ROCKLAND — Trekkers welcomes Neshamah Stearns as the organization's newest Program Manager. Stearns joined the staff in June and quickly stepped into her new role, traveling with 10th Grade Team Zenith on their 14-day Cross America expedition to Colorado and Utah. The annual journey introduces students to new landscapes, cultures, and experiences beyond their Midcoast Maine communities, helping broaden horizons and build confidence through exploration.

Originally from the hills of Western Massachusetts, Stearns came to Maine to attend Unity College, where she earned a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Adventure-Based Environmental Education and Adventure Therapy. She brings a diverse background in outdoor and experiential education, as well as classroom teaching experience, having most recently worked as a Montessori teacher in Camden, according to Trekkers, in a news release.

As a Program Manager, Stearns will help lead Trekkers' year-round core programming, a unique model that combines long-term mentoring with experiential learning to support young people as they navigate adolescence and prepare for adulthood.

“We are so lucky Neshamah joined us," said TJ Morris, Program Director at Trekkers. "She's got vast amounts of technical experience and risk management skills, she's fun and funny, she's kind and compassionate, and Trekkers could not have found a better fit. I know she's going to help us raise the bar for programming.” 

"Trekkers is a nonprofit organization based in Rockland whose programs have been shown to increase resilience, strengthen connections with peers and caring adults, and improve school and engagement in learning," said Trekkers.

In addition to its flagship six-year mentoring program, Trekkers offers student leadership opportunities, cultural exchange experiences, and school-based programming. 

The organization also partners with Oceanside High School to provide weekly programming for students in the NOVA Alternative Education program throughout the academic year.

For 32 years, the nonprofit organization Trekkers has been dedicated to helping young people thrive. Through its unique six-year mentoring and expeditionary learning program, research shows programs help to increase key indicators of resiliency, improve relationships with peers and adults, and learning and school engagement for its participants. Learn more at www.trekkers.org.