MEET OUR TRIBE
We have a common culture but different ancestry. Our love of New Mexico links us all. It is the pulse in our veins. It is our mindset. It is our inner spirit and our spirituality. It is the gift that we share with our extended families, our guests, and our kindred spirits. New Mexico is our guide and we are her storytellers. New Mexico is sacred, mothering, and feeds the soul. Our tribe at Heritage Inspirations has the responsibility of sharing the enchantment of this land with our guests. We are like minded and bound in our intertwined roots with each and everyone who is open to receiving New Mexico’s gifts.
We are bound to the strength in our bodies, the clarity of our minds, the purity of our spirit and the devotion to our brothers and sisters. We are New Mexico. We are one with the land and the sky. Our Heritage Inspirations tribe is one with our brothers and sisters, the heat of the sun, the drops of rain, the blowing sands, the fire in our souls and the twinkling stars above.
Angelisa Murray, CEO + Inspired Guide
“Heritage Inspirations is my love letter to New Mexico and to you.”
Angelisa Murray is the founder and visionary CEO of Heritage Inspirations, New Mexico’s premier travel company, where she channels her profound love for the state and its people into transformative travel experiences. A descendant of the Espinoza and Maestas families of the San Luis Valley, Angelisa’s connection to New Mexico runs deep—rooted in a rich family legacy that nurtures a lifelong commitment to cultural preservation, community, and environmental stewardship.
With a wealth of experience in both the travel and cultural fields, Angelisa has carefully cultivated a company that embodies her values of cultural relevance, localization, and authenticity. The Heritage Inspirations family—a close-knit group of passionate, like-minded individuals—shares her commitment to honoring the land, its people, and the timeless traditions that make New Mexico so unique. This dedication is reflected in their guiding philosophy: to tread lightly on the earth, honor its legacy, and provide guests with an intimate, respectful experience that connects them to the very soul of the Land of Enchantment.
Angelisa’s love for New Mexico began in childhood, steeped in the teachings of her grandparents and the stories passed down through generations. From learning family recipes to hearing tales of Grandpa Tato’s innovative spirit—such as bringing the first satellite to San Antonio Mountain, bringing TV to Taos—she grew up with an appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry and history of the region.
Through her leadership, Angelisa has shaped the company’s tours to unveil the hidden stories and lesser-known beauties of New Mexico. From the wild diversity of alpine mountains blanketed in aspens, pines, and wildflower meadows, to the dramatic landscapes painted in hues of orange, pink, and red, her tours reveal the stark contrasts and stunning natural beauty that make the state a true masterpiece. Monumental rocks and layered earth, eroded and split open, beckon travelers to see New Mexico through the eyes of an artist—where every vista is a canvas waiting to be explored.
As a humble steward of this sacred land, Angelisa inspires her team to connect guests with the wild beauty and multicultural heritage of New Mexico. Through her vision, the Heritage Inspirations team is not just creating tours—they are guiding meaningful, soulful journeys that honor the land and the stories it holds.
++ READ MORE ++
Woman Who Sparks Passion for the Land of Enchantment - New Mexico Magazine
“Heritage Inspirations is one of the few truly high-end, meaningful, genuine, and sustainability-minded travel companies operating in the United States, and she says she couldn’t imagine doing what she does in any other state.”
Quintessential New Mexico: An Insider’s Take On Taos - Forbes Magazine
3 tour guides who share New Mexico’s beauty and culture with visitors - AAA Explorer New Mexico, Outdoors
Our Inspired Guides
Santa Fe
Travis Gibson, Santa Fe Inspired E-Bike Guide + Wellness Walking Guide
An avid hiker, biker and skier, Travis Gibson was born and raised in Santa Fe and continually adventures throughout New Mexico exploring the mountains and desert canyons. For Travis there is nothing better than camping under a starry sky. He is fervent about New Mexico’s history and has cultivated a wealth of knowledge to share with our guests Whether skiing in Taos or backpacking in the Gila Wilderness and Sangre de Cristos, Travis is inspired by the wild beauty and culture of New Mexico. Join Travis on one of our Santa Fe on E-Bikes tours, and take in everything this cultural city and inspired guide has to offer!
Teo Gomez, Santa Fe Inspired Guide
I’m a local New Mexican mountain goat. My free time is spent on a mountain bike or in a Southwestern history book. Becoming a tour guide has always excited me as I love to tell stories about the past and why not do it while riding bikes.
Join Matt on a cruise around the Santa Fe Plaza and beyond on several weekly Heritage Inspirations “City Different” E-bike tours.
Courtney Janek, Santa Fe Inspired E-Bike Guide
Originally from Texas, Courtney has lived in multiple places in the USA and abroad with
experience primarily as an art history professor. In 2009 she landed in Santa Fe with husband
and 3-year-old daughter and has been here ever since. Attracted to New Mexico’s unique
history, landscape and culture, she discovered the joy of a vocation outdoors as a ski instructor
and as guide for hiking, biking, and cultural excursions. She especially enjoys new perspectives
on Santa Fe since becoming an e-bike guide for Heritage Inspirations. “It’s wonderful to get
beyond the downtown area and see different neighborhoods and examine the unique character and history of each area.”
