Meet Our Facilitators

Michael, a Santa Barbara native with a passion for outdoor adventure, has been the proud owner of Coastal Team Building for over 25 years. With a vision to provide top-notch team building experiences to corporate groups and small businesses, he established the company to help teams grow and thrive through engaging outdoor activities.

With an impressive background spanning 30 years in outdoor leadership, Michael has honed his skills by working as a guide and trip leader for numerous renowned outfitters across the western United States and abroad. His dedication to his craft has led him to always return to his beloved hometown between professional engagements.

Throughout his illustrious career, Michael has gained extensive experience in various outdoor pursuits. He has served as a river guide and trip leader on some of the most popular sections of river in the western United States, such as Idaho’s Middle Fork and Main Salmon, American, Tuolumne, and Rogue rivers, and even rowed baggage on the iconic Grand Canyon. His international exploits include leading multiday self-supported sea kayaking adventures in Belize and spending two winters as a diving instructor and underwater videographer in the British Virgin Islands.

Before founding Coastal Team Building, Michael held a managerial position at one of California’s largest outdoor education outfitters. This invaluable experience, combined with his unwavering commitment to excellence, has enabled him to create a thriving business that continues to positively impact the lives and team dynamics of countless clients.

Kim has been a dedicated facilitator at Coastal Team Building for over 6 years, creating memorable experiences for groups of professionals. She began her career journey after graduating from Purdue University, where she engaged in numerous on and off-campus leadership opportunities. Holding a B.A. in Psychology and Photography from Purdue, Kim later earned her Masters in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University.

Kim’s passion for education led her to join Teach For America – Los Angeles, where she taught middle school Math and Science for four years. She then transitioned into school leadership roles, ultimately becoming a school principal. During her tenure in education, Kim participated as a Teaching Policy Fellow with Teach Plus and was a LENS Fellow through Building Excellent Schools.

Now, as the General Manager for Coastal Team Building, Kim applies her leadership skills and passion for fostering collaboration to host incredible trips for professionals.

For over 6 years, Christine Kler has been a driving force in our organization. Her extensive experience includes more than 6 years as a kayak guide, 3 summers as a backpacking guide, and 3 school years dedicated to working in outdoor education. Christine has also demonstrated her leadership abilities through international trip leading and 2 years of management in outdoor education.

In addition to her hands-on experience, Christine holds a BA in Political Science from the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). As a passionate advocate for experiential learning and personal growth, Christine continues to make a positive impact on teams and individuals through her work at Coastal Team Building.

As a facilitator on our team for over 5 years, Dustin plays a pivotal role in creating and fostering team cohesion among our clients. He brings extensive experience in our outdoor adventures, having instructed kayaking and led outdoor excursions with UCSB Adventure Programs. He has also demonstrated leadership in his roles as a summer camp director and counselor, as well as a graduate of his high school’s esteemed Outdoor Leadership Program.

Dustin’s passion for safety and preparedness is evident in his numerous certifications, including SCUBA, lifeguarding, and Wilderness EMT. Holding a B.S. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from UC Santa Barbara, Dustin possesses a strong foundation in scientific knowledge that further complements his skill set in outdoor team building and leadership.

Chuck is a versatile freelance writer and photographer based in Carpinteria, California, as well as an experienced facilitator for our team, where he helps foster collaboration and communication among groups in the great outdoors. With a strong passion for the outdoors, he has devoted over three decades to being a dedicated beach lifeguard. Chuck also shares his expertise as a guide for Channel Islands Adventure Company, where he leads exhilarating kayak tours and immersive backpacking trips throughout the Channel Islands National Park. In addition, he served as the editor of DEEP Surf Magazine, showcasing his diverse talents and dedication to the ocean.

As a published author, Chuck has written two books, Carrizo Plain, Where the Mountains Meet the Grasslands, released in January 2021, and Hike on the Channel Islands, published in May 2022.

