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.
Glacier Guide
James McBryde
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.
Sam Paperman
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.
Nate Grandchamp
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.
Hunter Keefe
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.