Meet our Trail Guides…

Our Trailbound guides:
• Began as trip participants – just like you
• Were chosen for their friendly, positive, and sensitive attitudes
• Are certified in CPR and first aid
• Enjoy, and are experienced in, guiding women’s hiking groups

Debbie Hager (aka “Lambeau Leather Lucy”) doubles as Trailbound’s business manager and a co-leader for our getaways and weeklong trips. She’s a farm girl, born and raised on fresh air and exercise, and is an avid hiker, fitness-walker, snorkeler, and kayaker. When not hitting the trails or travelling, Debbie works in hospital patient relations and volunteers with the elderly. She and her husband have an adult son.

Carol Ruhter (aka “Scout”) founded Trailbound Trips to help women experience nature’s magnificence and to inspire their confidence, camaraderie, and playful, adventurous spirits. She’s led women’s hiking, biking, and canoeing/kayaking trips since 1996. Carol is also a freelance writer and editor and has works published in Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, and in Daily Seeds ~ From Women Who Walk in Faith. She and her husband have two adult children.

Marty Ramey (aka "Whisper"). You can find Marty hiking mountains almost every day, rain or shine, as she seeks inspiration for thought-provoking devotions and discussion-starters on which she collaborates for Trailbound. She is equally passionate about serving others, especially the elderly. Marty currently works for a small family-owned insurance agency and is collaborating with Carol Ruhter on a book of outdoor devotions. She and her husband have two adult sons, who bring them immeasurable joy.

Janice Wells (aka “Tracker”) serves on Trailbound’s “advance” team that scouts out future trip locations. She also guides our Chicago-area, day-long hike and bike trips. Janice has been a life-long outdoor enthusiast, and has hiked and backpacked throughout the country, in addition to venturing on week-long canoe trips. Committed to fitness, she is a sales associate for Mannatech nutritional supplements. She also volunteers her time for a number of groups. Janice and her husband have an adult daughter.

Lois DeBellis (aka "Wannawalk") scouts gorgeous hiking locations for Trailbound’s upcoming weeklong trips. She’s been with the company since its 1996 inception. Lois is an avid hiker, bicycler, and explorer. When she isn’t outdoors, she serves as a nurse and nutritional counselor; she’s also involved in volunteer activities. She and her husband have two children.

Colette Szczesny (aka "Zip") has served as a guide in Acadia National Park and handles aspects of Trailbound marketing. For Colette, the beauty of each day, different from the last, makes it a joy to get outside and enjoy the experience. She is active in many outdoors sports, including fitness-walking, hiking, bicycling, water-skiing, snow-shoeing, and downhill skiing. Colette is president of a corporate retail graphic sales firm and enjoys ornamental gardening, cooking, world travel, spending time with her dogs, and volunteering for a number of organizations. She is married, with one son.

Connie Brownell (aka "Running Water") serves as a guide for Oregon and Glacier National Park. She grew up hiking, camping, and skiing in Montana and recently returned to the mountains she has missed for so long. A retired high school science teacher, Connie shares her vast knowledge of the West’s plants, animals, and geology. She enjoys boating, skiing, hiking, traveling to new places, golfing, photography, and knitting -- and finds inspiration in creation’s beauty, from rocks and plants to the stars above. Connie and her husband have three daughters and five grandchildren.

Kim Gross (aka “Firecracker”) serves as a guide for Trailbound’s Chicago-area day-long hiking and biking trips, and is gifted at fostering memories and friendships in the great outdoors. She loves how nature rejuvenates and centers us, and enjoys biking, hiking, and feeling the sun on her skin - especially in summer! Kim is also passionate about gardening, and hones and shares her plant knowledge at a local garden center. When she’s not gardening, leading trips, or playing with her two dogs, this busy lady also nannies for two elementary-age children. Kim and her husband have a son in high school and an adult daughter.

Diana Schmid (aka "Spidey") is our "virtual guide", tweaking, updating, and expanding Trailbound’s website. She’s been hiking with Trailbound for eight years. Diana loves fresh air, hiking, games, and dancing. On Sundays, you’ll find her tapping her toes and "tooting her flute" with the praise band at her church. Diana is a programmer for a consulting company, customizing accounting software. She and her husband have two adult children.