Tamara Dykshoorn

I’ve been instructing and coaching first- and second-year ATBO students since 2016, mainly on backpacking, ski/snowboard touring, and avalanche courses. I’ve taken on these roles casually over the years, and the backpacking course in particular is a highlight of my autumn—we travel through some truly wild and beautiful landscapes. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch students grow throughout the program and then see them thriving in the outdoor community later on.

I’m a certified and registered guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (Hiking and Ski Apprentice), an Avalanche Professional with the Canadian Avalanche Association, and hold certification with the Interpretive Guides Association (Apprentice). I’m also trained in wilderness first aid. Staying current with industry standards is important to me—it keeps my skills sharp and helps me bring relevant, real-world knowledge into the classroom and the field.

I believe strongly in experiential learning. This is a hands-on, positive learning environment where outdoor people often thrive by doing. My approach is built around four key components: experience, conceptualization, reflection, and experimentation.

For student success, I focus on clear, defined goals and outcomes. I believe practicing skills properly leads to safer decisions down the road. I try to stay approachable and available for all learning styles, and I’m convinced that reflection is what makes mountain experiences truly meaningful.