About Us
Nancy Scheibe - Lead Paddler
"I was called to the river to do this work. The journey has taken on a life of its own. It is rich in nature, people, and life altering experiences. I am honored to do this work and to be witness to so many women's stories." Nancy is an artist, author and adventurer with a great sense of humor. She has a B.A. in Communications and Counseling Psychology. Nancy, along with her husband Doug, owns a coffee house and she leads Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness trips for women. To view Nancy's artwork go to her web site Creative Journeys.
Gwyn McKee - 2011 Paddling Partner
“My role as car support for Nancy and Kitty during the 2007 leg was an incredibly special time for me. It was impressive to watch women regain their self-confidence on the water and reconnect with themselves at the Gatherings. I am really looking forward to rejoining this wonderful journey as Nancy’s paddling partner this fall.” Gwyn is a wildlife biologist and operates her own consulting business in northeast Wyoming, where she helps a wide variety of energy-related companies meet their goals in the most responsible way and with the least possible impact on wildlife and their habitats.
Kitty Kennedy - 2007 Paddling Partner
"To be asked to partake in such an adventure and be witness to so many women's lives has been such an incredible gift. I remember floating down the backwaters of the river at 2 mph, eating lunch, thinking life can be this simple, if I let it." In Ely, Kitty enjoys being out of doors partaking in whatever is before her; swimming, skiing, hiking, paddling, snowshoeing, gardening. She works in a University of Minnesota water research laboratory that has allowed her to travel the Great Lakes on board a research vessel as part of an ongoing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitoring program that assesses the ongoing water quality of the Great Lakes.
Heather Jeske Pharr - 2004 Paddling Partner
"It is not every day that I have the opportunity to sit in a circle surrounded by very wise souls, with my only responsibility being to listen as they share their stories. It is not every day that my 'to do list' consists of only one word: paddle. For 42 days one summer, this was my life. It was simple, profound, and sometimes exhausting, and I wouldn't trade any of it for the world." Heather loves animals and in the winter is a dog sled guide in Ely, Minnesota.
Key Volunteers Working Behind the Scenes
Doug Scheibe - The Rock
Doug, Nancy's husband of 28 years, is considered the Rock because he doesn't go anywhere. From home he provides support and encouragement before - during - and after Nancy's adventures. He owns and operates The Front Porch Coffee & Tea Co. in Ely, Minnesota. In his spare time Doug likes fishing, canoeing and golf.
Alanna Dore - Jill-of-all-trades
Alanna is the Executive Director of the Listening Point Foundation, in Ely and owns an Archival Services business. She has helped with many aspects of Nancy’s trips. “The best part was being able to be in Red Wing when Nancy left for the second leg of her incredible journey. It was a very emotional and powerful moment for me, and a great honor.”
Heidi Favet - Tactical Genius
Heidi Haney Favet helps people experience, understand and appreciate the environment from teaching environmental education, instructing Outward Bound courses, to guiding canoe and sled dog trips. She has contributed to each phase of the Mississippi River Expedition. Nancy and Heidi co-lead the Ripples Of Wisdom Boundary Waters trips.
Donna Gehl - Computer Goddess
Donna's bio coming soon.