Kari was born and raised in Sitka, Alaska, where she had a wonderful, damp childhood, falling in love with grey days and the smell of humus. After graduating from Sitka High, she packed up her Xtratuff boots and way too many books and moved to Walla Walla, Washington where she attended Whitman College. At Whitman, she majored in geology and environmental studies, learning to tell the story of landscapes through observation. Since college she's worked in land conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental education. After a decade in Oregon and Washington, Kari is excited to teach back in her hometown. She is particularly enthusiastic about hands-on learning in outdoor settings with people of all ages. She has an ever-growing rock collection, and dances whenever there's an opportunity.