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THE ALASKA WILDLIFE GUIDE TEAM

We’re incredibly fortunate to work with individuals who truly believe in our business philosophy and share our 
vision. We’re proud to have a team of knowledgeable, highly motivated, and remarkably active individuals 
who call Alaska home year-round, not just seasonally. Their deep connection to and understanding of 
life in “The Last Frontier” brings authenticity and insight to every endeavor.

TOUR GUIDES

Jodi

a woman smiling for the camera

Jodi, originally from Martha’s Vineyard, studied Theater and Anthropology at Emory University, where she received funding to study storytelling with Athabaskan elders in Fairbanks, Alaska. Instantly feeling at home there, she moved to Fairbanks after graduating in 1991. She worked for over a decade with the College of Indigenous Studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, gaining deep insights into Native Alaskan culture and village life. During this time, she and her husband built Dew Claw Kennel in Chatanika, a competitive long-distance dog mushing kennel. In 2012, Jodi left the university to focus on dog mushing full time and has since completed the Iditarod six times. Her other interests include paddle boarding, gardening, cooking, yoga, and multimedia art.

Kathy

a woman smiling next to a body of water

Born and raised in Port Orchard, Washington, this individual first came to Alaska in 1987 to work at a salmon cannery and settled in Fairbanks in 1989 after working in Denali and falling in love with Interior Alaska. They earned a degree from UAF in 1992 and began a long career in education, later completing a Master’s in School Counseling in 2005. After retiring from the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District in 2023, they took on a guiding role with Alaska Wildlife Guide as a fun and active new chapter. In their free time, they enjoy playing hockey, spending time outdoors, traveling both in the U.S. and internationally, and being with their two adult children and two granddaughters.

Kevin

John Jaso smiling for the camera

Kevin grew up in Montana near Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness, but moved to Alaska in 2008 to seek bigger mountains and to study at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He enjoys hiking, fishing, rafting, and hunting in Alaska’s wild and wonderful locations. The Brooks Range and the Arctic coastal plain are his favorite adventure destinations.

 

Pete

a man holding a dog

Originally from Maryland, this individual long dreamed of living in Alaska and made the move to Fairbanks in 1996 after earning a civil engineering degree, cum laude, from the University of Maryland. With a 30-year career as a structural engineer focused mainly on buildings across Alaska, they plan to retire in April 2025. In the meantime, they’ve begun a part-time transition to guiding tours in Interior Alaska, a role they find fulfilling. Married since 1997, they live with their wife Brandy, three Brittanies (dogs), and a cat. Outside of work, they enjoy reading, traveling across North America (having visited all 50 U.S. states and nearly every Canadian province), exploring Alaska, photography, and bird hunting with their dogs.

Jean

a person posing for the camera

I grew up cruising Alaskan waters and the coastline from Seward Alaska to La Paz Mexico from the ages of 3 to 15 years old. At 15 I moved to Tennessee. I went to University in Kentucky for Nursing.  My family and I moved back to Alaska in 2009.  Alaska is where we want to stay. We enjoy camping, fishing, snow machines, and other ATVs.  After 20 years in health care I decided I love Alaska so much I want to show it to others.  That is what led me to being a Tour Guide with this exceptional company.

Jessica

a man smiling next to a body of water

I’m originally from a small town in Northern Michigan. After a couple of years of college, I decided to join the Army Reserves and met my husband. We lived in Maine for a while before being sent to Alaska in 2011. I fell in love with the natural wonders of this place. After three years in the lower 48, we were ready to come back and make it our home. When I’m not busy taking care of my family I enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, rockhounding and wildlife photography during the summer and aurora photography in the winter.

 Ryan

a man standing in front of a mountain

Originally from Colorado, Ryan felt a strong connection to Alaska from a young age. After spending two summers commercial fishing in Cordova and Bristol Bay, they decided to make Alaska their permanent home. They enrolled at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and are currently pursuing a degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, with two years remaining. In the summers, they work as a field technician for Alaska Fish and Game, gaining valuable hands-on experience. As a guide, they enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion for Alaska’s wildlife and natural beauty with visitors.

Gina

a close up of a person wearing a hat

I’m Gina, an Alaskan transplant originally from Germany, and I’m thrilled to call Alaska home. As a dental assistant and passionate local guide, I love showcasing the unique beauty and culture of this stunning state to visitors. Having moved many times due to my military upbringing, I’m grateful to have found a place that has captured my heart, as well as that of my two kids. I’m excited to share my enthusiasm with you and explore the wonders of Alaska together!

