As a child growing up in the Northeast, Tom found his greatest joy running around the woods, sailing the New England coast and traveling to the Bahamas. At 20, Tom solidified his love of nature and adventure while hiking the northern 400 miles of the Appalachian Trail. A life focused on celebrating and caring for nature was beginning to unfold. After earning a degree in recreation and park management with an emphasis on outdoor education from the University of Oregon, Tom spent his twenties as an environmental educator and wilderness guide. This included stints with Outward Bound, working in Yosemite National Park and managing youth trail crews throughout the western states. Shifting from education to advocacy, Tom spent two decades as a nonprofit executive and board member for conservation organizations doing work in the U.S. Northern Rockies and Canadian Rockies. His role focused on maintaining wildlife movement corridors and promoting coexistence between people and wildlife. On the side, Tom led small-group tours in Yellowstone and Glacier national parks.

Shifting from education to advocacy, Tom spent two decades as a nonprofit executive and board member for conservation organizations doing work in the U.S. Northern Rockies and Canadian Rockies. His work focused on maintaining wildlife movement corridors and promoting coexistence between people and wildlife. On the side, Tom led small-group tours in Yellowstone and Glacier national parks.

Following a hiatus for a 7-month, 13-country personal adventure around the world, Tom turned his focus toward an international context. For eight years he served as executive director, fundraiser, communications coordinator and consultant for multiple nonprofits and social enterprises in the areas of economic development, environmental conservation, health, renewable energy and sustainable community development. This included a stint as executive director of the International League of Conservation Photographers.

Since returning to the life of an adventure travel guide in 2019, Tom has led trips in national parks and other public lands throughout the western U.S. as well as Alaska, Australia, Baja and the Bahamas. He became a Nat Hab Expedition Leader in 2022. Tom spends his free time hiking and sea kayaking in his home base of California’s Monterey Bay, while also going on personal travel adventures across North America and beyond.