Our Team

Alexandra Sophia:      Well, it's obviously been a while since we updated the site! Alex is now 4- I can't believe it! She is enjoying the snow with our two new additions- Wish (left) and Lego (right). Wish is black with a white star and when Alex told me she wanted to call him Wish because he has a beautiful star and you can make a wish on it- I knew that would be his name forever! Sadly for the boys, Alex was more interested in the snow and making/eating snow cones than in them or giving them their treats, even though the boys dote on her and follow her around like 1000lb puppy dogs!

Mandy and Alyson:      Mandy (on right) is the owner and chief pilot of Monticello Country Ballooning. She began flying in 1998 and flew commercially for several companies (Bonaire Charters and Boars Head Ballooning) before founding Monticello Country Ballooning in 2002. Mandy became hooked on lighter-than-air flight after her first flight and quickly earned her private and then commercial ratings. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a degree in Biology and Bioethics, which she says complements her flying nicely. Mandy is also the extremely proud mother of Alex.

Alyson (on left) is also one of our best crew chiefs. She, like Mandy, is also a Charlottesville native and knows the area better than anyone else! Congratulations to Alyson on her recent marriage to JP O'Sullivan!

Rick (AKA Daddy):      Rick is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a BS in Computer Science (he also happened to design our website). When we are lucky, Daddy will also come along and see us off at the launch field, and sometimes he will even chase the balloon. More often than not, when Rick isn't working, he is spending quality Daddy/Daughter time with Alex- his #1 girl!

Dave Nespeco:      Dave is one of the most enthusiastic pilots you will ever meet. He and Mandy fell into ballooning the same way- love at first flight. After the first time airborne in a balloon, it was all over- Dave was hooked! He has been involved in the balloon industry for two years, and such was his excitement that he decided to get his pilot's license- in spite of having a full time job. Dave attended chef school and is currently the manager of an upscale deli in Charlottesville. He still manages to get as much ballooning in as possible and is quickly becoming one of the area's premier pilots.

Paul Brunst:      Paul has been our Ace Chase from the very beginning- before Mandy even got her license! Paul and Mandy have been flying together since Mandy started her training and was with her when she earned her commercial rating. They work so well together they very rarely require communication! Paul is absolutely one of the best and most experienced crew chiefs in the state. Paul considers himself (and is also considered by Mandy) like a brother and now has the honorary status of Uncle Paul!

Scott Cohrs & Tzar:      Scott (front human) began flying commercial Balloons over 15 years ago, and has recently returned to Charlottesville to resume his flying career. With him is Tzar, Monticello Country Ballooning's Chief Operations Officer and by far our most vocal team member. Update: Very sadly, we lost one of our most beloved family members in March when Tzar made his journey to Puppy Heaven.

Victoria Walsh:      A seasoned member of our chase crew and overall wiseguy, Victoria has been with us for two years. Victoria's full time job is in radiology at The University of Virginia while she finishes her studies there. Lucky for us Victoria loves kids and is an outstanding babysitter as well!

Jason Hockman:      Jason has been one of our top crew chiefs for the past five years. Although he works full time as a manager for International Auto, we are lucky enough to have Jason chase for us on the weekends and some weekday afternoons. Jason brings a sense of responsibility, attention to safety, and a great sense of humor every time he walks onto the field. Occasionally Jason will also bring his wife Vicki (an elementary school teacher) on the chase as well.

George Fields:      Welcome to the team George! George and Mandy knew each other growing up, and we are excited to welcome George as a new asset to our team. George will take an occasional break from his wife and two sons and come and play with us on the weekends. Being a local, George knows all the back roads and I have yet to manage to get ahead of him!

Phyllis Baskin (aka Grandma):      Phyllis (in yellow polo on the left) with two of our very satisifed passengers. Phyllis (Mandy's mom) has been chasing since Mandy started flying, it truly is a family affair! Phyllis is a retired teacher and works full-time at Plow and Hearth. We love having the Mommy (now Grandma) chase crew.

Travis Wilburn:      Travis (photo by self) has been chasing for us for 7 years. Travis and Mandy share a common love of horses and have logged quite a few hours together in the saddle! Travis is currently a real estate agent for Prudential Realty.