Instructors and Staff

Glendale Outdoor Leadership School prides itself on its professional, experienced, and personable staff. Whether you are bringing your children for Kid's Night or enrolling in a class or clinic for yourself we provide instruction and support from an experienced and enthusiastic team. We welcome you to come by and get to know us in person. Here is a little more information on our instructors and staff at a glance.

Brad Cooper, Operations Manager

Brad works in the office and also manages the grounds at GOLS. He enjoys being outside and working with people in different aspects of the outdoors. He has recently been certified as a Personal Fitness Trainer and is also one of our mountain biking instructors

Melisa Emkjer, Environmental Education Instructor

Melisa has a B.A. in Middle Grades Education with concentrations in Science and ELA. She also has experience in the visual arts and working with at-risk youth. As a strong believer in environmental education, she loves to share her enthusiasm for nature and active living in the great outdoors.

David Oyler, Climbing Gym Instructor / Kayak Instructor

David works for the SC School for the Deaf and Blind teaching high school science. He works in our climbing gym and facilitates and guides outdoor recreation experiences and trips for GOLS that are also Deaf and Hard of Hearing accessible.

Nicholas Hewson, Climbing Gym Instructor/ Kayak Instructor

Nicholas is a freshman at Wofford College and has been part of the GOLS team for over two years. Nicholas offers his expertise at GOLS in the rock climbing gym, as a kayak instructor, and for mountain biking.

Ray Morton, Kayak Instructor

Ray comes to GOLS with experience in backpacking, freestyle kayaking, and creekboating. As an American Canoe Association (ACA) certified whitewater kayak instructor, he has spent the last three years teaching kayakers of all skill levels at Auburn University.

Storm Crane, Climbing Gym Instructor

Storm is a senior this year at Spartanburg High. Storm continues to offer his years of experience climbing and helps with our camps as well.

Ashlee Crane, Climbing Gym Instructor

Ashlee is in her second year now at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Ashlee helps us in the climbing gym and camps over breaks and summer vacation.

Glendale Outdoor Leadership School - 270 Wheeling Circle, Glendale, SC 29346

Phone (864)529-0259, Email gols@palmettoconservation.org


Made Possible with Funding from the Mary Black Foundation	A Program of Palmetto Conservation Foundation