Contact

"I believe that we have all felt the healing power that the river and outdoors gives us during life's harder moments - River Discovery's mission gives those in the cancer community a moment to heal, to celebrate lfe, to breathe in calm, and to have fun while getting outside.  I am excited to be the Executive Director and work with the amazing Board and volunteers to continue the strong mission of River Discovery and increase the impact that we can have to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors and caregivers."

Daryl grew up in Boise, balancing life between academics and a love for soccer.  He completed degrees in Chemistry and Physics at Willamette University and Chemical Engineering at Columbia University before returning to Boise for a long career in the semiconductor industry.  He enjoys running – either for fitness or just to keep up with his two grandsons in Tennessee.  Cancer has impacted several people in Daryl’s family over the years and he is excited to be a part of a great organization that offers incredible support and opportunities to survivors.

Originally from Wisconsin, Penelope considers Alaska—where she lived for 16 years—her second home. An avid outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, kayaking, and fishing, and is always ready to hop on a plane at a moment’s notice for the next adventure.

She was honored to be asked to serve as the nurse on a 2025 River Discovery trip. Having begun her nursing career more than 30 years ago in pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant, the experience was a meaningful reminder of the importance of living in the moment and treasuring time spent with others, as nothing is guaranteed.

She is excited to be part of an organization that provides such powerful and restorative opportunities for cancer survivors and their support systems, and she is proud to support River Discovery’s mission of healing, connection, and empowerment through outdoor adventure.

Chris is a fish and wildlife biologist who loves traveling and staying active in the outdoors. Throughout the year, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, skiing, and gardening. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, she found tremendous support and inspiration within the cancer community. Now, she hopes to give back by supporting others on their own journeys.

Melissa grew up in Wisconsin, camping, rock climbing, swimming, hiking, backpacking, sailing, and biking.  After graduating from the UWSP she  moved to Idaho where she added whitewater rafting, wakeboarding, snowboarding, and off-road 4 wheeling with her husband to her list of passions.  In 2009, she obtained her LMSW after completing her Masters in Social Work from NNU. In 2020 Melissa was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and in 2022 her then 9 y/o son was diagnosed with Leukemia.  They have since both completed active treatment.  Melissa is an RD24 Alumni and that trip empowered her to reconnect with her precancer self, to begin healing and it inspired her to pay it forward. 

Addy has been guiding in Idaho and Montana for the past six years. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, she spends her time skiing, traveling, volunteering, and juggling odd jobs to make it all work. A creative at heart, she always carries her paints and loves writing letters wherever she goes.