Devon Hiking Spa’s staff is unparalleled. Each member of our team is warm, caring, professional, and passionate about his or her job. Our hiking guides are outgoing, friendly people with extensive experience and knowledge about the geography and history of Tucson. Our carefully chosen nutrition and fitness experts are personable and motivating. Our massage therapists are nurturing and attentive. With excellent interpersonal skills and sound credentials, our staff is comprised of highly-effective teachers, leaders, and friends. Our core staff joins participants each day on the trails, in the vans, and at meals, to ensure that every question is answered and every need is met.
Our Core Staff
Devon Metz is a registered dietitan, certified fitness instructor, and avid hiker. Originally from New York, Devon has lived in New England, the South, the Mountain West and the Southwest. After filling the roles of nutritionist, hiking guide, fitness instructor, and program coordinator at the nation’s top destination spas, she developed the concepts that led to the creation of Devon Hiking Spa. She received her Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Emory University. When she’s not hiking, Devon enjoys rollerblading, bicycling, traveling, solving crossword puzzles, navigating restaurant menus, and sharing her passion for health and wellness with others.
Nancy J. Schroeder is a professional photographer and hiking guide. Nancy has been living in Tucson for 25 years and contributes to local and national publications, including the New York Times. Nancy loves to travel and enjoys life to its fullest. She has completed many long-distance hiking trails including: the Pacific Crest Trail, the John Muir Trail, Vermont's Long Trail and the Pennine Way in England. She has documented her travels for lectures and workshops at companies such as REI, L.L. Bean, and EMS. Nancy worked as an outdoor experiential educator, leading hikes and challenge activities, before creating the Photography Program at Miraval Resort and Spa in 1997. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography from the University of Arizona. Go Wildcats!
Allan Wright has been organizing and guiding hiking, trekking, bicycling, and skating trips around the world for more than ten years. A true entrepreneur, Allan created Zephyr Adventures, the world’s first skate tour company in 1997. Allan is a native of Seattle and has lived in ten cities in four countries on three continents. He received his Master of Business Administration degree in Entrepreneurial Management from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from Western Washington University. Allan loves to travel, engage in all outdoor activities, discuss politics and religion, and sip wine.
Our Massage Therapists
Eric and Jennifer Lieberthal are massage therapists who specialize in Swedish and Deep Tissue massage. Eric was the most requested massage therapist at Miraval Resort and Spa, where he and Jennifer worked for six years before they purchased Bellissima Salon and Spa in Tucson. Eric and Jennifer completed 1000 hours of massage training at the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts, where they studied anatomy and physiology, massage theory and practice, and interpersonal communication and professional foundations. Both Lieberthals grew up in Tucson, about 10 miles from each other, but did not meet until 1996! In their free time, Eric and Jennifer enjoy off-roading, traveling to Mexico, watching movies, and spending time with their seven-year-old daughter, Ashley.
Additional Staff Bios Coming Soon!