About Us

STAFF - “Our Guides Make the Difference”

We are proud to have the best staff in Northern Colorado!

Let’s get to know the folks at Mountain Whitewater Descents!

• Ben Costello — Director of Fun

  

  Ben is from the small mountain town of Gunnison, CO. He has been guiding on the Poudre River for the past 19 years, all with Mountain Whitewater. In 2003, he earned a degree in Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism from Colorado State University. Ben is the Director of Fun at Mountain Whitewater and has over 15,000 river miles. In his spare time, Ben likes to hike, ski, mountain bike, enjoy live music and spend time with his dogs, JoJo and Sonny. He is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician and a Wilderness First Responder. Ben was also named guide of the year in 2002.

  “Ben is highly suggested…More fun than we could have imagined.” — Jim, TX

• Melissa Matsunaka

  

  Melissa grew up in Loveland, CO. She earned a B.S. degree in Natural Resource Management from Colorado State University and a Law Degree from the University of Colorado. During the off-season, her passion for rivers leads her to travel to new and different rivers across the country. When not rafting, she can be found walking her dogs, skiing or playing golf. 2019 marks Melissa's 20th year as a professional raft guide on the Poudre River, making her the longest tenured, full-time guide on the river. She is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician and was named Guide of the Year in 2008.

  “Our guide Melissa made the trip more than just a ride down the river! She made it extremely entertaining with her excellent sense of humor and her knowledge of the river.” — Chris, Denver

• Matt Troyanek

  

  Matt comes from Duluth, MN. He now finds his home in Laramie, WY where he became addicted to rafting in 1995. His diverse passion for helping others to have fun in the outdoors includes training international mountaineering guides and mentoring youth in outdoor ministry. Matt’s safety training in Swiftwater Rescue and EMT-B, compliment his Business degree from the University of Wyoming. This is Matt's 20th year as a whitewater guide on the Poudre and North Platte Rivers.

  “Our guide, Matt, was fabulous. Everybody else treated us very professionally while still ensuring we had a great time!” — Alex, MN

• Forest Greenough

  

  A native of Washington State, Forest moved to Colorado in 1999 for graduate school. Forest’s “other job” is Professor of Double Bass and Music Theory at CSU in Fort Collins, where he has worked since 2005—not coincidentally, the same amount of time he has been a professional river guide and kayak instructor on both the Arkansas and Poudre rivers. When he isn’t guiding, kayaking, mountain biking, or enjoying the spectacular Colorado backcountry on his splitboard, Forest performs frequent classical and jazz shows around the state and country, and occasionally overseas.

  “Our guide, Forest G. was awesome.” — The Beene Family, Texas

• Josh Randall

  

  Josh is originally from Mobile, Alabama. In the off-season, he is contractor and builder of custom homes. This will be Josh’s 12th year as a professional raft guide with Mountain Whitewater and his 8th year as a safety boater. In his spare time, he enjoys skiing, traveling, watching live music, hiking and camping in the backcountry with his dogs Barley and Rogue. Josh is also trained in Swiftwater rescue.

  “Josh was informative and fun. It's an adventure I won't forget.” — Amy, Colorado

• Andrew Deming

  

  Andrew is a native of Fort Collins, Colorado. This is his 12th year as a professional raft guide for Mountain Whitewater on the Cache La Poudre River. Andrew is also one of the professional photographers working with Mountain Whitewater. In the off-season he works as an adventure photographer in the ski industry. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys playing videogames, watching movies, going rafting with friends and trying new outdoor sports. Andrew is a Wilderness First Responder and has been trained in Swiftwater Rescue.

  “We have an awesome whitewater rafting experience! Andrew was our guide and he was great!” — Lori, IN

• Tracey Lipfert

  

  Tracey is from Littleton, Colorado. She went to school at Colorado State University where she received a Bachelor Degree in Sports Medicine and a Masters in Biomedical Sciences. She also recently earned a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. In the off-season, Tracey works as a CPR instructor. This will be her 12th season guiding rafts on the Poudre River. When she is not rafting, Tracey enjoys running, backpacking, skiing, cycling, and bird watching. Tracey is trained as an Emergency Medical Technician and has been trained in Swiftwater Rescue.

