​Lena was born and raised in Denver, Colorado with the mountains in her background being a silent but present guide in her life. Her early years were marked by a love for dance where she trained at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Academy and she attended Denver School of the Arts for high school. Later, Lena pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies and Political Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. After college, Lena did an Americorps service term, doing restoration work on public lands in California. This experience further fueled her commitment to environmental stewardship. Lena’s path then led her to NOLS, where she began as a Fellow and subsequently became a hiking instructor. She finds fulfillment in inspiring and teaching students the art of living and thriving in the backcountry. While still calling Denver home, Lena continues to support herself and her dreams by working at the Patagonia store. Additionally, Lena will work the occasional NOLS course and imparts her love for dance through teaching children’s dance classes. 

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