Our Volunteers

John is a Member At Large on the Executive Committee and works on special projects within the Chapter. When asked to talk about his interests and what he loves about being an AMC volunteer, this was his response: "I was initially drawn to the AMC by its outdoor activities. I enjoy hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, bicycling, and trail blazing. I ski out my back door when the snow conditions are right. I skate on a nearby pond and enjoy pond hockey. I cut and burn brush every year. I have launched my kayak on the Connecticut River. I have hiked sections of the A.T. and would like to do more. I'm a Massachusetts native and after a career in the federal government in Washington DC, I retired to western Massachusetts ten years ago." "I believe the benefits of the AMC go well beyond the pleasures of outdoor activities. We live in a challenging and changing natural environment. As the world grows warmer and more polluted, animal habitats shrink and species become extinct at an alarming rate, and our weather becomes more erratic, the AMC can help make a difference. It does this directly by acquiring and conserving forests, trails, rivers, and wild lands and advocating for legislation. The social benefits of the AMC are an added bonus. Strangers who share an interest in hiking and other outdoor activities quickly become friends, broadening our horizons, sharing knowledge, and enriching our lives.

I am an avid hiker, backpacker, and paddler. I enjoy taking new people out into nature and although new to the AMC leadership, I have been leading hiking and boating trips for over 30 years. I especially enjoy hiking to waterfalls and have visited over 70 waterfalls in Massachusetts.

I served as Berkshire (now Western MA) Chapter Secretary from 2014 to 2020 and, in addition, I was Chapter Chair during the period when members of the Executive Committee served on a rotating basis. Outside the Executive Committee I am a hike leader, leading Tuesday hikes and trips on sections of the Massachusetts Appalachian Trail. I have been a caretaker at some of the campsites along the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts also. I have loved the outdoors since childhood. When my son was a Boy Scout I was an assistant scoutmaster and participated in many camping and hiking trips, including trips to the White Mountains, Maine, and the Adirondacks. Later, I decided to climb all the New England 4000 foot summits and I completed the list a few years ago. Also, it has been my good fortune to hike in some of our national parks. I am now retired and enjoy travelling with my wife, Susan. As much as possible we spend time with our son and his family.

Kim is a Member At Large on the Executive Committee and works on special projects. She has been living in and exploring the Connecticut River Valley for the past 20 years and can be seen most days on Mount Tom with her sidekick, Piper. Kim has developed a love of all things botanical from her many wanderings, and is currently finishing a plant studies certificate with Native Plant Trust. She loves ferns, moss, native orchids and the Eastern Towhee. When not on the trail, Kim is an artist and can be seen painting murals across the Valley and beyond or exhibiting her eco-geometric paintings. She wanted to join AMC to be part of the incredible community and to volunteer to lead hikes that bring together ideas of art, nature and place.

I love hiking, biking, rock climbing (mostly in a gym), and being outside in general. For me, being outside is a way to disconnect, relax, and recharge. About a year ago I decided I wanted to start hiking more frequently and maybe try backpacking. I stayed at the AMC Highland Center in New Hampshire to participate in the Intro to Backpacking weekend and was blown away at everything the AMC has to offer. The educational, safety, and physical aspects of the programs drew me in. I am also an accountant, so when I saw the Western MA chapter needed a treasurer, I thought it would be a great way to participate and meet new people who have similar interests.

The Conservation Committee hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including invasive plant removals, nature hikes, and trash cleanups. Recent webinar topics have addressed wildlife conservation on Mt. Tom, forest health and carbon sequestration, invasive species, reptiles in Western Massachusetts, and AMC's policy on solar siting. The committee also tracks legislative agendas relating to conservation. Recent items to the MA House and Senate concern solar power development, increased funding for environmental programs, and advocacy for wildlife. Learn more here.