  “...really enjoyed Tracy. She did a good job getting to know everyone on the boat.” — Bill, Omaha

• Casey Batezel

  

  Originally from Texas, Casey has called Colorado home for most of his life. Casey graduated from the University of Missouri in 2013 with a degree in Photo Journalism and is passionate about pursuing people and their stories. He is also on staff with a local church and loves spending time with close friends and adventuring outside. Casey worked as a firefighter in Missouri and is trained in Swiftwater Rescue, Rope Rescue, and as a W-EMT. This is his 10th year as a guide for Mountain Whitewater.

  “Casey was very engaging throughout the trip and made the experience fun for all! — Josh, TX

• Nate Bell

  

  Nate is originally from Annapolis, MD. This is his 10th season as a commercial guide for Mountain Whitewater. In the off-season, Nate works as a handyman and carpenter. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking, making furniture and making custom wooden paddles. He is also an avid rugby player. Nate’s future plans include rafting all of the major rivers in the Western United States. Nate is trained as a Swiftwater Rescue Technician and Wilderness First Responder.

  “Nate was very informative throughout the rafting about the different places on the river...we had a blast.” — Mendez Family, MO

• Drew Mangus

  

  Drew grew up near Yellowstone National Park in Cody, Wyoming. He has a degree in Business Management from the University of Wyoming. When not rafting, Drew can be found fly fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snowboarding or traveling. His favorite trip so far has been rafting in New Zealand. This is his 16th year as a commercial guide and 10th on the Cache La Poudre River. Drew is also trained in Swiftwater rescue and is one of the Standup Paddleboard instructors at Mountain Whitewater.

  “Drew was very knowledgeable about the river and the area. We felt completely confident with him!” — Rochelle, IL

• Jack Reed

  

  Jack was born in Fort Collins and grew up exploring Wyoming, Montana, Utah and Colorado. He started guiding rivers at Mountain Whitewater in 2004, the same year he became a Certified Massage Therapist. In 2010 he earned welding certificates at Butte College in California. He has been creating and independently releasing music since 2004. Jack has uncounted river miles across the US. This will be Jack's 9th season with Mountain Whitewater. Jack is trained in swiftwater rescue and was named Guide of the Year in 2016.

  Guides were very professional and concerned with safety at all times and we plan to do it again next year. Thank you Jack!
  — Elisa, Fort Collins

• Jed Policky

  

  Jed is from Lincoln, Nebraska. He graduated in 2003 from Colorado State University with a degree in Natural Resources Recreation and Tourism. Jed has guided rafts for 19 years on the Poudre and Arkansas rivers. He enjoys playing guitar, rock climbing and snowboarding in the Colorado backcountry. When not rafting, Jed can be found working as a gas fireplace installer or planning his next adventure traveling the globe. Jed is trained in swiftwater rescue.

  "Jed was our experienced, confident and fun guide. He did a great job..." — Sarah, Colorado

• Dan Fleishman

  

  Dan Fleishman grew up in the concrete jungle of New York City but moved to Colorado in 2002. He's been guiding professionally ever since -- 17 summers on the Poudre and other rivers in the state. For the past decade, Dan has traveled and rafted around the U.S. and world, including six raft trips through the Grand Canyon. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in journalism. He also enjoys reading, hiking, skiing, bar trivia, and competitive Scrabble. Dan is trained in swiftwater rescue.

  Dan was an awesome raft guide and we had so much fun!! — Ashley, Milwaukee

• Andee Dow

  

  Andee is originally from Colorado, and has been involved in outdoor sports her whole life. She took her first multi day rafting trip at 14 years old, and has been hooked ever since! Andee graduated from Colorado state with a double major in Anthropology and International studies, but recently she enjoys living life and chasing whitewater. In the off season, Andee guides in West Virginia on the Upper Gauley, and in Costa Rica on the Pacuare. She doesn't see herself doing anything different any time soon. She is also a swifwater rescue technician, and can guide in Spanish.

  "Wonderful day. Very well organized. Leader Andee was terrific. We really enjoyed the scenery and the white water action. Lots of fun on all fronts. Completely enjoyed it." — Carman993, Denver

• Justin Kelly

  

  Justin is an avid outdoor recreationist originally from Colorado Springs, CO. He is a rock climbing and ropes course guide, is Avalanche I & II trained and is Leave No Trace instructor. This is Justin's seventh year as a whitewater guide on the Cache La Poudre River. In the off-season, Justin works as a ski tech. His future plans include becoming a life-long wilderness recreation guide and outdoor leader. Justin is a Wilderness First Responder and is trained in Swiftwater Rescue.

