Meet Our Staff
Jeremiah Cruz
Challenge Course Apprentice
Education/Qualifications
Studying Kinesiology
Why do you love the outdoors?
The views and the calmness.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Climbing, MMA, and eating.
Ryan Schumacher
Challenge Course Apprentice
Education/Qualifications
Why do you love the outdoors?
I feel a strong sense of peace when outdoors.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Climbing, camping, and board games.
Luke Basto
Bike shop technician apprentice
Education/Qualifications
Working on an Undergrad at CSUS
Why do you love the outdoors?
I like being active/athletic and a lot of other recreational
activities.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Playing piano
Ryn
Bike shop technician
Education/Qualifications
Nutrition & Food Bachelor of Science
Why do you love the outdoors?
The effect it had on mental health. As well as doing photography
in the outdoors, and the novelty of it
Three Favorite Hobbies
Video games, photography, and crossword puzzles.
Bailey-Jean Pantoni
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Pursuing a BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Why do you love the outdoors?
Being outdoors with friends is nice instead of being cooped up in
the house.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Reading, running, and being with friends.
Isabella Valero
Bike Mechanic
Education/Qualifications
I am a third-year health science major interested in becoming a
medical sonographer. I started as an apprentice and worked
my way up to a qualified bike mechanic. I have been working at
Peak Adventures since my first year at Sac State in 2022
Maya Brewer
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
A psychology major.
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love the outdoors because I love feeling connected with nature.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Painting, playing games, and reading.
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
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
Program Coordinator
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.
Josiah Aristizabal
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Environmental Science
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love being outside playing in the sun. If I’m not inside doing
school, I am most likely playing in the water. I cannot wait to
show people the outside!
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.