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Breaking the Halo

Following the death of a climbing student in 2018, speaker Katjarina "Katja" Hurt began questioning what contributed to the incident on what appeared to be an easy rock climb. Retracing their steps in and out of the classroom and exploring the events leading up to the fatality, she found a new understanding of the "halo effect" and a need to better empower students in outdoor education. Originally a risk management tool for her local climbing community, Breaking the Halo has become a highly requested and influential leadership movement extending beyond outdoor recreation.

Speaker

Katjarina Hurt

Katjarina “Katja” Hurt (she/her/hers) works for the State of Washington as a Learning Strategies Manager with the Department of Children, Youth, and Family Services. She has been a ski patroller for eighteen years (primarily at Snoqualmie Pass, Washington) and serves the community as a member of the Seattle Mountain Rescue Resilience Team and volunteer chaplain with the King County Sheriff's Office. Katja is a master-level trainer with a background in behavioral health and public safety and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others through trainings and presentations on CISM, Safety, and Risk Management.

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Venue

Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center

The Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center, located at 511 Caledonia Street in Sausalito, was founded in 1888 as a focal point for Portuguese culture and traditions in Marin County. Marin County has a rich history of Portuguese immigration, and the Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center is a gathering place for descendants of that community to explore and re-connect with their Portuguese heritage. The Center is a cornerstone of the Sausalito community and is sponsor to a multitude of different community-oriented events. 

Catering

Sol Food

Bringing the vibrant flavors of Marin County's beloved Puerto Rican culinary gem to our keynote dinner, Sol Food will provide an authentic dining experience that celebrates local food culture. Founded right here in San Rafael, Sol Food has become a North Bay institution, known for transforming traditional Puerto Rican recipes into a culinary sensation that captures the heart of our local community.

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© 2025 by Marin County Search & Rescue.

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