Administrative Team

Anna Birch (President/Founder) has dedicated her entire adult life to the training, educational and adventure industry and is one of the founders of Adventure Links. With experiences as an executive facilitator, residential counselor, wilderness expedition guide, special education teacher, elementary school teacher, and program director, she contributes a contagious energy and insight toward designing innovative programming at Adventure Links.  She founded and has since grown her company on the belief that profound, high impact experiences are the driving force behind building confidence and driving commitment.  Over the last fifteen years, Anna has designed and delivered executive retreats, forum retreats, leadership summits, management workshops, and international learning events.  Anna’s programs have inspired teams, leaders, and entire companies to apply positive action and facilitate change from the inside out.   She happily resides in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband Austin and two daughters Audrey and Autumn.

Austin Birch (Director/Founder) was first inspired by the outdoors as a whitewater guide on the Penobscot River in Maine. It was here he met his wife Anna, and together they have pursued their dreams with Adventure Links. Austin gained experience with youth as an elementary school teacher, wilderness expedition guide and is termed by many as a "professional kid." With the lessons he learned from his students and the certainty that adventure and experiential education is the most effective way to make a difference in the lives of others, Austin has since dedicated his life to his company and its mission.

Scott Fairley (Staff Director) started his outdoor career leading Adventure Links day programs and expeditions. He then went on to pursue a Degree in Outdoor Education from the University of New Hampshire. Since then he has spent time working in a variety of outdoor disciplines including: wilderness therapy, canoe and kayak guiding and most recently as teacher for a school based adventure program outside of Boston.  Scott’s creativity and diverse experience in the outdoor field is a great asset to Adventure Links staff development.

Rachel Doody (Staff Director) is excited to join the Adventure Links team after 12 years of experience with Hemlock Overlook Center for Experiential Education. She brings a background in environmental education, with a degree from George Mason University. Using her know-how she creates programs that bring science curriculum outdoors. Rachel also enjoys working with all ages on the team development course to strengthen participants' skills and bring positive change to their lives. In her down time, Rachel enjoys rock climbing and has a personal goal to visit every U.S. National Park.