THE ALASKA WILD LIGHTS TEAM

Jodi

Jodi, originally from Martha’s Vineyard, studied Theater and Anthropology at Emory University, where she received funding to study storytelling with Athabaskan elders in Fairbanks, Alaska. Instantly feeling at home there, she moved to Fairbanks after graduating in 1991. She worked for over a decade with the College of Indigenous Studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, gaining deep insights into Native Alaskan culture and village life. During this time, she and her husband built Dew Claw Kennel in Chatanika, a competitive long-distance dog mushing kennel. In 2012, Jodi left the university to focus on dog mushing full time and has since completed the Iditarod six times. Her other interests include paddle boarding, gardening, cooking, yoga, and multimedia art.

Jessica

Jessica, originally from a small town in Northern Michigan. After a couple of years of college, she decided to join the Army Reserves and met my husband. They lived in Maine for a while before being sent to Alaska in 2011. She fell in love with the natural wonders of this place. After three years in the lower 48, they were ready to come back and make it our home. When she is not busy taking care of my family, she enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, rockhounding, and wildlife photography during the summer and aurora photography in the winter.

Ryan

Originally from Colorado, Ryan felt a strong connection to Alaska from a young age. After spending two summers commercial fishing in Cordova and Bristol Bay, they decided to make Alaska their permanent home. They enrolled at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and are currently pursuing a degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, with two years remaining. In the summers, they work as a field technician for Alaska Fish and Game, gaining valuable hands-on experience. As a guide, they enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion for Alaska’s wildlife and natural beauty with visitors.

Savvy

Savvy is originally from California, where she studied to become a dental assistant, driven by her passion for helping others and making people smile. A vacation to Alaska with friends brought her to Fairbanks, and she instantly fell in love with the area. Despite the stark contrast to her fast-paced life in California, she felt a strong connection to Alaska. Exactly one year later, she made the bold move to the Golden Heart City on her own. Now, two years later, Savvy has built a life she loves—complete with her boyfriend, two dogs, and countless Alaskan adventures. Along the way, she discovered her passion for tour guiding and realized it’s exactly what she’s meant to do. She now enjoys sharing the beauty and rich history of the state she proudly calls home.

Shannon

Dylan

Greg McDaniel

Coming soon…

Tyler Trainor

Coming soon…

Josh
(Manager)

Hi y’all! I was raised in a military family & became a veteran myself, which means I’m originally from … everywhere. In 2013, I was first stationed in JBER, Anchorage. When not on duty, I was part of an Alaskan travel rugby team. My wife and I truly fell in love with Alaska & its culture thanks to all the hikes, snowboarding & wildlife viewing we did. Three months after having our daughter in 2016, the Army moved us to the lower 48. A decade later, we traded the Sunshine State’s paddleboarding & palm tree views for the Last Frontier’s mountain hikes & Northern Lights. Alaska changed me, and I am honored to use my background and Master’s in Management to share the wonder of this place with everyone.

Jessica
(Assistant Manager)

In Oct 2014, I visited some old Army friends at JBER in Anchorage, and I fell in absolute love with Alaska. So in Feb 2017, I packed up my 2 young kids and our dog and we made the long drive to North Pole, smack in the middle of winter, with only what we could fit in my car. As luck would have it, I met my husband and a couple years later we had to move away for the military, but I always knew we would be back! Summer of 2023 we made the trek back and are here to stay! We love everything outdoors and what the great state of Alaska has to offer our adventurous family.

Steven
(Van Detailer)

 
Steven is the vehicle detailer at AWG, where he takes pride in ensuring every vehicle is spotless and welcoming for guests. Born and raised in Interior Alaska, with deep roots in Fort Yukon, he grew up immersed in the Alaska Native subsistence lifestyle, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and deep respect for the land. Now living in Circle with his partner Eva and their daughter, Steven also raises a team of sled dogs and has competed in sprint races across the state. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, boating, and exploring with his family—especially during fall moose hunting season, a tradition passed down through generations.

Tony
(Mechanic)

 
Tony, originally from Plant City, Florida, is a skilled technician with a strong background in mechanical work and craftsmanship. A graduate of the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and certified Red Level Technician, Tony previously ran a successful remodeling business before focusing on mechanics full-time. He and his family moved to Alaska over two years ago, drawn by its natural beauty and quieter lifestyle. Since relocating, he’s developed a passion for gold mining, combining his love of hands-on work, the outdoors, and mechanical problem-solving. Tony is also a National Level Judo Coach with a brown belt, bringing discipline and focus to all aspects of his life. Known for his integrity, precision, and steady presence, Tony takes pride in every project he takes on.