadership, safety, and environmental stewardship. Her certifications in Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue reflect her commitment to adventure and education. Callie is dedicated to empowering others through transformative outdoor experiences.

Certifications

  • M.E.d Educational Leadership - Outdoor Education/Group Dynamics | College of William & Mary
  • B.A. Interpersonal/Organizational Communication | University of Central Florida
  • Nonprofit Management Minor | University of Central Florida
  • Master Educator / Leave No Trace
  • Wilderness First Responder & CPR
  • Level I Avalanche Certification
  • Swiftwater Rescue
  • Climbing Wall Instructor | PCIA
  • Single Pitch Instructor | AMGA
  • PADI Open Water Diver
  • 200hr Yoga Instructor
More Adventures

Callie's Favorite Safari Tours

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Bio

With an extensive background in outdoor education and leadership, Callie has gained invaluable experience in various roles that blend her academic training and hands-on expertise. Callie earned her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with a focus on Outdoor Education and Group Dynamics from the College of William & Mary in 2018, building on her earlier undergraduate education in Interpersonal/Organizational Communication and Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida. This academic foundation has shaped Callie’s approach to managing outdoor programs, teaching group dynamics, and promoting community engagement.

In her professional experience, Callie had the privilege of leading outdoor recreation and guiding teams through diverse challenges and landscapes. As a Trips Coordinator at Montana State University, Callie trained and developed a group of 20 student trip leaders, overseeing multiple outdoor programs such as day trips and multi-day backpacking courses. Callie’s role involved managing logistics, risk management systems, and curriculum development, all of which were crucial in fostering a safe and enriching environment for participants. Additionally, Callie worked as a Raft Guide-Trip Leader with Dave Hansen, where she led scenic and whitewater rafting trips, focusing on participant safety and interpreting the natural environment to enhance the experience.

Callie’s work has taken her to various outdoor education roles, including leading kayak trips in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with Rendezvous River Sports and facilitating field science programs with Teton Science Schools. In these roles, Callie not only managed group dynamics but also nurtured students’ personal growth through outdoor challenges. As a Climbing Center Supervisor at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, Callie organized climbing competitions, trained staff, and ensured safety protocols were met. These experiences reflect Callie’s commitment to fostering teamwork, leadership, and environmental stewardship in outdoor settings, aligning perfectly with her career aspirations in outdoor education and nonprofit management.

Additionally, Callie has a rich history of involvement in wilderness medicine and outdoor leadership, having participated in the National Outdoor Leadership School’s Southwest Climbing Course. Callie’s certifications, including Wilderness First Responder, Swiftwater Rescue, and Leave No Trace Master Educator, underscore her dedication to the safety and well-being of those under her guidance. Through these varied roles, Callie developed a comprehensive understanding of outdoor education, risk management, and community-building, all of which she brings to every endeavor. With a passion for teaching and empowering others, Callie is committed to creating lasting, positive experiences in the natural world for people of all ages and backgrounds.