Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Staff

Overview
Profile

Valerie Regner

Director

Valerie Regner standing in front of a net.

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.

Profile

Ross Garner

Outdoor Adventure Manager

Ross Garner on a raft

Education/Qualifications
Graduate Degree in Outdoor Leadership from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from California State University Sacramento.

Why do you love the outdoors?
The Outdoors has the greatest potential to cultivate positive change in a person.

Three Favorite Hobbies
Rafting, All Sci-Fi/Horror, Music Festivals

Profile

Tanner Landon

Marketing & Outreach Specialist

Tanner Landon in front of a waterfall.

Education/Qualifications
B.A. in Communication Studies with a concentration in Mass Media from California State University, Sacramento. 

Why do you love the outdoors? 
It’s where I get the most out of life. It’s where I feel the most alive and connected, both to people and to nature.

Three Favorite Hobbies
Rock climbing, photography, and snowboarding.

Profile

John Gratton

Challenge Center Manager

John Gratton in a polo shirt standing in front of a tree.

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.

Profile

Mia Summer Perez

Outdoor Trip Leader

Mia Summer Perez standing in a lush green field.

Education/Qualifications
Pursuing a B.S. in Biology with emphasis in ecology, conservation, and evolution.

Why do you love the outdoors? 
There is a lot to learn from nature, I love the simplicity and elegance.

Three Favorite Hobbies
Running, backpacking, and trying new coffee shops.

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Aliza Young

Outdoor Trip Leader & Customer Service Associate

Education/Qualifications
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Nursing.

Why do you love the outdoors? 
The scenic views. The smell of a campfire and the ocean waters. The feeling of fulfillment after a successful trip.

Three Favorite Hobbies 
Reading, Snorkeling, and going to Drive-In-Theaters.

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Annaleise Smith

Outdoor Trip Leader & Customer Service Associate

Qualifications/Education: CPR certified

Why Do you love the outdoors? I love the outdoors because its exciting to explore nature and see the beauty it has to offer.

What are your 3 favorite hobbies?  My three favorite hobbies are writing, exploring, and reading.