Tim Corcoran, Founder

I was born in 1954, in San Francisco, California. My Irish heritage, as taught to me by my uncle and my grandfather, has linked me deeply to Earth peoples' philosophy of life.

I first went to the woods at age six. I knew then that this was my home. At seventeen I spent four months alone in the Canadian Wilderness practicing Earth living skills.

I began a career teaching wildlife conservation, in 1974. During this time I learned how to communicate with the spirits of the animals I worked with.

My most recent and important wilderness experiences have been greatly enriched by the teachings of Tom Brown Jr. the well known tracker and author.

In 1992, with Headwaters Outdoor School, I realized my lifelong vision to share what I have learned from the Earth and to inspire people to discover their own connection with the Earth.

Julie Boettler, Cook

Julie has been a part of the Headwaters family for many years. She first came to Headwaters as a student, then as an apprentice. She now works as Headwater's camp cook and caretaker.

She loves to listen to your stories, so come prepared to share, while she serves you up one of her superb and satisfying meals.

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Eric Burkhart, Teacher

Classes: Earth Philosophy

Hi! Welcome. If you're checking out the Headwaters site, it's safe to say you and I have at least one thing in common: we both want to spend some time in natural places, away from all this fuss and worry and silly business that we find ourselves wrapped up in from day to day. I've been spending time in the outdoors since I was a young kid, thanks to my mom and dad, primarily. What a gift for any child! Over the years, I've learned a lot about being in the woods, and a lot about being myself. If you're intent on discovering more about who you are and what you're doing with your life, there's no greater teacher than the wilderness.

I met Tim as a student on the second class ever taught at Headwaters. After I took every other class he had to offer, he asked me to join him in teaching. I've helped out on pretty much all the classes we offer, but since I juggle teaching at Headwaters with being a father, a career in music, running a garden design business, psychic counseling and taking care of a home and garden, I have to be careful not to spread myself too thin. So, I focus my gifts and skills in teaching the Earth Philosophy Classes. They're my personal favorites, though I think all the classes are essential! You'll also find me occasionally helping out on the Nature Awareness and Winter classes.

If you're looking for experiences that combine the sacred with the irreverent, Earth with Spirit, and "dirt time" with a lot of opportunities for fun, come check us out! If you're interested, you can also check out my music website:

See you later! - Eric Burkhart

Evert Broderick, Teacher

Classes: Exploring Plant Medicine

Mucking through cattail marshes, intimate contact with stinging nettles, testing my current level of immunity to poison oak and marveling at the beauty of monarch butterflies on milkweed blossoms have become part of the fabric of my life. Ever since an inauspicious revelation involving a dandelion some twenty-five years ago, plants have been my guiding passion. My primary interest is in the human uses of wild plants for food and medicine although botany, just studying plants for the joy of knowing more about them, ranks a close second. Many excellent teachers have fostered my appreciation and understanding of the world of plants. Most recently, I graduated from Michael Moore's Southwest School of Botanical Medicine. Not only do plants continue to feed my spiritual and intellectual growth, they are at the core of my livelihood: I work on an organic farm near Redmond, Washington and teach Plant Identification at Bastyr University.

Aaron Beverly, Teacher and Guide

Aaron's life with Headwaters began in 2002 as a participant in the Apprenticeship Program. Since then he has transitioned completely from his former life as a software engineer into a life in the outdoors. He works as a mountain guide year round on Mount Shasta leading summit and skiing trips. When not on the mountain, he works as a ski patroller and a white water river guide. He is the program coordinator and co-founder of Shasta Disabled Sports, a non-profit corporation providing outdoor experiences to persons with disabilities. He holds Avalanche Level I and II ceritifications and is an EMT-B. He still remains involved with Headwaters, helping out on various classes including the Winter Class. In the summer, he leads the Headwaters' apprentices to the summit of Mount Shasta.

Lou Ponig, Teacher

Classes: Winter Class, Earth Philosophy,

Lou has been working with Tim at Headwaters from day one back in 1992. Lou helps teach the Winter Class as well as the Earth Philosophy classes. Lou's skills seem to come as second nature to him now. He enjoys getting out in the woods as much as possible walking his talk. He brings a strong background of experienced knowledge, humor and some fun music around the campfire.