Lauren Anderson

Program Staffing and Training Director

Lauren joined Rustic Pathways in 2008 after graduating from Emory University. She spent her first six years in Costa Rica overseeing our operations and seasonal staff. Lauren then formed our Alumni Association where she developed programs for continuing student involvement. She now uses her extensive skill set to continue to improve the hiring and training of all program leaders across the globe. Lauren lives in Chicago, travels often, and enjoys maintaining her Spanish fluency.

Latest

Why I Ditched My Friends and Traveled Alone

October 31, 2025 · 2 min read

Rustic Alum Dany G. traveled from her hometown of Monterrey, Mexico to join our Rebuilding New Orleans program. She did not know anyone enrolled in the program, and was nervous about being so far out of her comfort zone. Below is her account of what happened next. "Before I had my first trip with Rustic Pathways, I…

Fun facts about LAOS. Service adventure in LAOS with students laughing in a field.

Our Secret to Crafting Transformational Travel Experiences

March 18, 2016 · 4 min read

Learn our secret to creating transformational travel experiences through dedicated program leaders. Explore our hiring process and what sets our program leaders apart.