Maija comes from Finland, growing up by the clear lakes and quiet green forests. She is passionate about being in water in all its forms, meeting people, wondering how nature works and enjoying life. Her small company Maipukki produces tarps, and bags made out of waste materials. She became a NOLS instructor in 2010 and these days her time is split between working in the NOLS Scandinavia office as Program Manager and leading expeditions as an instructor.