Born and raised in rural Vermont, much of Julia's most valuable learning in life has taken place outdoors and traveling. Her parents introduced her to international travel from a young age, with an earliest memory (at age 3) of sitting on a helicopter floor flying over the Great Barrier Reef. 

After earning an undergraduate degree in Biology and Geography from the University of Colorado, Julia worked as a professional ski patroller in Colorado and California for 10 years.  She spent a summer volunteering as a member of the National Park Service's Mountain Ranger patrol on Denali. There, she and her team rescued injured and ill climbers. 

Julia has also worked as a NOLS Instructor on extended wilderness expeditions and teaching Wilderness Medicine in classrooms.  Currently, she is a Physician Assistant in a busy family practice and urgent care in Lander, Wyoming. 

Most recently, Julia earned her Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine and is studying to obtain the Certificate in Travel Health.  She volunteers with her local search and rescue team and local free medical clinic.  In her free time, Julia enjoys spending time traveling, woodworking, skiing, biking, fishing and playing outdoors with her husband and dog.