In Touch with Nature Education

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Who We Are

"It's not always where you go, it's who you go with"

In Touch with Nature's unique adventures in learning are only as good as the people who guide them and bring the experience to you. Fortunately, our guides are among the best in the business. They are chosen for not only for their knowledge and skills, but for their joy of life -- that special ability to share happiness with others. We pride ourselves in training and employing indigenous peoples throughout the world. What better way to experience the land and it's culture than through the eyes of the first peoples.

Our family and team:

Thom Henley, Lead Facilitator

Thom Henley is the recipient of six national and international conservation and human rights awards. In 1974 he launched the largest environmental campaign in Canadian history, the 13-year successful effort to save the southern third of the Queen Charlotte Archipelago from clear-cut logging. Together with Haida friends and elders, he founded the Rediscovery program in 1978 to help youth from all cultures discover their inner strengths, celebrate their cultural differences, and renew a deep love and respect for the Earth. Today there are more than forty Rediscovery programs operating throughout the world.

Thom has traveled and studied in more than 120 countries and formally lectured in 28 nations. He is the author and co-author of 11 books:

Islands at the Edge - Preserving the Queen Charlotte Archipelago
Rediscovery - Ancient Pathways, New Directions
Penan, Voice for the Borneo Rainforest
Waterfalls & Gibbon Calls - A Guide to Khao Sok National Park
Reefs to Rainforests - Mangroves to Mountains, A Guide to South Thailand's Natural Wonders
A Seed of Hope
Living Legend of the Mentawai
Krabi, Caught in the Spell - A Guide to Thailand's Enchanted Province
As if the Earth Matters - Recommitting to Environmental Education
River of Mist, Journey of Dreams
Courage of the Sea - Last Stand of the Moken (to be released 2012)

For the past decade Thom Henley has been working in classrooms and leading outdoor education adventures for some of Asia's most prestigious international schools in Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Thom's "Reefs to Rainforests" program is now a university-accredited course for international teachers, and is part of the school curriculum for a growing number of international schools.

If there is an accomplishment for which Thom is most proud, it is the honor of being adopted and formally given names by indigenous peoples in many remote parts of the world. He has been adopted by the Haida in Haida Gwaii (Canada), the Penan in Sarawak (Borneo), the Mentawai in Siberut (Indonesia), the Newari in Bhaktapur (Nepal), as well as by families in Thailand and Tibet.

In Touch With Nature Education Staff

We are both fortunate and proud to have a staff that ranges from award-winning educators to traditional forest dwellers that possess a wealth of knowledge and skills but have never had a day of classroom schooling.

Employing international teachers guarantees the high level of instruction that is a hallmark of our trips. Employing indigenous peoples grounds our programs in local customs and culture, supports local communities and provides students with a knowledge base of the land and sea that no academic on earth can match.

All of our core staff has taken rigorous training programs to help guarantee the health, safety and quality of our trips. Many of our staff are graduates of the Outdoor Leadership Development Program at United World College in Canada as well as certified in Emergency First Response, CPR/AED and passed professional lifeguard courses at Phuket International Academy in Thailand.