Nancy continues her 40-year career as an environmental educator. This profession called her to wrangle critters at a zoo, extoll the virtues of fish migration, conduct hands-on science workshops for teachers, haul kids around in the woods all day, and have other fascinating jobs. She currently works with DCR as the Visitor Services Supervisor at Holyoke Heritage State Park, fostering a love of the outdoors among urban youth and adults. She also travels locally to give presentations based on her recently published adventure memoir, Paddle for Water, which recounts the adventures of her 5,000-mile cross-country canoe expedition with her husband, Tom.Nancy holds a B.S. in biology and an M.Ed. in secondary biology. She aims to encourage healthy relationships with nature and has attained a Mindful Outdoor Guide certification. She has long volunteered with AMC, especially with Noble View Outdoor Center. Although working full-time limits her ability to lead many hikes, in her current position, she collaborates with AMC's Community Engagement Committee to encourage urban youth to "Get Outdoors." Nancy and Tom live contentedly in a wood stove-heated A-frame in the hills of western Massachusetts with golden retriever Luna and all the fox, bobcat, turkey, and bear that wander by.

I moved to New England five years ago after accepting the Director of Treasury Operations position at Amherst College. Prior to that, I was the Associate Treasurer at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. I'm a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Treasury Professional (CTP). My main outdoor pursuits are ultra-distance trail running and backpacking.

As a kid, I loved hiking with my father and sister and then life happened – business, family, etc. Now retired, I've been an Appalachian Mountain Club hike leader since 2006. I have also led Berkshire hikes for Mass Audubon, OLLI (adult learning), Housatonic Heritage Walks and Berkshire South Community Center. Over 12 years ago I started a friends hiking group that still hikes weekly here in the Berkshires. I usually take a few hiking vacations a year to various parts of the U.S. and the world. Hiking is my passion and I love to share it! I like to savor the joy and beauty of the trail including the views, flora and fauna, and history, both natural and man-made. I'm a moderate hiker. The experience is so enjoyable, why rush? Website »

Lisa started hiking the A.T. when she was just seven but hasn't finished it even though she is now in her 60s! She is a "one elevener" (all peaks over 4,000 feet in the NE) and a winter 46er (Adirondacks). Lisa is a New England native but also calls the Celtic Kingdom of Northern Spain her home and enjoys the local mountain range there, the Peaks of Europe. She is passionate about hiking, backcountry skiing, risotto, and the company of family and friends while sauntering peaks and trails most anywhere.

I have been leading hikes for at least 10 years, first with my local hiking club, the Berkshire Knapsackers, then with the AMC, then at AMC's annual Fall Hike Week in the White Mountains of NH. I completed my NH48 a couple of years ago. I love hiking, hiking lists, and patches! I'm working on just about every list out there, mostly focusing on the NH 52 with-a-view lately. My newest hiking buddies are my 2 and 4.5 year old grandchildren. I love instilling in them a love of the outdoors. I also enjoy kayaking, biking, and most recently, pickleball.

Alice Flyte enjoys being out in nature and leads relaxed hikes on well-established trails. She feels it is important to take time to listen to sounds, or stop to look at interesting finds along the way.

I am an avid hiker and backpacker and have been a leader for AMC for ten years. I enjoy doing summit hikes and have completed the 48 4,000 footers and 67 highest hundred. And I enjoy conquering trails such as the Long Trail in VT, the Cohos Trail in NH, and the Appalachian Trail. I am always eager to explore new trails and re-visit old ones.

Paul has been a 4-season leader for the AMC for 35 years. He has led hikes all over the Northeast, in the Cascades of Washington, the Canadian Rockies and in Europe. In addition he leads wilderness canoe trips in northern Canada. He is a retired Registered Maine Guide.

Matt's love for the outdoors began with scouting, through which he learned outdoor ethics and the principles of Leave No Trace (@LeaveNoTraceOrg), visited the high adventure Philmont Scout Ranch (@PhilmontScoutRanch), and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. However, without the structure that scouting provided, he later grew away from the outdoors – until rediscovering his passion while completing the NH 48 Four Thousand Footers. In 2022, Matt completed a thru-hike of the 2,194.3-mile A.T. (@AppalachianTrail) and developed an appreciation for the significant work that trail committees and outdoor organizations undertake to preserve and protect our natural spaces. He aspires to help others build confidence in themselves and realize the potential of spending time outdoors. Matt enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, paddling, snowshoeing, and skiing (including downhill, backcountry, and cross-country). Currently, he is section-hiking the New England Trail (@NewEnglandTrail), planning thru-hikes of the Midstate and Robert Frost Trails, and daydreaming about the Long Trail (@GreenMountainClub) and a White Mountains Direttissima (a hike of all of NH's 48 4000' peaks in one continuous route). He is also exploring budding interests in cycling and climbing. Originally from Clinton, he now calls South Deerfield and Western MA his home.

