Team

I spend as much time as I possibly outside while working in Outdoor Activities at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge.  This passion for nature started as a kid growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where I was fortunate that my family took me out camping, hiking, swimming, hunting, and fishing -- even when I did not want to.  From there, a guiding principle in my life has been to spend quality time outside whether for work or play.  To that end, I have been a middle school science teacher, a backpacking and kayak guide, an outdoor educator, a campground host, and have spent loads of time playing on trails and in lakes and rivers all over this beautiful country.  I really appreciate  helping people have a good time adventuring in nature.  I also really appreciate the incredible place I get to work at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, both outside and inside this historic and natural place at the top of the Keweenaw.

Hi my name is Monica Howard. I started as an Intern at the Lodge during summer 2021, and have since become full-time at the resort. I am a recent graduate of the Everglades University, with a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management. I have worked mostly in the food industry and I am hoping to become an Events Coordinator someday.  During my free time, I am a Twitch Streamer and enjoy playing video games and I also enjoy hiking out here too. I am a huge Disney Nerd as well. I do enjoy working at the Lodge and love to learn.

Calin Leech is the lead liaison for the merchandising for the Lodge Life Shop. She is responsible for assuring the values and vision of the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge are upheld through the products and brands promoted.  She received her education in English and Art with a Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University. Calin has a shared background in tourism and customer service industries. She was born in Texas, and raised in West Michigan. After college, she moved further north eventually making her way into the U.P. for a few years. She quickly fell in love with its natural beauty.  While in the U.P. she worked closely with small businesses, such as managing a cafe in Marquette. She continues her relationship with the U.P. community despite having relocated below the bridge again.

My name is Martin Mueller. I am a 2021 graduate from Michigan Technological University (Go Huskies!). Studied for my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. I can play up to seven instruments, and have played music actively from elementary school thru college (I was a member of the Huskies Pep Band for two years). Now-a-days, I have been getting into arts and crafts to feed my desire to work with my hands. I do cross stitching, build mini-metal or wood sculptures, make diamond art pictures, and try out coloring and painting whenever I have some free time. At the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, I am a jack of all trades in all of the departments. Here are a few of my responsibilities and roles: barista for the Little Cabin Cafe, housekeeper, certified drinking water operator, All-Sky camera operator, conducting basic mechanical works on the equipment, and materials manager. So if you are visiting, you will see me wear various of hats to fill in certain roles.

Hi! My name is Widad. I am a chef, artisan, and watercolor artist. My interests are reflected in the food, gelato, and paintings that I create. I love to pairing flavors of food that are vibrant, yet provide a balanced feel in one’s mouth. I spend time in the Keweenaw, Kalamazoo, and Austin. I am married to John; we have two children, Martin and Naya. [ Learn more about the Chef ]

Greetings nature and wildlife lovers! I’m Nutter Butter.

I am the resident rodent representing all Eastern Chipmunks here in the Keweenaw.

Apparently I have become the mascot for the OAC. Little did these humans know that I had already claimed this cabin as my “homebase” for employment before they arrived. I am here at dawn and I don’t leave until the sun sets. Seven days a week, I greet every guest with open paws. I never call in sick and I am always on time. You may recognize me by my birthmark on my right ear, I have a clipped ear.

Please come and say hi to me in the summer OAC. Better yet, come feed me some nuts!

All I ask is that you watch for me scampering underfoot; It’s how I greet folks!