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.
Daniel Lowe
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
I have a high school diploma and am currently attending Sac
State; I hope to graduate in 2027, I am also Belay-certified, and
CPR-certified
Why do you love the outdoors?
I like being in nature, exploring places, and seeing new
surroundings. I love traveling to national parks and exploring
what they offer, and it’s peaceful rather than in a busy
city.
Wyatt Walker
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
6+ years of experience with work in the recreation sector. CPR
and First Aid certified. Currently working towards a B.A in
Computer Science from California State University, Sacramento
Why do you love the outdoors?
I mainly love the outdoors as there are plenty of activities
outside that will ensure a healthy lifestyle. Plus, it’s always
nice to just get out of the house.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Photography, Computer Programming, and Biking.
Evelyn Diaz
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Junior at California State University of Sacramento
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love the outdoors because it gives me a different way
of being creative, that the walls of indoor activities can never
allow me to do. Being able to be outside allows me to let that
inner child come out and explore without restriction.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Rock climbing, going to the gym, and exploring new places.
Gianna Nicole Cooper
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Working on my BS in Health Sciences with a Minor in Psychology; I
am CPR & First Aid Certified and working towards my EMT
certification
Why do you love the outdoors?
Not only do you get to learn more about the world around
you, but also about yourself while exploring the outdoors.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Line dancing, rock climbing, and traveling
Mohit Sharma
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Currently Enrolled at Sacramento State studying Computer Science.
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love the outdoors because I love playing sports and just being
in the sun. I also love driving in the dark with the city lights.
Three Favorite Hobbies
1. Football 2. Driving 3. Soccer
Dudley Donis
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Majoring in Spanish
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love how peaceful I feel being outdoors and I enjoy
listening to nature’s beautiful sounds such as birds singing or
waterfalls
Three Favorite Hobbies
Rollerblading, horseback riding & traveling
Silvia Perez
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Interior Architect
Why do you love the outdoors?
I like to go on hikes and walks
Three Favorite Hobbies
Dance, photography, and Designing
Brendan Jones
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts- Digital Film/Video Production
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love the outdoors; it is my form of stress relief and
reconnection with my thoughts! A Time to reflect on what I am
grateful for and what I want to achieve next!
Three Favorite Hobbies
Hip Hop Dancing, Playing outdoors with my 1-year-old daughter,
and Watching movies with my family!
Jason Dietsch
Youth Camp Counselor and Challenge Center Facilitator
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.
Favorite outdoor thing to do?
Rock climbing
Stephanie Galvan
Youth Camp Counselor 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 2 years working at the Challenge Center and will
start as a Camp Counselor this summer.
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love the outdoors because I get into a peaceful mindset. My
body and inner self get to recharge and heal. I also love seeing
the beautiful view.
Gjia Ayson
Youth Camp Counselor and Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
BA in Psychology, CPR & Wilderness First Aid
Favorite things to do outdoors?
ANYTHING outdoors and I’m there! You can do anything indoors,
outdoors!
Angelina Fanning
Youth Camp Counselor & Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Degree in Health Science and Recreation Therapy
CPR & Wilderness First Aid
Favorite thing to do outdoors?
Caving, because I love hanging with bats :D!
Khang Nguyen
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
BA Chemistry concentration in Biochemistry from Sacramento
State. I’m Wilderness First Aid & CPR First Aid Certified.
Why do you love the outdoors?
Being in nature helps me with mental health benefits, reducing
stress, improving mood, and increasing vitamin D levels.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Rock climbing, Hiking, traveling to new places
Geoff Luoma
Outdoor Trip Leader & Challenge Center Team Lead
Education/Qualifications
BS in Environmental Studies, Wilderness First Responder
Why do you love the outdoors?
The wilderness is an abundant source of energy that is
ever-giving of lessons and opportunities. I love the outdoors
because Mother Earth constantly welcomes us into the
all-expanding and joyous power of now.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Pulling granite, riding my bicycle & throwing a frisbee
Wendi Weston
Challenge Center Team Lead
Education
AA in Fashion Design, BA Family and Consumer Sciences, Minor in
Recreation and Leisure Studies, Credentials in Home Economics and
Health Science.
Qualifications
Wilderness First Aid, Infant, Child, Adult CPR/First Aid, AED,
Class B Permit. Wendi has been part of Peak Adventures since
2002. She has worked with many different groups on the Peak
Adventure Challenge Center along with being contracted to work at
other courses in the area. She has taught over 7 years in the
public school system including junior high and high school
students. Wendi has over 15 years of youth camp leadership
and training for both elementary school students and teenagers.
Taught an aspiring young artist for 3 years and currently has her
own women and children accessories design business creating
beautiful one of a kind fabric creations.
Favorite Thing About Peak Adventures
Being part of Peak Adventures has provided so much growth in my
professional and personal life. Each day on the Challenge Center
I have the opportunity to mentor, share and learn with both my
fellow “Peakies” and clients. I love to go to work!!!
Without ASI’s support for Peak Adventures this would never have
happened.
John Gratton
Challenge Center Manager
Education/Qualifications
BS in Kinesiology and I am CPR and Wilderness First Aid
certified.
Why do you love the outdoors?
The outdoors provides tons of opportunities for new experiences.
Experiences like meeting interesting people, seeing new sites and
challenging myself both physically and mentally. Also the
sunsets, those are pretty sweet too.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Doing pull ups on rocks, sliding on the snow with sticks and
cruising on two wheels.
Nikita Cherepanov
Peak Adventures Challenge Center Team Lead & Youth Camp Counselor
Education/Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. CPR & Wilderness
First Aid
Why do you love the outdoors?
It allows me to be at peace. It’s an incredibly tranquil place
for me that still challenges me in fun ways. I also love the
outdoors because you can see the most beautiful sights out there
that can’t be found anywhere else.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Choosing just three is a hard choice but they are probably
watching movies or shows, reading books, and singing.