Growing up in the large metropolitan city of Memphis, Tennessee, Gail was not exposed to the wonders of nature until middle school when her dad took her and her brother camping in the mountains of East Tennessee. This camping trip spurred a love for the outdoors that inspired her to move to Chattanooga, TN for college, and she subsequently trained to become a raft guide on the Ocoee River.

By earning a bachelor's degree in psychology and spending her summers guiding guests down the river, Gail acquired a skill set and knowledge base that equipped her perfectly to become a field instructor for Blue Ridge. Gail spent almost two years working with both the adolescent boys and girls before becoming a field manager. Her approach is based on firm but compassionate boundaries, fun, and unconditional positive regard.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, rafting, and spending time with friends and family.