Outdoor Trips Staff
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, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness
First Aid (WFA) Instructor, CPR/AED, Climbing Wall Instructor
(CWI), River Rescue Certification(RRC), Raft Guide Certification,
8 years of Outdoor Education Experience.
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.
Thomas Hara
Bicycle Technician + Trip Leader
Education/Qualifications
Currently pursuing a B.S. in Computer Engineering
Why do you love the outdoors?
If I ever need to take a break from my hectic urban life, I
always choose to go outdoors. I also love landscape photography,
so that’s forever a plus.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Biking, photography, and late-night driving.
Kyle Murphy
Outdoor Trip Leader & Challenge Center Team Lead
Education/Qualifications
200 hours of Yoga Instructors Training, Wilderness First
Responder, CPR, LNT Trainer, AIARE 1, Studying Wilderness
Education at Lake Tahoe Community College.
Why do you love the outdoors?
The wilderness highlights our true nature by forcing us to
overcome difficult circumstances, and thereby bringing us closer
to our higher selves. My love of the wilderness derives from a
deep desire within myself to live everyday by those values
which infuse love, excitement, wisdom and knowledge into my life.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Rock climbing, mountaineering, and white water rafting.
Mia Summer Perez
Customer Service Associate & Trip Leader
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.
Aliza Young
Outdoor Trip Leader & Customer Service Associate
Education/Qualifications
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Nursing.
Why do you love the outdoors?
The scenic views. The smell of a campfire and the ocean waters.
The feeling of fulfillment after a successful trip.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Reading, Snorkeling, and going to Drive-In-Theaters.
Amber Peters
Trip Leader
Education/Qualifications
I have been biking my whole life and love participating in
races/rides.
Why do you love the outdoors?
I feel most at home outdoors, on a trail with nothing but my
pack, some water, and my friends.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Vegan recipe development, hiking, and cycling.
Marie Welch
Trip Leader & Outdoor Program Assistant
Education/Qualifications
Hope to have my BA in Liberal Studies by December
Why do you love the outdoors?
My mother is from rural Dominican Republic and from a young age she brought me out there and my love for nature grew from there. It’s a place where you can connect with something greater than yourself and it’s where I find the most joy in life.
Three Favorite Hobbies
River Rafting
Singing
Hiking
Kyle Welch
Trip Leader & Outdoor Program Assistant
Education/Qualifications
Past experience in raft guiding and outdoor activity.
Why do you love the outdoors?
Since I was a kid, nature was my playground. From camping to backpacking trips, I was constantly outside. Because of this, the outdoors are the place where I feel the most at peace. Filled with adventure possibilities, nature is where memories are made.
Three Favorite Hobbies
My three favorite hobbies would have to be hiking, camping, and rafting.
Annaleise Smith
Outdoor Trip Program Assistant & Customer Service Associate
Qualifications/Education: CPR certified
Why Do you love the outdoors? I love the outdoors because its exciting to explore nature and see the beauty it has to offer.
What are your 3 favorite hobbies? My three favorite hobbies are writing, exploring, and reading.
Elena Burge
Outdoor trip Program Assistant
Education/Qualifications
Pursuing a B.A. in Communication Studies with a concentration in Public Relations.
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love experiencing the beauty of nature and exploring places I haven’t seen before. I love sunrise, beautiful views, and huddling near a campfire. Each trip is a new experience.
Three favorite hobbies
Roller skating, singing, and trying interesting vegan food!