Fritz Devendorf, Santa Fe Inspired Guide
Born and raised in Santa Fe New Mexico, Fritz enjoyed hiking a skiing from an early age. After college and a successful career as a software engineer, Fritz found himself back in Santa Fe where had a chance to reinvent himself. Ski instructing eventually led to tour guiding. I love history, geology, and the outdoors. My greatest joy is when I can share the simple beauty and complex history of New Mexico with other people. Fritz leads the Santa Fe Tours.
Taos
Josh Willette, Taos Inspired Glamping Chef
Josh grew up in Taos but traveled around the West as he developed his culinary career. In Napa, Josh ran a catering company called Smoke Open Fire Catering. The premise of the company was to cook in front of the guests, using only local meats and vegetables, on an open fire and in a rustic outdoor setting. These dinners were often held at wineries and served as extravagant wine paired meals. “I got to work very closely with not only the wineries, but with the growers and farmers in the area, to create experiences that combined a rustic feel with the elevated quality of fine dining. The experience is similar to what we create with the glamping excursions at H.I.,” Josh explains.
Josh guides our Taos Tours, Glamping Excursions, and Culinary Outdoor Adventures.
Michelle Austin, Taos Inspired Guide
I am what they call a Taoseña. I grew up in Taos from the age of ten and my family has
had multi-generational roots here since the 1920s. Taos is home. During my childhood
we were raised on a small self-sufficient family farm, we rarely went to the grocery store
since we raised our own livestock and grew our own vegetables and fruits, bartering at
the farmeI am what we call a Taoseña. I have called Taos home since the age of ten, with family roots here reaching back to the 1920s. I was raised on a small, self sufficient family farm where we grew our own food, raised livestock, and bartered at the farmers market for what we did not have. We were living organically long before it became a way of life others would name.
My father served as a mayordomo, helping steward the flow of water through the acequia system that sustains our land and community. That rhythm of land, water, and shared responsibility shaped my understanding of place from an early age. And yes, the stories are true, long walks to the bus stop through deep winter snow and a childhood rooted in resilience, connection, and tradition.
Taos is more than a place to me. It carries a spirit, layered with history, culture, and the stories of generations who have called it home. My path has taken me from a decade as a high school biology teacher to fifteen years as an instructional designer supporting the United States Military, and now into a new chapter with Heritage Inspirations.
I was drawn to Heritage Inspirations because its philosophy reflects my own values. As a guide, my intention is to create meaningful, engaging, and joyful experiences whether hiking, e-biking, or walking through our cultural landscapes so guests can feel the essence of Taos as we who live here know and love it.
Linda Gutekunst, Adventure Experience Coordinator + Taos Inspired Guide
My motto is, travel as much as you can, as often as you can because it betters you as a human being and the memories you make can never be taken away and will always be savored! I have been in the travel industry since 1991, when I started my career in the South Pacific and started
South Seas Adventures. This experience enriched my life in so many ways in learning other cultures, creating memorable trips for our guests, and leading dive groups to the exotic lands of Fiji, Tahiti and beyond!
I bring to you my love for travel, as our guests at Heritage Inspirations, where there are so many cultural experiences here in Taos. I am originally a native Coloradoan but I have made my home in Taos since 2019. I have a deep love for the outdoors, snow skiing and of course traveling! My big love is scuba diving.
I look forward to helping you too, to experience and enjoy Taos and New Mexico.
Tyler Johnson, Inspired Glamping Crew
Originally from Southern California, Tyler has been an adventurer and outdoorsman his entire life. After living in the High Sierra mountains for 10 years, Tyler fell in love with Taos and continues his outdoor ventures throughout the landscapes of New Mexico. Whether it be fly fishing in the Rio Grande, split boarding the back-country mountains, or biking the vast desert landscapes, Tyler deepens his knowledge and love for New Mexico through first-hand experience. Tyler’s inspiration as a glamping crew is to: “connect people to the land through positive experience. It’s my goal to help people build a connection to this incredible place and history through intention, empathy, and compassion.”
Tyler is an inspired glamping crew member on our Glamping Excursions.
Albuquerque + Chaco Canyon
Lewis Bailey, Albuquerque + Chaco Canyon Inspired Guide
Lewis Bailey is a native New Mexican, born in Santa Fe and raised in Taos. During college, he studied abroad for 6 semesters in Costa Rica, India, China, and Mexico. Witnessing the effects of tourism on people and their environment, he noted it was either beneficial or detrimental depending on how it was managed. This experience drew him to the craft of guiding in an ethical way. Lewis explains, “Tourism is huge in my hometown of Taos. I wanted to be able to share this place with visitors so they can enjoy everything it has to offer in a profound sense while respecting the land and the people. I am always excited to spend time in Taos’ beautiful scenery, share stories of the unique culture and history, or provide interesting anecdotes from my life. I can’t wait to meet you and make your trip fun, safe, and unforgettable!”
