THE DIRECTORS
Walking Tree was founded by three childhood friends from Colorado who, through extensive time abroad, have come to share a deep respect for the transformative power of travel. Since our inception, Walking Tree has grown into a team of exceptional, like-minded individuals who share this passion with our participants. Our international staff has an intimate understanding of the local environment, language and culture, which helps ensure we pursue the best adventures as safely as possible. Our leaders have traveled extensively and hail from the world’s top colleges and universities. They are extraordinary guides, teachers, mentors and friends.
Paul Laurie
Santa Clara University B.A. Marketing and International Business.
During college, Paul spent a semester abroad in Madrid, Spain studying Spanish and European Commerce. After graduation, he embarked on a three-year journey that took him all over the world. He traveled from Times Square to Tierra del Fuego and from Siberia to Singapore, enjoying distinct cultures, great food and meeting lifelong friends every step of the way. After all of this, only one city felt right: New York. Among other positions, Paul worked as a fashion photographer and on Wall Street before returning to his real passion and founding Walking Tree. Paul has traveled to over 65 countries in pursuit of the best meal under $5 and additions to his antique globe collection.
Luke Mueller 
Emory University B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History.
During college, Luke spent a semester living and traveling in rural Mexico. His experience sparked a fascination with Latin America and a commitment to community service that continues to this day. Upon graduating from college, he joined WorldTeach and lived with a local family in a small village in Costa Rica while teaching elementary English. Afterward, he moved to the capital of San Jose and wrote for The Tico Times newspaper. Now settled in Denver, he nevertheless continues to crave massive helpings of rice and beans. Luke has traveled to over 40 countries on four continents and is fluent in Spanish.
Gabriel Duncan
Colby College B.A. International Relations and Government.
While at Colby, Gabriel spent a semester in Spain at the University of Salamanca, studying contemporary Spanish politics and Spanish language. He also lettered for four-years on Colby’s lacrosse team and earned All-American honors. After graduating, Gabriel hit the road: he fished commercially in Alaska, taught in Chile and China, led programs for students in Spain and Costa Rica and traveled to over 45 countries and all 50 states in the USA. He currently lives in Oaxaca, Mexico and despite his limited access to local networks is constantly haunted by his naive faith in and unconditional love for Denver sports teams.