Chuck’s captivating stories and stunning photographs have graced the pages of numerous publications, including Backpacker, Trail Runner, Men’s Journal, Outdoor Photographer, Shutterbug, Photo Technique, Nature Photographer, Living Bird, Earth Island Journal, The Surfer’s Journal, The Surfer’s Path, Standup Paddle Magazine, SUP the Mag, Canoe & Kayak, Adventure Kayak, Sea Kayaker, Islands, American Forests, BBC Wildlife, Bay Nature, Outdoor California, Ojai Quarterly, Santa Barbara Seasons, Los Angeles Times, Santa Barbara Independent, Montecito Journal, Natural History Magazine, High Country News, National Geographic for Kids, and the Ventura County Reporter.

Esteemed commercial clients have also sought Chuck’s expertise and visual storytelling, including Patagonia, Willow Creek Press, Channel Islands National Park, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, California Coastal Commission, Los Padres National Forest, Photographer’s Market, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tidelines Calendar, and Channel Islands Provisioners. Through his multifaceted career, Chuck Graham continues to inspire others with his passion for nature, adventure, and team building.

Carly is a dedicated and experienced outdoor professional with a passion for adventure, exploration, and team building. As a skilled facilitator for Coastal Team Building, she excels at fostering collaboration and personal growth in dynamic outdoor settings.

Carly holds a BA in Experience Industry Management from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and has further enriched her education with a minor in Child Development. Her leadership background is extensive, having spent three years as a kayak guide and four seasons leading and supervising activities at summer camps. As a Wilderness First Responder, she is well-prepared to handle emergencies and ensure the safety of those around her.

When she’s not guiding or facilitating team building experiences, Carly loves planning road trips and exploring the great outdoors. As a Southern California native, she has a special affinity for the mountains and makes it a point to hike, bike, and dive into pristine mountain lakes and rivers whenever possible.

As an accomplished professional with expertise in geography, theatre arts, outdoor leadership, and team building, Sean has established a notable career in both education and recreation. A proud holder of Associate’s Degrees in Geography and Theatre Arts/Acting from Moorpark College, Sean is also a certified Wilderness First Responder. He excels as a facilitator at Coastal Team Building, where he fosters cooperation, communication, and personal development through engaging outdoor experiences.

With two years of service at the National Park Service under his belt, Sean has honed his skills at Channel Islands National Park and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. In his role at SAMO, Sean contributed significantly to the Office of Special Park Uses by overseeing permits for filming, special events, and various recreational pursuits. His enthusiasm for outdoor learning led him to create fun and interactive activities for children at his local Vacation Bible School.

Among Sean’s many adventures, his most cherished experience was a six-day journey circumnavigating Santa Cruz Island in Southern California, sailing and anchoring around the iconic island. Beyond his work as a guide, Sean relishes traveling, especially road trips, with top destinations including Kauai, the Olympic Peninsula, New York City, Santa Cruz, Sequoias, and the captivating deserts of the American Southwest. Sean also pursues interests in surfing, acting, filmmaking, volleyball, music, and connecting with nature.

Aubrie is a passionate marine biologist with a strong educational foundation in Biological Sciences. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree, specializing in Marine Biology and Fisheries. As a skilled facilitator for Coastal Team Building, Aubrie combines her expertise in marine life and environmental conservation with her talent for fostering collaboration and camaraderie among teams.

Aubrie’s commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation is evident in her leadership experiences, particularly in her work coordinating collaborative beach cleanups at the Channel Islands. These efforts have led to the successful removal of lobster traps and other harmful marine debris, protecting the fragile marine ecosystems.

A true adventurer at heart, Aubrie’s favorite expedition is the Channel Islands Adventure Kayak tour, where she explores the beauty and wonder of the area while engaging in the sport she loves. When she’s not guiding or participating in conservation efforts, Aubrie enjoys exploring tide pools and taking long walks on the beach, allowing her to further connect with the natural world and immerse herself in the breathtaking coastal environment.