Meet the Instructors
Rafael Alfaro
Adjunct Faculty
Rafael, originally from Florida, discovered his true calling in Alaska after a life-changing sea kayaking trip to Shoup Bay. Captivated by the Alaskan wilderness, he made his way to Prince William Sound College, where he now teaches sea kayaking, BC skiing, and packrafting. With a passion for the outdoors, Rafael can often be found exploring Thompson Pass’s snow-covered peaks or paddling through the stunning waters of Prince William Sound, living life to the fullest in the wild beauty of Alaska. His journey from Florida to Alaska is a testament to his adventurous spirit and deep love for the Alaskan lifestyle. Rafael is an ACA instructor and EMT.
Carrie Abruzzo
Adjunct Faculty
Originally from Michigan, I’ve spent the last four years embracing the wild beauty of Alaska, where I live with my husband and two dogs. As a third-season kayak guide for Anadyr Adventures, I get to explore these incredible landscapes up close and share them with others. I’m also deeply involved in the outdoor education program at Prince William Sound Community College (PWSC). As both a teacher and a lifelong student, I enjoy helping people connect with the wild side of life. Whether I’m paddling, hiking, or adventuring with my dogs, I’m constantly reminded of how lucky I am to call this place home.
Wyatt Jobe
Adjunct Faculty
Jobe is an alpinist, wilderness professional, and paramedic dedicated to pushing human potential in the world’s harshest environments. From Antarctica to the Himalayas and Alaska, he navigates the edge of risk and exploration, forging resilience through adversity.
Certified as an AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Avalanche Professional, and Nationally Registered Paramedic, he blends technical skill with intuitive leadership. His work in Antarctica and remote rescue missions reflects his adaptability and respect for nature’s chaos.
More than personal conquest, Jobe’s journey is a testament to endurance, adaptation, and the strength found in struggle.
Kaden Addler
Adjunct Faculty
Paul Nylund
Adjunct Faculty
Paul was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI and earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education and Natural Resource Management from the University of WI, Stevens Point. Since moving to Alaska in 1999 he has operated a campground on the Kenai Peninsula, managed a sea kayaking company in Valdez, taught downhill ski lessons at Alyeska Resort, and currently works for the City of Valdez Planning Department. He is an avid recreationalist with skiing, kayaking, rafting, camping and kiting as his favorite outdoor pursuits. He especially enjoys doing these activities with his wife and 2 kids!
August Franzen
Adjunct Faculty
August Franzen is a passionate climber, kayaker and outdoor educator. He has several years of personal and professional experience in the outdoor industry, ranging from being a climbing guide in Rocky Mountain National Park and AMGA courses, to structured education through NOLS as well as a bachelor’s degree in outdoor studies from Alaska Pacific University. August is a strong advocate for experiential education- learning through doing. His teaching and learning style embodies a hands-on approach and promotes applying skills learned through experience to make educated and informed decisions in the backcountry.
August's personal experience in the outdoors ranges from extended mountaineering expeditions in the Alaska Range and Patagonia, big wall climbing on Yosemite, alpine and desert walls, sea kayaking Prince William Sound and ice climbing throughout the state of Alaska. August came to Valdez with winter climbing in mind. He spends his time working for the City of Valdez Parks and Recreation Department as well as chasing ice and alpine routes.
Sarah Carter
Adjunct Faculty
Sarah is currently the Education Coordinator for the Alaska Avalanche Information Center and a forecaster for the Valdez Avalanche Center. Sharing her passion for the Alaskan outdoors keeps Sarah instructing and guiding winter and summer. Over the years she has worked on ski patrols, snow safety/mountain rescue teams, and as a glacier, heli, sea kayak, and raft guide. Watching people enjoy themselves in the wind, rain, snow and water is Sarah’s goal. She believes that the trip is a success when you have a story to tell when you get home.
Benjamin Rush
Assistant Professor of Outdoor Leadership
Dr. Rush moved to Alaska from Vermont where he served as an assistant professor of the Outdoor Education Leadership and Tourism Department at Northern Vermont University. Prior to that, he taught in Taiwan for more than 20 years. He has a deep connection to Asia and the outdoor program he helped build over his 20-year tenure. Rush has recently returned to Alaska and to what he considers his dream job…and he definitely lives what he teaches. From skiing and winter camping to hiking, climbing, and sea kayaking, Ben is constantly on the move.