Meet The Trade’s Director of Admissions

As Director of Admissions, Noah Zind helps to connect people with the work and mission of The Trade. His decades of experience in the fields of mental health, experiential education and outdoor leadership helps to facilitate this connection.

Prior to working with The Trade, Noah spent years working with youth and young adults in a variety of settings, including Montessori schools, an international school in China, and youth programs in Utah. Throughout these experiences, he’s developed a passion for the profound impact of commitment to personal and professional growth through honesty and humility. In his work with The Trade, Noah is devoted to fostering meaningful connections between our everyday choices and what it means to live a fulfilling life.

Although he was born and raised in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Noah departed to explore as much of the country and the world as he could. He returned to New England in 2023 with degrees in secondary education and outdoor recreation leadership.

How did you get involved in The Trade?

I met Bill Kearney and Will Laughlin when I moved back to the area. I ended up at a gathering at Will’s house, and we had the initial conversation about my interest. They needed someone to help with admissions work at The Trade, and they thought that with my background and skillset, I could be a good fit. The conversation developed over a few more months until the time was right.

What do you like about admissions work?

I like meeting people and talking to the potential applicants and their families. I want to help connect them to what we do, so they can understand whether The Trade can support what they need to be more successful or feel more fulfilled. I want to be that really supportive person on the front end, bring people in and see them thrive.

What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for The Trade?

If you’re looking for a supportive community to join and learn skills that are directly applicable to the real world alongside that community, this is the place. You can come get legitimate and paid work experience that will support you in every part of life, both professional and personal.

Why is mentorship important to you?

I have had mentors that made a really positive impact on me. With some mentors, I felt that impact immediately, and with others, it came years down the line. Growing up, my uncles would take me out in the woods to work with them when I was having a hard time. They would spend time with me, let me get my hands dirty, and communicate through their actions that I was important, and I meant something. To me, that is what mentorship is all about. Walking that path in parallel and being there and being really engaged through all the ups and downs of life—that presence is what I feel passionate about.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Anything that’s outside and involves time with family. Everything is geared toward trying to foster the same sense of excitement, curiosity, and adventure in the outdoors that has served me so well. We like to garden, hike, and ride bikes. I’m focused on making memories with my kids and having fun.