Dave Freeman is our expedition team leader. Dave does it all, from planning and executing expeditions to maintaining our website. Each year Dave conducts many school assemblies, introducing students to our online expeditions and familiarizing them with the wilderness locations we explore. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Biology and Anthropology. Dave is also a web master, programmer, and wilderness guide. He has worked as a dogsledding, sea kayaking, and canoeing instructor for 15 years, introducing hundreds of people to wilderness travel.

The Trans-Amazon Expedition is Dave’s 10th Wilderness Classroom expedition.


Eric Frost has developed, written, and implemented most our online and printed curriculum. He graduated from Ohio University where he studied Education and English. A public school teacher for several years, he has taught students from preschool to high school in a variety of subjects throughout the United States and Asia. Eric also spent 8 summers introducing students and adults to the wonders of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness while working for Sawbill Canoe Outfitters in Northern Minnesota.

The Trans-Amazon Expedition is Eric's 5th Wilderness Classroom expedition.





Ruben Piava is a biologist from Lima, Peru. Ruben grew up in Peru, but has also lived in the California for a year. Ruben has an extensive knowledge of the plants and animals of the rainforest. He specializes in understanding inter-dependent and symbiotic relationships between living things. He has been a naturalist guide in the Tambopata region of Peru for several years.

The Trans-Amazon Expedition is Ruben’s 3rd Wilderness Classroom expedition.








Carol Wendorff is the newest member of our team and we are excited to have her onboard. From Lima, Peru originally, she is a naturalist guide, specializing in family trips, in the Peruvian Rainforest. She has been working with Ruben near Tambopata for two years. Carol is very passionate about the work she does with wildlife and nature.

The Trans-Amazon Expedition is Carol's 1st Wilderness Classroom expedition!






We are so fortunate to have our friend Warren Saurin with us in the rainforest. Warren knows more than any of us about life in the flooded forest, because he lives here! Warren grew up in the town of Lagunas, which is right outside of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Warren's wealth of knowledge about the flooded forest is essential to the team's success.

The Trans-Amazon Expedition is Warren’s 3rd Wilderness Classroom expedition.









Amy Voytilla grew up St. Paul, MN and has been a sea kayak guide and instructor at Superior Coastal Sports in Grand Marais, MN for the last four years. She developed a love of Lake Superior and northern Minnesota during many paddling, hiking, and cross-country skiing trips. Amy received her BA from Macalester College in Studio Art and Psychology. Also, she recently earned her Masters Degree in Art Therapy at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Trans-Amazon Expedition is Amy’s 2nd Wilderness Classroom expedition.