Our Team
Meet the Staff
Chris Santomero (He/Him)
Carlos Collins (He/Him)
DAVID FOSTER (HE/ANY)
JASPER MILLS (ANY)
KELSEY WADMAN (SHE/HER)
LIZZY DAVIS (THEY/THEM)
LUPE FLORES (SHE/HER)
Instructor Staff
Gage Hausheer (He/They)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PAUL BROWN
CONTRACT CFO
BROWN VENTURES
ANGEL CADENA
STAFF SOFTWARE ENGINEER
ILLUMINA
BJ COOK
President
85SIXTY
DANE G. BUSTRUM
Principal, CFO
MarshMcLennan Agency
RICKY SCHLESINGER; CHAIR
RETIRED EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
EAGLE CREEK TRAVEL GEAR
SERGIO LANGARICA; VICE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
SONY ELECTRONICS
STEIN LUNDBY; VICE PRESIDENT
LEAD CORPORATE TECHNOLOGY AND R&D STRATEGIST
QUALCOMM, INC
BEN MAXWELL
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF DIVISION OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
RADY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
ESTHER NORTHRUP
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STATE REGULATORY AFFAIRS
COX COMMUNICATIONS
ALE RICARDEZ
COMMUNITY & PROVIDER ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
BLUE SHIELD OF CALIFORNIA PROMISE HEALTH PLAN
ADRIANNA KRIPKE
ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL – ENVIRONMENTAL & REAL ESTATE LAW
SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY
ANGELA YUTANGCO
managing director of hr services
SAYva solutions
LUZ NUNEZ
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS, hr strategy & policy
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
ADVISORY COUNCIL
NOAH BEN-ADERET, PH.D.
Fisheries Ecologist
NOAA
DOUGLAS BURKE; Board Member Emeritus
PRESIDENT & CO FOUNDER
COGNITIVE MEDICAL SYSTEMS
LETICIA CAZARES, MPH
Cazares Coaching & Consulting Services
BRUCE DUNCAN PERRY, M.D., PH.D.
FOUNDER/SENIOR FELLOW
THE CHILD TRAUMA ACADEMY
JANIE DECELLES
CONSERVATION ADVOCATE & COMMUNITY LEADER
DAVID PRICE
Corporate Innovation Director
PriceSmart
CHRIS RUTGERS; Outdoor Outreach Founder
Executive Director
Transforming Youth Outdoors
SHELBY STANGER; Board Member Emeritus
Creator & Host
WILD IDEAS WORTH LIVING
TRACI VERARDO-TORRES
Founder
TVT CONSULTING
ANDRES ARRIAGA (HE/HIM)
As a Youth Programs Coordinator at Outdoor Outreach, I lead a team of our instructors and help facilitate a fun and enjoyable experience for the youth who get to take part in our programs.
I love being a representative of the BIPOC community in the outdoors and showing kids that they have role models who look like them getting after it outside. I’ve worked in the outdoor industry for the last 8 years and never felt like I was able to integrate because of my background. But it is my goal through Outdoor Outreach to show our participants that we are capable and we can do it too. I look forward to growing at Outdoor Outreach and continuing to help the kids in our communities really understand the healing powers of being out in the wild.
My introduction to the outdoor industry was through climbing and to this day continues to be my activity of choice. I love spending time in the mountains with friends and pups, looking for the next project to work on.
BEN MCCUE (HE/HIM)
Chris Santomero (He/Him)
Prior to joining Outdoor Outreach, I worked as the outdoor education program coordinator at The Ocean Institute, a non-profit focused on experiential education, scientific research, and marine conservation. I’ve lived and worked in many places including Yosemite NP, on a whale watching boat in the pacific, and on a ranch in the Cleveland National Forest. Outside of work I enjoy hiking, gardening, playing music, backpacking, and sailing.
As the Leadership Program Associate Manager, I have the privilege of coordinating and co-facilitating the Outdoor Outreach Leadership Program — an 8 to 13 week paid training course where youth have the opportunity to gain valuable leadership, workforce, civic engagement, and outdoor industry skills. I help fulfill the Outdoor Outreach mission by curating this program that connects youth with the transformative power of the outdoors. I believe that the outdoors can be a place of healing and can teach a person so much about themselves as well as the world around them.
