About Us

River Riders [Staff] Family!


full size image

See our: Guides | Office Staff | Drivers | Front Porch Staff | Photographers | Shop Staff | Owners
River Riders employees: click here to add/edit your staff bio

Our Guides

Ben Harrison aka El Bendito
Hometown: Boonsboro, MD
Position: Operations Director, Kayak Instructor, Driver, & Trip Leader
Hobbies/Interests: Music (playing) & kayaking.
What I like about working in this industry: Working outside & on the water. White water is the best!
Ed aka Fred or Smelly Ed Shelley
Hometown: Grateful Dead Tour
Position: Bicycle Manager, Trip Leader, Photographer, Kayaker, & Cool Guy
Hobbies/Interests: Kayaking, mountain biking, & underwater tea parties.
What I like about working in this industry: I like working in this industry because no two days are alike & it allows me to live in my own little world.
Adam aka Squirrely
Hometown: Martinsburg, WV
Position: Camp Director, Trip Leader, & Driver
Hobbies/Interests: Whitewater, drums, running the sound board, playing music, & anything that will keep me entertained.
What I like about working in this industry: I work with kids ages 8-18 so between them & my staff it keeps me on my toes as well pretty entertained, but it's a fun life to live.
Tony Dignazio AKA Tigger
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Position: River Guide, Driver, Maintenance
Hobbies/Interests: Whitewater,Playing Music and Watchin' dem O's
What I like about working in this industry: Aw man,look what God gave us. I've been doing this since '87. I've seen thousands of smiles here. What don't I like about it?
Catfish
Hometown:
Position: Trip leader
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Meghan aka River Princess
Hometown: Harpers Ferry, WV
Position: Trip Leader & Camp Counselor
Hobbies/Interests: Anything with water.
What I like about working in this industry: Everything. I have been doing it professionally since 16 & for fun since I was 8. Living in the area I spent every summer day in the river.
Nikk Bonneau
Hometown: Columbia, MD
Position: River Guide & Photographer
Hobbies/Interests: Kayaking, snowboarding, & hiking.
What I like about working in this industry: Whitewater DAILY!
Chris Goodell aka Stormin Mormon
Hometown: Shepherdstown, WV
Position: Raft Guide & Van Driver
Hobbies/Interests: Snowboarding, long walks on the beach, plaid shorts & sweet shirts, beards (on men AND women), & speaking Spanish.
What I like about working in this industry: Tubers, meeting lots of people, & the left side of the Upper Staircase at 2.5 feet.
Jeremy Horner aka Pearl
Hometown: Shepherdstown, WV
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Tips, Adult Contemporary & New Wave.
What I like about working in this industry: When I get tips & light rafts, & sitting at the put-in babysitting rafts.
Rob Palmer
Hometown: Alexandria, VA
Position: River Guide & Kayak Instructor
Hobbies/Interests: Kayaking, fishing, hiking, music, & beautiful ladies.
What I like about working in this industry: Seeing the excitement on peoples' faces & being on the water everyday.
Chris Collins aka Darkness
Hometown: Harpers Ferry, WV
Position: River Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Team Boosch, camping, snowboarding, kayaking, music, movies, attractive women that challenge me intellectually, lacrosse, computers, playing guitar & my bass, art, writing, reading, fishing, & anything on the river.
What I like about working in this industry: Team Boosch & being outdoors.
Ben Case
Hometown: Rutledge, PA
Position: Trip Leader & Camp Counselor
Hobbies/Interests: Rafting, canoeing, hiking, reading, computers, traveling & coin collecting.
What I like about working in this industry: Working on the water, the beautiful scenery, staying active all day, & meeting interesting people.
Brian aka The Haze or Hazelett
Hometown: Eugene, OR
Position: River Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Jousting, Thi-chi, knitting, swimming, class V & V+, Team Boosch!!!
What I like about working in this industry: h*t guests, big water, pillow surfs, recycling, & greasy Martins chicken.
Hunter Ingersoll aka Forest
Hometown: Eastern Shore
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Anything outside, live music, & jump rope.
What I like about working in this industry: Awesome times, awesome people.
Crowe, Anthony
Hometown:
Position: Trip Leader
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Fichter, Justin aka Junior
Hometown:
Position: Trip Leader
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry: Get Some!!!
Genelle Botje
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide; camp counselor
