Sterling grew up in rural Maine and got a unique view of the world from the bow of his father’s canoe and through his mother’s passion for playing host family to students and teachers from all over the world. He spent his first five years in the workforce as a part of his regional conservation corps where he learned the joys of serving his community and saving his planet.
He went to college in upstate New York where he studied Art and English. After moving West and working a variety of education jobs from woodworking instructor to snake handler to after-school teacher he led high school crews in Oregon and then last summer's Pacific Crest Trail crew for six months where he had the time of his life.
He views leading a crew down the PCT as an incredible gift and an opportunity to practice his craft. When not in the backcountry he can be found taking in live music, sampling local cuisine, dreaming about his next travel experience and pickling whatever vegetables he can get his hands on.