Most of Mary's career has been in the government and nonprofit sectors, often in roles that, while not always within a library, still required a library degree. Her volunteer work also includes assisting with digital projects for the Law Library of Congress. Her previous volunteer work has included serving as Chair of the Board for the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (now Inform USA) and traveling to Kenya to provide technical assistance to librarians through the Connecticut-based nonprofit American Friends of Kenya. She is happy to bring her council and board experiences, and affinity for Robert's Rules of Order, to her role as chapter secretary. When she's not volunteering, you can find her enjoying the outdoors – walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing – or simply taking in the fresh air. Thank you Mary for sharing your skills, experience and passion for the outdoors with us!

I started hiking/backpacking in my 20's and had various breaks throughout the next 20 years, but restarted my hiking/backpacking in my 40's and haven't stopped since. As I'm a collector of patches, I've completed the following hike challenges: Long Path, Northville-Lake Placid Trail, Cranberry Lake 50, Mountain Club of Maryland (MCM) A.T. 40 miler (one day), The 111ers of Northeastern USA, Catskills 3500 and in winter, ADK Fire Tower Challenge, Catskill Fire Tower Challenge, Catskill Mountain Club Trails Challenge, Lake Placid 9er, Lake George 12ster, Saranac Lake 6er, White Mountains 52 With-A-View (WAV), and am going to complete the NET in MA this year.Overseas, I've hiked in Nepal, Dolomites, New Zealand, the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, and in the Julian Alps in Slovenia. In the US, I've climbed Mt. Whitney and Mt. Shasta, and hiked the 50-mile High Sierra Camp Circuit in Yosemite.Now in my later years, I continue to take on more challenges to keep me in the outdoors although not at the same level as in my younger days. I live in the Berkshires but enjoy hiking all over Western MA, VT, NY, and especially the Whites in NH. Since moving here 4 years ago, I have explored many of the beautiful state parks, state forests and preserved lands of MA. I also enjoy x-country skiing, biking and am currently an A.T. trail section maintainer, but hiking is my passion and I enjoy sharing my love of the outdoors with others.

Diane has been involved with the AMC since the 1980s, beginning with the Boston chapter's wonderful hiking, camping, biking, skiing, and social activities. She was delighted to find the Western MA chapter's vibrant offerings and gradually was drawn to be more involved in exploring the many beautiful trails, becoming a leader in 2018, helping with fun events, and supporting others in their involvement in the outdoors and our natural resources.Diane is passionate about the A.T. and other long-distance trails, as well as any footpath that provides twists and turns and the joys and miracles of nature. Discovering areas new to her, and leading mindfulness hikes/walks are also sources of delight.

Margot Lacey was an outdoors kind of kid, but only became a serious hiker after living in Switzerland for a year, and then backpacking in the San Juan and Grand Teton mountains a few years later. Since then, every summer vacation has entailed either a hiking or biking trip. With time constraints lifted after retiring, Margot has been spending more time on the trail, with thru hikes of the Long Trail (VT), Alpine Pass Route (Switzerland), and the John Muir Trail (CA), among others. This summer, she plans to hike the entire Colorado Trail. Margot is a long-time August Camper, and is current Chair of the August Camp Committee. Whether on her bike, her skis, or on the hiking trail, Margot loves exploring new places and returning to her many favorite routes, and sharing the fun of being on the trail.

Steve has been an avid road cyclist and hiker most of his life, leading group cycling rides as an AMC cycling leader for over 20 years. When not riding, he can be found hiking, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing. As an AMC hiking leader, he seeks out local trails and enjoys introducing others to the many hiking opportunities around us.

