Mike Odberg | Founder | Lead Guide
Mike Odberg has been sharing his passion for the wilderness for over a decade with youth and adults. The Duluth native took his first trip into the Boundary Waters in 1982, and thus began a lifelong love for exploring creation. In the late 1990's, Mike made his most important quest, discovering and accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
Mike is trained faithfully to enhance his wilderness leadership and risk management skills. He has received Top-Rope Management training for rock climbing through the American Mountain Guides Association, and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. In 1999, he completed a month long leadership training expedition sponsored by the Wilderness Education Association, and he received National Standard Certification in Wilderness Leadership.
Mike has completed sea kayak training through the American Canoe Association, and also teaches sea kayaking for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He is certified as a Wilderness First Responder through the Wilderness Medical Association and he is a certified lifeguard. Mike has recieved the ACA Coastal (Sea)/ Kayak instructors certification(www.acanet.org) He received his Masters degree in Physical Education through the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with an emphasis in outdoor and adventure education. Mike will guide your group with a passion for Christ, wilderness, adventure, and your safety.
Martha Leisch | Lead Guide
Martha is back in her boat for her third year with Ascending Adventures and she is eager to serve God amidst His beautiful creation this summer. She has grown up in awe of the outdoors and is excited to serve with a ministry that has a common passion.
Martha has been a part of a variety of ministries including Luther Point Bible Camp as a camp counselor working with youth of all ages in a traditional camp setting. She also served on a Youth Encounter ministry team with ever changing locations, people and circumstances. These opportunities have instilled a passion for ministry within her, making Ascending Adventures a great fit.
Martha is currently enrolled at the College of St. Scholastica where she actively pursuing her education, as well as working at the climbing wall, guiding with Outdoor Pursuit and serving the college community as a residential advisor.
Erin Aili | Guide
Let the adventures begin! Erin is joining Ascending Adventures for her first summer this year. She has always been captivated by creation, as it reflects the power and beauty of our Creator. Being in the outdoors brings life to Erin, whether it be hiking a nice trail, paddling on the water, enjoying a sunset, or being challenged by a new climb, because God is at the center of it all, and He loves when His children explore and savor what His hands have made.
Erin graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris with a Human Services degree in 2005. From September 2007 - January 2008, God called Erin to Discipleship Training School (DTS) with YWAM in Antigua, Guatemala. Upon returning, she worked as the Administrative Assistant at Hillside Church in Duluth. Over the years Erin has been involved with youth ministry, counseling at Bible Camp, leading small groups at church and going on mission trips. Erin has a heart for people - simply to love them and see their lives impacted by the love, life and grace of Jesus.
Byron Selbrede | Guide
Byron Selbrede returns to Ascending Adventures as a volunteer guide. He is also serves on the Board of Directors for Ascending Adventures. Byron is a American Canoe Association (ACA) Certified Whitewater Open Canoe Instructor, teaching canoeing for over 25 years. He has medical training from both Medic First Aid Training Programs of America and Wilderness Emergency Medicine offered by Solo. In years past, he taught American Red Cross Lifesaving Courses. He is an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church (ELCA). He has been an active leader in the Boy Scout movement for over 50 years, presently serving as Venture Crew Advisor, Assistant Scoutmaster, and other volunteer positions. He and his wife, Delores, live in Superior.
Kevin Shangle | Lead Guide
Kevin Shangle returns to Ascending Adventures for his third year as a Guide. He is currently enrolled at The College of Saint Scholastica where he is active in the college's Outdoor Pursuit! program and climbing club. He works as a residential advisor and at the colleges climbing wall.
Kevin is thrilled for the opportunity to work for Ascending Adventures because it combines his passions for the outdoors and his love of God. Kevin is very excited to serve God and you this summer.
Danielle Hischer | Guide
Danielle is excited to be an official guide with Ascending Adventures this summer after volunteering sporadically throughout the 2007 season. She worked for Mike at The College of Saint Scholastica's rock climbing wall and also through Outdoor Pursuit. After earning a bachelors degree in Natural Sciences in May 2008, Danielle is at a turning point in her life, with no other future plans than to kayak, canoe, climb, and live in the woods for the summer, anxiously waiting where God will lead her next.
Danielle was drawn to outdoor ministry while attending bible camp throughout her childhood, leading her to work as a canoe and outpost counselor for two summers. The most pivotal moments of her life have been in the outdoors and she is eager to witness what God will reveal to her this summer in his awesome Creation. Amen.
