Ryland has worked for NOLS Wilderness Medicine since 2005. Ryland moved to the west after college and has lived in or near the Rocky Mountains since. Ryland has a Master of Arts from Prescott College in Natural Science and Environmental Education and his passion for the natural history and ecology of the Rockies compliments his passion for backcountry skiing, climbing, and sharing the magic of wild places with his students and clients. In addition to teaching for NOLS Wilderness Medicine, Ryland also works as a wilderness and rock climbing instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School guiding climbing and wilderness trips up to a month in length. In addition to guiding in the backcountry and teaching wilderness medicine, Ryland works as an adjunct faculty member for the Prescott College Graduate program in the fields of adventure and environmental education as well as environmental studies. When he is not guiding, he can be found doing carpentry work in Lyons, CO or off on an adventure with his wife Shari and their two boys Nate and Robbie.