Robyn Maislin has been leading group bike rides for the AMC Western MA and Boston chapters since 2005. She also has ten years of experience as a group exercise leader, in a variety of settings. When not cycling, she enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, boot camps, and snowshoeing. In April 2023, she was certified as a hike leader focusing on day hikes.

I consider myself a very lucky person! I enjoyed my 27-year career as a Town Manager. I love babysitting my two-year-old and newborn grandsons. I love hiking and traveling with my husband and friends. And I love being part of the AMC community! I started leading hikes and being involved organizationally with the AMC almost 10 years ago. Since then, I have hiked all of the MA and CT A.T. and have a goal of hiking at least one section in all the A.T. states. I have completed all the NET in MA and hope to complete the CT NET someday. I lead hikes in the Whites during the Annual Fall Hike Week. I hike in the national parks in the western U.S. and have hiked the Milford Track in New Zealand and various trails in Ecuador, Italy, and Canada. I also love to learn new skills and share them with others. I am active in the training of new leaders in the AMC. I love the outdoors. I love identifying wildflowers. Seeing eagles and hawks and peewees. Watching a porcupine waddle through deep snow. Catching a deer leaping through the forest. Seeing a mama bear push her three cubs up a pine tree. Most of all, I like to share the outdoors with others.

Peggy has been a member of the AMC for 25+ years. She donates generously to AMC with monetary resources and her time. She organizes one fourth of the yearly Western MA Chapter Tuesday Hikes, recruiting leaders and coordinating the Anniversary Hike and celebration, which just celebrated 24 years! Peggy loves attending our in-person Annual Meetings and other events featuring speakers who enrich her knowledge of the natural world. She's volunteered at Noble View for more than 10 years and was a volunteer member of the Noble View Committee who kept the facility running "back in the day". Peggy is a world-wide traveler and enriches the lives of local chapter members and the community with her knowledge and appreciation for the many diverse cultures and countries she has visited. She is a former Peace Corps volunteer and a deserving recipient of the 2023 Appie!

I started hiking regularly in 2007 with the Tuesday Hikers of the AMC. I quickly became a qualified leader. I've led hikes all over Western Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire. I have also mentored several new leaders. I proudly served as our Chapter Chair. I was awarded Appi of the Year in 2009. I also received a volunteer award from AMC. In my spare time, I help refugee families, do volunteer work with both my church and my synogogue, play bridge and pickle ball, fly airplanes, and kayak. I often hike alone with my dog, Lexi.

John O'Shea has been a volunteer hike leader for AMC since 2018. Now retired, John worked at the Springfield Fire Department from 1977-2011. In addition to hiking, John enjoys tennis, biking, kayaking, and, recently, pickleball. His favorite part of the A.T. is the section that runs from Bear Mtn in CT to Race Mtn in MA. He primarily leads level 2 hikes in the Western Massachusetts area.

I am a retired middle school special education teacher, mother of three and grandmother of four. I joined AMC after my retirement to find things to do in my new-found free time. About two years ago, I responded to a request from our Chapter for a volunteer social media editor, which seemed like a great fit for me. I love all kinds of outdoor activities- hiking, skiing (downhill and cross country), snowshoeing, and kayaking, and I love to take photos on my adventures. After a year and a half as social media editor, I filled the vacant Communications Chair position. I love being a volunteer with the AMC! I have met so many amazing people and feel like I'm doing something positive for the community and the environment by spreading the word about what we do.

Dawne is a former teacher. She loves the natural world and believes there is a place for everyone in the outdoors. Dawne serves as an AMC hike leader and flatwater paddle leader. She is co-chair of the Western MA Chapter Family Programs Committee and Chair of the Western MA Community Engagement Committee. She also co-chairs the AMC Interchapter Community Engagement Committee and is the Adopt a Trail volunteer coordinator at Noble View Outdoor Center.

I've had the pleasure of leading many hikes over the past decade, from the Hudson Highlands to the Catskill High Peaks, the southern and northern Taconics, and the Adirondacks. Sharing these adventures with others is a joy!

