Jonathan "JP" Presley

Peru Instructor

B.A. in International Studies, Hanover College, Indiana

JP grew up on a farm in rural Indiana; however, the flat land could not hold him for long.

While pursuing a degree in International Studies at Hanover College, he developed a strong desire for experiences grounded in exploration and personal growth. He has been at it ever since. JP served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal and spent time living and working in Benin after his service. He spent two years leading youth and adult trail crews in Montana and is passionate about service as a mechanism for growth and learning. An avid student of languages he is fascinated by their power to connect people and create understanding. JP’s focus has now turned towards the Andes region of South America where he has traveled extensively and instructed 3-month gap semesters.

When not working with Dragons, JP leads domestic and international wilderness programming for the High Mountain Institute. Combining a love of travel and the outdoors, JP now splits time between working abroad and Leadville, Colorado. He spends his free time traveling, cycling, reading, drinking coffee, and playing soccer.