Summit Staff

Tom Smith

Executive Director
It’s the best of all outdoor worlds for me- great people, great mission, great course areas, small enough to be innovative yet large enough to make an impact, great history, and great future. God clearly uses this ministry for His work!

Education:

B.A. Economics, University of St. Thomas
M.S. Experiential Education, Minnesota State University
Ph.D. Educational Foundations, University of Colorado- Boulder

Graham Ottley

Program Director

Ben Speicher

Assistant Program Director

Summit Adventure, to me, is a wonderful combination of passions. Wilderness, adventure, service, community, solitude, and faith all rolled up into one, truly unique organization. When I first started with Summit in 2008 it was the adventure and service that drew me in, but it was the community that kept me around. Summit not only taught me how to serve, but why service in an adventurous setting is so valuable and important to today’s society. So, five years later, here I am still, growing and changing and trusting God to do the same in others.

Education:

B.S. Environmental Management, Indiana University

Kelli Stansell

Immersion Service & Adventure Semester (ISAS) Program Director

Coming from Winder, Georgia, I first Met Summit Adventure in the Spring of 2009 as an ISAS student, then returned to Summit in the summer of 2010 as an Instructor and eventually the Program Director of ISAS.

“My passion is great and wide. I whole-heartedly believe in adventure as a catalyst for personal growth and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. God has given me a great love for people… I am excitedly watching His work through this ministry.”

pictured with one of three sons, Ryan

Carey Smith

Whitney Classic Coordinator

pictured with her husband, Paul

Valerie Casner

Administrative Assistant & Bookeeper

Testimonials

I had an amazing experience with Summit Adventure. Through the hike, rock climbing and devotional exercises, my teammates and I were encouraged and well cared for by the Summit Adventure staff. Although I felt challenged, I knew that I had people looking out for me, and this allowed me to keep going even when I thought I lacked the strength to do so. — Linda, 09/15/2010

Everything Summit Adventure does is top notch. I've ridden the Whitney Classic twice and was amazed at the support and encouragement from everyone. — Tony, 08/13/2010

Summit Adventure facilitated a weekend of meaningful team building opportunities for our trip. The staff was incredibly accommodating and knowledgeable. The people make the place; I'm glad we worked alongside such passionate and dedicated individuals. — Stephanie Doe, 09/26/2010

Summit Adventure is one of the most professional and substantive Christ-centered adventure programs in the country. It has been a privilege to be a part of the organization. — Casey Cobell, 08/12/2010

The time spent in the Sierra Nevada mountains was exceptional. The camaratorie, nature and fresh air allowed me to appreciate God and my fellow man in new ways. Perhaps the most valuable time for me was the time of solitude I spent in nature. More than anything I needed to just spend time in nature with less focus on do, do, do. I appreciate my guides and fellow adventures respecting my desires. — Jeff Wegner, 10/10/2010

We had a team of 5 from The Mission Society join Summit Adventure's Director Tom Smith for a week-long experiential education training. It has greatly benefited the training our organization does. Thanks Summit! — Steve, 08/12/2010

Summit Adventure is an equal opportunity provider. This institution is operated under special use permit with the Sierra National Forest.