Our Story
About our Organization
Blue Ridge Packs and Tracks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation dedicated to providing access to the outdoors for individuals with disabilities. As a public charity, we strive to offer both local residents and visitors with disabilities the chance to experience and be transformed by the natural beauty of both the Rockfish Valley and the Shenandoah Valley. Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in our provision of free track chair use, trained volunteer support, and an easy-to-use online scheduling system.
Free Track Chairs
We provide specialized track chairs designed to navigate various terrains, ensuring that everyone can explore the outdoors comfortably and safely.​
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Trained Volunteers
Our program includes the support of trained volunteers who accompany participants, offering assistance and ensuring a positive and safe experience.
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Online Scheduling
We offer a convenient online scheduling platform to streamline the process of reserving track chairs and volunteer accompaniment.​
Meet our Team
Paige French
Founder & Executive Director
Paige is a resident of Waynesboro whose passion is to promote outdoor recreation for all. Nature is healing and should be accessible to everyone. Blue Ridge Packs and Tracks was founded with that in mind. Paige is retired but had been a Nurse Practitioner for 25 years, practicing in the area of Family Medicine and College Health.
She holds Degrees from Coastal Carolina University and The Medical University of South Carolina.
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Ryan Kimmell
Board Member
Hunter Mathias
Board Member
Hunter loves all things outdoors including hunting, fishing, biking, rock climbing, and hiking. He has hiked the length of the Appalachian trail in Virginia and has aspirations to through-hike the entire trail one day. In his free-time, he enjoys navigating life with his wife, Stephanie, and spoiling their Labradoodle, Huck. He and his wife moved to Crozet in May of 2021 and are thankful to call Crozet their home.
He is a graduate of Bridgewater College and Mary Baldwin University. Hunter currently works for Augusta county Fire/Rescue, serving in their EMS division as a paramedic. He is also a part-time physical therapist that works in the Charlottesville area.
Joseph Vartanian
Board Member | Financial Advisor
Having entered the financial services industry in 1996, Joe has built a clientele that consists of individuals as well as small business owners in his role with Gate City Advisors. He regularly conducts seminars with local professionals on comprehensive financial planning and tax-efficient investing and is actively pursuing his ChFC® designation from the College for Financial Planning.
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A longtime resident of Greensboro, North Carolina; Joe remains active in his community. When not in the office, Joe prefers to spend his time outside with the family. Along with his wife, Ashley, and their three children (Lily, Jack, Ollie).
Education: Business/Finance, University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