Hobbies/Interests:anything that keeps me active (rockclimbing, kayaking, snowboarding, surfing, etc...), mentally sane (art, guitar, books, photography), and alive (food, water & sleep!)
What I like about working in this industry: Besides my love for the smell of sunscreen and a super awesome Chaco tan? I've learned that living a full life is all about finding happiness with your surroundings. Being out on the water, with all of its physically- and mentally- challenging attributtes, is almost like a form of meditation for me...
Vendemmia, Tommy
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Mary Fear
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Joe Martin
Hometown:The Forest, WV
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Rock Climbing, Whitewater, Hiking, Naturalism, Reading, Learning, Learning, Learning
What I like about working in this industry: Meeting new people everyday and introducing them to West "by God not by choice" Virginia.
Freels, John aka Hollywood
Hometown: Berkeley Springs, WV
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Everything River Riders has to offer are hobbies of mine.
What I like about working in this industry: Everyday is a new day. New people, new sights, new levels. Everyday at River Riders is a day to remember!
Hardester, Matt
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Kerns, Alex M
Hometown: Elkins, WV
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Running, Cycling, Snowboarding, Huntin', Pretty much anything outdoors
What I like about working in this industry: Meeting new people and tuber ladies
Matthews, Colin
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Michael "Dutch" Pine
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Metz, Shelly
Hometown:
Position:
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Orndorff, Ryan aka Tank
Hometown:
Position: Trip Leader
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Polonchak, Michael
Hometown:
Position: Trip Leader
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Polonchak, Matt
Hometown:
Position: Trip Leader
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Alex Garten
Hometown: Reston, VA
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: The great outdoors, backpacking West By God, wrestling, rafting and kayaking
What I like about working in this industry: The people and the scenery. Harpers Ferry is an amazing place!
Zack Philpott
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Rylands, Clifford
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Alex Zachrel
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Steve McGillivray AKA Teacher Steve
Hometown: Cedarville, Ohio
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: distance running, biking, backpacking with my wife & kids
What I like about working in this industry: Nothing beats taking people on an outdoor adventure!
Beth OKeefe
Hometown: East Of The Mississippi
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Eric Morrison A.K.A- Morrison
Hometown: Shannondale, WV by way of Valporaiso ,IN
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:Music,ANYTHING outdoors , cooking ,baking cakes,more music plays in river riders unofficial band "rootless"
What I like about working in this industry: Enjoy this industry because: the people "we have some of the coolest people youll ever meet come to us everyday and we get to take them down the river".....what a life we live
Zimmerman, Justin
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Wright, Gretchen
Hometown: Springfield, MO
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Williford, Holly
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Shamieh, Devin
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Anna Granofsky AKA Lil Bill
Hometown:Franklin, WV
Position: Assistant Guide manager
Hobbies/Interests: Living life to the fullest, mountains, hiking, friends, family, music- having a ball!
What I like about working in this industry: Promoting appreciation for the outdoors, the phenomenal staff, Bill
Amber Kraft
Hometown: A little bit of everywhere
Position: Raft guide
Hobbies/Interests: Canoeing, hiking, hanging out at National Parks, reading
What I like about working in this industry: I love being outside, meeting great people, and never having to feel like I am "working"
Mike Teunis
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Josh Hall
Hometown:
Position: Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Sabo, Ian A
Hometown:
Position: Trip Leader
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
See our: Guides | Office Staff | Drivers | Front Porch Staff | Photographers | Shop Staff | Owners
River Riders employees: click here to add/edit your staff bio




