Ashley Blake, Founder & CEO

Well hello traveler, I’m so glad you’re here!

Let me introduce myself.

I am Ashley, the founder of Traverse Journeys, a story that started in 2017 and involves a decades-long prelude of global ventures, entrepreneurship and academia. My experiences have taken me to 70+ countries across Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. I work to leverage the transformative power of travel to build confidence, clarity and connection in daily life.

At its core, Traverse Journeys is a reflection of how my own life has transformed through travel. My path began when I was young growing up in the high desert of Central Oregon, adventuring in its natural beauty while learning about the world from my Danish grandparents who would send me postcards, stamps, and coins from their global travels.

Keep reading my story here! It’s a long one ;)

But while you’re on this page, keep scrolling down to read about our fantastic team that keeps Traverse rolling day in and day out. And be sure to check out our incredible partners that are the heartbeat of the Traverse experience. This ranges from our Retreat Leaders who hold space for growth during your travels to our Brand and Media partners who bring their special talents & expertise to trips to our non-profit Community Partners and guides who are truly the stars of the show. The itinerary portion of each trip page will give you a glimpse of these on-the-ground partners - storytellers, changemakers and all-around dynamic humans.

We’re so glad you’re here friend and are excited to get to know you!

ANDREA MAHON, ADministrative Coordinator & RETREATS TRIP LEAD

Andrea has devoted passions in life: helping people, nature and plants, and planning travel and events. This led her to administrative, logistical, project management, operations, and event production roles in the live event entertainment and hospitality industry for the past 10 years. 

After completing her BS in Exercise Science and Environmental Policy Institutions & Behaviors from Rutgers University, she began working in the healthcare field. Andrea considers herself a lifelong learner and has explored various interests before ultimately finding her career in event production, entertainment, and hospitality fueled by a passion to cultivate high level experiences.

Andrea’s favorite hobbies are slow travel, adventure travel, and physical fitness including weight training, hiking, yoga, breathwork, meditation, and snowboarding. She loves exploring creative pursuits including abstract painting, crocheting, vegan cooking, and creating essential oil blends. Andrea also has extensive experience with lifestyle coaching, stress management, health education, and wellness best practices. In her spare time, you can likely find her spending time with family, walking in nature, or learning something new.

Favorite place traveled: Costa Rica. It’s a transformative place to visit. The people there are warm, welcoming, and truly embody what it means to live Pura Vida. 

Top Traverse trip you want to join: Morocco. I am drawn to the culture and adventure exploring the city and the Sahara desert, one spot I’ve always wanted to visit. 

Someone that inspires you: Dan DeLuis. He is a breathwork coach from Canada who empowers wellness practices through breathing, yoga, and movement.

olivia PETRAC, EMAIL MARKETING COORDINATOR

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Olivia graduated with a BA in English Literature from Miami University in 2014. After graduation, she flew to Croatia for a one-year MBA in Marketing program and ended up making her move permanent. She studied abroad three times in different countries (her favorite being Bangkok, Thailand) and is passionate about immersing herself in new cultures.

Olivia’s move to Croatia kickstarted her career in digital marketing, where she got her first role as a Social Media Manager at a local agency. Since then, she has expanded her skillset to now specialize in SEO, content writing, and overall digital strategy.

Inspired by her Croatian roots and extensive travels through the country, Olivia started her own Croatian travel blog where she shares everything you need to know about life and travel in Croatia. In her free time, she loves traveling, spending time on the Croatian coast, reading, and trying out international recipes in the kitchen.

Favorite place traveled: Thailand has my heart! I studied at Bangkok University and fell in love with the country, the food, the landscapes, and the people. 

Top Traverse trip you want to join: Jordan. I’ve never been to the Middle East and Jordan seems like the perfect destination. 

Someone that inspires you: People who are unapologetically fierce about pursuing their dreams.

SOPHIE Echeverry, DIGITAL CONTENT CURATOR & COMMUNITY COORDINATOR

Sophie is a Colombian Food Culture, Communication, and Marketing professional, a graduate of the prestigious Slow Food University in Pollenzo, Italy. With a background in International Business and an MBA in International Marketing, she has lived in five countries and currently works as a Social Media and Digital Marketing consultant in Bologna, Italy.

