about beyond boundaries

Adventure is for Everyone.

We work with individuals of all abilities, and from varying backgrounds, in one of the most challenging and thrilling fields…outdoor adventure! Over the years we have seen first-hand the incredible benefits of the inclusive atmosphere that we provide, and it’s our belief that the more we adventure together, the stronger our community becomes.

2025 Impact Report
2024 Impact Report

Our Team

  • Shep

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CO-FOUNDER

    Shep grew up in Hanover, VA, graduated from Radford University, and then moved to California, where he began his career in outdoor and accessible recreation. After California, he moved back to Richmond and worked in a few different roles before founding and eventually going full-time at Beyond Boundaries (BB).

    When not working, Shep spends as much time as possible with his family, including his wife Kelly, 6-year-old son River, dogs Coco and Charlie, and cats Finn and Moose. Whether it’s fishing, paddleboarding, or trips to Lake Gaston or the beach, the family loves spending time outdoors and playing together.

    CERTIFICATIONS
    Wilderness First Aid and CPR, Disability Inclusion Training, Brain Injury Overview and Strategies, CBS Safety Care, Swift Water Rescue, Leave No Trace Certified, Youth Mental Health First Aid Training (YMHFA)

  • Kyle

    CO-FOUNDER

    Kyle is a co-founder of Beyond Boundaries and has been involved since the beginning. He loves being outdoors as much as possible, which has changed in many ways over the last few years since starting his family. He has two daughters, Zoey and Remi, with his wife. They try to expose them to the beauty and wonder of the natural world as much as they can. They spend evenings and weekends walking the JRPS trails, along with their two dogs Murphy and Marley.

    CERTIFICATIONS
    Wilderness First Responder, Swift Water Rescue, and First Aid

  • Katie

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR

    Katie is the Program Director at Beyond Boundaries and a lover of everything to do with the outdoors! Her outdoor passions include climbing, camping, whitewater rafting, rollerblading, and brand new to her, SUPing. She also loves playing organized sports, like pickleball or soccer. When she has to be inside, she likes hanging out with her dog Paisley and playing video games from time to time.

    CERTIFICATIONS
    Disability Inclusion Training, Swift Water Rescue, Wilderness First Aid,
    CPR, CBS Safety Care, VDH Sexual Assault Prevention Team Member, CPS Mandated Reporter, Leave No Trace Certified, Youth Mental Health First Aid Training (YMHFA), and Chief of Stoke

  • Alek

    COMMUNITY DIRECTOR

    Alek serves as Community Director for Beyond Boundaries, helping lead fundraising, community engagement, partnerships, and organizational growth. Since joining the team, he has helped expand access to inclusive outdoor adventures for people with disabilities and from underserved communities. 

    While much of his work happens behind the scenes, Alek still enjoys getting out on programs as our pontoon captain and adaptive ski instructor. When he's not working, you'll usually find him outside with his family, on the water, in the mountains, or planning his next adventure.

  • George

    PROGRAM MANAGER - RVA

    George is a program coordinator and newest member of the team. He has been an avid outdoorsman since an early age through programs like BSA. He graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 2013 with a focus in Developmental Psychology and Mentoring at-risk youth. George has been a dedicated rock climber for the past 20 years, and this passion led him to start the first Richmond-based rock climbing programs that were inclusive to individuals with disabilities. Now, with Beyond Boundaries, he is excited to share his passion for other outdoor activities like Camping and Mountain Biking!

    CERTIFICATIONS
    Disability Inclusion Training, Paradox Sports Adaptive Climbing Instructor, First Aid/CPR/AED, CPS Mandated Reporter, Eagle Scout, Swift Water Rescue, Leave No Trace Level 1, Youth Mental Health First Aid Training (YMHFA), Wilderness First Aid

  • Travis

    PROGRAM COORDINATOR - ROANOKE

    Travis is the program coordinator for Roanoke. Travis’ outdoor lifestyle began in ‘81 with his parents sharing climbing & paddling with others. He believes that watching everyone gain respect for themselves through these activities is amazing to be a part of. While becoming an Eagle Scout & then a Marine, he never stopped sharing the love because it truly can change our lives for the better.

    CERTIFICATIONS
    ACA L4 canoe instructor, ACA L3 kayak instructor, CPR/First Aid, and Wilderness First Aid

  • Sara

    INTERNAL OPS COORDINATOR

    Sara is the Internal Operations Coordinator for Beyond Boundaries. She graduated from UVA in 2018 with a double major in English and Biology and went on to pursue her love for the ocean by working for a Marine Conservation & Education Center in Co. Kerry, Ireland from 2018-2020. She became a certified yoga instructor in 2023, and some of her favorite adventures include snorkeling, kayaking, climbing, and hiking with her husband Mike, and her daughters Libby and Charlotte! The thing she loves most about working for Beyond Boundaries is their core value of inclusion because everyone deserves to have an adventure and enjoy the great outdoors.

    CERTIFICATIONS
    Wilderness First Aid & CPR, Swift Water Rescue, RYT-200 with 25-hour CE for Yoga for Special Needs, Leave No Trace Certified, and ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor

  • Angie

    OPERATIONS COORDINATOR - ROANOKE

    Angie grew up in Botetourt County, Virginia, and graduated from Elon University, where she studied elementary and middle school education. She taught for ten years in both public and private schools. After staying home to care for her second child, who was diagnosed with disabilities, Angie returned to work with the Commonwealth Autism Program (formerly known as The Autism Program of Virginia). In 2002, Angie founded a nonprofit school for children with disabilities. As her son grew, she expanded the programs to include day programming, in-home services, and employment services for adults. These programs grew to serve the surrounding areas of Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Lexington before merging with VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment. Angie's expertise lies in program development, relationship building, business development, and fundraising. She is excited to serve Beyond Boundaries in the Roanoke area. In her spare time, Angie enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, and playing with her dogs. She and her husband, Alan, have three children and two grandchildren.

    CERTIFICATIONS
    First Aid, Adult, Child, and Infant CPR, and Customized Employment

  • Branden

    COMMUNITY EVENTS FACILITATOR

    Hello, my name is Branden. I go to school at Hermitage High School. I have been doing adventures with Beyond Boundaries for a couple of years now and it was the greatest choice of my life. Some of my favorite hobbies are playing video games, listening to music, and riding my skateboard. Being with Beyond Boundaries has changed my life for the better and I wouldn't have it any other way.

  • photo of staff member Amanda

    Amanda

    COMMUNITY AND PROGRAM COORDINATOR - ROANOKE

    Amanda joined Beyond Boundaries with a passion for helping people discover that adventure truly is for everyone! With a background as a registered nurse, CrossFit coach, and health educator, she has spent life empowering to build confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve goals they once thought were beyond reach.

    As the mother of a child with special needs, she has seen firsthand the barriers that exist, and the impact that an accessible and welcoming community have on individuals and families.

    Amanda is excited to help grow Beyond Boundaries throughout the Roanoke region. By empowering people with voice and choice in their own adventure, she knows the opportunities ahead are truly endless.

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