International School Consultant Staff
	Chris Lahey Chris Lahey completed his Bachelors of Science degree in Ontario, Canada before moving to New Zealand to complete a post-graduate degree in Education, studying under one of the country's national academic advisors for Environmental Education (EE). This spurred a love of environmental education and gave him his first taste of it in the field, leading two week-long EE trips for local secondary students. Moving to Asia, Chris taught science, chemistry and enviromental systems and societies at the International School of Phnom Penh in Cambodia for several years before moving with his wife to Hong Kong and starting his new career as an educational advisor and field science teacher on our Asian programs.
	Kenny Peavy Kenny Peavy has been teaching for over 14 years as a classroom teacher and field naturalist. He has taught in Georgia and California, USA public schools, outdoor science schools, nature centers and is a certified Wilderness First Responder. His latest posting was at the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) where he taught grade 7 Life Science, led the Outdoor Adventure Club and served as the East Asian Region Council of Schools (EARCOS) teacher representative. He has been honored with several awards and recognitions for his work in environmental education including the Malaysian Nature Society volunteer of the year, the Georgia Adopt-a-Stream Volunteer of the Year, and is recognized as the East Asian Region Council of Schools (EARCOS) preferred provider for environmental education and teacher training. Kenny has published over 30 travel and natural history articles both online and in print. As if the Earth Matters, co-authored with Thom Henley, was awarded the National Science Teacher Associations Recommendation (NSTA Recommends!). He has also facilitated over 20 workshops on methods of outdoor education and natural history. His love for sharing Nature and natural history of South East Asia has led to numerous trips for students to explore the beauty and wonders of the environment. His experience with public and international schools coupled with leading outdoor environmental education trips will ensure that your custom made trip will suit your needs!
	Elizabeth Henley Elizabeth's range of interests is illustrated by her university majors, spanning cultural anthropology, geography and international studies. She has spent several summers as a canoe and camping guide in the United States, specializing in trips with youth. A Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor and Wilderness First Responder (National Outdoor Leadership School-Wilderness Medicine Institute), Elizabeth is committed to minimizing risk and providing first aid on our trips. She has worked with In Touch With Nature Education on trips in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia, and currently resides in the United States.
African Staff
	Simon Peter Kansiimer, Ugandan Simon was born into the Muhororo tribe and raised in a remote village in southwestern Uganda not far from Bwindi Impenetrable Forests, home of the famous mountain gorillas. Pursuing his childhood dream to become a pilot, he went to Kampala City to train and earn a degree in Electrical Engineering from Makerere University. In 2004 he discovered a new passion when he took friends on a Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park and decided he didn't want to work with wires and cables anymore but rather with people to share the beauty of his country. He then trained as a field safari guide and started Whitecrest Tours & Travel Company that today is one of the leading Safari companies in Uganda and a full member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators. The proud father of two sons, Simon Peter hopes they too will one day join the family business as guides and allow him to realize his childhood dream of pilot guiding.
	Geoffrey Mugabo, Ugandan Geoffrey hails from two Ugandan tribes having a Musoga mother and a Fumbira father. His paternal grandfather was a celebrated spear hunter that taught Geoffrey how to hunt like a master at a tender age. At age twelve the young man gave up his hunting ways and dedicated his life to conservation. He is now a professional guide who shares his passion for nature and people with students on our “Heart of Africa” trips.
Canadian Staff
	Rosalyn Starr Rosalyn is a hereditary chief of the Fireweed Clan of the Gitksan Nation whose ancestral lands embrace much of northern British Columbia. Rosalyn is our First Nation lead facilitator on our "Grizzlies and Glaciers" expedition. Rosalyn has served as program director of Anspayxw Rediscovery for many years in the wilderness areas of northern British Columbia. She has a wealth of traditional knowledge and is open to sharing her rich culture with others in a gentle and motherly fashion.
	Wade Charlies image and bio description not available
Indonesian Staff
	Dedi Brunoto (Jungle Edie) The son of a poor rubber tapping family in Sumatra, Dedi Brunoto was bitterly disappointed when his family could no longer afford sending him to school where he was excelling as a student. At age 13 he made the tropical rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park his new classroom and started guiding to help support his family. Dedi wanted to distinguish himself from other guides in Bukit Lawang and so he came up with his own costume of jungle leaves and adopted the name “Jungle Edie” to become the iconic figure that is known and loved by students on our “North Sumatra Safari” adventures.
	Revolo Neki Caniago (Neki) Neki is a young man of Minangkabau ancestry who grew up fishing off the shores of west Sumatra with his father. An accomplished surfer and ocean explorer, Neki has worked as a guide since he was in his teens. Now an official Indonesian tour guide, Neki joined the In Touch With Nature Education team in 2011. He helps lead our trips on the island of Sumatra and is known for his playful sense of humor and competent leadership, making a trip with Neki a fun learning experience.