My favorite part of my job is being able to connect and learn from cohorts of exceptional young adults, while spending time in beautiful places and sharing new experiences. To be able to take the experience that I’ve had, finding healing and inspiration from outdoor spaces, and utilize similar experiences to encourage youth to find their voice and cultivate personal and professional growth is both a big responsibility and a privilege. Building a supportive and impactful community, and seeing first hand how these experiences transform youth for the better, is the drive that keeps me motivated every day.
chris.santomero@outdooroutreach.org
Chris Santomero (He/Him)
As a Youth Programs Assistant, I help Outdoor Outreach fulfill its mission by handling paperwork for trips and supporting my coordinators. Knowing I can play a role in helping the youth in our community get the opportunity to experience outdoor activities is one of the biggest reasons why I love supporting this organization.
carlos.collins@outdooroutreach.org
DAVID FOSTER (HE/HIM)
Prior to joining OO, I was a Zoo Keeper and Tour Guide for Wild Wonders as well as the Development Supervisor for San Diego Zoo Global’s Wildlife Conservancy. I find nothing more rewarding than connecting with people to a greater purpose and helping them find their passion. I have had the pleasure of working in the non-profit sector for the last 15 years over 30 different organizations. I currently live in a tiny mountain town on an ecological reserve. We don’t have any traffic lights or even a gas pump. Our entire town gets together for a monthly music night – it’s weird but I love it!
As the Logistics Senior Coordinator, I am always most excited about the variety of tasks my role serves. Getting to help others and inspiring passion while finding fun and excitement is critical for my work happiness.
What I love most about Outdoor Outreach is getting the opportunity to inspire young people and help shape their passion for the outdoors and recreation. I love all the connections that we build through actions and words. We are helping to build a more positive and healthy future for our youth, our community and our planet.
david.foster@outdooroutreach.org
GABY JASSO (SHE/HER)
Accounting Coordinator
As an Operations Field Coordinator, I assist in overseeing group management and mitigating risks throughout our programs. I also support the Operations team in Field Instructor development such as training, evaluations, and record-keeping as well as trip logistics and preparation as needed.
When I am out on trips my focus is to make sure they leave with a smile on their face. I love showing them the outdoors that is around them and seeing the “whoa!” on their face. My favorite thing to hear is “I’m happy I came out on the trip today!” I enjoy making connections with the youth that I work with because most of them remind me of when I was a participant. I try my best to give back to the youth of our community and give them experiences that they’ll never forget, just like the experiences I had.
gaby.jasso@outdooroutreach.org
KELSEY WADMAN (SHE/HER)
Director of Foundation and Government Relations
As Director of Foundation and Government Relations I connect with funding partners who share our passion for youth development and the beautiful natural spaces throughout San Diego County and beyond. Philanthropy in San Diego is a bustling and uplifting field and it’s my honor to represent Outdoor Outreach within our funding community. I am also an active member of San Diego Women’s Foundation, where I practice collective, trust-based philanthropy with our membership of over 200. Prior to joining the team at Outdoor Outreach, I worked in development with Just in Time for Foster Youth, Center for Community Solutions, and San Diego Audubon.
My time at San Diego Audubon got me completely hooked on birding! I’ve passed on my love for our avian friends to my two young sons, who both know how to listen for woodpeckers and point out our common backyard birds. There is something about birding that brings about a sense of being present, and there’s nothing more exciting than spotting a bird you’ve never seen before. I also enjoy hiking, camping, snorkeling, paddle boarding and native plant gardening. My partner and I met when we lived and worked in Yosemite National Park.
kelsey.wadman@outdooroutreach.org
Kyla Krause (She/Her)
Associate Office Manager
As the Administrative Coordinator, I help support and advance our human resources, accounting and administrative functions. I work closely with the Human Resources Manager as well as the Senior Director of Finance and Administration to ensure our awesome staff have the tools and systems they need to carry on.
A shared value I cherish with Outdoor Outreach is the belief that when young people explore their world and overcome challenges, they can connect to a new sense of what they can do and be. We are so fortunate to have an abundance of diversity in California and our outdoor spaces should mirror that. One of my favorite key initiatives is the opportunity for young people to learn about Outdoor Advocacy and engage with decision-makers to promote meaningful changes for future generations.