  "Our guide, Justin, was informative and guided us through a very exciting trip." — Beverly, Fort Worth, TX

• Trevor Melton

  

  Trevor began guiding river trips in 2007 in his home state of North Carolina. He joined Mountain Whitewater in 2008 while attending the prestigious FRCC in Fort Collins. 2019 will be his 9th season guiding the Poudre River, and 12th season as a professional guide. His passions include crushing waves and volleyballs. Trevor is certified in Wilderness First-Aid and is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician. Trevor was named Guide of the Year in 2017.

  I felt they did an excellent job training us before our trip. Trevor was so much fun. Look for us in June, we are still smiling and enjoy looking at our photos and video over and over! — Judy, Loveland

• Maddie Robinson Pumm

  

  Maddie was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado. As one who craves adventure and has a bit of an adrenaline addiction, Colorado has always had an adventure to offer her whether it be snowboarding, climbing, camping, kayaking or rafting! Maddie has B.S. in Biochemistry from Colorado State University and is currently working on a Ph.D. in medical genetics at UC Denver where she hopes to contribute to the cure for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. She has been trained as an EMT and also has training in Swiftwater Rescue.

  "Maddie, our guide, skillfully navigated the river, provided great information about the surrounding region, and delivered a personalized trip down the Poudre..." — Michele C.

• Daniel Hartman-Strawn

  

  Dan grew up in Denver, where he learned to love playing outside. 2019 marks Dan's third season on the Poudre River. When he's not rafting, Dan can be found mountain biking, backpacking, or canoeing. His other passions include working in politics, playing viola, and writing. During the offseason Dan is pursuing a degree in American Indian Studies and a degree in Law from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He also works as a mountain biking, backpacking, and canoeing guide in Tucson. Dan is certified as a Wildernesses First Responder and is trained in Swiftwater Rescue.

  "We had such a good time! If you are ever in Fort Collins area it's a must! Our rafting guide Dan was amazing! We will definitely come back." — Kaitlin T.

• Lindsey Modesitt

  

  Lindsey grew up in Fort Collins where she developed a deep and all-encompassing love for the Poudre River. After learning to guide on various rivers in Northern California, she returned home to guide on the Poudre. She has a BS degree from CSU and is trained as an EMT and a Swiftwater Rescue Technician. In her free time Lindsey loves to Mountain Bike, Ski, Sail, Surf, Paddleboard, and do just about anything that involves water.

  “Our guide was super...we would definitely recommend to others and be back ourselves.” — Amy, IA

• Ella Modesitt — The Big Boss

  

  Ella was born in Fort Collins, Colorado. She has spent much of her life near water. At six, she sailed around the Caribbean with her family and learned to climb the halyards on the boat. A skill she will use when she is your guide in 2024. For now, Ella is in 5th grade and loves to ski, raft, surf, hike, play the violin, and sing in her school choir. You will certainly see her smiling face on the grounds of Mountain Whitewater and the Paddler’s Pub, she may even book your trip!

  "The raft guides were very pleasant and experienced. I would do it again with this outfit. Thanks!"

• Turtle Modesitt — The Little Boss

  

  Turtle is from Fort Collins, Colorado. Yes, “Turtle” is his real name, his prior real name was Chase but after sailing around the Caribbean for 15 months he has become “Turtle.” Turtle is a member of the rookie guide class of 2026, he might just have fins by then. He is the number one gear washer at Mountain Whitewater so if there is a problem with your gear, see him. He loves his job and takes it extremely seriously. When not working Turtle enjoys rafting, surfing, soccer, chess and beating his dad at various competitions.

  "Staff went above and beyond to make sure that we had a great time. Always felt safe and yet had quite the run."

• Brad Modesitt — Chief Entertainment Officer

  

  Brad Modesitt is from Michigan but has lived in Colorado most of his life. This is his 24th year as a professional guide on the Cache La Poudre and other rivers. Privately he has boated on four continents while pursuing his passion for traveling. He has over 24,901 river miles which is the circumference of the earth! He has been trained as an Emergency Medical Technician, Outdoor Emergency Care, and Canyons River rescue Course. His favorite trip so far has been canoeing to New Orleans and then bicycling to Chile.

  “Brad made the trip educational and enjoyable.” — John, TX