Lewis guides our Albuquerque tours.
Tam Chavez, Albuquerque + Chaco Canyon Inspired Guide
In 1988, Tam took her first trip to the desert on a ten-day wilderness backpacking adventure with the Sierra Club. On the way to the Albuquerque airport, they drove through Chaco Canyon and from that moment she knew that she wanted to call New Mexico home. She explains, “I thought: is it always this sunny? I love the high elevation, it is so dry, I love the fresh air!!” She spent the next decade coming to the Four Corners every chance that she could. Finally in 1993, she made the leap and moved across the country to Albuquerque. She became a regular in Chaco, so much so they asked her to move into the staff housing and become a volunteer ranger, where she spent three summers giving Chaco tours of the dwellings and patrolling the backcountry. Tam loves to guide guests through these enchanted places and her infatuation really shines through.
Tam leads tours in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and of course Chaco Canyon.
Dana Van Tilborg, Albuquerque Walking Tour Inspired Guide
Dana Van Tilborg came to New Mexico in 1989 to attend graduate school in Cultural Anthropology at U.N.M. and could never get it out of her system. Dana has her Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies from U.N.M. and was a high school history teacher for most of her career. She taught in public schools in Denver and Albuquerque as well as internationally in Mexico and China. After leaving K-12 teaching, she wanted to continue to learn and teach about New Mexico history and found the perfect way to do that by guiding H.I. tours. She loves the art, culture, and history of New Mexico and loves sharing her passion and knowledge with guests.
Dana guides the Mezcla de Culturas Walking Tour in Albuquerque.
Linda Kogan, Santa Fe Inspired Guide
Linda has been exploring New Mexico and Santa Fe for more than 30 years from her home in Colorado and now resides full-time in Santa Fe. She is inspired by the amazing New Mexico sunsets, the local history, culture, and art, as well as the abundance of outdoor activities. Linda loves being able to share some of the unique stories and places of New Mexico with HI guests. After a successful career in higher education directing and teaching sustainability, Linda semi-retired to return to her love of guiding and sharing experiences with travelers. She has a long guiding background with several organizations. When not guiding Linda works as a leadership and life coach or can be found in the mountains backpacking, telemark skiing, or mountain biking. Her current motto is “Live your best story.”
Henry Fountain, Albuquerque Inspired Guide
A native New Yorker, Henry was a science journalist at The New York Times for three decades. His assignments took him around the world – writing about retreating glaciers in Kazakhstan and Greenland, the monsoon in India, penguins in Antarctica, the nuclear cleanup at Chernobyl, drought in the American Southwest and countless other subjects. Along the way he wrote a book about the 1964 Great Alaska earthquake and its impact on science. He moved to Albuquerque in 2020, and has loved learning about the history, art and culture of his adopted state and sharing its stories with Heritage Inspirations guests.
Stephanie Gates, Taos Inspired Guide + Marketing Project Manager
Stephanie Gates first came to Taos for its steep, snow-covered slopes, but stayed for the community, culture, and the stories. In addition to marketing and guiding for Heritage Inspirations, she works as a freelance journalist, sharing stories of New Mexico’s rich history and the ways it continues to shape life today. An avid skier, angler, and dancer, Stephanie is always ready with a recommendation for the best local band to catch after your tour. Join her on an e-bike, cultural, or wine tasting experience to explore the vibrant history of Taos and its lasting influence on the community.
Kailey LaClare, Taos Inspired Guide
Born and raised in the American Midwest, Kailey’s path shifted after a first visit to New Mexico at nineteen, inspiring a move to Albuquerque just two months later. Over the past decade, she has earned a degree from the University of New Mexico and spent several enchanting winters ski instructing at Taos Ski Valley, deepening her connection to this landscape.
An artist at heart, Kailey finds joy in creating stained glass, skiing alpine terrain, and savoring quiet moments along the river. Her travels across continents, including time living at sea, have shaped her appreciation for meaningful, sensory rich connection and the beauty of the present moment.
For Kailey, Taos remains a deeply resonant place to nurture both heart and soul. Joining Heritage Inspirations felt like a natural alignment, offering her the opportunity to share the spirit, artistry, and living heritage of Taos with those open to discovering its magic.
Lauren Hershiser, Taos Office Administrator + Tour Coordinator
Lauren moved from California to Taos when she was only six years old. Growing up in the small town of Carson on the other side of the Gorge Bridge, she had to create her own fun by climbing trees, riding bikes, and hiking in the old pinon forests. Lauren’s curiosity for New Mexico has been perpetual, and she still loves to study its geology, plants, animals, history, art and culture. She resonates with H.I. because she is part of a tribe of unique individuals who share a passion for New Mexico. She explains, “I hope that by helping facilitate these tours, I am helping to nurture that same growth of learning about something new and interesting for each guest that takes part in our tours.”
Lauren is the Taos office administrator and tour coordinator. She looks forward to helping you get booked on your next Taos Artist Tour.