Ethan grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, and started hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking in elementary school. He studied biology and secondary education during college, where he took his first wilderness first aid course and worked as a climbing guide, camp counselor, and adventure leader. After college he got involved in mountain search and rescue and became a firefighter and an EMT for a local volunteer fire department. Ethan then worked for the Richmond Ambulance Authority for five years, during which time he became a paramedic and a field training officer. Currently, Ethan lives in the tiny town of Broadway, Virginia with his wife Melissa and his three kids, Eli, Ezra, and Ellie. He enjoys hiking, rock climbing, exploring new places, coffee, and woodworking.