Meet Our Staff
Evelyn Diaz
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Junior at California State University, 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 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
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
Sophia Gomez
Challenge Center Apprentice
Education/Qualifications
Majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Why do you love the outdoors?
I like spending time outside where it’s nice and relaxing.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Going on runs, hanging out with friends, and watching
movies.
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
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
Outdoor Trip Leader, Youth Camp Counselor, and Challenge Center Facilitator
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.
Journey Thompson
Outdoor Trip Leader and Explorer Camp Counselor
Education/Qualifications
Certification in Natural Resource Management. BS in Recreation
Administration.
Why do you love the outdoors?
I feel most like myself when I’m outdoors. It brings me peace
like nothing else.
Three favorite hobbies?
Hiking, reading, and running.
Angelina Fanning
Outdoor Trip Leader, 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!
Raymond Madeiros
Camp Counselor and Outdoor Trip Leader
Education/Qualifications
Majoring in Kinesiology
Why do you love the outdoors?
I feel connected to the balance and beauty of nature.
Three favorite hobbies?
Working out, skating, and arts & crafts.
Destiny Perez
Sales Assistant
Education/Qualifications
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Why do you love the outdoors?
There is always so much to explore when it comes to the outdoors;
I think that is why I feel so inclined to see what the earth has
to offer. I am never not amazed by how much there is to learn out
there. That and there are incredible animals.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Drawing, Playing Video Games, trying to figure out how chess
works
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.
Lucia Gamon
Front Desk
Education/Qualifications
Pursuing a BA in Accounting and Film
Why do you love the outdoors?
It is a nice getaway!
Three Favorite Hobbies
Sculpting, yapping, racing my slow car!
Katherine Hutchison
Customer Service Associate
Education/Qualifications
Pursuing a BS in Biochem
Why do you love the outdoors?
How peaceful and beautiful it is. She also loves going outside with friends!
Three Favorite Hobbies
Hiking, running, and reading.
Dean Larrick
Front Desk
Helen Lester
Outdoor Trip Leader and Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Studying Geology. WFR, Switft water, and SAR Trained.
Why do you love the outdoors?
“I love the outdoors bc of the mystery of why it is what
it is and is what I study. But I also just love to play”
Three Favorite Hobbies
Climbing, playing guitar, and rocks