Meet the Beatrice Bradley Hosts
At Beatrice Bradley, we know that traveling solo can feel a little daunting, but with our incredible hosts by your side, you’ll never feel alone. Our focus is on building a community of strong, patriotic women who love America and want to experience its beauty and history together. Our hosts are not just trip logistical leaders — they’re the heart of each journey, making you feel welcomed, valued, and part of a close-knit group from the moment you arrive.
Our hosts are the glue that holds each trip together. They understand how intimidating solo travel can be, and they are dedicated to ensuring that your experience is warm, friendly, and full of laughter. From day one, they’ll be there to greet you with a smile, helping you settle in, and introducing you to your fellow travelers—who will soon become lifelong friends.
Kim Caouette
Hi, my name is Kim Caouette-adventure seeker, connector of kindred spirits, and lover of new experiences. I believe life is best lived with curiosity, courage, and community. Whether I’m exploring a new destination, sharing stories around a bonfire, or planning, meaningful gatherings, I thrive on creating moments that bring people together in authentic and lasting ways.
When I’m not traveling, you can find me on the back of a horse or just watching them run free. What started as a fascination, turned into a lifelong connection. Riding and caring for horses taught me patience, trust, and presence-lessons that mirror the best parts of travel.
Whether I’m planning my next trip, out on the trail, or simply learning something new, I’m always seeking moments of connection, adventure, and growth.
Thanks for being here – I hope my journey inspires a bit of your own.
HAPPY CHRONISTER
Happy’s first hosting adventure was in her home State of Alaska. She has lived in Anchorage, AK for over 60 years. Now that she has retired from teaching and running 3 Airbnb’s she is free to divide her time between 4 adult children and grandchildren in Texas and Alaska.
She loves meeting new people and traveling to new places. Happy especially enjoys road trips, cruising, and traveling abroad. Since retiring she has been on 3 Caribbean cruises, gone to France, London, and visited 5 National Parks.
Happy keeps busy learning new things, playing games, cooking, baking, caring for grand kids, entertaining, and volunteering in her church and community. Currently, she attends several Bible studies, participates in game and dinner groups, plans events for nonprofit groups, and takes horseback riding lessons with her granddaughters. Hosting travel tours will be a great way to simultaneously do many of the things she loves.
“I look forward to seeing our wonderful United States and the world with you!” Happy can’t wait to meet you and help foster meaningful friendships and relationships with you and other women travelers. “Let’s go!”
Kristi Southwick
Kristi Southwick is a wife and mom with a genuine love for travel, the outdoors, and meaningful connection. She has a natural gift for bringing people together and creating environments where everyone feels comfortable, seen, and welcome. Whether she’s hosting around the table or leading a group through a new destination, Kristi’s warmth and thoughtfulness set the tone.
She loves cooking, hosting, and caring for the details that turn a gathering into an experience. Rooted in her faith in God and guided by a deep love for America, Kristi lives with purpose, gratitude, and a strong sense of service. She believes the best moments happen when people step outside their comfort zones, share stories, and build real relationships along the way.
Kristi brings heart, authenticity, and a steady presence to everything she does—making every journey feel less like a trip and more like coming home.
SARA BARTHEL
Sara Barthel grew up in Iowa, spent 8 years in Minnesota for college and grad school, then 2 years in Guatemala and 13 years in San Diego. She currently resides in the Texas Hill country with her husband, Terrence. Sara is a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and owns a virtual practice, VibrantVia where she helps women rebalance their digestion, hormones, energy and weight naturally. She is a former Ironman and ultraendurance athlete who is passionate about helping women achieve optimal health and vitality.
Sara believes that travel is the best way to experience new cultures, food and languages and to meet amazing people!
SANDE WIER
Sande is a proud Texan, born and raised in the heart of the Lone Star State. Now residing in San Angelo with her husband Travis, Sande enjoys life with their two sons, ages 20 and 22.
After spending more than two decades in the banking and financial industry, Sande decided to expand her horizons. Her love for travel and exploring new places—including internationally—has given her a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Whether hiking, discovering new cities, or relaxing in nature, she embraces every opportunity to learn and grow through her travels.
Sande loves being part of the Beatrice Bradley team, and brings enthusiasm and love for exploration into her role, eager to meet others and make a meaningful impact.
Tracey Winter
Adventure-driven and creatively inclined, Tracey is someone who finds joy in the balance of movement, mindfulness, and meaningful experiences. With a passport stamped in 20 countries and counting, she blends a love for luxury with a passion for exploration—whether hiking remote trails, savoring street food under neon lights, or sipping wine in a Tuscan vineyard. From lifting weights at the gym to swimming laps to clear her mind, Tracey lives life with energy and intention. When she’s not on the go, she’s often lost in a good book, crafting by hand or spending quality time with her dog—her favorite companion. Always seeking the next challenge or creative outlet, she thrives on blending the active with the artistic and finding deep connection, great food and unforgettable stories along the way. Tracey lives in Colleyville, Texas with her husband Steve and golden retriever Murphy. Tracey and Steve have two grown children.
ANGIE TROVIK
Angie has been a part of the Big Hat Outdoors family of business since 2001 and she was beyond excited when we added in the new women’s travel group, Beatrice Bradley! Angie absolutely loves the outdoors and traveling! While keeping controls on all the financials and human resources is her main job, her favorite part is having the honor of hosting a few of our adventures each year! Hopefully one with you! These trips are absolutely magical! The immediate bonding you feel on one of our trips will leave you with life-long new friendships. She has never seen anything quite like it! Looking forward to our next adventure together!
Michaelle Meland
I’m a family-first person with a deep love of adventure. I’ve been married to my husband, Paul, for over 30 years, and together we raised three wonderful adult children. Our happiest moments are often the simplest ones—time at the cabin, days on the boat, or long hikes with our dogs.
With friends, you’ll usually find me training for triathlons or heading off on a girls’ getaway. In quieter moments, I’m an avid reader (especially history) or happily putzing around my garden—very much still a rookie.
My passion for travel was sparked during my junior year of college, when I lived in London and had the opportunity to explore other countries. I’ve called the Twin Cities home since 1984, and I’m truly looking forward to helping Beatrice Bradley travelers create some of the most memorable experiences of their lives.
A favorite travel tip is to roll your clothes individually in your suitcase, arrange shirts on one side; pants/shorts on the other. This way you can see all your color options at a glance, and it will save space in your suitcase.
Kyle Krohn
Kyle hosts many of the BB Couples trip with his wife, Jane Rabe, one of the Beatrice Bradley Founders. Kyle loves to travel and has found that traveling with like-minded friends is the best way to meet new friends when traveling and it’s fun to experience new places with friends. He loves to travel, fish and cook. Photography is Kyle’s passion and when you are on a trip with us, he will photograph the entire trip and will share the photos with you after the trip.
Cheers and looking forward to meeting you on upcoming BB Couples Trips!
Dana Larson
Born and raised in Minnesota, Dana developed a deep love for the outdoors early in life. He now calls Texas home, where he lives with his beloved yellow lab, Nikki. As a longtime member of the Big Hat family, Dana has had the opportunity to hunt and explore around the world. He is excited to bring that experience and passion to the Beatrice Bradley Adventure team as a Driver Guide sharing his love for nature, travel and the open road with the guests.