THE ALASKA WILD LIGHTS TEAM
We’re incredibly fortunate to work with individuals who truly believe in our business philosophy and share our vision. We’re proud to have a team of knowledgeable, highly motivated, and remarkably active individuals who call Alaska home year-round, not just seasonally. Their deep connection to and understanding of life in “The Last Frontier” brings authenticity and insight to every endeavor.
TOUR GUIDES
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.
Shannon
Dylan
Greg
Tyler
OFFICE STAFF
Josh
(Head of Growth & Partnerships)
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.
Josh
(Operations manager)
Operations Manager at Alaska Wild Lights, blending adventure passion with expertise for unforgettable Alaskan wilderness experiences. A Fairbanks resident for over a decade and local college grad, he brings deep knowledge of Interior Alaska’s rugged beauty.
He started as a fishing guide in high school and college, crafting unique moments like chasing trophy fish or viewing northern lights. As a petroleum engineer, he’s led complex operations in Alaska, Texas, and Wyoming, applying precision and safety to our tours.
A long-distance sled dog musher and Iditarod 1,000-mile finisher, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and trapping with wife Jobie and daughter Jane. Josh turns extraordinary moments into lifelong memories.
WORKSHOP CREW
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.
Cody
(Mechanic)
coming