James (Jam) McManus – Founder
Jam grew up in Tipperary and from an early age fell in love with the outdoors. He got his first job as a guide in 1999 and set up Earth’s Edge in 2007. He splits his time between running the business and leading four to five expeditions per year.
Each year he climbs a big mountain in the greater ranges with friends. He is passionate about the importance of going on adventures in a fun, safe and sustainable way. For more about Jam and his journey click here.
Joannda Stanton – Manager
While Ireland has been home for 17 years now, Joannda has always been passionate about travel. She has lived in the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand and Japan, as well as spending a year travelling full-time around South East Asia.
Joannda holds an Honours degree in International Business Management and spent eight years working in quality and program management at Apple before joining the team at Earth’s Edge. She realised a lifelong dream of travelling to Nepal when she trekked across the stunning Himalayas to Everest Base Camp in 2023. Next up, she has her sights set on the Kenya Tri-Adventure and Machu Picchu!
Fun fact about Joannda: She has a black belt in Karate!
Joyce (JB) Bartley – Customer Support & Operations Coordinator
Joyce, also known as JB, is a native of Cork who initially pursued Psychology at UCC before discovering her passion for the great outdoors.
Her journey began with a climb up Kilimanjaro in August 2017 with Earth’s Edge, igniting a love for adventure that has since taken her to Nepal to trek to Everest Base Camp and Island Peak in 2019, Peru to explore Choquequirao and Machu Picchu in 2022, and a return to Kilimanjaro in 2023. This summer, she plans to trek to K2 Base Camp in Pakistan.
Fun fact about Joyce: She is also a certified personal trainer!
Arianna Stewart – Content Creator
Arianna is originally from Donegal, but moved to Dublin to study Film at UCD and Trinity. During her studies, she discovered her passion for creating engaging video content and digital art. Arianna loves to experience new places and cultures through her lens.
In 2022, she had an amazing time exploring Peru and visiting Machu Picchu. Then, in 2023, she climbed Kilimanjaro, always with her camera in hand! Next on her travel list is Everest Base Camp in 2024.
Fun fact about Arianna: She creates handmade crochet handbags and accessories in her spare time!
Ciara McGrath – Customer Support & Operations Coordinator
Ciara is from the sunny South East, living in Wexford. She loves living close to the beach but also enjoys getting out on the Wicklow hills as often as possible.
Having previously worked as a veterinary nurse, she eventually found her love for travel. She now works alongside Joyce and Sam in the Customer Service and Operations team and is always happy to answer your questions by email or by having a chat on the phone! Her favourite part of the job is hearing all of your stories when you return from a much-awaited adventure.
Ciara has always dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu and can’t wait to get a date in the diary. Exploring Peru and tasting the incredible food and coffee is something she is so excited for!
Fun fact about Ciara: she loves to make her own pasta and ice cream!
Rebecca Hore – Office Administrator
Rebecca is from Wexford and has a BSc (Hons) in Biology from Maynooth University, as well as a Certificate in Audio-Visual Production for Online Platforms from DkIT. She loves getting to work with everyone on the team in her varied role!
She enjoys walking, cooking and music. Growing up by the coast, she loves spending time by the sea too! She’s very excited to undertake her first Earth’s Edge expedition this year.
Fun fact about Rebecca: she has two facial scars – one was caused by a dog, and the other was caused by a tray of brownies!
Sam Sparrow – Customer Support & Operations Coordinator
Originally from South Africa, Sam spent her teenage years in the west of Ireland, where her passion for exploration ignited. Since then, she has embarked on numerous journeys throughout Europe and lived in North America for a period. What began as a fondness for travel evolved into a love for adventure, when she took on the life-changing experience of climbing Everest Base Camp in 2018 with Earth’s Edge. She has her sights set on conquering Kilimanjaro next.
Sam holds an Honours Degree in Business & Marketing with additional diplomas in Project Management and Psychology. Prior to joining the amazing team in Earth’s Edge, she worked in recruitment and dedicated her spare time to volunteering.
Fun fact about Sam: She presses flowers and creates coasters, fruit bowls etc. from her artwork!
