ABOUT US

The community behind Trail Kids RVA started organizing nearly a decade ago as a chapter of Hike it Baby, a national organization now known as Outgrown. Realizing a need for a Richmond-focused organization that connects caregivers as well as other groups and businesses that value getting families outside, Trail Kids RVA was formed in September 2023.

In its first year, Trail Kids RVA hosted over 400 hikes, averaging more than one a day. During that time, over 40 parents and caregivers have hosted hikes through Trail Kids RVA.

Meet The Team

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Jessie Purtell

Jackie Fuller

Lori Roberts

Co-founder and Board President

Co-founder and Board Treasurer

Co-founder and Board Secretary

Jessie grew up in southern Alabama, where she gained a life-long appreciation for the outdoors. An attorney by profession, Jessie navigates the business needs of Trail Kids RVA and focuses on building community partnerships. Jessie is an active hike host with Trail Kids RVA and has been leading group hikes for 3 years. When she's not co-leading a community partner hike, she loves to lead creek and destination hikes. Jessie lives in Midlothian with her husband, Nick, and her two daughters.

Jackie grew up in Lansing, Michigan and moved to the Richmond area in 2008. Jackie always had a love for nature and the outdoors but found a new appreciation for it after becoming a parent and seeing the positive impact getting outside had on her kids. Jackie works with adults with intellectual disabilities and is committed to making the outdoors more accessible for all. Jackie has been hosting group hikes for 8 years and loves introducing families to all the wonderful parks and trails in the area. Jackie lives in Henrico with her husband and kids.

Lori moved to Richmond from DC in 2007 to pursue a special education teacher career in Henrico. She also worked for several summers at a residential camp, Camp Royall, that ignited her passion for introducing new experiences to individuals, particularly in relation to outdoor recreation and inclusivity. For the past five years she has been "staying home" with her three sons, as well as teaching social skills online courses to young adults. Lori enjoys exploring the community and connecting with others by joining and hosting hikes weekly.

Elizabeth Fields-Robinson

Lizzy Astrella

Co-founder

Elizabeth is a Richmond native who grew up in the West End and fell in love with Richmond's park and trail systems during her time at VCU. She turned to hiking as a way to get out of the house and heal after becoming a mother in 2021. She has been leading group hikes with her son ever since, and her favorite thing is sharing her favorite less-traversed spots around Richmond. Elizabeth is at home with her son, Sawyer and involved in local nature school and Waldorf educational programs.

Lizzy Astrella is from Seattle, Washington, and grew up hiking and camping all over the Pacific Northwest. She moved to the Richmond area with her family in 2021 when her husband, a US service member, was stationed there. She immediately fell for Richmond’s unique trails and the welcoming community of outdoorsy families she found in Trail Kids RVA. Lizzy recently relocated to Naples, Italy, where she continues to explore with her husband and two little “Trail Kids.”