Our Crew

Born and raised in Bolivia, he’s currently working toward his veterinary degree. Along the way, he’s had the chance to live in China, Hawaii, and Spain. He even got a few surf lessons from a gold medal-winning surfer! And, just for the record, he swears he’s been mistaken for Zac Efron at least a dozen times.

This is Xael’s second season with Turning Heads Kennel on Godwin Glacier.

Rachel grew up on a farm in upstate New York, where she spent countless hours exploring the fields and woods behind her parent’s house. After earning her BA from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY, she set off on seasonal adventures as a guide and outdoor educator across the country.

Her first taste of dog sledding came right here on Godwin Glacier in the summer of 2023. Since then, she’s taught cross-country skiing in Maine, worked as a paddleboard instructor in Colorado, and even raced sled dogs in Idaho. Now, she’s excited to return to Seward as a glacier guide and can’t wait for her second Mount Marathon Race!

This is Rachel’s second season on Godwin Glacier with Turning Heads Kennel.

Sarah has been dog sledding for less than a year but has already mastered the basics. Currently studying at a folk high school in northern Norway, she’s eager to gain more experience with the dogs and work with tourists. With a background in customer service, mostly with locals, she’s excited to expand her skills and connect with guests from all over. And of course, she’s looking forward to living on Godwin Glacier!

This is Sarah’s first season with Turning Heads Kennel on Godwin Glacier!

Matt moved up to Alaska two years ago from Pennsylvania to pursue his childhood dream of running sled dogs and joined the Turning Heads Kennel team. He ran his first race this past winter and is looking forward to competing in his first Iditarod qualifier this upcoming winter. When he’s not racing or working with the dogs, Matt enjoys being outdoors—biking, hiking, and camping.

This is Matt’s 3rd summer with Turning Heads Kennel. Matt will be on Godwin Glacier and at Turning Heads Kennel.

Max is a college student attending school in Massachusetts, but originally hails from Brooklyn, New York. He also spent time at Deep Springs College, a small school on a ranch where he drove cattle, rode horses, and fed chickens. This summer, there is nothing he would rather do than be in Alaska, part of the musher team working on Godwin Glacier and riding helicopters to work.

This is Matt’s first season on Godwin Glacier with Turning Heads Kennel.

Hunter Keefe is originally from Okemos, Michigan, but has been chasing his childhood dream of being a dog musher in Alaska since 2018. He’s had the incredible opportunity to race across Alaska in numerous events, including The Iditarod! Summer is always one of his favorite times of the year, as it allows him to explore new parts of this beautiful state and share the exciting sport of dog mushing with guests from all over the world! This is Hunter’s first season at Turning Heads Kennel.

Although he will be primarily at the kennel, Hunter will also be filling in on the Godwin Glacier from time to time.

Born in Maine, Nate was raised on outdoor adventure sports like canoeing, backpacking, fishing, and hunting. In 2020, he earned a degree in Outdoor Leadership through an associate’s program and has since spent every season working as an adventure guide, from Maine to Alaska and everywhere in between. While fly fishing and whitewater sports dominate his free time, Nate is always on the lookout for new experiences. This curiosity led him to Seward in 2023, where he had his first taste of working with sled dogs, helicopters, and glaciers. The incredible experience that season brought him back to Seward for 2025, and he’s excited to help others discover all the area has to offer once again.

This is Nate’s second season with Turning Heads Kennel. Nate will be filling in on Godwin Glacier as a mushing guide, at Turning Heads Kennel and at our Bear Glacier Yurt camp run in conjunction with Seward Helicopter Tours.

Meet Kris, a long-time Seward resident and senior member of our office team. Kris brings a contagious positive energy to the office and is incredibly knowledgeable about both our tours and our little seaside town. A true resource for travelers, he’s always ready to share his insights. In his free time, Kris enjoys exploring Alaska with his wife and dogs while honing his photography skills.

Kris has been on and off with Turning Heads Kennel & Seward Helicopter Tours since 2021 as a shuttle driver and check-in agent.

Carson Olmstead grew up in Utah, where the stunning landscapes shaped his deep connection to the great outdoors. From the towering peaks of the Wasatch Mountains to the vast deserts, nature has always felt like home to him. Whether hiking, camping, fishing, or simply soaking in a quiet sunrise, Carson has always found peace and inspiration in the natural world. Now, he’s beyond excited to spend the summer working with Seward Helicopters and can’t wait to experience the beauty of Alaska!

This is Amaree’s second season as a glacier guide on Godwin Glacier

Alpine was born at Turning Heads Kennel. He works at the office and takes his role as airport security very seriously. You will often see him napping between airport patrol runs. He enjoys running, eating meat snacks and meeting new dog friends. 

Elias Beals is our joyful two-year-old who has a big heart and a love for the little things in life. He’s all about bubbles, trucks, and his beloved cat, Kitty. At the airport, he can’t get enough of meeting new people and watching the helicopters take off—pure fascination in his eyes every time! Elias is happiest when he’s outside, whether he’s sitting on the fuel tractor or running around with the puppies at the kennel. He loves going for dog rides and has a special bond with Min, though his favorite sled dog is Switch. Elias brings so much joy to everyone he meets and makes every moment brighter!

Min is our spunky teacup Sheltie and one of the greeter dogs at Turning Heads Kennel. While she’s not a fan of playing fetch, she absolutely loves watching the other dogs play. Min enjoys a good chase, especially when it comes to the sled dogs or the dog cart (if we let her, of course!). She’s a fan of gentle ear scratches and will happily accept them. Min has some quirky habits—she’s a little neurotic when it comes to windows and coffee pots. If someone touches either, you can bet she’ll have a full-on barking fit! Despite her small size, Min has no shortage of confidence and firmly believes she’s the biggest dog in the kennel.

Sam grew up in Seward, AK next to Travis Beals. As a kid, when he got in trouble, he would go hide in Travis’ dog houses! After that childhood, he started working for Travis at 14 and ran the Junior Iditarod when he was 17, in 2020. The last two years, he has volunteered for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race at the Shaktoolik and Eagle Island checkpoint. This year, Sam finished both the T-Dog 200 and the Kobuk 440.

Sam has been part of the Turning Heads Kennel team for over 8 years on and off. When not working on the Glacier or at the Kennel, Sam also spends time on the RV Sikuliaq as a diesel mechanic.

Originally from Mississippi, James moved to Alaska to follow his passion for working with dogs. A pre-vet student at Mississippi State University, he spends most of his time studying and caring for animals. When he’s not immersed in his studies or working with dogs, you’ll find James out exploring the great outdoors—whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or fishing, he’s always ready for an adventure!

This is James’ first season with us. We are excited to have him join our team.

After graduating from high school, Amaree flew up to Alaska for the opportunity to work and learn with Turning Heads Kennel as a Glacier Guide, which set the stage for his guiding career. After the summer, he headed to Northern Finland for the winter, where he trained, learned, and guided sled dogs along the Finnish-Russian border. A big mountain and backcountry snowboarder, Amaree is always seeking new journeys of knowledge and experience in the mountains, with the goal of becoming an Alaskan Splitboard and Winter Guide.