Our Team
Amy Sayle - Guide
Amy communicates astronomy to the public and tells stories about the stars under the Morehead Planetarium sky, at skywatching events, and at Bryce Canyon National Park’s annual astronomy festival. She has a PhD in epidemiology, and is a proud winner of the Bold-Faced Liars’ Showdown in Laurinburg for a tall tale about accidentally piloting a planetarium full of 4th graders into outer space. Amy is our resident “Astronomer” and you will likely meet her if you join one of Frog Hollow’s Paddle Under the Stars programs.
Banks Dixon - Original Frog Hollowian :)
In 1998 with an answering machine, a handful of canoes, and a passion for the outdoors, Banks began a tiny side hustle he called Frog Hollow. Currently, along with operating Frog Hollow, Banks is the Outdoor Adventure Instructor at Insight Co-Learning in Durham NC, and works with the National Center for Outdoor Adventure Education planning and guiding backcountry expeditions. Banks has lived and breathed work in the outdoor industry since the late 80s. Examples of his past work include positions as the Adventure Director for Camp Frederick in OH, Stewardship Coordinator for the Triangle Land Conservancy, and slinging gear at the Great Outdoor Provision Co. He is an Eagle Scout, a trained American Canoe Association (ACA) Kayak Instructor, a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), NOLS Outdoor Educator, and served in the US Marine Corps. His personal travels include numerous challenging expeditions, highlights of these include thru-hiking the AT, summiting Mt. Rainier, traversing the Baja, trekking the Annapurna’s in Nepal, and kayaking the Grand Canyon. Banks is committed to helping people gain a greater respect and understanding of themselves, others, and their environment through outdoor adventure based experiences.
Ben Gaspar - Guide | Venmo: @Ben-Gaspar
Ben Gaspar loves hanging out around a campfire, easy multi-pitch climbing, hiking with his wife Katie and his dog Moose along the Eno, and helping others find joy, knowledge, and connection through outdoor experiences. As an educator in Durham Public Schools for 12+ years he was the pioneer of programs such as Northern High School’s Outdoor Education and Adventure Eductation Classes, and Merrick Moore Elementary’s fourth grade Outdoor Education Class, programs that allow students to learn far outside the classroom walls. In 2014 he moved abroad to study and receive his Masters in Outdoor Education from the University of Edinburgh. Ben has worked with Frog Hollow since 2008, he now leads multiple summer camps including this years Terrain Explorers and The Peak & The Hollow.
Clara Kempter - Guide | Venmo: @Clara-Kempter
Diogo Gomes - Guide | Venmo: @di090
Diogo, who grew up in Carrboro, spends his days in the woods. He has tons of experience with kids from working 5 years as a swim instructor. Diogo loves everything outdoors or technology-related. He likes to mountain bike, climb, hike, camp, wade, swim, backpack, and paddle. Diogo is currently at Toronto Metropolitan University, studying Photography and Geography. When not on the water or leading camps, you can find Diogo in Carolina North Forest riding singletrack or wading through the creek.
Elijah Halligan - Guide | Venmo: @elijah-halligan
Elijah Halliagan was born in Durham NC and has been on the water as long as he can remember. He loves any type of kayaking, skiing, and biking. Elijah started his journey working for Frog Hollow as a CIT when he was only 13 years old. He is currently living his life to the fullest.
Ingrid Haddon - Guide, Instructor | Zelle: Ingrid Haddon
Ingrid has been active with water sports for most of her life. In younger years she was a swimmer and for the last 14 years has served as a club board member for Carolina Kayak Club. From the American Canoe Association, she has earned an L3 Coastal Kayaking and L2 Flatwater Standup Paddle Board certification and an Adaptive Paddling and Trip Leader endorsements. With those skills, she has trained and worked with many students through the years to help improve their paddling experiences. The adaptive endorsement is special because it also allows Ingrid to volunteer for local organizations to help those with a disability get out on the water. As a trip leader, Ingrid has led many trips and paddle adventures. The longer wilderness adventures include BWCA, Florida, and NY Adirondacks. If asked “why teach”, the answer is to pay it forward so everyone can have a chance to experience the great outdoors.
Izzy Moffitt - Camp Director, Guide, Instructor | Venmo: @Izzy_Bee
Izzy has lived in Durham most of their life and became involved with Frog Hollow through camps at age 10. Izzy began work with Frog Hollow at 14 as a CIT/SIT. This is the 5th year that Izzy has been on staff, running camps, trips, or other programs alike. Izzy is currently at the University of New Hampshire studying Recreation Management & Policy. On days they're not working, you'll find Izzy outside (probably swimming or playing in the Eno) or hammocking along the bank in the shade!
