Danielle Taylor (DT) is an elite mountain athlete, guide, and educator whose technical training spans avalanche education, climbing instruction, wilderness medicine, and performance coaching. She brings a science-driven, athlete-centered approach to every program she leads—integrating her background as a neurobiology PhD candidate with extensive formal training in outdoor leadership and mountain safety.

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DT is a certified climbing instructor through the Professional Climbing Instructors Association (PCIA), holding a Lead Climbing endorsement through Acadia Mountain Guides. DT maintains robust wilderness medical credentials, including her Wilderness First Responder certification, which reflects her commitment to risk management, preparedness, and client care in remote environments.

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Her avalanche education is extensive and ongoing. DT is an American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education (AIARE) course instructor and holds her Professional Level 1 avalanche certification, a credential that emphasizes applied snow science, hazard forecasting, and professional-level decision-making. DT also holds the AMGA Alpine Skills credential and plans to complete her ski guide certification as soon as her PhD research allows, further formalizing her pathway toward the AMGA Ski Guide tracks. For multiple seasons, DT had participated in the AIARE Women's Mentorship Program, now called the AIARE Professional Growth Network (PGN). This year, she has been brought on board as one of the two Colorado Region Mentors for the AIARE PGN.

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Outside of the mountains, she is also a certified Schwinn Indoor Cycling Instructor, reflecting her long-standing commitment to athletic performance, conditioning, and endurance coaching.

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Across all of her work—guiding, coaching, avalanche instruction, and academic research—DT’s overarching goal is to help people use their bodies, minds, and environments wisely. She is dedicated to empowering athletes and students through knowledge, movement, and experience, as well as expanding access to outdoor spaces for underrepresented groups. The mountains remain her favorite classroom.