Challenge Center
Alex Smoot
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Why do you love the outdoors?
Three Favorite Hobbies
Javier Garcia Jr.
Challenge Center Team Lead
Education/Qualifications
Why do you love the outdoors?
Three Favorite Hobbies
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.
Sara Besaiso
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Why do you love the outdoors?
Three Favorite Hobbies
Hannah Victor
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Why do you love the outdoors?
Three Favorite Hobbies
Alexandra Sandaval
Camp Counselor
Education/Qualifications
CSUS Student
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love the sun!
Three Favorite
Hobbies
Yoga, antiquing, and rollerskating.
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.
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.
Wyatt Walker
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
6+ years of experience working in the recreation sector. CPR and
First Aid certified. Currently working towards a B. A in
Computer Science from California State University, Sacramento
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love the outdoors, as there are plenty of activities that
ensure a healthy lifestyle. Plus, it’s always nice to get out of
the house.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Photography, Computer Programming, and Biking.
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
Gavin Veiga
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Currently enrolled at Sacramento State, a film major.
Why do you love the outdoors?
I love appreciating God’s work and recharging my battery outside.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Filmmaking, playing soccer, and cooking.
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
Leonor Vega
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Majoring in Communications
Why do you love the outdoors?
Loves the peaceful feeling of being in the outdoors.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Photography, hiking, and singing.
Joe Riedell
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
Retiered Firefighter, CPR and First Aid Certified
Why do you love the outdoors?
Three Favorite Hobbies
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.
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!
Khang Nguyen
Challenge Center Facilitator
Education/Qualifications
BA Chemistry concentration in Biochemistry from Sacramento
State. I’m Wilderness First Aid & CPR First Aid Certified.
Why do you love the outdoors?
Being in nature helps me with mental health benefits, reducing
stress, improving mood, and increasing vitamin D levels.
Three Favorite Hobbies
Rock climbing, Hiking, traveling to new places