Sonya Silver, Co-Founder & Chief Fun Officer
Sonya has a vision for great things.
Adam Pierce, Driver and Shop Manager
Adam has been a core part of the Rivanna River Co. team from the very beginning. Adam grew up fishing and paddling all over the area. His stint as a long haul trucker helped him become the amazing wizard of trailering in difficult places. Adam has been a ski instructor and a lacrosse coach. He is currently studying business administration and taking on more responsibility as a manager for RRC.
Mike Meintzschel, Instructor and Guide
Mike had an early love for anything relating to exploring the outdoors. He spent his youth canoeing and camping the mangroves of Florida, deep sea fishing with his father and kept out of trouble surfing the Atlantic waves anytime he could. Later he served 6 years as an enlisted member of the United States Air Force and was responsible for creating an adventure center with the goal of instructing Air Force personnel in a range of outdoor activities and sports. For 7 years, Mike was a Lead Facilitator for the University of Virginia Poplar Ridge Experiential learning facility. He provided a platform that introduces and enhances decision-making skills that assist departments and groups in achieving shared goals and successful outcomes. Mike is also a kayak instructor for the University of Virginia and has safely led their whitewater, recreational and sea kayak programs since 2005. He is a contributor in helping protect remaining green spaces in our City by working with the conservation/environmental groups and City/County officials. Mike earned a Business degree at University of Mary Washington, has held an ACA Open Water Certification, is certified in Wilderness First Aid and has been introducing people of all ages to outdoor adventures for over 30 years.
George Mackaronis, Watershed Adventures Co-Founder and Leader
George is from Mclean, Virginia where he grew up camping and exploring Great Falls Park and Catoctin Mountain Park with his family. He has been an avid backpacker and climber for over 10 years, and he has taught those skills in various guide and teaching positions since 2011. After moving to Charlottesville in 2012, George worked at Free Union Country School from 2012-2018, where he taught Physical and Environmental Education and served as the school’s Admissions Director. He also developed Free Union’s Naturalist curriculum and led nature and sports camps in the summer. Currently, George is the Assistant Director of Advancement and Special Programs and teaches 11th grade English at The Blue Ridge School in St. George, Virginia. He also coaches Winter Outdoor Programs and Lacrosse at Blue Ridge. He received a BA in psychology from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, and has held a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification since 2012. In his spare time, George can be found running with his dogs Jojo and Ziti or playing basketball with friends.
