About Us
- Who We Are
- Partners & Donors
Home » About Us » Who We Are » Staff
Meet the dedicated staff of Grand Canyon Youth...
Emma Wharton, Executive Director
After spending many years trying to combine her love of rivers with her enthusiasm for working with young people, Emma was lucky enough to find Grand Canyon Youth, an organization that does just that. Emma has a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Washington with the emphasis on community development. Her undergraduate studies focused on negotiation, service-learning, and environmental education from the University of Utah. As a parent and foster parent to two wonderful girls, Emma loves to be on the river with her family whenever possible. She worked as a professional river guide for over ten years and believes in the transformational power unique to a river trip. [Contact Emma Wharton]
Chantal Mosman, Assistant Director
Chantal comes to Grand Canyon Youth from northern Idaho, where she received her degree in Business Management from the University of Idaho and helped to manage a river outfitting business for 9 years. Earning her river trips as a young person, she understands firsthand the special connection youth can make with nature and the importance of earning the privilege to spend time on a river adventure. Chantal is enthusiastic about helping facilitate educational, exciting river trips that will make a lasting impression on the lives of each participant. [Contact Chantal Mosman]
John Napier, Operations Director
J
ohn worked as a commercial river guide for 8 years, spending seasons in Utah, Arizona, Costa Rica, and Alaska. After his commercial boating career, he taught high school and was employed as a social worker before coming to GCY. He loves watching kids drop the facades required at school and return to their more genuine, natural states of awe and uninhibited excitement. John is a graduate of the Air Force Academy and has a master’s degree in Human Relations. He enjoys spending time with his wife (also a former guide) and two fantastic sons. [Contact John Napier]
Sara Hooker, AmeriCorps Volunteer
Sara grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona and went on her first Grand Canyon Youth trip in middle school; she continued to participate throughout high school. Passionate about the interconnections of environmental and social justice issues, Sara worked for prison reform in Los Angeles and New Orleans. She graduated from Occidental College in May 2010 with a degree in Fine Arts. Sara facilitates the Grand Canyon Youth Corp service opportunities and is grateful to be working with an organization that has impacted her life. [Contact Sara Hooker]
