Valerie first fell in love with travel while completing her teaching degree in Australia. Over the last eight years, she has traversed the globe, weaving her love for teaching with her insatiable curiosity about the world through countless teaching and trip-guiding contracts. Valerie’s adventurous spirit has taken her to diverse corners of the planet across Latin America, Southeast Asia, Eastern Africa, Europe, and beyond. Her dedication to ocean conservation and environmental activism has led to collaborations with various nonprofit organizations committed to creating a sustainable and harmonious future for our planet. Valerie holds a PADI divemaster certification and has actively participated in conservation efforts as a diver in the Great Barrier Reef. Living and working aboard a research vessel for 100 days, she gained firsthand insights into the challenges facing marine ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation action. Valerie’s thirst for exploration extends beyond the ocean depths. She has scaled the peaks of the Peruvian Andes, trekked through the Amazonia, embarked on road trips across the Rockies, and dived into the depths of the coral triangle, among many other adventures. Through her work as an educator, explorer, and conservationist, she seeks to inspire the next generation of changemakers, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world and empowering young minds to create positive change. She has previously led Putney’s Service Tanzania and Service Costa Rica programs.