Hometown
Lake Placid, New York
Current
Lake Placid, New York
Jamie grew up on the Eastern shore of Lake Ontario where she spent her childhood waist deep in lake effect snow. She moved to the mountains in 2014 and admits there is no turning back. She has been a handful of things over the years - a Social Worker, a Stand Up Paddleboard Shop Owner and for the last six years, a full time Professional Photographer - but she hopes to reinvent herself another 10 or 15 times.
Jamie enjoys biking, skiing, hiking and occasionally dangling in a climbing harness while crying. She loves that through these avenues, she can constantly redefine what her brain and body are capable of. The woods provide her whatever she needs in the moment - a place to forget, to connect with others, to go fast, or to move slowly - and she is always trying to find ways to give back to the trails that have given her so much.
Surprising Fact: I eat pancakes for lunch 3-5 days of the week. #pancakepower
Life Motto: You can do hard things.
What are your three favorite North Eastern adventure spots?
The Adirondack Park for world class ice climbing, gritty backcountry skiing and old school technical mountain biking. Stokesville, VA for some big rocky climbs and descents on a mountain bike. The Eastern Shore of Lake Ontario for open water downwinders on a stand up paddle board.
What does the next phase of your outdoor career look like
I’m as type B as it gets, so introducing specific goals into my outdoor pursuits isn’t something I’ve done a lot of. The past couple of years though, I’ve competed in a handful of bike races and I would love to do more of that. Fear of commitment and failure comes into play, of course but jumping through those mental hoops and performing under pressure is a really addicting feeling.
What do you do to create balance in your life?
I’m still working on that one, but being self-employed with an inconsistent schedule has forced me to practice daily. I’ve found when my body feels good, my mind works better. I owe it to myself, my business and my clients to find that work/life balance sweet spot where work and play compliment each other.
How can you inspire others to Let The Outside In?
I wasn’t introduced to most mountain sports - climbing, mountain biking and backcountry skiing until my 20’s, so I kind of consider myself to be a perpetual beginner. I moved to an Olympic town where everyone seemed to be really good (like, REALLY good) at everything and it took me a little bit to realize a few things: 1.) No one cares if they have to wait for you. In my experience, people are genuinely interested in introducing others to a sport they love 2.) It’s ok to suck. We all start somewhere and no one is paying as much attention to you as you think they are, and 3.) Adventure doesn’t always have to be scary, epic or photo-worthy. Sometimes gearing up and getting out the door is the only win of the day.