Laura has been leading AMC hikes for 8+ years and is happiest when she is outside and in the woods. Her career as an early childhood specialist facilitates her role in co-leading the Family Programs and Education Committee of AMC's Western MA Chapter. Laura also volunteers for Noble View, leading hikes, organizing programming, and recruiting stewards for this amazing Outdoor Center.

I'm a professional geologist and worked many years in environmental consulting investigating, remediating, and monitoring hazardous waste sites throughout the U.S. After 4 years in a UMaine research lab analyzing satellite data, I took up programming and then spent more than a decade working in web development for NASA, promoting marine science missions such as Aquarius, Ocean Salinity, PACE, ECCO, and SWOT. I grew up in North Conway, NH and have been an AMC member off and on since the 1970s. Besides the Appalachians, I've hunted rocks in Nepal, Mongolia, Switzerland, South Korea, Canada, the Colorado Plateau, and the Rockies. Hiking, skiing, and whitewater canoeing are my favorite outdoor activities. I became the webmaster for Western MA in August 2022.

I have led moderate hikes for over ten years, primarily in the NYS Capital District, Taconics, and Berkshires. I enjoy introducing hikers to "new" trails, mountains, vistas, waterfalls, etc, which they may not have explored otherwise. My favorite season to hike is "all of them": with the abundant spring flowers in the spring, the warmth and long days of summer, the spectacular colors in the fall and the pristine white snow in winter.

I have been an AMC hike leader with the Western MA chapter for more than 5 years. I have been hiking every chance I get for the past 15 years. I mainly enjoy hiking in the White Mountains in NH, but I am working on section hiking the Appalachian Trail and have completed 4 states so far. I am a four-season hiker and have completed the seasonal grid, which involves hiking all of the 4000 footers in NH in each season as well as completing 48 hours of trail work. I have completed the NE 67 and would like to complete them all in the winter. I recently travelled to Baxter State Forest in winter to hike Mount Katahdin. I am a member of the Randolph Mountain Club and regularly perform trail maintenance with them. Internationally, I have hiked up to Annapurna base camp in Nepal. I am currently working on trail tracing the White Mountains map. I have many goals but so little time.... I look forward to hiking with you all!

I am a retired Health and Physical Education teacher. The last 15 years I taught and led classes in fitness walking, snowshoeing and mountain biking. I have been certified as an AMC leader for 7 years, leading projects for the Western MA A.T. Management Committee. Most recently I have started leading hikes in the Berkshires. I am certified as an American Heart Association BLS CPR, First Aid Instructor and an American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid Instructor.

Deb has been a volunteer with the Western MA Chapter since 2003 when she began maintaining a section of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in the Berkshires. She has been a paddling leader since 2017 and leads work trips on the A.T. She currently serves as Co-chair of the Paddling Committee, Coordinator of Corridor Boundary Monitoring for the A.T. Committee, and was previously Chair of the A.T. Committee. She holds certifications from the American Canoe Association as an instructor in kayaking and canoeing and from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as a chainsaw operator.

Dave is a long time AMC member. He enjoys the outdoors and nature and leading hikes for others who enjoy the outdoors.

Bonna has been a paddling leader with the Western MA and Worcester Chapters since 2017, and co-chair of the Western MA Paddling Committee since 2020. In addition to her work with AMC, Bonna teaches kayaking and leads trips for schools, community groups, and Women Outdoors, where she serves on the Board. Bonna is an outdoor educator in the Vermont public schools and an American Canoe Association-certified kayaking instructor. She organizes summer camps for kids and paddling workshops for adults with her business Bold Paths, using her fleet of kayaks to get people on the water. Bonna's networking skills have led to partnerships between the AMC and Women Outdoors.

Heather has been a volunteer leader with the Berkshire/Western MA Chapter for over 25 years! She has chaired many things: Family Programs, NET Committee, Chapter Vice Chair, and Conservation co-Chair. Heather still leads Conservation and Family activities, and is a chapter Volunteer Trails Leader Trainer (basic maintenance).