
Meet the Hike
Leaders
Meet our Hike Leaders! These dedicated volunteers will greet you with a smile and a warmth found only on a WOTTHC hike.
Bilingual hike leaders have an asterisk next to their names.
Ready for the next step in your WOTTHC journey? Become a hike leader!
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Alexandra Boutiette*
Hello everyone. I am Alexandra, and I moved to the Triangle with my family from Illinois in 2021. I am originally from Germany and have lived in the USA for 11 years. Being from Germany, I grew up in the woods, and hiking was always part of my life! I love being outdoors, and I try to teach my kids to appreciate the outdoors as much as I do. Hiking in the triangle with this group is my therapy and helps me get less homesick since the NC trails remind me a lot of Germany!
*Alex speaks French and German.
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Amber Smith (she/her)
Hi, hiking friends! I’m Amber and I can’t wait to meet you on the trails.
I’m a North Carolina native and one thing that has always kept me here is how beautiful our state is. I love that I can spend every weekend hiking on local trails in the Triangle and drive just a few hours for trails in the mountains.
Hiking is even better with friends so come join my hikes so we can enjoy it together!
When I’m not on the trails you’ll catch me rock climbing, traveling or hanging out with my dogs! I’ll happily hear all of your pet stories, send them my way.I am looking forward to seeing you on the trails!
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Ana Sandhu
Hi everyone! I’m Ana, and I’m excited to be able to be a part of such an incredible organization. I’m originally from the northeast, but NC is the 5th state I’ve lived in- dare I say I finally found home! I am a nationally certified behavior consultant and professional dog trainer, going on my 12th year. My own dog (Athena, or “Pig” I call her most often) is absolutely my best friend. We are also avid backpackers and love to lead first-timers out into the wilderness on extended trips. Other than the obvious fact that I love to hike, I also truly enjoy the opportunity to empower women to be more confident and independent. Learning about people and what makes them who they are is one of my favorite things in the world, so feel free to chat with me! We have a lot to learn from each other.
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Bryn Mbekenga (she/her)
Hi, I’m Bryn! I grew up in Michigan, but I’ve spent the last five years living around the world before landing in the Triangle in 2023. I’ve always loved being outside, but my true and deep love for hiking was cemented when I lived in South Korea for a year. It has the most incredible and accessible mountains to hike—I highly recommend a visit! Hiking, for me, is about connecting with nature, finding peace in the rhythm of the trail, and appreciating the simple joys that come with being outdoors. Whether it’s the fresh air, the excitement of exploring new trails, or the chance for deep conversations with fellow hikers and friends. When I’m not on the trails, I enjoy crafting, reading in the shade of a tree, painting, or sipping a warm beverage on a chilly day. The trails of North Carolina have quickly become some of my favorite places to be, I can’t wait to see you all out there!
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Carolyn Soprano (she/her)
I've been a technology executive for over 20 years and in tech my entire professional career. Along my professional journey, one of the things I enjoyed the most was mentoring women. The second thing was international travel, typically visiting our company offices around the world. I grew up in upstate NY but we've been in NC for 30 years and never looked back (who needs all that snow!). I've recently retired and am looking forward to this next phase of my life, which includes doing what I love, which is spending time outdoors. I am a dedicated outdoors woman! Always seeking outdoor adventures, whether it's backpacking on the Camino Trail, hiking down the Matterhorn or enjoying the Appalachian mountains. Nature has always brought me peace of mind. I look forward to many more outdoor adventures with the WOTTHC!
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Christine Martin (she/her)*
Hi there! I'm Christine! Out on the trail, I'm better known as "Walkie Talkie" and one of the "Yoga Sisters". I fell in love with hiking in 2019. Since then, I have traversed over 200+ miles of the Mountain-to Sea-Trail, 40+ miles of the Foothills Trail, and 100+ miles of the Appalachian Trail. The best parts of hiking for me are planning the trip out, taking in beautiful vistas, going into town (backpacking), and creating some really amazing memories with new and old hiking buddies. Looking forward to all my new hiking buddies with the WOtTHC!
*Christine speaks German
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Deborah Lorber (she/her)
Hi! I’m Deborah. I am a Durham native (yes, we really exist!) and I am thrilled to be back home after many years on Long Island. The woods of southern Durham were my happy place when I was growing up but I have since branched out to explore the beautiful trails that have been developed throughout the Triangle. As a high school science teacher, I shared my love of the biosphere with my students. Now I am looking forward to sharing it with all the wonderful people who come to experience the woods with me.
When I am not out in nature, I can be found desperately trying to learn my chorus music or sitting on my giant purple sofa, surrounded by my plants, knitting or crocheting items to donate. I’ve been known to stitch and walk at the same time- but I promise not to do it on our hikes together! -
Hannah Mack (she/her)
Heyyyyyy, Club, I'm Hannah Mack! When I'm not hiking, I spend my time running or coaching others on how to run, traveling, and playing board games. I've been a part of this amazing community since the Fall of 2022. Though I've lived in NC most of my life, adventure called in 2021 and I did a year of RV life, traveling the east coast before settling in VA for a short time while I figured out what was next! I realized that I really missed NC, so I decided to move to Durham, somewhere familiar, yet new + exciting!
