How we came to be…

It all started when…

One day many years ago, Pegi was sitting on the beach with her friends for Spring Break, and all she could think about was her students back home who weren't doing anything during their time off from school. That made her wonder... would these kids ever have the opportunity to go on a fun beach vacay with all of their friends?  So she posed the question and sent out a simple email to her student’s families back in 2015, and recruited a co-worker to help.  After receiving an overwhelming response, the first ever PICKadventure trip was planned for Destin, FL. Since Pegi has dedicated most of her adult life to the special needs population & her passion is to help these students grow using real life experiences and practical skills, she wanted to incorporate those values into this new company. As of 2015, we have traveled to many different parts of the country including Destin, Florida, Gulf Shores Alabama, Colorado Springs, Aspen, and Estes Park Colorado, including various trips in and around Austin, Texas.

Pegi moved away from Austin to the Aspen, CO area in 2024, but continues to want to provide lifelong adventures for yound adults.

I

PEGI PICKETT

I am a graduate of Sam Houston State University where I earned a bachelors degree in Academic Studies with specializations in Special Education, English, and Elementary Education, with teaching certifications in all areas mentioned.

I began my teaching career in Houston, Tx with Cypress Fairbanks ISD teaching first grade, then for my second year I moved onto fourth grade. I was happy but not truly in my element until I began coaching with the CY Fair special olympics team. There I met the high school aged athletes and realized I wanted to teach the older population, these were my people. Having always yearned to live in Austin, Tx, I attended a job fair in the summer of 2001 where I landed my dream job teaching at Westlake High School in Eanes ISD. I taught special education, vocational training, and independent living for Eanes ISD from August of 2001 to May 2024! I took over as the Head of Delegation for Eanes Special Olympics in 2003 and ran that program for twenty one years. In 2006 I began working at a summer camp for individuals with Autism, Ascendingo, based in Carbondale, CO. worked many summers with Ascendigo, and became a Program Manager for their six week summer program, "Ascending to Adulthood."  I retired from Eanes ISD in 2024, and took a job as a special education teacher in Aspen, CO at Aspen High School.

Over the last 27 years in the special education field I have gained priceless knowledge in the field of autism and IDD which has enabled me in planning and implementing amazing individual activities for our adventurers.  

I am a proud fur mom to the cutest Frenchie/Boston mix named Fenway. She travels with us on our trips when appropriate.  

My true love is to travel and experience new places. I can't wait to take your adventurer with us!!!

Emma Scudder

Hello! I am Emma Scudder, M.A., CCC-SLP, and I am 26 years old. I earned a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at The Pennsylvania State University and then went on to obtain my Master of Arts in Speech and Language Pathology at West Chester University. Currently, I work at Aspen High School as a speech therapist. I also see some middle schoolers. 

I began my speech therapy career only two years ago, but my passion for working with the Autistic and disabled community goes back to my elementary school days. Throughout my life, I have always known that I wanted to spend my time with people who have disabilities. I always gravitated towards my disabled peers, which led me to work with high schoolers and adults throughout my career. I am passionate about self-advocacy, communication, and social skills- especially having conversations. One of my favorite aspects of my job is helping the students and peers I work with integrate into the community, whether that involves finding a job, planning a vacation, or participating in other extracurricular activities. I love working in the community with my clients, as I truly believe that is where the most learning happens. 

I'm thrilled to be joining Pegi at PickAdventures! I love to travel and open my mind up to new people, places, experiences, and ideas. I look forward to supporting the creation of lasting memories for our travelers, all while facilitating a safe, inclusive, and social environment.