CONNOR O’MEARA
President

Connor was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, but calls Minneapolis, Minnesota home today. In the past, traveling was simply a passion, but today he’s fortunate to say it’s a career that takes him all over the world. One of the most beautiful places he’s been, is referred to as “Alaska’s Friendliest Ghost Town,” Hyder, Alaska. Connor likes playing tennis in his free time.

SEAN TRENT
Director of Operations

Sean has been a tour director for well over a decade and has been with Bluebird Guided Tours for the last three seasons. He manages operations out of California and loves a good spreadsheet.

SOFIA EFTHYMIOU
Operations & Customer Service Coordinator

For more than a decade, Sofia’s "office" has been the open road, where she’s mastered the art of sharing the thrill of discovery with groups of all kinds. From navigating historic city centers to finding the quiet spots in between, she now channels that decade of insight into crafting the kind of effortless, thoughtful experiences that turn a trip into a lifelong memory.

DEANNA CURTIS
Tour Director

With over 30 years in travel and hospitality, Deanna brings both experience and passion to her role as a Tour Director. Known for her genuine approach and deep knowledge, she creates meaningful experiences for every traveler. Deanna believes in the power of travel to connect people to places and to each other, and she takes pride in guiding each group through their journey. Deanna is dedicated to delivering seamless and enjoyable tours for every traveler.

KIM THOMPSON
Tour Director

Kim has always been a storyteller. Long before she became a tour director, she was writing, researching, and sharing stories through her work in journalism and tourism PR—skills she now brings to life on the road. Kim’s zest for travel was ignited during a study abroad in Italy and has taken her to 35+ countries across five continents. Her greatest passion is helping her guests get out of their comfort zones, experience new places, and feel inspired by the journey. When not on the road, you might find Kim making glass!

NIGEL PAQUIN
Tour Director

Nigel Paquin is a passionate tour director who brings people together through shared cultural and outdoor experiences. With over 20 years in Japan and a background in teaching and communication, he excels at connecting with guests from diverse backgrounds while showcasing the natural beauty of Canada. As a videographer and storyteller, he enhances each journey by turning it into a meaningful, engaging experience that guests can connect with and remember.

LINDA LAVOIE
Tour Director

Linda is a Maritimer through and through, happy to be back “home" after living in various Canadian cities over the years. Her connection to the region runs deep, and she takes genuine pleasure in introducing others to its character—its stories, its rhythms, and the landscapes that define it. Linda strives to make each experience feel personal and memorable - whether she’s guiding you along a windswept shoreline or pointing out a tucked-away local favourite. Outside of work, Linda is rooted in nature with her hiking boots or snowshoes. Her sense of adventure has taken her well beyond the Maritimes where no mountain is too high! She has trekked Bhutan’s Himalayas, Spain’s Pyrenees, Italy’s Amalfi Coast and other amazing places. She carries that same sense of curiosity and appreciation into the experiences she shares with others and looks forward to welcoming you.

TIM SHAFFER
Tour Director

After 31 years of being a high school teacher and administrator Tim has been fortunate to have spent the past 14 years as a tour director leading groups throughout the United States. Each destination has its own story to tell. His joy is to bring these stories to life and create enjoyable long lasting learning moments.

MARTIN EMSLIE
Tour Director

With over five years in the travel industry, having led tours throughout Vancouver and across Canada, Martin brings a diverse skill set. His background includes a degree in Geography, experience in Market Research and Communications, and travel to over 40 countries. Martin prides himself on professionalism, enthusiasm, and an adaptable approach, always leading with empathy and creating memorable experiences for every guest.

HEATHER POLK
Tour Director

Heather’s favorite place is the summit of a mountain—peaceful, expansive, and full of perspective—and that sense of wonder shapes how she leads every journey. She loves helping travelers discover what makes each place come alive, from local flavors to meaningful stories. For Heather, the best part of travel is the connection—both to the destination and to the people sharing the experience.

TRACY GORDON
Tour Director

Based in the Greater Yellowstone area & guiding in the Western US for over 30 years, Tracy Gordon is an expert guide dedicated to showcasing the spectacular geography and history of the American West. Tracy provides professional, insightful commentary on complex regional topics, including environmental conservation and Native American social history. An avid outdoorswoman, Tracy spends her off-season surfing in Mexico, skiing, or exploring trails with her dog, Emma.

BETSI STEPLOCK
Tour Director

Betsi has roots in the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest. She has explored all 50 states, 6 continents, and now splits her time between Alaska and the rest of the world. Her love language is a perfectly organized itinerary, catered to the individual. She has seamlessly blended a life-long passion for discovering new places with her natural-love of taking care of others, into a soul-fulfilling career. When she isn’t professionalizing the art of memory-making, you can find her enjoying the outdoors, checking National Parks off her list, or researching and planning the next adventure. Whether it’s by air, land, sea, rail, or foot- she is already packed and ready for what’s next.