Dawn is a second-generation commercial pilot and is the only female among the seven pilots in the Gauthier family. She grew up crewing for her dad, Ted Gauthier, and traveling around the country as his crew chief at balloon competitions. She was born into the sport and has now been a pilot for 25 years. Her balloon, Daydream, was homebuilt by her dad and she flies in memory of him. She works for Ford Motor Company leading Truck Communications and lives in Birmingham, Michigan with her husband and 9-year old twin boys.