In September, Melissa Carrabine was named PSIA-AASI Central’s new executive director. Here, she provides insight on several topics, including her experience in snowsports, her background and interests, what excites her about her new role, and what makes someone a good snowsports instructor.
Q: When and how did you get into snowsports, and what prompted your interest in teaching?
A: I started skiing at a young age. I grew up in Northeast Ohio, and my parents took us to BMBW [Boston Mills Brandywine] and Keystone, in Colorado, to take lessons. In fourth grade, I started a ski club and saw the older girls snowboarding and made the switch. After grad school, I moved out to St. Louis and was looking for something to do after work in the winters. I taught swimming lessons at the university, so I figured why not give teaching snowboarding a try? I also really wanted the free pass. I didn’t think I would fall in love with it as much as I did. From day one, I was welcomed by some of the greatest people. They cared about my learning and encouraged me to get certified. Once I found certification, my passion only grew. It opened up this whole new world and opportunities for me. I am hoping through my role as executive director, I can give back to an organization that has given me so much.
Q: What have you been doing professionally leading up to becoming executive director? And what are your areas of interest?
A: Before becoming executive director, I spent nine years working in higher education, primarily in aquatics and operations at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. That experience gave me a strong foundation in organizational leadership, operations, and working within a complex educational environment. Education has always been a major passion of mine. I have both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education, and throughout my career I’ve been focused on finding ways to make education more accessible, engaging, and visible. I’m especially interested in creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, and develop – both personally and professionally. I see a lot of alignment between that passion and the work of PSIA-AASI Central. For me, this role is an opportunity to combine my background in education and organizational leadership with my passion for snowsports and helping people succeed.
Q: What excites you about joining the Central Region as executive director? And what are a couple of your initial goals?
A: What excites me most about joining the Central Region is getting to know the people who make Central such a great organization. As someone who grew up in the Midwest, I have a real appreciation for the people, traditions, and sense of community that make this region special. I’m looking forward to connecting with industry professionals – both those who have been part of Central for many years and those who are newer to the organization – and learning more about their “why.” What keeps them coming back year after year? What do they love about this industry, and what keeps them engaged? There is so much history and tradition within the Central Region, and I’m excited to become a part of that on a larger level. One of my initial goals is to listen and learn – to build relationships with our members, education staff, discipline administrators, and member schools, and understand what is working well and where we have opportunities to grow. From there, I want to focus on building trust, improving communication, and creating more opportunities for education and connection across the region. Ultimately, I want our members to feel that Central is an organization that listens to them, supports them, and is invested in their growth and success.
Q: You teach at Hidden Valley, near St. Louis. What makes it “Missouri’s Hidden Gem,” and why do you like teaching there?
A: Hidden Valley is an amazing resort, but what makes it truly special is the people who call it home. The community that comes together there each winter is incredible. You have seasoned veterans who have been part of the resort for years alongside young kids and families who are just beginning their journey in the sport. I love that Hidden Valley provides a place where people can come to learn, develop, challenge themselves, and most importantly, have fun. There is a welcoming atmosphere that makes people feel like they belong, regardless of their experience level. For me, teaching there is about more than just skiing. It’s about being part of that community and helping people build confidence, develop their skills, and create memories that keep them coming back year after year.
Q: In your experience, what makes someone a good snowsports instructor?
A: I believe a good instructor is someone who can be patient, adaptable, and creative. No two lessons – or two guests – are exactly the same, so instructors need to be able to adjust their approach based on the person in front of them. We want to meet our guests where they are and find ways to communicate the content that they can understand and connect with. Sometimes that means explaining something differently, trying a new approach, or simply giving someone the time and space they need to build confidence. For me, the best instructors are the ones who can take their knowledge and make it meaningful to the person they are teaching. It’s not just about knowing the sport – it’s about connecting with people and helping them have a positive experience.
Q: Is there anything else you would like PSIA-AASI members to know about you?
A: I want our members to know that I’m here to listen, learn, and grow alongside them. I want to hear their stories, understand their experiences, and learn from the people who make up our Central Region. I truly believe that the people are what make Central great, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of this community. My goal is to support our members, help create opportunities for them to grow, and make sure they feel heard and valued. I’m excited to get to know more of you, hear your “why,” and build on the incredible foundation that already exists here in Central.