Our Office Staff

Amanda aka Miss Amanda
Hometown: Charles Town, WV
Position: Office Manager
Hobbies/Interests: Art, nature, music, meeting new people, my dog - Bayou, tattoos, & vegetarian fare.
What I like about working in this industry: My job is different every day. I work with a variety of people from guests to employees - which is always fun & I get to share my love for the outdoors with them. I also love interacting with our summer campers, they are a blast! Being the boss is pretty cool too!
  Wendy Corey
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Position: Administrative Assistant
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy hanging out with my family, dog, & two cats. I also enjoy spending time camping, skiing, & just being outside... that is when I am not driving my 2 girls to whatever activity they have planned at that minute.
What I like about working in this industry: I like meeting new people who enjoy being outdoors & having a new adventure everyday.

Lydia
Hometown: Charleston, WV
Position: Retail Manager &
Assistant Office Manager
Hobbies/Interests: Underwater basket weaving, taking the peanut butter out of nutter butters & replacing it with oreo cream, night vision goggles, replacing stolen road signs, putting pennies in order by year, taking the cream out of oreos & replacing it with peanut butter, & submitting suggestions to Apple.
What I like about working in this industry: Meeting new people. And when you tube naked, it adds color to your cheeks! :)
Rebecca
Hometown: Harpers Ferry, WV
Position: Camp Coordinator
Hobbies/Interests: Watching my Mountaineers & Packers, dancing, movies, music, school, & entering waivers!
What I like about working in this industry: All access to the river! Working with the most interesting people ever & having a summer job that doesn't involve fast food!
Cara
Hometown: Charles Town, WV
Position: Safety Video and Trip Coordinator
Hobbies/Interests: White skirts, mountains, water, sleeping, eating, & Mountaineers.
What I like about working in this industry: Flexible showering schedules, great people, good times, leftover chicken dinners, & the frightening rapids of the Shenandoah & Potomac Rivers.
Katelyne Dominguez aka Kate
Hometown: Here & There
Position: Office Staff/Janitor
Hobbies/Interests: Poetry, Class I-III rapids, music of all sorts, reading, writing, my friends, fancy dancing, being a spiritual warrior, tattoos, scenery, shadow puppets, coffee, bongos, art, being silly, being on the river, hiking, road trips, being outside, & my cat.
What I like about working in this industry: Everyday here is a dang adventure, whether you like it or not.
Chris aka Chrissy
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Position: Office Staff
Hobbies/Interests: Swimming, hiking, enjoying a good movie, painting/drawing, hanging out with friends, & anything outdoors mostly.
What I like about working in this industry: Access to the river whenever & I get to meet new & interesting people everyday. Everyday is a challenge & that's always a great mind stimulator!
Guidroz, Liz
Hometown:
Position: Office Staff
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
April Thomas
Hometown:
Position: Office Staff
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Jackie Henning
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Position: Office Staff
Hobbies/Interests: Music, the simple life, friends & family, tattoos, & being ridiculous.
What I like about working in this industry: The river & meeting good people.
Tacy Judd
Hometown: Charles Town, WV
Position: Office Staff / Photo Queen
Hobbies/Interests: Music and Photography, at the same time is even better!!! and spending time outside in the sunshine. AND being with my Boys!!!
What I like about working in this industry: Getting out on the river...a great way to spend the day... It's another beautiful day in paradise!!!
Guyot, Carissa
Hometown:
Position:
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Cristina Yeron
Hometown: Frederick, MD
Position: Office Staff
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Trina Wilhelm AKA Triscuit
Hometown: Harford County, MD
Position: Office Staff
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy being outdoors, especially on days with fluffy clouds. I enjoy music alot, running and working out, dancing and just enjoying life both the large and small aspects of everyday.
What I like about working in this industry: I love all River Riders has to offer. I like meeting new people and making sure they enjoy their day with us. River Riders has the best staff!
Roff, Sheryl
Hometown:
Position: Office Staff
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Miranda Slone AKA Moe
Hometown: Davy, WV
Position: Office Staff
Hobbies/Interests: Singing, photography, music and art
What I like about working in this industry: The people
Anita Duncan AKA Mamanita
Hometown: Nomad since childhood
Position: Office Staff
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Anita Fleshman
Hometown: Washington D.C.
Position: Office Staff / Guest Greeter
Hobbies/Interests: Horsin', Doggin', Yard Salein', Flea Marketin', ebayin', Poolin', Sunnin' and Funnin'. (Not necessarily in that order)
What I like about working in this industry: Being outside inside of inside four walls! Working with all the great River Rider folks and meeting all those wild rafters and crazy tubers!
See our: Guides | Office Staff | Drivers | Front Porch Staff | Photographers | Shop Staff | Owner
River Riders employees: click here to add/edit your staff bio




Our Drivers

Janet
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Position: Driver Manager
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my 2 sons & work. That's all I have time for.
What I like about working in this industry: My co-workers are awesome. I love dealing with nice people.

Josh Wagner
Hometown: Frederick, MD
Position: Assistant Driver Manager; Raft Guide
Hobbies/Interests: Philosophy, Martial arts, chess, & obviously nature.
Favorite Books: Plato Dialogues, Machiavelli The Prince, Sun Tzu The Art of War, Musashi The Book of Five Rings, Freud The Interpretation of Dreams
What I like about working in this industry: Meeting a variety of people to have interesting conversations with. I have had a wide range of jobs & this is the best job ever.
Thomas, Clint
Hometown:
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Bruce E. Fleshman AKA BIG B
Hometown: Hyattsville, MD
Position: Driver
Hobbies/Interests: Farmin', Gardenin', Golfin' and Doggin' with "Spooner", "Sugar Babe", "Lovey" and "Charger" ~ our Doggies
What I like about working in this industry: Fresh Air, Fresh Water, Fresh Faces!
Ring, Doug
Hometown:
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Newcomb, Dennis
Hometown:
Position: Van/Truck Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Knott, John J
Hometown:
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Kettells, Debbie
Hometown:
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Guzman, Delmira
Hometown:
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Gaffney, Michelle
Hometown:
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Franklin, Greg
Hometown:
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Frankenberry, Tyler
Hometown:
Position: Van Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:

