• Provide affordable, hands-on educational experiences both locally and internationally

• Create a safe environment for people to participate in activities that foster self-esteem and self-confidence

• Create a healthier, more peaceful planet through environmental education programs, low-impact travel and community service projects

Colin Garland: Founder of GCR, President, and long-time Trip Leader

Colin started guiding wilderness adventure trips in 1984 as part of a volunteer youth outreach program he created in Massachusetts. By 1986 he had founded Raven Adventures, a wilderness adventure company offering rock climbing, hiking, mountaineering, animal tracking and several other wilderness adventure activities.
In 1989 he sold everything he owned, gave away the rest and traveled for nearly two years on an "around the world" adventure, visiting nearly 30 countries on a meager budget of $800. During this travel odyssey he lived with Australian aborigines, Tibetan monks, Iraqi farmers, Sikhs, Muslims and Buddhists, living fully immersed in many foreign cultures. He believes international immersion is a crucial step to finding and enhancing global peace and respect for ourselves and the Earth.
Read an in-depth interview with Colin

Luis Saenz: Vice President

Born in Costa Rica in 1942, Luis took to the forests at a very young age. It did not take long for him to discover that his passion for nature was deep and visceral. His thirst for adventure had no doubt been passed on through the genes as Luis' father lived as an orphan, a hobo, and a merchant marine in the US before returning to his homeland to marry and begin a family, following the earthquake of 1910. Like his father, Luis has a thirst for adventure. He has led many expeditions deep into Costa Rica's toughest, uncharted terrain. He has been credited with the discovery of ancient archeological sites and other previously undocumented areas and has helped the GCR tremendously with all endeavors in Costa Rica.

Meg Winchell: Treasurer

Meggie has been volunteering with Global Classroom since November 2003 as an expedition coordinator, trip leader, reserve caretaker, and active fundraiser/event organizer. She has co-lead trips in Baja sea-kayaking with dolphins and in Costa Rica in the amazing rainforest of Aula Global. Meggie comes to Global Classroom with degrees in Biology and in Nature and Holistic Education, as well as a minor in Anthropology, from UMass Amherst and has been an outdoor experiencial educator for years. Her strong leadership skills and unique field experiences are an excellent match for the Global Classroom!

Gretchen Keller, Secretary, Webmaster

Originally designed by student Julie Erickson, Gretchen took over website management in 2006. With little knowledge of web design, she has employed the help of many Global students and volunteers to learn a great deal. Gretchen has co-lead several Global trips and has worked to help raise funds. Having her own healthy list of places journeyed to, she brings her travel experience and savvy to the trips, along with her background in outdoor adventure sports. She graduated from UMASS Amherst with a double major in Anthropology and Journalism, speaking to her never-ending thirst for researching humans and humanity and wanting to inspire compassion and understanding in others. She has been a life-long environmentalist and ecologist, and became involved with the GCR in the winter of 2003. She is continually encouraged in her work with Global Classroom knowing that the organization is inspiring students and volunteers around the globe, it is a product of grassroots efforts, and truly not-for-profit.

Israel Mendez, Tour Guide and Land Steward

To see Israel at work is truly an inspiration. One day, Colin, who is generally fit and quick to take on the toughest of jobs, followed Israel deep into the forest with an eighty pound bag of nails on his shoulders. After two miles Colin was obviously sinking under the weight of that sack, but up ahead was Israel with a sack on each shoulder, casually talking away as if we were on a weekend stroll. To say Israel is a hard worker is to put it mildly. His strength and stamina is impressive, yet even this pales in comparison to his passion for the rain forest and his dedication to protecting it.
A playful father to three daughters, Israel has taken many economic risks to create a lifestyle that includes the rain forest. In 1990 he left his full time job in a cheese factory to help create Aula Global. Israel is a natural teacher, whole-heartedly sharing his love and knowledge of his native forests with numerous GCR groups and anyone else who is lucky enough to get a tour of the rain forest from a native. Through all his work and dedication, Israel constantly reminds us of the importance of protecting the rain forest.

Ellen McFarland: Board Member

Ellen McFarland has come onto our board bringing an incredible passion for land protection and alternative education for you. She fully shares the Global Classsroom's concerns and hopes regarding the state of the planet and the needs of today's youth.