Roger

a man standing on top of a snow covered mountain

Roger grew up between Ecuador and New York and now calls Alaska home. A fluent Spanish speaker and passionate adventurer, he is a tour guide with a strong background in high-altitude mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, and other outdoor pursuits. His climbing experiences span from the Andes to the Alaska Range. When he’s not guiding, Roger enjoys fishing, hunting, and exploring Alaska’s winter landscapes. He’s also studying aerospace engineering at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and is working toward earning his pilot’s license. Roger loves sharing Alaska’s beauty with visitors and is also a devoted dog lover.

Rachel

Smiling person in purple shirt and cap on a forest path.

I was born and raised in Fairbanks and am proud to be a ninth-generation Alaskan and a second-generation musher. I’m currently working toward a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where I spend most of my time in the printmaking studio, happily immersed in paper and ink. I live in a small, dry cabin with my two retired sled dogs, who insist on long walks through the snow—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love Alaska with all my heart, and I’m proud to share the beauty and stories of my home state with visitors.

Savvy

Person smiling and raising one arm in a scenic mountainous landscape with trees and a river.

Savvy is originally from California, where she studied to become a dental assistant, driven by her passion for helping others and making people smile. A vacation to Alaska with friends brought her to Fairbanks, and she instantly fell in love with the area. Despite the stark contrast to her fast-paced life in California, she felt a strong connection to Alaska. Exactly one year later, she made the bold move to the Golden Heart City on her own. Now, two years later, Savvy has built a life she loves—complete with her boyfriend, two dogs, and countless Alaskan adventures. Along the way, she discovered her passion for tour guiding and realized it’s exactly what she’s meant to do. She now enjoys sharing the beauty and rich history of the state she proudly calls home.

OFFICE STAFF

Bryan
(General Manager)

a person wearing sunglasses and a hat

This relatively new Alaskan was born in Honolulu and raised in San Francisco. I came here on a cruise over thirty years ago and fell in love with Alaska right away. Even though it took almost three decades, I made it back here eventually. Alaska has been the best decision I have ever made, and it brought me my amazing wife and daughter. I love all things outdoors, and I spend any free time I can find getting to know this amazing land.

Jessica
(Assistant Manager)

a group of people standing on top of a mountain

In Oct 2014, I visited some old Army friends at JBER in Anchorage, and I fell in absolute love with Alaska. So in Feb 2017, I packed up my 2 young kids and our dog and we made the long drive to North Pole, smack in the middle of winter, with only what we could fit in my car. As luck would have it, I met my husband and a couple years later we had to move away for the military, but I always knew we would be back! Summer of 2023 we made the trek back and are here to stay! We love everything outdoors and what the great state of Alaska has to offer our adventurous family.

Ashley
(Office Assistant & Social Media Manager)

a man standing on a rocky hill

Howdy! Originally hailing from the Midwest, I moved to Alaska in 2019 to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I am an avid adventurer, who spends any free time backpacking through America’s National Parks [to achieve my goal of visiting all of them: I’m currently halfway there!]. From getting stuck in a blizzard on a volcano in Hawaii, to snorkeling with sea turtles in the Virgin Islands; to dog mushing in Alaska & summiting Angel’s Landing in Utah, I have had my share of exciting experiences. Lucky for me, the Last Frontier never fails to offer something wonderful with each new day.

WORKSHOP CREW

Steven
(Van Detailer)

a close up of a boy wearing sunglasses

Steven is the vehicle detailer at AWG, where he takes pride in ensuring every vehicle is spotless and welcoming for guests. Born and raised in Interior Alaska, with deep roots in Fort Yukon, he grew up immersed in the Alaska Native subsistence lifestyle, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and deep respect for the land. Now living in Circle with his partner Eva and their daughter, Steven also raises a team of sled dogs and has competed in sprint races across the state. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, boating, and exploring with his family—especially during fall moose hunting season, a tradition passed down through generations.

Tony
(Mechanic)

Person in winter clothes with arms outstretched stands on a frozen lake surrounded by trees.

Tony, originally from Plant City, Florida, is a skilled technician with a strong background in mechanical work and craftsmanship. A graduate of the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and certified Red Level Technician, Tony previously ran a successful remodeling business before focusing on mechanics full-time. He and his family moved to Alaska over two years ago, drawn by its natural beauty and quieter lifestyle. Since relocating, he’s developed a passion for gold mining, combining his love of hands-on work, the outdoors, and mechanical problem-solving. Tony is also a National Level Judo Coach with a brown belt, bringing discipline and focus to all aspects of his life. Known for his integrity, precision, and steady presence, Tony takes pride in every project he takes on.