Outdoor Trip Leaders
Valerie Regner
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.
Jacqi Tejada
Outdoor Trip Lead
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gjia Ayson
Outdoor Trip Leader, Youth Camp Counselor, and Challenge Center Facilitator
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!
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!
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.
Geoff Luoma
Program Coordinator
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
Helen Lester
Outdoor Trip Leader
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
Annaleise Smith
Outdoor Trip Leader & Youth Camp Counselor
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)
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.