Canyon Calling Trip Leaders

With a passion for female empowerment, an endless sense of curiosity, and over thirty years of experience in the travel industry, Janet found herself innately drawn to Canyon Calling’s mission. She followed the call of her adventuresome spirit and acquired the company back in 2014. And she’s been leading it with vigor ever since!

For Janet, it’s all about connection — with her wonderful guests and with the locals. She appreciates and desires to connect with local cultures around the world, and this global mindset enriches every tour she leads. Her hospitable nature, extensive experience and knowledge, and dedication to safety will keep you in excellent care — and laughing all the way!

“Growing up, I wanted to see what was around every bend in the road – I still do! I want to meet the people that live there, taste the food, experience the culture, and celebrate our differences and commonalities. I’ve had tremendous opportunities to do this around the world, and now I am sharing the sheer joy of local, personalized adventures with women who are curious and consider themselves global citizens. I learned that connecting with the locals is the essence of any travel experience — so all of our trips ensure this vital element.”

— Janet Scalzo

Anna Lara is a never-ending well of Icelandic wisdom and experience. She’s our resident expert on everything there is to know about Iceland — including the fascinating mythology! If you have a question about the local geology, flora, and fauna, Anna Lara has you covered. And although she’s native to beautiful Iceland, Anna Lara speaks excellent English and communicates effortlessly with our guests. She has brought her enthusiasm as a travel guide to many adventures in the past. Anna Lara has experience as a Tour Guide, Trekking Guide, and Mountain Guide, and she’s a member of the Iceland Alpine Club. She’s also had the pleasure of guiding for the Icelandic Travel Association and The Icelandic Mountain Guides. Anna Lara is friendly, funny, and focused on safety — she’s a delightful addition to the Canyon Calling women’s travel group team. You’re going to love spending time with Anna Lara!

Karen’s love of travel and exploration began with a high school elective on world travel and backpacking — and she’s been feeding her soul on adventures ever since! She shares her passion with the world by guiding extensively with Canyon Calling.  Adventure has always been an integral part of Karen’s life. Between coaching high school snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, scuba diving, kayaking, wakeboarding, stand-up paddle boarding, and even motorcycling, Karen never seems to stop! This remarkable woman brings a deep love and a real sense of excitement to her tours — in the US and across the globe.

Although Liz was born and raised in the mountains of North Carolina, she comes from a long line of seafarers and grew up with a keen desire to be on the water. And after she experienced her first paddling trip at the age of 11, Liz was hooked! She knew right then and there that she wanted to be a guide. At Sierra Nevada College, Liz excelled as a whitewater guide and skier, which catapulted her into the world of outdoor leadership. Since 2003, Liz has been professionally leading trips and has traveled to more than 40 countries around the world. Her diverse experiences have not only fueled her passion for adventure travel and sustainability, but have instilled in her the importance of introducing people to the unique, natural wonders of the world and the people who live in it.

As a Park Ranger in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, Tess has over 10 years of experience working in the Alaskan outdoors where she has led local and international groups. Her experience is multifaceted as she’s dipped her toes in several industries, prior to finding her passion in guiding. She enjoys collaborating on environmental efforts and bringing environmental awareness to the forefront of the outdoor experience. When Tess is not deep in researching the wildlife around her or traveling to experience new cultures, she likes spending her time gardening, hanging out around a bonfire, or playing with her dog. Tess looks forward to sharing her passions and expertise with the women she meets through Canyon Calling.

Ever since she can remember, Melanie has had a desire to see and experience new places and new cultures. Sitting still is not an option! Her travels to most of the 50 states and several countries in Europe and South America have shown Melanie that she is most happy when she is seeing new things and meeting new people. Her happy place is on an active tour and where she is going next! Melanie has lived and taught Earth Science in Upstate New York for 30 years. Melanie has recently graduated from the International Tour Management Institute so she can continue sharing her love of travel with others. She is also a National Geographic Certified Educator. Melanie enjoys skiing, hiking, kayaking, exploring new cities and cultures, spending time with her children and grandson, and meeting new friends. She is very excited to meet you, our dear guest. Welcome Melanie!

Kleo spent most of her childhood living on the coast of Maine. After high school in Boston and college in Connecticut, she moved to the American southwest desert where she began guiding rivers, from the upper and lower Rio Grande to the Colorado. For six years Kleo worked 14 day river expeditions in the Grand Canyon. In the off-season, she travelled extensively throughout India, South East Asia, Central America, and the deserts and high mountains of the American West. In 2013 Kleo became a mother to son Otis. After a short break she returned to guiding, leading hiking tours as well as river trips, birding tours, and trips into northern Mexico from the Big Bend region of West Texas, which is Kleo’s home base for 20 years. Kleo is profoundly interested in Ethnobotany and indigenous culture, ceremonies, and history. She has also worked as a freelance writer, hotelier, florist, paralegal, archeological typology illustrator, and henna artist. Kleo is bringing all of these talents together to make your Canyon Calling adventure even more special!