	Alex Joy As a child Alex attended Thom Henley’s Rediscovery camp in East Sooke on Vancouver Island. This as well as many other experiences growing up on the West Coast of Vancouver Island contributed to his great love for nature. After more then 10 years of no contact with Thom, they reconnected over a project in North Bali, at PantaiMas. Subsequently Alex received the trainers training from Thom, as well as graduating Jean Houston’s Social Artistry program.Since then Alex has been working with I.T.W.N.E. Alex is also trained audio engineer, as well as a professional DJ. He is often recording sound clips during the trip to involve them in music compositions. Alex currently resides in Bali.
	Ishan Junaldi (Sunny) Ishan’s personal motto “Do the best!” seems to influence every aspect of his life. Holding a Bachelor of Law Degree and a Black belt Taekwondo 2nd Dan, Ishan has not only disciplined himself to a high level, but loves sharing his passion with the local youth he instructs in Padang, West Sumatra. Fluent in Dutch and English as well as his native Bahasa Indonesian, Ishan is in demand as an interpreter, having served in that capacity with relief organizations and the Australian Defense Force in Padang. He worked with an international NGO giving aid after the 2009 earthquake devastated Padang and he has worked as a licensed guide since 2008. Ishan has a sunny disposition as his nickname implies and loves surfing, snorkeling and trekking; he’s a great addition to our West Sumatra Indonesian team!
	Mejeng Mejeng is a traditional Mentawai forest dweller of the Sikalio clan on Siberut island, Indonesia. Mejeng has had no formal schooling outside of the jungle but is a brilliant young man who has mastered English on his own and hosted people from all over the world. Mejeng is the lead facilitator on our Mentawai Magic adventure.
	Sahabuddin Nur (Budin) Budin is a native of Makassar, once the hub of the ancient spice trade on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Born in 1967 to a poor rural family, Budin was a bright student that excelled in school and went on to earn a degree in English Literature at Hasanladdin University. Now, married for more than 15-years and a father of two, Budin loves traveling and sharing the joys of adventure travel with others. The successful owner/operator of Matahari Holidays, Budin has been guiding tourists for 23-years to Indonesia’s remotest isles and some of the wildest places imaginable. He is the logistics trip leader for our three eastern Indonesian student programs: “Supernatural Sulawesi,” “Trekking in Toraja Land” and “The Amazing Moluccas”.
	Ida Ayu Putu Purnamawati (Dayu) Dayu is the trip leader on our Bali program and assists us on other Indonesian trips. Born in a remote Hindu Balinese village on the “Island of the Gods”, Dayu was raised according to time-honored traditions. She is a celebrated classical Balinese dancer firmly grounded in her religion and culture. Dayu has worked as a fitness instructor at five-star resorts on Bali, Java and Sulawesi; she currently serves as General Manager of Pantai Mas – a Spiritual & Learning Center in North Bali. Fluent in English as well as many Bahasa dialects, Dayu has traveled to five countries on three continents (Germany, Holland, Malaysia, Australia, Canada) to obtain certifications as an open water diver, lifeguard, wilderness first aid attendant, massage therapist and aerobics instructor. Above all these skills, Dayu brings a genuine warmth, gentle spirit and love of children to our programs that endear students to her.
	Sarul Sarul is Mejeng's cousin and chief organizer for our Siberut expeditions. Sarul has excellent English language skills and has a real talent for making all guests feel safe and comfortable even in a world so completely different from their own. A Mentawai Magic trip would not be the same without Sarul sharing Mentawai legends with students during the nightly story time.
Nepal Staff
	Harish Koju A Newari of Bhaktapur, Nepal, Harish is the master guide on our "Himalayan Spectacular" adventure. Harish has led people from all over the world on extensive treks through the high Himalayas but is most admired for his charming manners and open-door-hospitality. Harish doesn't just guide our groups, he takes them into his home as family and into his heart as friends.
Thai Staff
	Geo Klathalay Born in an isolated Moken village in Burma, Geo is the instructor who teaches diving, traditional food gathering and shelter construction to students on our Moken Immersion program. He is outstanding is his traditional skills and as a boatman.
	Napatch Phonthaisong (Patch) Patch hails from Burriram near the Thai/Cambodian border. He is a certified Thai Massage Therapist and performs both classical Thai and Isaan folk dancing. Patch has traveled extensively and assisted our tours in Sumatra, Laos and Vietnam. He attended Rediscovery International Training at United World College in Canada in two occasion and is certified in Wilderness First Aid.
	Pisit Pongpakburanakit (Oh) Pisit has been part of our Thai staff team for over a decade. Born and raised in Chiang Rai Province of northern Thailand, Oh brings a big smile, a great set of skills and maturity to our team. The father of two beautiful children, Oh loves working with young people and often goes well beyond guiding to offer counsel to students. He is a Tourism Authority of Thailand registered guide, a professional lifeguard and a first aid attendant.
	Mana Sareewong (A) A is one of the most talented guides on our team. An exceptional musician and song writer, A brings his gift of music and a delightful sense of play to our trips. A is from northeast Thailand (Issan). He has been to Canada training as a guide on two occasions, and is a professional lifeguard. Mana often leads our Reefs to Rainforests trips in Thailand and North Sumatra Safari in Indonesia.
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