Anthony is a native of Chicago. He attended Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois where he earned a B.A. in Biology. He earned a Masters' of Science from Illinois State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri in Ecology and Evolution. He is a nature enthusiast and has done extensive research in various tropical countries including Australia, the Philippine Islands, Venezuela, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Argentina, and the last 15 years in Southern Brazil. Currently, Anthony is a visiting professor at Depaul University in Chicago where he teaches various courses in ecology, tropical ecology and evolution, economic botany, genetic modification of crop plants and food policy, and general biology. He has given many guests lectures at various universities in Brazil and has been invited on several occasions to lecture at local Brazilian high schools on ecology and conservation issues in Brazil.
Anthony is a full board member of Angel Conservation, a non-profit cultural preservation organization. He has worked closely with various indigenous cultures around the world and currently works on several projects with the Kamarokotos in Venezuela.
Anthony is a competitive endurance athlete in mountain biking and adventure racing. He has competed in adventure races up to 8 days in duration and competed in the 2004 and 2007 24 hour World Solo Mountain Biking Championships. He has competed in the 24 hour National Solo Mountain Biking Championships being 14th in the nation in 2007 and 21st in 2008. He has designed mountain bike race courses and organized races in Nicaragua and is initiating races in Brazil. He is an expert horseman and is an advanced kayaker. He also enjoys hiking, climbing, cooking, playing guitar, and reading.
Vitorli is a native of Bom Jardim da Serra, Santa Catarina, Brazil. He was raised in the highlands of Southern Brazil and is the 4th generation to operate the family ranch, The Morro Grande (The Big Hill). He started riding horses when he was 3 years old and by the time he was 6, he was already herding cattle on the Morro Grande. He is an expert horseman and navigator in the countryside and for 30+ years has lead numerous multi-day horseback excursions throughout the highlands. Vitorli is an expert with ropes and with his son, Anizio, has competed and won many individual and father/son team rodeo events throughout the years.
Vitorli grow most of his own vegetables in his extensive garden and operates his own orchard that contains growing several popular varieties, including, Gala and Fuji. He has been on several exchanges to the Amazon region to help initiate and develop sustainable agriculture.
Vitorli has owned and operated the Pousada Morro Grande (a Brazilian Bed and Breakfast) for 16 years. He is craftsman in the traditional preparation of meat, called frescal, for the famous Brazilian-style barbeque, churrasco. He has served as the Secretary of Tourism for the country of Bom Jardim da Serra and has increased the tourism economy of the region during his tenure.
João has been sailing for over 50 years! He is originally from the state of Rio Grande do Sul but has made Florianópolis his home for over 30 years now. He has sailed extensively up and down the entire east coast of South America and he has built and rebuilt countless sailboats by hand.
João has skippered and crewed in many regattas and has been champion of Santa Catarina state many times. He manages several of the marinas on Santa Catarina Island and personally knows almost every sailor on the island. João organizes and oversees all of the sailboats and crews for our sailing expeditions.
Vera is a native of São Joaquim and the wife of Vitorli. Vera was also raised in the highlands of Southern Brazil. Vera is a Master in the kitchen serving up traditional dishes of the region in staggering quantities. Be sure to bring an appetite! She is a craftsperson who has created almost all of the decorations, quilts, and curtains at the Morro Grande ranch and is an expert gardener. She is no stranger to being on horseback and has participated on many women only multi-day excursions across the highlands. She accompanies trips to personally guarantee that nobody goes hungry. She always has a smile on her face, a laugh for you, and is a joy to be around.
Carlos is a native of Santo Amaro da Imperitriz and owns and operates ATIVA RAFTING. He has been guiding rafting trips in Southern Brazil, other regions of Brazil, and around the world for 14 years. He organizes all of our rafting and multi-day descents by kayaks. His company also organizes other adventure activities, such as, rappels, hikes, multi-day paddles with camping, and mountain bike excursions. Carlos and his crew frequently travel to guide trips on the biggest and best rafting rivers around the world. ATIVA RAFTING is involved in many different conservation projects in Southern Brazil.
