Guides

Jude Chaytors

I live on Treaty 6 Territory in Edmonton, Alberta where I grew up. I'm a queer, mixed raced, cat-loving, quilting, nature nerd. I love to work with other people in helping capacities and seek out solitude in nature as often as I can.

In my spare time, I enjoy curling up on the couch with a good book and my two cats, Benny and Joon. I can often be found exploring Mill Creek Ravine on foot, or you'll find I'm off in the mountains, going for long walks in solitude.

In 2023, I did a 12 day solo on an island and only took one photo of myself, here it is:

Related credentials:

  • BSW, RSW - Registered Social Worker

  • B. Arts - Gender Studies major, Theology minor

  • Expressive Art Therapy Diploma, EXaT

  • Outdoor Council of Canada GO Compass

  • Outdoor Council of Canada GO Maps

  • Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader Hiking

  • Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader Overnight

  • Outward Bound Canada Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals Essentials: Hiking Journey Leadership Certification

  • Outward Bound Canada Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals Essentials: Training Modules including Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Outdoors; Introduction to Coaching Skills; Indigenous Land Perspectives; Trauma Informed Outdoor Leadership; Crisis Intervention Scenarios; Introductions to Environmental Leadership; Transformational Outdoor Leadership

  • Wilderness Mental Health First Aid

  • Wilderness First Responder (highest level of wilderness first aid)

  • Somatic Experiencing (in progress)

Fergus Brooks-Starks (née Alison)

Hey all y’all! I'm an ecotherapy informed educator in Edmonton, Alberta. With a background in both improv and spiritual care, we are bound to have a fun, wild, and meaningful time.

My outdoor highlights include

  • playing with fire from a young age

  • leading at summer camps for over 17 years and starting two trans camps

  • paddling 28 days alone from Edmonton, AB, to Prince Albert, SK – it only snowed once!

Some intersections of my identity… I am a white, 3rd gen Ukrainian+ settler. I have always lived on Treaty 6 territory along the North Saskatchewan River – I’m originally from Duck Lake and Prince Albert, SK, and now live in ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton), AB. I am currently non-disabled and have thin privilege. I am exploring gender and I am queer.

For those wanting the deep dive, I am a scorpio, an INFJ and an enneagram 7. I have two wee ones whom I love very much.

I have particular experience working with people who are 2SLGBTQIA+ and in areas of eco-therapy, solitude therapy, grief and spiritual allyship.

Please enjoy this video of my top-notch guiding skills:

Sauve

Related credentials:

  • B. Education - Biology major, English minor

  • Certificate of Ecopsychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute

  • Certificate of Spiritual Care

  • National Lifeguard

Practicum Students

For the 2024-2025 season, we are so excited to have 4 practicum students, 2 from applied psychology and 2 from social work. You’ll see them at events, shadowing guides and taking on leadership roles.

  • Hi!

    I am a student from the Applied Psychology program at Concordia University of Edmonton and am grateful and excited to be learning from the incredible people at Emberwood this year. I originally grew up in coastal Newfoundland, and now live on Treaty 6 Territory in Edmonton, drawn here by the beautiful river valley and extensive trail system that reminded me of home.

    As a queer autistic person, nature has always been my refuge, and you will often find me outdoors - exploring with my dogs, adventuring with my children, or running with a group of fellow trail enthusiasts. Sometimes, I even run through the night and into the next day. In the winter, I love teaching little kids to ski and enjoying the trails in all weather. When indoors, you can find me playing piano or enjoying board games with my family.

    I am passionate about nature and well-being and look forward to contributing to the amazing work happening here at Emberwood.

  • I am a dreamer and doer, lover and feeler, and deep thinker living in Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton) on Treaty 6 territory. 

    As a second generation refugee, queer, musician and lover of dance, and nature lover, I have passion for advocacy for marginalized communities, revitalizing connection to the land, and building community through music, ceremony, and celebration. 

    Currently, I am finishing my Social Work Diploma with MacEwan University. Additionally, I work as a Youth Program Specialist in a community program called Global Girls at Newcomer Centre in Edmonton.

    As someone who loves solitude and nature, you can often find me there: gazing at the clouds or stars, walking through a ravine, hiking in the mountains, or hugging a tree. 

    I am very excited to join Emberwood this year and can't wait to support participants on their journey with themselves in nature. 

  • Hello, my name is Veronica (she/her) and I am a psychology student at Concordia university of Edmonton (Applied Emphasis). I’m currently doing my practicum here at Emberwood and I couldn’t be more excited about joining the team!

    I look forward to learning new therapeutic techniques and joining you all outdoors! 

  • I've recently entered a new stage in life where I'm trying out this whole challenging what you know thing, and pushing myself to do things outside of my comfort zone.

    It's been an eye opening journey and I'm excited to continue it. I'm looking forward to experiencing all Emberwood has to offer. 

Behind the Scenes

Sam

Hello! I'm Sam (xe/they). I am Emberwood’s All-Around-Task-Handler & Fungi Fan!

I was born and raised on Treaty 6 with a complex relationship with land and self, as a mixed-ethnicity Arab and white person, an agender human, and a somatic plant medicine practitioner and deep griever. I believe in the immense healing power of connection to the land and our embodied experiences, and I am here to help you discover what the best Emberwood retreat is for you and help make it happen.

You may see me in your inboxes, along the fringes of events, exploring on the other side of the world, or curled up on the couch with my cat, Goose. You can learn more about my therapeutic and community work over at www.psilocycle.com