Sam arrived in Whistler in 2012 initially to take a year off from her Melbourne-based teaching career. Having been a keen indoor sportswoman in Australia, Whistler was her first real encounter with outdoor sports as a lifestyle. Her newfound love for outdoor adventures paired with a long-held role in eco-tourism inspired Sam to learn more about the natural environment of Whistler, and from there she grew a deep respect and desire to advocate for environmental sustainability and conservation. These days Sam’s professional energies are focused back on education and community-based roles. When not working with AWARE as the Zero Waste Engagement Assistant, you may find her working at Lost Lake with the Western Toad and Discover Nature programs or at Whistler Public Library.