Proudly calling the “Cheese State” her home, this Wisconsite started her outdoor adventures at a young age like any good outdoor enthusiast by playing in the dirt. Mudpies, sandcastles, playing Pooh Sticks and watching fish swim upstream were part of Renata’s favorite pastimes. Fast-forward 25 years, twenty-one countries, six states, a college graduation (Colorado College), countless trips and only one broken bone, Renata still prides herself in being able to play in the dirt.

Driven by a passion to travel and have an impact on America’s youth, after graduating with a degree in Environmental Science and a minor in African Studies, Renata found herself in Texas designing and teaching outdoor science education and leadership programs to school groups. The travel bug caught again and she spent the next six years working within the South Pacific facilitating international community service, adventure and life skills programs with high school students. During this time she was fortunate enough to sit and drink kava with village chiefs, swim face to face with bull sharks, earn her Bonze Medallion in Surf Rescue Certification, spend many, many days at sea, watch the sunrise at Uluru (Aryes Rock), ski in the southern hemisphere, and meet some of the friendliest people in the world.

Colorado however still had her heart and after convincing her mother that Natural Habitat Adventures had the best Galapagos programs, she saw an opening for an Adventure Director on the website. As fate would have it, Nat Hab decided to hire Renata and she has moved into the role of Head of Adventure Operations. Renata spends her free time planning trips and exploring the far corners of the Rockies on foot, skis, mountain bike or any other form of travel that sounds exciting. Sometimes she is also seen relaxing at her new home in Louisville and getting up in the early hours to climb.