Meet the Crew: Katie

Welcome to our meet the crew series! We’ve been expanding a lot over the past couple of months and wanted to take some time to introduce ourselves again. This blog series will be a quick introduction to all of the faces you’ll see at our events, trips, and around the Beyond Boundaries office.

Katie is our Program Director. She oversees all of the programming for Beyond Boundaries and it’s likely you’ll see her on a trip. In just the short year that she’s been with us, she’s had a huge impact, helping to create the Adventure Guides program and spearheading several other initiatives to make it even easier to adventure with us.

1. What do you go by?

My name is Katie McLernan, and sometimes people spell my name like “KT”.

2. What are your pronouns?

She/her.

3. How old are you?

32.

4. Where did you go to college?

VCU.

5. Where did you grow up? What was a favorite thing about that place?

I was born in Texas, but we moved to Crozet, VA when I was 9. My favorite thing about Crozet is the scenery.

6. Favorite outdoor activity?

Climbing and rafting.

7. What's your guilty pleasure?

Cake and ice cream.

8. Favorite type of BB trip?

Outdoor climbing and whitewater rafting! It IS hard to beat a pontoon trip on a perfect summer day.

9. Favorite band?

I just love pop punk.

10. Favorite food?

I love tacos!

11. How did you get involved with BB?

A friend of mine, and BB Board member, sent me the job posting for Program Director in January 2022. After volunteering for the first time and seeing the program in action, I knew that I would volunteer even if I didn’t get the position. I was lucky enough to be hired by Shep in February ‘22 and then I accepted a full time position in July ‘22! 

12. Why does BB's mission resonate with you?

I love that BB is a community for so many people. It’s a community of people who are willing to share what they love and group of people who learn to trust and try something new! Trying something new is fun and exciting, but can also be challenging and scary. I think when we do these activities where we come together to accomplish something, we are becoming better versions of ourselves.

13. Fun fact about yourself?

I used to take piloting lessons!

14. What does adventure mean to you?

Adventure, to me, means doing something that helps you find thrill and beauty in the world. 

15. Favorite animal?

I really love wolves, marmots, and otters.