Summer has worked in education for the last 14 years, both in the wilderness and as a classroom teacher. She earned her Bachelors degree in Environmental Science and Biology from University of Colorado- Boulder and her Masters degree in Teaching from Cardinal Stritch University. After graduating from Boulder, Summer was an outdoor environmental educator for Walking Mountains Science Center in Vail and collected data for a Lynx reintroduction. She has taught and mentored students at a boarding school in Alaska, which also encouraged adventure education. For the last seven years, Summer has worked in one of the top rated districts in Wisconsin as a middle school classroom teacher. Her motivation is to help every student feel successful academically, because academic success leads to stronger mental health and greater opportunities. Summer leads an active life with her husband and two young daughters. They spend their time outside of NVW camping, hiking, boating, and skiing.