We, the BWC team,  Scott, Jared, Adam and Abby came together through a shared passion for teaching and learning through a deep relationship with the outdoors and adventure.  We developed strong professional and personal relationships while working together at a wilderness therapy program in the mountains of Utah. It wasn't long before we expanded our collective experience in the backcountry of Utah, on ski slopes, and then on a boat together exploring the islands of the South Caribbean. During this sailing trip, we individually and collectively recognized the impactful nature of being on a boat together, calling it home for a period of time.  It quickly became clear that we all saw the same possibility,  a unique potential for growth and connectivity by sailing a boat as a team, for families or groups of any kind….and so Beyond Waves was born.

Captain Scott Charles VerMerris is a lifelong sailor now hailing from Park City, Utah. He grew up attending various sailing camps and sailing with his family on the Great Lakes. In his adult life Cap’n Scotty has developed a career around teaching sailing to adults and children and facilitating experiential education, recreation therapy and corporate teambuilding via sailing in the mountains of Colorado and Utah as well as iconic sailing destinations around the world including the Pacific North West, Caribbean, West Indies, French Polynesia, and Belize.

Aside from his duties as a head instructor at the Park City Sailing Program, and Beyond Waves Captain, Scotty is team captain and a professional skier for a leading independent ski brand, and an avid adventure seeker.

CREDENTIALS:

  • US Coast Guard licensed 100 Ton Master Level Captain
  • US Sailing certified Small Boat Instructor
  • US Sailing certified Keelboat Instructor
  • US Sailing certified Adaptive Sailing Instructor
  • Professional sailing instructor for all ages
  • Degree in Human Development and Family Studies
  • Background in Wilderness Therapy
  • Specialty in Experiential Education, teambuilding , therapeutic and adaptive sailing

Jared Alston has been working with families and programs for over 10 years.  He has extensive experience integrating family and interpersonal dynamics onto a wilderness canvas and believes very much in the power of the outdoors.  Jared has long-range sailing experience and is a certified dive-master.  Currently finishing his masters in clinical mental health, he resides in Utah with his family and many animals.

Credentials:

  • 11 years therapy experience 
  • Extensive wilderness, open ocean experience
  • Certified Dive Master
  • Over 2000 nautical miles sailing
  • Clinical mental health intern
  • Certified Wilderness First Responder

 

 

Abby Auch believes whole heartedly in the power of learning through adventure.  She has spent years working with adolescents in both traditional school settings and in the wilderness.  She currently holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work Administration and has been an event coordinator for the past 5 years.  She is passionate about teaching communication techniques, conflict resolution, problem solving, multi-tasking and ensuring clients are satisfied.

Adam Gross specializes in logistics, he has passion and exploration running in his veins. A problem solver by nature, he can overcome any challenge from website design to small motors to first aid.  With a degree in Communication Design from Parson’s, a former wilderness EMT and a talented home cook, Adam is our all round go to guy.