I joined the club shortly after, but I was what I call a "lurker" in the group for a few months. When I finally went on my first hike after the craziness of the holidays, I was hooked! Being a part of a community where other women want to be active, be outdoors, and make real friendships has brightened my life immensely. And that's why I wanted to be a hike leader. Whether it's your first hike or your fiftieth, it's my goal to make you feel like you belong and have fun! -
Karyn Dickerson (she/her)
Hi, I’m Karyn! As a native North Carolinian, I’ve always loved being outside, and some of my fondest memories as a child are of exploring the woods behind my house. My love of hiking and camping has only grown after seeing my own children develop a love of the outdoors, and my family just completed our NC State Park passport book after visiting all of the state parks. Our next grand adventure involves exploring as many National Parks as possible.
I joined WOTTHC as a way to meet other outdoorsy women in the area and to give my family a break from always having to go on a hike with me. :) I love empowering women to feel confident outside, and I’m excited to support others in their outdoor journeys!
When I’m not exploring trails, you can find me dreaming of future travels, going to the gym, trying a new recipe, cheering for my kids in their various endeavors, or reading a good book.
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Kayla White
Hi there! I’m Kayla White,
As a lifelong nature lover, I discovered my true passion for hiking while studying at Appalachian State University. Between hiking by day and skiing on weekends, I quickly realized that the best way to recharge was by connecting with nature. Now, as a remote Product Designer, I’ve found that a trail break or a weekend getaway is the perfect way to reset—whether it’s exploring new cities, catching a Hurricanes game, or grabbing a trail in a fresh location.
When I’m not on a trail, you’ll find me cooking up something tasty, capturing moments through photography, or playing with my cats. I also love hanging out by the lake, soaking up the sunshine, and finding new places to explore. Ready to join me for some fresh air, good company, and epic views?
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Kristy Lopez (she/her)
Hi ladies! I'm Kristy. I am originally from New Jersey but have called North Carolina "home" for the last 35 years. I have been hiking with the club since the pandemic. I am so grateful to be able to lead other trail-goers in discovering new places, finding new adventures and elevating their experiences on the trails as other leaders have done for me. I find that being outside is the best therapy for my mental, emotional and physical health. Working 12-hour shifts as a Respiratory Therapist can be very challenging and stressful and this club has been very successful in alleviating that "burnout" for me.
Besides hiking for pleasure and exercise, I also enjoy outdoor fitness bootcamps, cycling with my husband and son, kayaking, traveling, boating, game nights with family and friends, puzzles, reading, exploring all the state parks, experiencing new adventures with my great niece and going to the lake with our three labrador retrievers. -
Leksi Rosenberg*
Hey, I’m Leksi, and I’m originally from Utah. I joined WOTTHC in the Summer of 2021. I chose to be a hike leader because I feel most alive in the mountains. I love being in the woods and sharing experiences in nature with others. It’s a great opportunity to meet people with shared interests from all different walks of life. I learn so much from the individuals I get the chance to hike with.
When I’m not wandering trails with my faithful Vizsla companion, I enjoy reading, rollerskating, playing soccer, browsing antique stores, and taking naps. I’m also passionate about backpacking, weekend road trips, and finding the best snacks this planet has to offer.
*Leksi is fluent in Spanish.
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Marie Pasquale (she/her)
Hi everyone! I’m Marie. I am originally from central Massachusetts and now live in North Raleigh with my family. I discovered the WOTTHC during the pandemic and am so thankful to have found this community! I have been consistently amazed by the inspiring women I’ve met and how supportive members are of one another.
Besides hiking, I also enjoy gardening, reading (memoirs are my favorite), exercising, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.
I start my hikes with a round of brief introductions and a goal for members to find commonality and get to know one another during the hike. I hope to see you on the trail!
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Mila Young
Hello my hiking friends! I am Mila and I love to be outside, especially in the company of other outdoor loving women. Hiking is my favorite pass time but when I am not on the trail, I work as an executive recruiter, I am a mom of a bunch of teenage boys and 3 pups. I love to travel, read, bake and bring friends together. I look forward to seeing you on a hike soon!
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Scarlet Dangerfield* (she/her)
Hi! I am Scarlet! I am originally from the suburbs of Washington, DC. We moved to NC four years ago; since then, my family and I have gotten into hiking. I have three children and way too many pets that I adore! I have been a part of WOTTHC for a little over a year, and I love getting out into the woods and exploring new areas while meeting new friends. I became a hike leader to help share my love of the trails with others while also pushing myself to experience something new and challenging! I can't wait to share the trails with you!
*Scarlet is fluent in ASL

Interested in joining the team?
WOTTHC is built by women, for women. 100% of our volunteers offer their time and skills as a priceless donation to the organization.