Samantha Wood

Owner and Lead Tour Guide

A self-proclaimed chocoholic, Samantha has an insatiable appetite for meeting new people, traveling to far off lands, and continually learning. She started this business, initially called Colorado Springs Food Tours, in May 2010 with her mom, Karen Kelley, after becoming disenchanted with her boring desk job. This leap of faith propelled her into figuring out the odds and ends of being an entrepreneur, becoming a voice for local businesses, and finding ways to give her guests the best customer service she could possibly provide. She’s traveled extensively throughout the United States, Western and Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia.

In May 2015, she received her MBA in Innovation Management from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and also holds a degree in Business Marketing and Professional Writing from the same school. Samantha was named the Leadership Pikes Peak Emerging Leader of the Year and a Colorado Springs Business Journal Rising Star in 2014.

Read Samantha’s latest interview (2017) with the Colorado Springs Business Journal

Noel Wood

Marketing & Operations Manager and Tour Guide

Noel is a Kentucky native who now calls Colorado Springs home. She has traveled the world to sample as much delicious food (and wine!) it has to offer! Having visited many culinary hot spots within the U.S. and abroad, she has developed her palate for exciting eats and delectable drinks.

After graduating from the University of Kentucky (Go CATS!) Noel has spent over a decade honing her administrative expertise and, more recently, cultivating a knack for strategic marketing. Working with Rocky Mountain Food Tours truly allows both her personal and professional interests to coincide, making Noel one ecstatic foodie!

Olivia Faydenko

Tour Guide

Olivia is a recent graduate from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Much like her colleagues, Olivia is a world-traveler, having visited over 20 countries and territories. Close to her heart is Germany, where she lived for 4 months developing an affinity for German food and beer. 

Although not native to Colorado Springs, Olivia has truly embraced the city as home and thoroughly enjoys sharing the city’s story with her guests.