T. Scott Cook, PhD
Camp Director
Scott has degrees in Recreational Leadership and Outdoor Adventure from Greenfield Community College and the University of Massachusetts. He currently teaches in the Movement Science Department at Westfield State College as a professor in the Outdoor recreational leadership program. Scott has his master degree in Outdoor Adventure Leadership and recently received his doctorate in Leadership Development in Adventure Education. He also has finished his book Outdoor Leadership ~ “The Noble Gift”!
Scott is a NAUI SCUBA Course Director, ACA canoe and kayak instructor. He currently holds certificates in and is an instructor trainer for the American Red Cross in Lifeguarding, Water Safety Instructor, CPR, Wilderness First Aid and AED training. He brings more than 30 years experience with him, teaching all ages, levels and abilities. His passion is teaching and the sharing of his knowledge of the Outdoors. Scott has worked in the Special Education field for more than 25 years.
Laura Cook, RN, BS
Swim instructor, Travel Consultant
Laura has degrees in Animal Science and Nursing from Holyoke Community College. She continued her nursing education at the University of Massachusetts. She has worked as a surgical nurse for the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Springfield since 1985. Her specialty is pediatric orthopedics. She works per diem at Noble Hospital In Westfield, MA.
Laura is a NAUI divemaster and is a certified Water Aerobics instructor. She currently holds certificates in Kick boxing, Hatha Yoga, Aquatic kick boxing, Life guarding, Water Safety instructor, Sports Nutrition, and Holistic Health Consultation. She is a Red Cross instructor in CPR, AED and First Aid.
Matt Preye
Program Director, Manager, Repairs
Matt graduated from Westfield State College with a BS concentrated in Wilderness Leadership. He works mostly with children at risk in the surrounding area school systems. He takes them out of the classroom and teaches them different ways to handle decision-making through various outdoor activities. Matt teaches activities such as: kayaking, rock climbing, caving, and swimming.
He holds certifications in CPR, First Aid, AED and Wilderness First Aid. He is a NAUI advanced scuba and PADI Dive Master. Matt is also an ACA certified whitewater kayak instructor, ARC Lifeguard and American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor as well.
His hobbies include: touring and whitewater kayaking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, swimming, caving, scuba diving and anything that involves the outdoors.
Matt’s favorite quotes: “Life is short Paddle hard”
“Smile all the time and people will either think you are always happy or psychotic. Either way they will leave you alone.”
Aubrey Cook
Assistant Camp Director, Swim Instructor
Aubrey grew up living, playing and leading in the great outdoors. She is the assistant camp director of wilderness experiences, swim lesson instructor and the advisor of the outdoor wilderness leader youth group. Aubrey is currently training and racing in triathlon circuits around the country in pursuit of her professional racing license.
Favorite Quotes:
“She realized at a young age that she cared deeply for those close to her, but she had to live for herself…and she did amazing things”
“Get after it”
Favorite place to dive: Darwin and Wolf island in the Galapagos
Dogs Name: “Deely” – two year old yellow lab
Drew Gardner
Sales Associate, Camp Staff and Disc Golf professional
Drew is a graduate of the Johnson State College outdoor education program, currently working at Wilderness Experiences Unlimited full time. He enjoys most outdoor activities including hiking, fishing and kayaking. Drew is also an avid disc golfer and works tirelessly to develop the sport in this area in his free time.
Nick Davis
Sales Associate, Swim instructor
Nick is currently a student at Westfield State University studying in the Wilderness Leadership Program. He came to the store as a scuba student and now works with the camp and in the store. His hobbies include hiking, kayaking, running, cycling, offroading, diving, and anything else active.
Nick holds certifications in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, Wilderness First Responder, Water Safety Instructor, Waterfront Lifeguarding, First Aid, and is a NAUI Advanced Diver.
“Stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit.”
Brian McDermott
Sales Associate
Brian has a degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as his B.S. degree in Physical Education from Westfield State University.
He holds certification in CPR, First Aid, AED, and is currently licensed in Massachusetts and Connecticut as a Physical Educator.
His hobbies include: Hiking, Canoeing, Fishing, Snowshoeing, Mountain biking, Golf, and Basketball. For the past eight years Brian has been a head basketball, baseball, and fastpitch softball coach in Simsbury, Connecticut.
Quote:
“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching.”
Kyle Peles
Sales Associate, Camp Staff
Kyle is currently a student at STCC majoring in Accounting. Kyle started off as a camper and then moved up as staff, he is now in his 10th year! Kyle loves motor vehicles, math, and disc golf.
Kyle is certified in Life Guarding, CPR, First Aid
Erin Mallory
Sales Associate
Erin is currently a student at Franklin Pierce University studying Biology in the Physical Therapy Program. Her hobbies include hiking, kayaking, canoeing, sitting around a fire and anything else active. She holds certifications in Lifeguard, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid.
Alison Arnold
Sales Associate, Water Safety Instructor, Professional Program Staff
Ali graduated from Springfield College with a B.S. in Outdoor Leadership. Her passion lies within teaching and facilitating outdoor activities. She is currently certified as a Wilderness First Responder, Water Safety Instructor, Life Guard, Leave No Trace Master, and as a NAUI SCUBA Diver. Her hobbies include: rock climbing, backpacking, kayaking/canoeing, horseback riding, slacklining, and photography.
Quote: “The power of imagination makes us infinite” -John Muir
Email us: adventures@weu.com or staff@weu.com