Adventure Centre at Pretty Lake

Wallace Tatara

Programming Director

Wallace (aka "Jay") earned his Bachelors in History from Michigan State University and received his Michigan Teaching Certification from Western Michigan University. Three seasons as an organic farm apprentice, work as a classroom teacher, climbing instructor, an outreach educator for a youth shelter and for the YWCA, a NOLS outdoor educator course and graduate work in Experiential Education curriculum development round out his eclectic education. When not at the Adventure Centre Wallace can be found working in his garden, playing with his kids, planning a climbing or camping trip, backcountry skiing, cooking, or relearning to skateboard.

Phone: 269.375.1664

Email: wjtatara@adventurecentre.org

Peter Nitz

Program Manager

Peter earned his Bachelors in Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management from Michigan State University. A former professional chef, Peter left the rigors of the kitchen to pursue his Masters in Public Administration. A whitewater raft guide, National Outdoor Leadership School - Outdoor Educator course graduate and Association for Challenge Course Technology Practitioner certification contribute to his experience.

Aside from the Adventure Centre, Peter can be found paddling a local river, wandering Lowe's gathering materials for his many projects, or longing for yet another road trip. Most commonly, he can be found in his home kitchen cooking for his family.

Phone: 269.375.1664

Email: pnitz@adventurecentre.org

Paulie Cohen

Facilitator

Paulie earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor and Environmental Recreation, and he brings with him an extensive network of experience working and facilitating in the out-of-doors. Paulie recently moved back to his home state of Michigan after nearly a decade away (in Idaho and Vermont). His past work experience includes co-founding and directing an environmental non-profit organization, creating recreational programs as an Activities Manager in Idaho's downhill ski industry, and working as a backcountry guide. When not at the Adventure Centre, Paulie can normally be found laying down music tracks in his home recording studio, snowboarding, traveling, planning a camping trip with his wife, or visiting his family (that he's dearly missed for the past 10 years).

Phone: (269) 375-1664

Email: pcohen@adventurecentre.org

Josie Berridge

Facilitator

Josie, a Western Michigan University Alumna, earned her Bachelor's of Social Work in 2009.  Since graduating she has completed a term of service with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps and has spent time "WWOOFing" (World Wide Organization for Organic Farming).  Josie's facilitation experience includes coaching for Girls on the Run, piloting a high school mentorship program, and serving as a leader in several registered student organizations during her collegiate years.  In addition to facilitating for the Adventure Centre, Josie is a volunteer on her sorority's Alumni Advisory Committee serving as Chapter Standards Advisor for Kappa Rho Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi.  Otherwise, Josie can be found reading fiction, watching American Idol, and spending quality time with her friends.  

Phone: (269) 375-1664

Email: jberridge@adventurecentre.org

Hether Frayer

Facilitator

After graduating from Western Michigan University with a degree in Elementary Education, Hether taught in Detroit before moving back to Kalamazoo.  She has facilitated with the DALT (Diversity, Awareness and Leadership Training) Program, and Girls in the Wild (a rite of passage program).  Hether serves on the board at the People's Food Co-op.  She is also a teacher's assistant at Northglade Montessori Magnet School.  Hether loves to be outside, whether it's walking downtown to hear local musicians, playing in the snow, backpacking in Michigan's wilderness, or running around with her kids.  Much of her indoor time is spent in the kitchen, where she enjoys the challenge of cooking with as much fresh, locally grown food as possible.

Phone: (269) 375-1664