Challenge Center
Valerie Regner
Director
Education/Qualifications
I have a Bachelor’s in Recreation Administration from Sacramento
State University and 15 years of Challenge Course
experience. I am also a certified Level 2 ACCT Facilitator.
Why do you love the outdoors?
It just smells better out there.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Karaoke, dancing, and staying away from social media.
John Gratton
Challenge Center Manager
Education/Qualifications
BS in kinesiology, and I am certified in CPR and Wilderness First
Aid.
Why do you love the outdoors?
The outdoors provides tons of opportunities for new experiences,
like meeting interesting people, seeing new sites, and
challenging myself both physically and mentally. Also, the
sunsets are pretty sweet, too.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Doing pull-ups on rocks, sliding on the snow with sticks, and
cruising on two wheels.
Jeremiah Cruz
Challenge Course Apprentice
Education/Qualifications
Studying Kinesiology
Why do you love the outdoors?
The views and the calmness.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Climbing, MMA, and eating.
Ryan Schumacher
Challenge Course Apprentice
Education/Qualifications
Why do you love the outdoors?
I feel a strong sense of peace when outdoors.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Climbing, camping, and board games.
Bailey-Jean Pantoni
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Pursuing a BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Why do you love the outdoors?
Being outdoors with friends is nice instead of being cooped up in
the house.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Reading, running, and being with friends.
Maya Brewer
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
A psychology major.
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love the outdoors because I love feeling connected with nature.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Painting, playing games, and reading.
Gianna Nicole Cooper
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
BS in Health Sciences with a Minor in Psychology. I am CPR and
First Aid Certified and EMT certified.
Why do you love the outdoors?
While exploring the outdoors, you learn more about the
world around you and about yourself.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Line dancing, rock climbing, and traveling
Dudley Donis
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
BA in Spanish
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love how peaceful I feel outdoors and enjoy listening to
nature’s beautiful sounds, such as birds singing or
waterfalls.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Rollerblading, horseback riding & traveling
Leonor Vega
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Majoring in Communications
Why do you love the outdoors?
Loves the peaceful feeling of being in the outdoors.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Photography, hiking, and singing.
Joe Riedell
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Retired Firefighter, CPR and First Aid Certified
Oscar Ramirez – Cortez
Challenge Course Apprentice
Education/Qualifications
Undeclared major right now, thinking about Kinisology
Why do you love the outdoors?
I grew up being outdoors with my brother, playing spots.
Favorite outdoor thing to do?
Playing ping pong, playing guitar, and spending time with friends
and family.
Noble Mahan
Program Coordinator
Education/Qualifications
Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation. Recreation Administration
minor
Favorite thing to do outdoors?
Backpacking!
Stephanie Galvan
Youth Camp Counselor, Outdoor Trip Leader, and Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Rec Parks and Tourism Admin, Wilderness and Remote First Aid
Certified, River Rescue certified, Adult and Pediatric First
Aid/CPR/AED, and 3 years working at the Challenge Center and 1
year as a camp counselor.
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love the outdoors because it helps me enter a peaceful mindset.
It also recharges and heals my body and inner self. I also love
seeing the beautiful views.
Josiah Aristizabal
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Environmental Science
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love being outside playing in the sun. If I’m not inside doing
school, I am most likely playing in the water. I cannot wait to
show people the outside!
Juan Garcia
Outdoor Trip Lead and Camp Counselor
Education/Qualifications
Pursuing a BS in Business Accounting.
Why do you love the outdoors?
It is an escape from the complexities of life.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Volleyball, watching sci-fi movies, and playing FPS games.