I've been teaching literature at University of Alaska since Friends first aired on NBC. That series ended in 2004, but I've kept at it. My focus is world literature and my passion is bringing diverse voices and lesser known stories to my students. I also love distance hiking, and I came up with the idea for this business in 2022 when I was on a 1200 mile trek through France and Spain. Once upon a time, I worked as a club DJ, which destroyed my hearing, so this dream requires the help of a co-teacher who can facilitate discussions after lectures. My good friend, Shawna, is the perfect fit for this. 

Shawna Rudio, MA, MAT, is an absolute legend. This mild-mannered, former high school English teacher from Dutch Harbor, AK, returned to her Missoula, MT, roots a couple of years ago. Now she's a whip-cracking, singing and yodeling auctioneer, as well as an avid, trash-talking pickleball fanatic. Maureen thought of her ol' grad school pal immediately when she realized she needed a co-teacher who hears to accompany her on these journeys. When she asked Shawna, Shawna said she'd like nothing better than hiking scenic footpaths and discussing great books. "It will be just like grad school!"