Jack Snyder - Guide | Venmo: @Jack-Snyder-34
Jerry Yang - Operations Manager, Guide, Instructor | Venmo: @ssjyang
Hi! I'm Jerry, and I've been working with Frog Hollow Outdoors for quite a few years now. I live a beautiful transient life in my cargo van that I converted myself, traveling and paddling and climbing and hiking! I've guided and instructed whitewater and flatwater paddling at a high level, and have guided trips in both North and South America.
Joe Glatstein - Guide | Venmo: @cat _hair_thriftwear
Joe was born in Miami and raised in Asheville so he could be considered a spicy mountaineer or a rustic pirate. He attended summer camp in Highlands, NC as a camper turned counselor for 10 consecutive years. Joe’s other noteworthy outdoor adventures include international travel to three continents in the 2010s, a three-month road trip out West in a minivan in 2021, and a week-long rafting trip on the Yampa River in 2023. Besides helping Frog Hollow with gear sales, tabling outreach, and a bit of guiding, Joe sells vintage clothing online and at pop-up markets in Durham and the surrounding area. After a meandering career path through education, construction, and massage therapy, Joe is thrilled to be part of a team helping folks find the outdoors and share community.
Jordan Ludwick - Guide, Instructor | Venmo: @jeludwick
Jordan began his journey with us in 2016. He enjoys all things outdoors, especially biking and fly fishing. His full time job is with North Carolina State Parks working as a maintenance construction tech. He loves maintaining trails and managing our natural resources. Jordan’s passion for outdoor recreation comes from a childhood of boy scouts, camping, exploring, and just always being outside.
Julian Phelps - Guide, Instructor | Venmo: @juliancphelps
Julian is a part time instructor/ guide and has been water plowing with Frog Hollow since ‘15. Other part times include water safety instruction at Duke Aquatics and painting mysterious nature at Phelps Phine Art and his main gig at Youth Behavioral/UNC Heath. He’s always down for exploring the uncharted and inspiring activity and creativity!
Michael Feigin - Guide, Instructor | Venmo: @MichaelFeigin
The guy with an accent. Growing up Michael went flat-water kayaking and camping with his parents often, and learned early on that it doesn't matter how uncomfortable your sleeping arrangements are as long as it's outside, in the woods, and close to a body of water (he prefers lakes). Michael enjoys everything snow related and volunteers with Sugar Mountain Ski Patrol during winters. Since Raleigh is not the best place for skiing he finds kayaking being the next best thing. Michael came to Frog Hollow Outdoors after taking an Eno River trip and a River Kayak Fundamentals class. He loves being outdoors and wants to share his passion with others. Usually very quiet, but if you ask Michael where one can ski while avoiding the crowds, you'll wake him up.
Shalom Kristanugaha - Logistics Manager, Guide | Venmo: @goat_harmonica
Sophie Hatcher-Peters - Guide | Venmo: @SophieHP
Stephen Mullaney - Guide
Stephen Mullaney has worked internationally with schools, organizations and wilderness programs. His classrooms have ranged from dilapidated trailers at overcrowded, underfunded schools to the Himalayan mountains and everything imaginable in-between. His students include former gang members/prisoners and education majors, professors and pioneers in the field . Stephen's philosophy is to focus on the development of positive working and learning environments. Stephen brings over 25 years of education experience and understanding of human nature to bring positive change to any organization, whether it is an education institution or a private company. He prefers to arrive by bicycle and sit in the dirt.
Sumi Farrell - Guide | Venmo: @Sumi-Farrell / PayPal: SumiFarrell
Sumi began working as a camp counselor for frog hollow in the summer of 2023. Now, she continues to lead summer camps in addition to being a guide. Sumi loves to travel and be outdoors, especially with children! She is a collector of bugs and rocks, and will happily sit and look at mushrooms or moss. Sumi attends the University of Vermont where she is studying environmental studies, American Sign Language, and dance. In VT, you may find her playing ultimate frisbee, cross country skiing, or contra dancing. Sumi is stoked to meet all the fellow adventurers who wander this way.
Syd Cassels - Guide | Venmo: @Sydney-Cassels-1
Syd Cassels is an adventurous spirit with six years of paddling experience. Syd loves outdoor activities and collects board games in her free time! Syd joined the Frog Hollow crew in the summer of 2023 and is very excited to continue returning every summer. Syd is currently a masters candidate at North Carolina State University studying sociology with minors in anthropology and geology. Syd is also our resident goofball, and enjoys making others smile.