Guides & Facilitators
Susan Elizabeth Fronckowiak
FOUNDER &
LEAD GUIDE/COACH
With over 30 years of experience as an adventurer, leader, teacher, coach, and mentor, I bring a deep passion for working with people. My love of wild places, creative expression, and meaningful connection led me to this path.
As an empowerment coach, educator, artist, and rite of passage guide, I weave together nature-based practices, council, and art to support others in stepping into deeper presence and personal transformation.
My background in teaching includes years of study and practice in both traditional and experiential models, with a focus on environmental and community-based learning. I have a Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Washington and a Bachelor’s Degree in Adventure Education from Prescott College. I’ve worked with children, teens, adults, and elders, in classrooms, wild landscapes, and community spaces—experiences that have deepened my humility and trust in the wisdom within each person and the land.
I’ve also trained with the School of Lost Borders, Cascadia Quest, Wild Mountain Retreats, and the Earth Based Institute, and have guided in both remote wilderness and urban settings. I’m an active member of the Wilderness Guides’ Council and was an Artist in Residence at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in 2025.
I believe deeply in the power of connection and community. I’m also navigating the beautiful, complex journey of parenting two amazing teenagers… a rite of passage in itself.
Guest Facilitators
Cate Burnett
Cate has a deep and soulful connection to wild places and all those who live there. She is a naturalist, wildlife tracker and wilderness mentor, having spent over 25 years leading expeditions in the PNW and Hawaii.
Her devotion to honoring the ‘wild and untamed’ stirrings within herself lends enthusiasm and passion to those she guides in the unfolding of deep self-reflection and discovery.
She finds great joy in exploring her creative edges and loves to share this process with others.
Cate has trained with the School of Lost Borders, Rite of Passage Journeys and Animas Valley Institute and holds certifications in Wildlife Track and Sign, Native Plant Studies and is a Leave No Trace Instructor and Wilderness First Responder. She is an active member of the Wilderness Guides’ Council.
Cate’s deep wisdom and presence are a gift to all who have the opportunity to work with her.
Cate currently co-guides the Women’s River Journey in Labyrinth Canyon and seasonal retreats in Washington and Oregon.