THE MOUNTAIN TREK STAFF

We attribute our program’s success and service awards to our amazing staff, who nurture and care for your every need from the moment you arrive. From former Park Rangers who lead our hikes, to world class chefs and nutritionists who design and prepare your meals, to kinesiologists, yoga instructors and massage therapists who ensure every aspect of your body is well taken care of, the Mountain Trek team members care deeply about you and your health. And your journey doesn’t stop when you depart. As part of the Mountain Trek community, you’ll maintain a connection to our amazing staff to ensure your health continues back home.

Here are just a few of the faces you’ll see during your time at Mountain Trek — one of the most life-changing health retreats in the world:

Kirkland Shave

Program Director & Lead Guide

Kirkland Shave embodies the essence of Mountain Trek. A certified hiking guide and a certified Life Coach, Kirk is a motivator who challenges guests to do more than they thought possible. Kirkland walks the Mountain Trek talk… sometimes barefoot.

Cathy Grierson

Head Guide & Fitness Director

A certified hiking guide for over 25 years, Cathy Grierson has developed a fitness program at Mountain Trek that complements the hiking intensive. Her positive, upbeat manner inspires and motivates our guests; she is a true role model staff member.

Jenn Keirstead

Nutritionist & Guide

Jenn Keirstead has taught about the healing qualities of whole foods for the last decade. With a background in psychology and nutrition, she delves deep into diet, lifestyle and emotional aspects of food, offering insightful and practical changes for our guests.

Simon Vine

Head Chef

In 2016, Simon Vine had worked his way up from being Executive Chef at a renowned fishing resort to catering for up to 300 people in the film industry. He was on top of the world. Behind the scenes, however, the 80-hour weeks were causing him to physically and mentally deteriorate.

Depleted, Simon moved from Vancouver, Canada, to a remote island. There, he spent six weeks letting go of a stressful, hustle-bustle routine devoid of sleep and healthful food. He recommitted to himself, promising to return to his roots. He yearned for the plant-based, outdoor-oriented lifestyle of his childhood.

Simon and his wife never returned to the rat race; instead, they moved to the Kootenay Mountains. Now Mountain Trek’s Head Chef, he’s able to balance work with camping, biking, hiking and skiing. He has rekindled his appreciation of a wide range of ethnic cuisines and ingredients, and through his meticulously-crafted spa cuisine that’s both balanced and bold, light and intensely flavorful, he helps others positively change their lives.

Kimberley O’Brien

Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Kimberley O’Brien is a naturopathic doctor with expertise in treating fatigue, stress, hormonal imbalances and digestive concerns. She employs science-based diagnostic testing to identify and treat the underlying cause of health concerns. Dr. O’Brien offers naturopathic health consultations and specialized laboratory testing.

Kristy Shields

Kinesiologist & Guide

Originally from the West Kootenays, Kristy spent 10+ years living and working in California in the health and fitness sector. She was pulled back to British Columbia because of the people, the stunning landscapes, and the awesome vibes.

Kristy was on the Canadian Bobsleigh team while attending the University of Calgary, where she received a degree in Kinesiology. She competed for Canada for 6 seasons and was the Assistant Coach for Team Belgium at the 2010 Olympics.

Kristy was drawn to Mountain Trek because her balanced, holistic approach to health and lifestyle aligns with the program. She loves that every week she has the pleasure of getting to know such interesting and motivated guests. Her goal is to have even the slightest positive effect on guests’ lifestyles, while providing a memorable and fun experience in beautiful settings.

Jeanie Dwyer

Guide

Jeannie Dwyer has been playing and working in the outdoors of British Columbia all her life. Born and raised in the West Kootenays, she loves nothing more than showing guests the beautiful secret spots around the region.

Katya Hayes

Yoga Teacher, Fitness Instructor

Katya Hayes has been a yoga teacher for 15 years. She owns her own studio and is the first western woman to receive certification by the International Korean Yoga Association. She has studied yoga, Buddhism, Iyengar, Ashtanga and Vinyasa.

Lauren Powers

Guide

Lauren Powers is a passionate hiker, skier and photographer who has lived out West for the past eight years. She majored in Geography at the University of British Columbia and is applying her knowledge and love of the outdoors to a career in guiding.