In the early ‘90s a friend took me on my first true Boundary Waters canoe camping trip – a group of women. The camaraderie, the laughter, the solitude for reflection, the joyful teamwork as we gently paddled and portaged the wilderness…I WAS HOOKED!
I’ve now racked up some 30+ years of wilderness trail experience, leading groups in the BWCAW, and other outdoor pursuits, in all seasons. I’m CPR & WFA (Wilderness First Aid) certified. I hold a special use permit from the USFS (United States Forest Service) to outfit and guide on the Superior National Forest. I continually update my own training and certifications, and hold my professional wilderness guides to the same high standard of safety certifications and on-going training.
I’ve had a life-long appreciation for the outdoors! Born and raised Minnesotan, I’ve always hunted, fished, camped, hiked, biked, paddled, and explored the outdoors.
Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Minnesota; Theatre Arts major/English minor. Married since ’77 – yes, to the same man – Dean Barrett. We have two grown children, a daughter and a son.
Career path history: Director – high school, community college, and community theatre, Costume Designer – Mpls/St. Paul and greater MN, On-Camera and Voice-Over Artist for television/radio/training/marketing industry based in Mpls/St. Paul but reaching around the country, Owner/CEO/Agent NUTS, ltd. (Non-Union Talent Service, Limited) in Minneapolis with clients across the US and internationally.
In 2012, I sold the talent agency and left the industry to pursue my avocation and passion. In 2014 Women’s Wilderness Discovery was born~sharing the wilderness experience, and empowering women, through guiding and teaching in the great outdoors. Now, how the heck do you pronounce my name? Peta [PAY-taw]…long ‘a’ sound for the ‘e’. Happy trails!
