Louisa Behnke
Salmon,ID
Summary
Proven outdoor educator and entrepreneur with strong leadership and risk management skills. Founded an LLC, obtained a $20K grant, and raised $125K to produce a documentary highlighting Wild mustangs in Wyoming. Skilled in logistics and guiding, with a keen attention to detail. Dedicated to improving student outcomes through effective behavioral and academic interventions.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavior Interventionist
Behavior Dynamics & Diagnostics
Salmon, Idaho
01.2025 - Current
- Delivered one-on-one intervention techniques in home and in a community setting for children aged four to twenty-one with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Implemented tailored support strategies to foster positive replacement behaviors in children.
- Partnered with families to reinforce behavior change and integrate strategies into daily routines.
- Analyzed collected behavioral data to evaluate intervention effectiveness and inform future strategies.
Co-founder
Women in the Wilderness, LLC
06.2018 - Current
- Established LLC for planning and supporting month-long mustang pack trip across Bureau of Land Management areas in Wyoming.
- Successfully rode and packed nine previously wild mustangs during the expedition.
- Cultivated partnerships with sponsors and influential figures in wild horse community to enhance project support.
- Interviewed biologists, cattle ranchers, and Bureau of Land Management associates.
- Created an unbiased documentary emphasizing the multifaceted struggle around mustang management, specifically overpopulation
- Raised $75,000 through Seed & Spark campaign and secured additional $20,000 from sponsors to finance documentary production.
- Completed film production and submitted to fifteen diverse film festivals, increasing visibility for mustang management issues.
Horse Packer
Heart X Outfitters
Frank Church Wilderness, Idaho
09.2024 - 11.2025
- Packed horses and mules with supplies for wall-tent camping operations.
- Crafted gourmet meals for hunters, elevating overall dining experiences.
- Processed deer and elk meat efficiently for transport out of camp.
- Ensured safety protocols for guests and animals during hunting season.
- Managed one side of hunting operation in fall 2025, maintaining operational efficiency.
White Water River Guide & Trip Leader
OARS Dories
Lewiston, Idaho
05.2021 - 09.2025
- Prepared gourmet meals during river excursions, enhancing guest experiences.
- Skillfully navigated Class III and IV rapids on the Snake, Salmon, and Grand Canyon using rafts and wooden dories.
- Conducted biology and ecology lessons to educate guests about the river canyon.
- Maintained and repaired equipment to ensure safety and functionality.
- Developed daily itineraries while leading up to six guides and twenty guests.
- Developed detailed trip plans, balancing logistics and recreational opportunities for guests.
Paraprofessional
Durango High School
Durango, CO
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Co-taught English, math, and life skills to a junior student to ensure better understanding of course material.
- Implemented individualized support plans for students with special needs.
- Collaborated with high school students during real-world job placements.
- Modified educational materials to meet individual learning needs.
Assistant Teacher
Manchester Essex Regional High School
Manchester, MA
11.2022 - 06.2023
- Co-taught algebra, English, biology, history, and life skills for freshman student on autism spectrum.
- Modified tests and assignments to accommodate individual learning needs.
- Followed IEP goals meticulously to support student development.
Ski Instructor
Purgatory Resort
Durango, CO
12.2020 - 03.2021
- Refined ski techniques to enhance performance and skill levels.
- Customized ski lessons tailored to individual student needs.
- Adapted teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles.
Guide
Magee Homestead a Relais & Châteaux
Saratoga, WY
05.2020 - 10.2020
- Guided guests in various outdoor activities, enhancing confidence through ropes course and rock climbing.
- Instructed fly fishing, mountain biking, archery, and horseback riding for diverse outdoor experiences.
- Contributed to designation of Brush Creek Ranch as a Forbes Five Star property through exceptional service.
- Facilitated diverse outdoor adventures, ensuring memorable guest experience.
SOL (Student Outdoor Leadership) Leader
Fort Lewis College
Durango, Colorado
12.2016 - 03.2020
- Ensured safe transportation for college students driving a 10-passenger van and trailer.
- Developed weekend trip itineraries, including routes, travel arrangements, menus, and gear.
- Facilitated engaging backcountry experiences by teaching students essential technical skills.
Babysitter
Nifty Nanny
Durango, Colorado
10.2019 - 02.2020
- Directed after-school programs for up to 15 children aged five to nine.
- Provided childcare services for families in Durango area.
- Facilitated experiential outdoor education to enhance children's learning experiences.
Wrangler
A Bar A Guest Ranch
Encampment, WY
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Oversaw care for 120 horses through grooming, veterinary support, and training.
- Established safety protocols to mitigate risks for guests.
- Conducted daily trail rides, enhancing visitor experience.
- Instructed guests on historical significance of ranch and local geography.
Wrangler
Latigo Ranch
Kremmling, CO
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Delivered authentic Western experiences through engaging trail rides and horse-packing trips.
- Led daily trail rides, ensuring safety and enjoyment for all participants.
- Ensured guest satisfaction by addressing needs and preferences promptly.
- Provided quality care to a herd of 80 horses, maintaining health and well-being.
Paid Intern
Gugler Sport Horses
Pfungstadt, Germany
03.2016 - 06.2016
- Trained up to eight horses daily for international competitions and sales.
- Provided daily care for sales horses, including grooming and stall cleaning.
- Collaborated with professional riders globally to enhance training techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Adventure Education
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO05.2020
National Outdoor Leadership School
New Zealand12-2015
Skills
- Behavioral intervention
- Effective communication
- Data collection
- Leadership
- Logistics coordination
- Outdoor education
- Equine professional
Certification
• Emergency Medical Technician, not current
• Swiftwater Safety, Swiftwater Safety Institute, 2022-Present
• Avalanche Technician II, American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education, current
• Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Medicine Training Center, 2018-2027
• Registered Behavior Technician, Behavior University, 2025
• Swiftwater Safety, Swiftwater Safety Institute, 2022-Present
• Avalanche Technician II, American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education, current
• Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Medicine Training Center, 2018-2027
• Registered Behavior Technician, Behavior University, 2025
Clubs And Volunteer Work
Adaptive Sports Association, Purgatory Resort: Winter 2019/2024
I taught downhill skiing to individuals with cognitive and physical limitations, planning each lesson based on the students needs and fitting specialized gear. I am certified in teaching bi-ski & ski bike lessons.
On-the-Snow Instructor for Friends of the San Juan's: Winter 2018
I helped at fundraising events and took locals out in safe avalanche terrain; teaching about safe snow travel.
Timeline
Behavior Interventionist
Behavior Dynamics & Diagnostics
01.2025 - Current
Horse Packer
Heart X Outfitters
09.2024 - 11.2025
Paraprofessional
Durango High School
08.2023 - 05.2024
Assistant Teacher
Manchester Essex Regional High School
11.2022 - 06.2023
White Water River Guide & Trip Leader
OARS Dories
05.2021 - 09.2025
Ski Instructor
Purgatory Resort
12.2020 - 03.2021
Guide
Magee Homestead a Relais & Châteaux
05.2020 - 10.2020
Babysitter
Nifty Nanny
10.2019 - 02.2020
Co-founder
Women in the Wilderness, LLC
06.2018 - Current
Wrangler
A Bar A Guest Ranch
05.2018 - 08.2019
Wrangler
Latigo Ranch
05.2017 - 08.2017
SOL (Student Outdoor Leadership) Leader
Fort Lewis College
12.2016 - 03.2020
Paid Intern
Gugler Sport Horses
03.2016 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Adventure Education
Fort Lewis College
National Outdoor Leadership School