Meet Our Staff
Sasha Smirnova
Director
Education/Qualifications
Masters degree in Educational Leadership and Administration and
Bachelors of Science in Secondary Education from New Mexico State
University
Why do you love the outdoors?
It has the ability to humble and empower you at the same time.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Rock climbing, hanging out with my dogs, and eating pizza.
Valerie Regner
Associate 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.
Rad Beauton
Bike Shop Manager
Education/Qualifications
10+ years of bike shop experience, UBI certified Mechanic, and
LCI certified instructor.
Why do you love the outdoors?
The outdoors lets me get away from it all. Nothing lets me
decompress as much as night under the stars in my favorite
sleeping bag.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Bikes!! (cyclocross, mountain biking, bike packing, touring, and
daily commuting), music, and board games.
Miguel Valle
Outdoor Adventures Manager
Education/Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Bachelor of
Science in Education-Exercise Science, Master’s in Management of
Information Systems (Fall 2020), Wilderness First Responder, 6
years of Outdoor Education Experience, Registered Behavioral
Technician.
Why do you love the outdoors?
The outdoors brings out the best in people and helps people
connect in a deep and meaningful way. It’s a chance to
reset, relax, and feel empowered.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Climbing, playing guitar, motorcycle adventures.
Tori Weber
Sales and Outreach Specialist
Education/Qualifications
Graduated with honors with a BA in History and a minor in
Anthropology. Four years experience working with
California State Parks and Recreation.
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love the outdoors because it makes me feel alive! Being in
nature allows me to step back and see the big picture – that
we’re here to enjoy life and spent time with loved ones.
Three Favorite Hobbies
I love spontaneous roadtrips/traveling, hiking, and yoga with my
dogs!
Tanner Landon
Marketing Specialist
Education/Qualifications
B.A. in Communication Studies with a concentration in Mass Media
from Sacramento State University.
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.
John Gratton
Challenge Center Program Assistant
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 my bike.
Alexis O’Donnell
Sales Assistant
Education/Qualifications
Currently a student here at Sac State majoring in Communications
with a concentration in Public Relations as well as a minor in
Marketing! #stingersup
Why do you love the outdoors?
There is always something new to see!
Three Favorite Hobbies
Petting dogs, taking pictures of the food I eat, and thrifting my
paycheck away!
Sierra Johnson
Customer Service Associate
Qualifications/Education: I’m a senior pursuing a B.S in Recreation Administration with a concentration in Recreation and Park Management. I’ve completed both certificate programs for Hospitality and Tourism Management and Event Planning.
Why Do you love the outdoors? For the view! It’s a place for me to escape from city life. I love to embrace all the benefits nature has to offer and I find it exciting to discover new routes that can lead me to some of the most unforgettable sights, whether it be along the way or at the end.
Angel Phong
Customer Service Associate
Education/Qualifications
I have worked in customer service since I have been tall enough
to see over the counter! I strive to make every experience a
memorable one for customers. Helping others brings me great joy
and satisfaction. Currently I am studying accounting and
marketing so that I can continue my passion of working with
people.
Why do you love the outdoors?
The outdoors is where I feel I thrive. Whether I am soaking up
the sun rays or splashing in rain puddles, I am at my best.
Nothing can get me down if I am outside. My most memorable
camping moment was when a small deer came into my camp and stole
my bag of pickles. It was such a magical moment that I couldn’t
even be mad.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Watching movies (80’s action flicks are my favorite), building
sandcastles (I won an international sandcastle competition in
high school), and crafts (I recently got into candle making with
the hope of selling them on Etsy).
Mia Summer Perez
Customer Service Associate
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.