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

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

Noah Fordyce

Bike Shop Coordinator

Noah Fordyce in the Peak Adventuresa Bike Shop at Sacramento State

Education/Qualifications

7 years of professional bicycle repair experience. B.A. in History from California State University, Sacramento.

Why do you love the outdoors?
The change of environment, going on a bike ride or a walk in nature puts you in new places where you can new sights smells, and experiences. Biking or walking in the city where you would usually drive lets you learn about your town, and discover new routes and places you might otherwise never see.

Three Favorite Hobbies

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Gustavo Kilgore

Sales Specialist

Education/Qualifications
B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento.

Why do you love the outdoors?
 I love the outdoors because there is something special about adventuring and exploring in an unknown place.  Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.  I feel so much freedom when I am outdoors.

Three Favorite Hobbies
Soccer, Fast Cars, and Traveling  

Profile

Tanner Landon

Marketing & Outreach Specialist

Tanner Landon in a hammock.

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

Sliding sideways (snowboarding, surfing, skating), Traveling, and hanging out in nature (looking at bugs and plants)

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Dajoune Rogers-James

Customer Service Associate

Dajoune Rogers-James

Education/Qualifications

Pursuing a BA in Film Studies

Why do you love the outdoors?

I love the outdoors because of the alteration in being that the organic world gives in contrast to the inorganic form of the town.

Three Favorite Hobbies

Reading (nonfiction), photography (documentary) and watching movies (world cinema)

Profile

Elena Burge

Sales Assistant & Trip Leader

Elena Burge in front of the golden gate bridge

Education/Qualifications

Pursuing a B.A. in Communication Studies with a concentration in Public Relations.

Why do you love the outdoors?

I love experiencing the beauty of nature and exploring places I haven’t seen before. I love sunrise, beautiful views, and huddling near a campfire. Each trip is a new experience.

Three favorite hobbies

Biking, bouldering and cooking vegan food

Profile

Geoff Luoma

Outdoor Trip Leader & Challenge Center Team Lead

Education/Qualifications
BS in Environmental Studies, CPR & Wilderness First Aid

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 power of now. My gratitude comes from the sweetness of self-discovery, healing, and remembrance of unity that she has and will continue to show me.

Three Favorite Hobbies
Rock climbing, riding my bicycle & hanging out with my cow friends.

Profile

Khang Nguyen

Challenge Center Facilitator

Khang Nguyen in Yosemite.

Education/Qualifications
I’m currently majoring in Chemistry concentration in Biochemistry at Sacramento State and volunteering at Kaiser Permanente Hospital. I’m CPR First Aid Certified.

Why do you love the outdoors?
Be out there, you will love it as much as I do.

Three Favorite Hobbies
Traveling, Hiking, and Camping

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Karly Towne

Challenge Center Team Lead

Education/Qualifications

Bachelors of Science in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration, Wilderness First Aid Certified, Adult CPR Certified

Why do you love the outdoors?
I love the outdoors because it had so many benefits for our mental and physical health. Being in nature improves our moods, our attention spans, and lowers stress. There really is no downside to being outdoors! :) 

Three Favorite Hobbies

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Kyle Welch

Trip Leader & Outdoor Program Assistant

Education/Qualifications
Past experience in raft guiding and outdoor activity.

Why do you love the outdoors?

Since I was a kid, nature was my playground. From camping to backpacking trips, I was constantly outside. Because of this, the outdoors are the place where I feel the most at peace. Filled with adventure possibilities, nature is where memories are made.

Three Favorite Hobbies

My three favorite hobbies would have to be hiking, camping, and rafting.

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Jacob Plaugher

Bicycle Technician

Jacob Plaugher

Education/Qualifications
I am pursuing a B.A. in English and Theater

Why do you love the outdoors? 
The outdoors is a peaceful and healthy distraction for me. Also, the outdoors is a great way to meet new people.

Three Favorite Hobbies 
Coffee
Cycling
Reading

Profile

Wendi Weston

Challenge Center Team Lead

Wendi Weston with gloves in front of a rope course.

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.

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.