Aly Topscher

Field Instructor - WFA

Aly Topscher has been a field instructor at The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE) since 2021. Previously, she worked as a naturalist/outdoor educator for Naturalists at Large in Ventura, California. Before that, Aly was a rental technician at Big Bear Ski Resort at Big Bear Lake, CA. 

It was while working for Naturalists at Large that Aly met her role model — a member of the office staff who occasionally led backcountry trips. Aly said it was that woman’s honest feedback that helped shape her into a naturalist.

Aly is a member of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) and enjoys a variety of human-powered outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, skiing, longboarding, flatwater kayaking, surfing, and rock climbing. Her proficiency in these and other adventure-based pursuits has enabled her to guide children and teens on backcountry excursions, fostering in them an enthusiasm for learning and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

A native of Bel Air, MD, who received her Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science from the University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC), Aly is often expanding her knowledge of the flora and fauna in the southern United States. Like all NCOAE field instructors, Aly is committed to teaching about the environment and sustainability. She believes that this work is not only important but also gives her a profound sense of purpose.