Skooliepalooza Organizers/Coordinators
Amanda M. Nystrom
Amanda's passion for giving back on the road extends beyond just helping fellow nomads and stranded cows; she believes in creating a ripple effect of kindness wherever her journey takes her. Whether it's lending a hand to fellow travelers or capturing the beauty of unexpected moments through her lens, Amanda embraces the spontaneity and unpredictability that comes with life on the road. As the CEO both in the office and on the road, Amanda seamlessly blends her organizational prowess with her artistic flair. With a rich background spanning 15 years as an events organizer and professional photographer, she brings a unique perspective to every adventure. Amanda's keen eye for detail not only ensures that events run smoothly but also allows her to capture the essence of her travels through captivating photographs. Traveling alongside her partner JD and their three lovable Frenchies, Amanda has made the open road her home part-time since 2018. While constantly on the move, she has discovered the beauty in diverse landscapes and cultures, appreciating each experience, even those that may not be at the top of her return list. Among the myriad of places explored, the magic of the Mountain Time Zone holds a special place in her heart, resonating with her just like it does with the rest of us. Amanda's commitment to living each day to the fullest is not just a motto but a way of life. Her journey is a testament to the belief that the road is not just a means of transportation; it's a canvas for creating lasting memories, fostering connections, and leaving a positive impact on the world.
Joshua (JD) Drake
JD is a passionate outdoors enthusiast dedicated to savoring the wonders of our beautiful world. His nomadic lifestyle is driven by a desire for intentional connections with fellow nomads, a profound appreciation for the authenticity of nature, and the liberating ability to choose his ideal locations. Having embarked on the road nearly six years ago alongside his partner Amanda, JD's journey began as backpackers evolving into seasoned nomads. While their home base resides in northwest Washington, they traverse the Pacific Northwest during spring and summer before embarking on a circuit around the lower 48 states in fall and winter. Currently, they're immersing themselves in the breathtaking landscapes of Utah and Arizona. One of JD's most memorable experiences involved navigating through a snowstorm in Northern Arizona aboard their trusty bus, Intrepedus. Beyond his adventures, JD boasts three decades of entrepreneurial expertise. He manages a technical consultancy, sits on nonprofit boards, mentors professionals, and hosts a podcast, embracing the pay-it-forward ethos at this stage of his life. When asked about his involvement with Skooliepalooza, JD shared that he volunteered following a remarkable caravan journey from California to Arizona in 2022. Building a rapport with the original organizers, Nick and Russ, JD and Amanda were eventually entrusted with the reins of organizing and ownership. Their vision for Skooliepalooza is to foster a community of intentional nomads, creating a space where like-minded individuals can unite and celebrate the nomadic way of life.
Catherine Powell
She actively recruits volunteers and works with vendors/crafters on how to best position and sell their services. She enjoys volunteering and organized volunteers for 3HO’s Summer and Winter solstice events for 2,000+ attendees. She is an American Board Certified Coach Trainer specializing in Neuro-Linguisitic Programming, Hypnosis, Reiki, and the science of Maji Cards. She is also a 200HR Kundalini Yoga Instructor and appeared on Lifetime’s Americas Psychic Challenge in 2007. Building out her 2007 Blue Bird Vision, named the Yorkshire Rose in 2021, Catherine loves the Mountain Time Zone and is searching for property to build a retreat and training center. In the meantime, she enjoys training coaches in very cool locations. Jump on her bus at @the_yorkshire_rose_bus and @architects_for_the_soul