PSIA-AASI First Chair Podcast host George Thomas catches up with Katie Brinton. Katie is the Senior Editor for Ski Area Management (SAM) Magazine, . Katie talks about her journey into snowsports instruction and how it's not too dissimilar from other stories she's heard. She left a career as a "professional" and got a job for a winter as a ski instructor. She eventually went on to earn her Level 1 certification from Okemo Resort in Southern Vermont that season. "It was eye-opening and refreshing." Katie met people who instructed in New Zealand and Japan and was able to work a season in the southern hemisphere. Katie now has her Alpine Level III, Children's Specialist I, Freestyle I certifications and is an Alpine Examiner for the Eastern Region of PSIA-AASI. Additionally, Katie is on the training staff at Okemo and serves as Vice Chair of the Eastern REgion's Board of Directors. Katie was named one of SAM magazines 10 under 30 at which began the connection with her and the magazine. On top of all of this, Katie just had her first child with her husband who is also an examiner with the Eastern Region. Katie was a guest at this year's Women Virtual Summit where she sat on a panel discussing diverse career pathways in the snowsports industry. She mentions that all career pathways in the snowsports industry are unique and there are no 'fixed' directions that you should go. Be on the lookout for a recording of Katie's panel discussion in April 2024.