2026 KROC Instructors
Kala Rush
Kala is the Education Director for Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters. Kala’s love for the outdoors and education began during her work as a Youth Crew Leader for the Montana Conservation Corps and continued while creating educational and volunteer opportunities as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the United Way of Greater Portland. She started her degree in Communications at the University of Montana and finished at the University of Southern Maine, which led to a teaching role in Northern Maine. Teaching in rural schools helped her realize that almost every opportunity can be an educational opportunity and is passionate about finding, facilitating, and sharing place-based learning experiences. Kala is certified in First Aid and Wilderness First Aid.
Baileigh Studer
Baileigh is the general manager for the Katahdin Gear Library in Millinocket. Baileigh was raised in Millinocket, however she moved away shortly after high school and discovered her passion for the outdoors and the desire to share it with others. After several years away she returned home to pursue an outdoor lifestyle, which then led to her career in outdoor education. Baileigh is a registered Maine Recreational guide and is Wilderness First Responder certified. In her free time, you can find Baileigh in the woods with her two dogs exploring all that our region has to offer.
Dan Rogan
Dan started with Outdoor Sport Institute in December of 2022 and has felt right at home in the Katahdin Region ever since. Originally from Dubuque, Iowa, he holds a degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management from Northern Michigan University and now calls Millinocket, Maine home.
His passion for teaching and working with others has allowed him to make a career out of connecting people with the outdoors across the country. He has guided canoe expeditions in Maine and the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Ontario, led dogsledding adventures and winter camping trips in northern Minnesota, led a conservation crew in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and run backpacking trips and youth trail crews in New Mexico. He even participated in the world’s longest paddle race, the Yukon 1000. Dan is also an EMT and serves as a wilderness medicine instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
As the Katahdin Region Coordinator, Dan brings a holistic perspective to outdoor access and education. His comfort teaching and supporting others allows him to serve as a strong partner in building local capacity. Whether it’s collaborating on youth programs or school visits, supporting community gear libraries, or empowering summer interns, Dan is able to humbly and effectively provide the knowledge and skill needed.
Elise Goplerud
Elise is the Education Coordinator for Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters. In 2017, she received a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism from the University of Maine and promptly moved to the Katahdin region to begin her career in outdoor education. She is passionate about connecting youth to nature and their community and believes that a strong connection to the natural world helps students build confidence, empathy and leadership skills. She feels most at home in a canoe on a remote river. Elise is a Wilderness First Responder, Registered Maine Recreational Guide, Leave No Trace Master Educator and Certified Interpretive Guide.