Dave joined the Mount St. Helens Institute in 2021 as an Assistant Guide guide and quickly assumed the role of Lead Guide and Program Manager in 2022.  Dave is a proud retired Naval Officer and enthusiastic student of the wilderness with three decades of worldwide backpacking, paddling, bike-packing and thru-hiking experience.  He nurtured his deep passion and connection with nature through a life of travel and exploration and has devoted this new phase of his life to helping others discover the natural and historical wonders of the Pacific Northwest.  He is a certified Wilderness First Responder and Volcano Naturalist dedicated to providing safe, inclusive and educational guided programming on Mount St. Helens.