Living across five countries has given Sophie invaluable skills to connect, interact, and build bridges with diverse cultures. Her travels have ignited a passion for food and culture storytelling. A dedicated food anthropologist, she loves cooking and exploring recipes from cuisines around the world, creatively adapting them with local ingredients.

Sophie’s digital expertise shines through her captivating content creation, showcased on her food-focused Instagram. She is deeply committed to educating her community about global food traditions, sustainability, and the richness of culinary heritage.

Through her work, Sophie inspires curiosity and fosters meaningful connections. Her dream is to create an engaging digital space that entertains and educates her audience about the beauty and diversity of world food cultures through a sustainable lens.

Favorite place traveled: Jordan stole my heart! I got to touch, see, smell, feel, and taste its rich, authentic culture—through the eyes of locals, no less. 

Top Traverse trip you want to join: Japan. From its beautifully simple cuisine to the way people live—slow, mindful, and intentional—it’s a dream destination for me.

Someone who inspires me: My mom. I believe the world would be a better place if more people were like her, so I do my best to channel her every single day. 

Ryan Blake, Digital Strategist

Ryan is a Brand Coach, Entrepreneur, and Founder of ROVE Agency. He lives with his wife and two kids Upcountry on the island of Maui, Hawai’i.

Ryan’s track record over the last 18 years includes industry marketing coverage ranging from brand & campaign development/strategy, design, advertising, analytics, web design, project management (and more). You name it, he’s probably done it. He holds a BA in International New Media Communications from Oregon State University. He’s worked at agencies both large and small --  as well as in-house for some amazing brands like Disney/ABC Television Group, Red Bull, Humm Kombucha, The Syndicate, 10 Barrel Brewing, Air Kauai, Thump Genuine Coffee, and many more.

Exploration, travel, and interesting + creative food are passions (In the past Ryan was a contributing writer for Uncrate.com's retired sister site Gallivant). When he’s not crushing it for his clients, you can find him mountain biking at Makawao Forest Reserve, surfing Ho’okipa with his family, hiking Haleakala Crater, or occasionally – hanging out of a helicopter with a camera off of the Na Pali Coast. 

Fave place traveled: Ireland. The cultural depth, music, distilling techniques/history, hospitality plus a nice pint of Guinness and a surf session on the Wild Atlantic Way aren’t bad either! 

Top Traverse trip you want to join: Japan! The food scene, ancient architecture, and snowboarding are all hard things to beat. Lo-Fi Japan is a staple work playlist in my office.  

Someone that inspires you: Matthew McConaughey: he’s my go to guru for l i v i n’. Of many of his quotable quotes I love “meet new people, do cool things” 

raffa cinti, TRIP LEAD

Raffa lives in a village nestled in the Italian Alps and has been working in the tourism industry since 2008, which is when she and Ashley first met. Raffa has explored the world by living on three different continents. She is the go-to Italy expert for Traverse and manages numerous other destinations. When she isn’t planning epic trips for clients (or out in the mountains with them!) you can find her enjoying hiking and a good glass of wine with friends.

Favorite place traveled: Nepal. I was able to live in the present, enjoy some amazing, off-the-beaten path treks and be inspired by the simplicity & cheerfulness of the locals.

Top Traverse trip you want to join: Patagonia. It has been my dream for decades since I love being outdoors. I believe this is one of the best areas in the world to explore hiking.

Someone that inspires you: I get lots of inspiration from people that I encounter in my life randomly or within my family & friends circle. 

MICHELLE FAJKUS, TRIP LEAD & RETREAT LEADER

Michelle is a writer, lifelong learner, yoga teacher, retreat leader, and creator of Yoga Freedom. She has been joyfully teaching yoga since 2002 and leading retreats since 2010. A left-handed Texan Gemini with Libra rising, she lives with her family on magical Lake Atitlan in Guatemala and works as a freelance writer, editor, translator, retreat coordinator and yoga instructor. Michelle is the Guatemala expert for Traverse, and when she’s not working you can often find her sinking into the deep and practical wisdom of the sacred Mayan calendar.

Favorite place traveled: India on a solo yoga pilgrimage trip in 2008, Colombia (five times, thanks to having married a Colombiano)

Top Traverse trip you want to join: Bhutan (happiest place on Earth!?)

Someone that inspires you: Jane Goodall for her inspiring devotion to Earth, animals and her dharma/purpose