Alex (he/him/his), who goes by his last name ‘Szuba’, grew up in Rochester New York, and spent his younger days at local nature centers, museums, and exploring Lake Ontario. He received his Bachelor of Science from SUNY-ESF in Syracuse, New York, with a discipline in Wildlife Science, combining biology, policy, and management. Szuba is a recognized Associate Wildlife Biologist of the Wildlife Society.  

After College, Szuba honed his skill set working with youth in Ithaca NY. He was president of the ESF Roots and Pursuits club in college, where he taught traditional wilderness living strategies and survival skills to youth.  His teaching curriculum was fascinating, and included bow making, archery, hide tanning, and tracking. Szuba then returned to Rochester, and began working with Earthworks. Earthworks is a small organization centered around experiential learning and adventures for youth, including homeschool, public, and private school students. Szuba learned the importance of mentoring students, as well as the virtues that stem from sharing restorative justice practices with the next generation. 

Working as an Established Lead Guide at True North allows Szuba to continue his mentoring and teaching in a truly experiential environment.  He completes eight day shifts with students and his co-guide, responsible for facilitating team building activities, leading adventures, and helping students achieve treatment goals.  Szuba maintains a focus on safety, and holds a Wilderness First Responder certification.  He is grateful for a workspace that leans on the landscape as a resource and teacher. Now living in Winooski, VT, you may find Szuba on a trail admiring the wild plants of Vermont or observing bird behavior and appreciating the interconnectedness of the ecosystem.