Adventure Team

Learn more about our experienced staff

Trevor Ritland, M.A

Co-Founder

After two years spent in the mountain forests of Central America collaborating with conservationists, Trevor Ritland completed graduate work in Documentary Studies and Science Communication at NAU. While in Costa Rica, he worked as a media marketing specialist and led student groups up and down the coasts for study abroad programs, assisting in courses in ecology, biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable practices. His photos documenting deforestation in Nicaragua's reserves have been published in Mongabay.

Kyle Ritland, M.F.A.

Co-founder

Kyle Ritland earned his MFA in Creative Writing at the University of California Riverside, where he taught writing workshops, served as Editor-in-Chief for the graduate-student-run literary journal, and wrote freelance. He now teaches writing and runs Adventure Term programs from northern Arizona. A veteran from the worlds of scholarship, publishing, and film, Kyle's specialty lies in working with students to shape their rough research and creativity into finely crafted and digestible narratives.

PRISCILLA PALAVICINI, M.S.

Director of Program Development

Priscilla has spent the last seven years developing and leading courses for international study-abroad programs, working directly with students, parents, and institutions of higher learning. Since joining our Adventure Team, she has worked with students and team members to connect the dots between pressing ecological concerns and effective communication with the public. Priscilla received a bachelors degree in Biology from the University of Costa Rica and earned her masters degree in Leadership & Project Management from the UNESCO Costa Rican University for International Cooperation.

Adam Stein, PhD.

Research and Development

Adam C. Stein has worked as a conservationist and educator in the United States, Central America, Tanzania, and the Russian Taiga. Adam received his PhD from Syracuse University in Evolutionary Biology and has extensive experience in ornithology and herpetology field work. He collaborates with Adventure Term to develop experiential programs and expeditions and accompanies adventurous students in the field. Adam is currently working closely with Priscilla to develop Adventure Term programs with an international focus. 

Emily MeekS, M.A.

Higher Education Liaison 

Emily Meeks spent her youth in the southeastern U.S., exploring the bountiful ecology of the North and South Carolina mountains. After graduating from Clemson University with a BA in Communication Studies, Emily earned her Masters in Higher Education Administration from Boston College; she now works with Adventure Term students and partner institutions to facilitate one-on-one transitional procedures and program compositions all across the United States.