MEET THE TEAM
At LH Adventure Travel, we believe travel has the power to reconnect us - to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us.
We believe in the transformative power of awe — those moments of beauty, stillness, and wonder that remind us of who we are and what we’re a part of.
Through movement, nourishing food, time in nature, rest, and meaningful experiences with diverse cultures, we create journeys that help us feel more alive, open, and grounded in what matters most.
At the heart of our work is community. We believe in the joy, strength, and safety that emerge when women travel together — the kind of connection that stays with us long after the journey ends.
FOUNDER & HOST Stacey Funt, MD, NBC-HWC
Stacey is a physician, Lifestyle Medicine educator, certified health coach, wife, mom to amazing twins, and lifelong global traveler who believes that meaningful adventure can transform us—body, mind, and spirit. She merged her deepest passions to create LH Adventure Travel.
Stacey personally travels to each destination to scout routes, connect with local outfitters, and shape experiences that feel both intentional and vibrant. She loves building, creating, and connecting—and LH Adventure Travel is the fullest expression of that joy.
Whether hiking in the Sacred Valley or kayaking through desert canyons, Stacey’s mission is to create wellness adventures that leave women feeling renewed, inspired, and fully alive.
HOST Maria Campese, JD
Fueled by the same passion that’s carried her through multiple Ironmans, Maria is an experienced global adventure traveler and triathlon coach. But it’s her genuine warmth, calm presence, and authentic smile that make her such a joy to be with. Thoughtful, attentive, and supportive, she’s someone people naturally feel comfortable around.
When she’s not helping others chart new paths, Maria leads a thriving professional life as managing partner of a law firm. She was part of Stacey’s very first women’s wellness adventure and is now thrilled to be hosting trips that weave together mindful movement, cultural immersion, and meaningful connection.
HOST Marissa De Freese, MD
Marissa is a trauma surgeon, medical educator, and lifelong advocate for healthy living. A former Division I All-American in track and field, she continues to find joy in running, staying active, and weaving the principles of lifestyle medicine into everyday life.
Outside the hospital, Marissa loves international travel, caring for animals, tending to her orchids, and spending time with her four kids. Her approach to wellness is both personal and professional—blending clinical insight with a deep commitment to balance and vitality.
After joining an LH Adventure Travel trip in Guatemala, Marissa was moved by the power of connection, community, and shared adventure among women. She’s thrilled to return as a host, creating space for others to unplug, recharge, and share in meaningful adventure
HOST Jenn Wrobel
Jennifer is a retirement specialist and certified yoga teacher with a deep passion for movement, wellness, and meaningful travel. Over the years, she has joined numerous fitness retreats and yoga/wellness holidays across the globe, fueling her belief in the transformative power of exploring new cultures and destinations.
She completed her yoga teacher training in India, where she later spent a full year traveling, studying, and immersing herself in the culture. An avid hiker and nature lover, Jennifer embraces healthy living and seeks out opportunities to connect with the outdoors whenever possible. Also an animal lover and volunteer with animal rescue, often with a four legged friend and companion.
Having witnessed the unique bonds and personal growth that emerge through group travel, Jennifer is excited to begin hosting retreats and sharing the experiences that have shaped her journey.
HOST Jeannette Balantic, MS
Jeannette is an educator, an outdoor enthusiast, and a mom of two kids who live in Montana. An avid reader, cyclist, hiker, and van camper, she’s at home whether pedaling remote gravel roads, camping in the back country, or enjoying a meal with engaging conversation.
Jeannette has a knack for bringing people together through shared adventure – she has organized countless hiking and bike packing trips all aimed at creating experiences that build confidence and spark joy. Jeannette believes in the transformative power of nature and travel to reset your perspective in powerful ways.
As a longtime educator and administrator, she brings an open and encouraging spirit to every gathering. Her approach to wellness is grounded in staying active and fostering a sense of community. Jeannette is excited to host adventures that promote learning, connection, and rejuvenation.
HOST Anna Yoo, MD
Empty nesting opened up a new chapter of adventure for Anna, a seasoned psychiatrist with a passion for meaningful travel and cross-cultural connection. During her years in academic medicine, she helped popularize the concept of cultural humility—a value she continues to carry with her as she explores the world with curiosity and care.
Whether she’s hiking in the mountains, learning from local healing traditions, or simply savoring a meal with new friends, Anna travels with intention and vitality. With over 25 years of experience helping others navigate life’s complexities, she brings deep empathy, insight, and a joyful spirit to every journey.
Anna is also a lover of the art of travel itself and an expert in travel rewards programs. She’s thrilled to host adventures that invite other women to experience the richness, beauty, and awe the world has to offer.
HOST Kathleen Woodruff
Kathy has always been open to new adventures and likes to say “yes” when opportunities arise. By day, she manages key accounts for a global consulting firm; outside of work, she enjoys hiking, cycling, skiing, gardening, volunteering, and staying active. A native New Yorker, she loves the city’s energy and diversity and also values time spent exploring new places and landscapes.
Over the years, Kathy has traveled widely across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., from backpacking with friends to a 5,000-mile cross-country road trip with her family. More recently, she’s explored Guatemala, Morocco, and Tuscany with LH Adventure Travel and has visited 48 of 50 states — and counting.
Kathy believes travel is about community and connection. She encourages guests to say yes to experiences that stretch comfort zones, deepen perspective, and create meaningful shared moments.
HOST Wendy Wattenberg
Wendy is a passionate global explorer and dedicated advocate for empowering women—two passions she now combines in an exciting way. By day, she is a seasoned global consultant at a leading HR consulting firm, where she also champions gender equality and helps ensure women’s voices are heard and valued across the organization.
Wendy’s love for travel began right after college and has taken her across six continents and a wide range of cultures. For her, travel is far more than a hobby—it’s a way of life, a continuous journey of learning, growth, and connection. Her deep understanding of diverse cultures and the practicalities of international travel make her a wonderful guide for adventurous women seeking meaningful experiences.
As a host for LH Adventure Travel’s women’s trips, Wendy is thrilled to help create unforgettable memories and inspire fellow travelers to explore the world boldly, confidently, and together.
Member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)