Jackie Kuusinen

Jackie started climbing in 1995 and guiding in 2005. She has taught backpacking, climbing, and canyoneering across Alaska, Colorado, and Utah. After working as a research librarian and supporting early literacy in public libraries for twelve years, Jackie is delighted to use her background in education to help Outward Bound students connect with the transformative power of wilderness in her role as Course Advisor.

As a lifelong learner herself, Jackie became the 10th female in the United States to earn a full Rock Instructor certification with the American Mountain Guides Association in 2016, and holds Bachelor of Sociology and Master of Library and Information Science degrees. Growing up in Colorado shaped her worldview so that few things bring her more joy than being in the mountains alongside friends and family.