About the Canyon REO Team

We’re committed to giving you the best service possible, and that wouldn’t be possible without our great team. These are the people who make Canyon REO tick, and make us a great choice for outfitting your trip, whether you’re in for an All Inclusive Deluxe Package, or just need a few items to round out your trip.

 Donnie Dove: Co-owner
Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ

I’m still an old river rat, and I am proud to say the only canyon trips I have done have been private. I am the co-founder of Canyon REO, along with my wife, Caroline. My passion is the river and helping private boaters have an experience of a lifetime on the Colorado.

 

 

 Caroline Dove: Co-owner and Logistics Coordinator
Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ

I met Donnie as a customer on a commercial river trip in California. Awhile later, we went on our first canyon trip as a couple and I was in love with Donnie and the Canyon. We got married, and moved to Flagstaff to start our family and Canyon REO. When I’m not busy here at work, Donnie and I are spending time with our amazing kids, Ben and Emily. In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, and traveling.

 

 Mary Umphress: Logistics Coordinator (semi-retired)
Hometown: Kilgore, Texas a long time ago and grew up on a nearby ranch

I grow food because I like fresh produce. I collect dogs because I like them and because ignorant people let them go so they can live off the land (i.e., starve). I meditate because I think world peace starts at home. I hike because my legs have to move. I don’t raft because I can’t stand sitting still. I am part-time because I can’t stand sitting still.

 

 Sharon Edgar: Food Room Manager
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Friends and neighbors in Milwaukee got me into rafting. Our TL waited 12 years for his permit. We had always packed our own food for our week-long raft trips, but decided to use Canyon REO for our Grand Canyon trip. I was so impressed with their customer support and food pack that I came to Flagstaff to manage the food room for a season…that was in early 2005. I’ve been a private boater on three canyon trips, two in December; one in October…I like October better!

 Debbie Shepard: Salt River Reservations/Office Assistant
Hometown: Rothschild, WI and Mountvale, NJ

I moved to Flagstaff three years ago from New Jersey. My recent jobs include landscape gardener, financial manager at Columbia University, and a telecommunications company. I am an artist and a tap dancer with a love for the outdoors and the small town atmosphere of Flagstaff.

 

 

 Jaime Yazzie: Bookkeeper and Accounting
Hometown: Kayenta, AZ

I’ve been working at Canyon REO since September 2008. I enjoy staying busy whether with work, school or working on the family ranch.

 

 

 

 Heather Black: Warehouse and Retail Manager
Hometown: Rohnert Park, CA

I have been working for Canyon REO for almost five years. I have worked in every department, including Canyon RIO, but found my niche two years ago with the responsibility of the warehouse. I ran the Grand Canyon for the first time in December 2008, and run various Southwest and California rivers throughout the year (when I get the time). I love the outdoors, rivers, and relaxing fun.

 

 Joe Solomon: Donnie’s Right Hand Man, Heather’s Left Hand Man
Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ

I’ve been working with Donnie since the beginning of it all. I began my river experience on the Arkansas River in Colorado. At one time I was a commercial boatman in the Canyon, where I further gained my passion for the river. I love classic cars, and things that go fast and have lots of power. I live here in Flagstaff with my wife, Mary.

 

 

 Thor Pfeil: Warehouse/Trip Coach
Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ

I like long walks on the beach, food and working on cars and trucks. I have been working for Canyon REO on and off for about four years. My first trip was with Canyon RIO in 3rd grade, and it was awesome. I now play on the Salt River.

 

 

 

 Casey Roberts: Salt River Operations Manager/Warehouse/Trip Coach
Hometown: Murrieta, CA

I’ve been working for Canyon REO for about a year and running rivers for over seven years. When I’m not driving shuttles you can find me on the Salt River as well as the big California rivers. I love rock climbing and have been down the Canyon twice, in December 07 and December 08.

 

 

 Tess McDaniel: Food Room
Hometown: Boulder, CO

My first rafting trip was in the Grand Canyon (lucky me!) with the Grand Canyon semester at NAU. I became hooked, no surprise. I am a geology senior at NAU and spend as many weekends and vacations as possible rafting and backpacking in the Southwest and Colorado Plateau.

 

 

 Johnny Beers: REO Logistics/Rio Operations
Hometown: Casa Grande, AZ

I started working as a guide in college and now I’m full time in the industry, making my mama proud with that degree! I work both with REO and our sister company Canyon Rio, it’s great, I still get to guide but have enough office time to recover from my sunburns.

 

 

 

 Clay Rodgers : Warehouse/Trip Coach
Hometown: High Point, NC

I’ve been with REO since April ’09. I like backpacking, fishing and riding my bike. I’m from North Carolina and like running ‘shine. Rafting is cool too!