Hometown:
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Bill Dixon
Hometown:
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Daffron, Leah
Hometown:
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Alberstadt, Ed
Hometown:
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Bair, Woody
Hometown:
Position: Bus Driver
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
  Debbie Henry
Hometown: Bristol, CT
Position: Driver
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family, horseback riding, camping, bingo, & scrap booking. You might say I enjoy driving -- I have been doing it for 20 years now!!
What I like about working in this industry: Being able to meet people from all over. Everyone seems to be so carefree when they are in the outdoors!!
See our: Guides | Office Staff | Drivers | Front Porch Staff | Photographers | Shop Staff | Owner
River Riders employees: click here to add/edit your staff bio




Our Front Porch Staff

Sarah
Hometown: Hedgesville, West By God Virgina
Position: Front Porch Manager
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Chambers, Judy
Hometown:
Position: Sandwich Pro
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Mullins, Adam
Hometown:
Position: Sandwich Pro
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
See our: Guides | Office Staff | Drivers | Front Porch Staff | Photographers | Shop Staff | Owner
River Riders employees: click here to add/edit your staff bio




Our Photographers

Jake Freels
Hometown:
Position: Photographer
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
See our: Guides | Office Staff | Drivers | Front Porch Staff | Photographers | Shop Staff | Owner
River Riders employees: click here to add/edit your staff bio




Our Shop Staff

Turek, Bryan
Hometown:
Position: Tube Commander
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Lienhard, Ian
Hometown:
Position: Bakerton Pro
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Alijah Bayer-Harding AKA Mini Meghan
Hometown: where else West Virginia
Position: Tube Pro- future raft guide
Hobbies/Interests: I love hanging out with everyone at River Riders, they are like my family and I love doing anything on the river!
What I like about working in this industry: Everything!!!
Wright, Ronnie
Hometown:
Position: Tube Pro
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Webber, Trent
Hometown:
Position: Bakerton Pro
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Wilson, Sam
Hometown:
Position: Bakerton Pro
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Allen, Kevin
Hometown:
Position: Tube Pro
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Myles, Kyle
Hometown:
Position: Bakerton Pro
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Smith, Mark aka Smitty
Hometown: Capon Bridge, WV
Position: Head of Construction
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my children, snowboarding and any time out on the water.
What I like about working in this industry: Working with the many different people that come through and being involved in the teamwork that makes it all happen
Orndorff, Eric aka Umpa
Hometown:
Position: Construction Pro
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
Bedwell, Dave
Hometown:
Position: Fix-It Man Extraordinaire
Hobbies/Interests:
What I like about working in this industry:
See our: Guides | Office Staff | Drivers | Front Porch Staff | Photographers | Shop Staff | Owners
River Riders employees: click here to add/edit your staff bio




River Riders Owners

Matt, Laura, Zach, & Sierra Knott
Hometown: Harpers Ferry, WV
Position: Owners & President
Hobbies/Interests: Whitewater, the outdoors, & camping.
What I like about working in this industry: Started as a raft guide as a teenager & we love being able to share our knowledge & experience of the area with you.
Sierra Knott aka Cici
Hometown: Harpers Ferry, WV
Position: Thinks she's the boss
Hobbies/Interests: River Riders camp, general mayhem, swimming, soccer, rafting, tubing
See our: Guides | Office Staff | Drivers | Front Porch Staff | Photographers | Shop Staff | Owner
River Riders employees: click here to add/edit your staff bio





If you work for River Riders & need to add your bio, add your photo, edit your information, or change your photo, please fill out this form: Please keep it short and sweet

Are you: Submitting a new staff bio  OR  Editing an existing bio ?

Your Name & Nickname:

Email address:

Your hometown (where you grew up):

Your position(s) at River Riders:

Your hobbies & interests:

What you like about working in the outdoor recreation/tourism industry:

Please submit an appropriate photo:

Δ Back to the top

Rafting || Canoeing || Kayaking || Tubing || Biking || Fishing || Team Building || Summer Camp

About Us | Our Company | Our Guides | Our Staff | Testimonials | Video Clips | Specials | Activities
Packages | Group Discounts | Rates | Reservations | Brochure Request | Directions | Gear Sales | General Information | Accommodations
Liability Waivers | Weather | Things To Bring | Site Map | Employment | Contact Us | Home

River Riders Home Tubing Kayaking Canoeing Rafting