Outdoor Trip Leaders

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

Jacqi Tejada

Outdoor Trip Lead

Tejada in front of a tree

Education/Qualifications
BS in Earth Systems Science from UC Merced

Why do you love the outdoors?
I love it because there is always something new to experience. It is human nature to be drawn to the natural world around us, and everyone connects with it in their own way.

Three Favorite Hobbies
I enjoy traveling and exploring new places, anything art-related (museums, painting, sketching, etc.), and spending way too much money on coffee and Pokémon cards.

Profile

Joelle Sullfrank

Outdoor Trip Lead and Camp Counselor

Education/Qualifications
BS Degree

Why do you love the outdoors?
It’s where I feel the most comfortable.

Three Favorite Hobbies
Tennis, dancing, and running.

Profile

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. 

Profile

Noble Mahan

Outdoor Trip Leader, Youth Camp Counselor, and Challenge Center Facilitator

Noble

Education/Qualifications
Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation. Recreation Administration minor

Favorite thing to do outdoors?
Backpacking!

 

Profile

Stephanie Galvan

Youth Camp Counselor, Outdoor Trip Leader, and Challenge Center Facilitator

Stephanie and her dog

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. 

Profile

Journey Thompson

Outdoor Trip Leader and Explorer Camp Counselor

Journey in front of a waterfall in Yosemite

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.

Profile

Gjia Ayson

Outdoor Trip Leader, Youth Camp Counselor, and Challenge Center Facilitator

Gija

Education/Qualifications
BA in Psychology, CPR & Wilderness First Aid

Favorite things to do outdoors?
ANYTHING outdoors and I’m there! You can do anything indoors, outdoors!

 

Profile

Angelina Fanning

Outdoor Trip Leader, Youth Camp Counselor & Challenge Center Facilitator

Ang

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!

 

Profile

Alondra Flores

Outdoor Trip Leader and Camp Counselor

Education/Qualifications
Psychology Major 

Why do you love the outdoors?
It helps me feel connected to something bigger than myself.

Three favorite hobbies?
Going to coffee shops with friends, seeing live music, and going to ANY park. 

Profile

Geoff Luoma

Program Coordinator

Geoff in a cave

Education/Qualifications
BS in Environmental Studies, Wilderness First Responder

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 and joyous power of now.  

Three Favorite Hobbies
Pulling granite, riding my bicycle & throwing a frisbee

Post

Helen Lester

Outdoor Trip Leader

Helen Lester

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

Post

Annaleise Smith

Outdoor Trip Leader & Youth Camp Counselor

Annaleise at the beach

Qualifications/Education: Pursuing B.A in Communication Studies, CPR & Wilderness First Aid

Why do you love the outdoors? I love the outdoors because it connects us with ourselves, others, and Mother Nature. Every adventure creates meaningful and life-long memories. Adventure is out there!

What are your three favorite hobbies? Backpacking, growing plants, and petting Chicken (my cat)

Profile

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.