Though my role requires a lot of screen time, I try to spend my free time outside! My pup, Howdy, takes me to the dog beach as much as possible, I enjoy exploring the Sierra Nevadas and camping with friends on the Central Coast. If you’d like to learn more or just have a general question, please reach out and I’d be happy to point you in the right direction.
kyla.krause@outdooroutreach.org
Lizzy Davis (She/They)
Operations Assistant Manager
Throughout my life, my work has been to uplift the voices of those most harmed by white supremacy and colonialism.
I received my Masters in Peace and Justice from the University of San Diego in 2019. During that time, I did peacebuilding work in Culiacan, Mexico, interned with the United Nations Association, and studied nonprofits in Guatemala.
Prior to joining OO, I worked as a grassroots organizer with SAY San Diego. My passion for the outdoors stems from an internal drive to connect kindly with myself, my ancestors, and earth as frequently as possible. My favorite ways to engage in the outdoors are rock climbing, watching the ocean, and swimming. As the Operations Assistant Manager, I build relationships with our field instructors, develop and implement training, contribute to risk management, and collaborate within the org to improve our programs. My work is rooted in decolonization and creating equitable spaces. You’ll find me doing this through building deep and meaningful relationships with those I work with. I love that OO has been a leader in this work for so long and am grateful to be a part of the team.
Manuel Belmonte (He/Him/El)
Operations Manager
Prior coming to OO, I was a staff research associate at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. I worked in a quality control CO2 lab as an analytical chemist and was involved in hydrographic cruises around the world. I also co-founded Latino Outdoors – San Diego (LOSD), the Center for Interdisciplinary Environmental Justice (CIEJ) and am part of the San Diego Mountain Rescue Team (SDMRT). Some fun facts about me are that I love music! I like to geek out on finding new music. I love to play music and accidentally collect different instruments, and can typically pick up any instrument and learn how to play it.
As the Operations Manager, I help by supporting the operations team in its efforts by providing logistical support to ensure OO’s programming happens, trainings, oversee risk management practices, thought partnership for vision and direction of operations, building relationships with our field instructors to address the needs and concerns they have in performing their duties. Oh, and occasionally, I get to recreate for a living!
I love that Outdoor Outreach’s impact in the community revolves around equity by focusing its efforts in low-income, diverse communities: which are very similar to the communities I grew up in. The best part of my job is the team, the environment they create, and their supporting energy!
manuel.belmonte@outdooroutreach.org
Matt Smith (He/Him)
Senior Director of Programs
As the Senior Director of Programs, I support the overall growth and management of programs and ensure that everyone has the resources they need for successful program development and diversity.
So many young students in our community have not noticed the world of adventures here in their own San Diego backyard. I love getting the chance to show them the amazing parts of this city and even this state. The best part of my job are the connections and opportunities to mentor the students and staff we work with. I have been working for nearly a decade in the outdoor rec’ and non-profit world. I started with Outdoor Outreach in 2011 as an intern and have worn many hats with Outdoor Outreach since.
Fun Fact: before joining the Outdoor Outreach team I was among many things; a professional clown, Park Ranger for the National Park Service, Environmental Science Teacher, International Service Group Guide, Trail Crew Leader, and Adventure Camp Director
matt.smith@outdooroutreach.org
Mike Kowalski (He/Him)
Youth Programs Coordinator
Before joining Outdoor Outreach I worked in the outdoor industry for 7 years, starting out as a gear outfitter then eventually working as a hiking and climbing guide. I enjoyed sharing my experience and passion for the outdoors with others.
I love Outdoor Outreach’s mission because the outdoor experience is truly a transformative one that all young people deserve to enjoy, regardless of their background or circumstances. I was eager to become part of the Outdoor Outreach team as a Youth Programs Assistant Coordinator to seek out the people and communities who stand to benefit the most from experiencing the sublime beauty and serenity that comes with recreating outside, designing programs that create confidence and fulfillment for youth.
When I’m not working in the office or in the field, I can be found looking for inspiration while rock climbing, cooking, stargazing or writing fiction–and you might occasionally hear me outside, from a distance, singing a sea shanty or three.
Molly Morelli (She/Her)
Senior Director of Finance & Administration
I grew up hiking, biking, and kayaking in the outdoors of my home town in Pennsylvania. My love of outdoor recreation inspired my career path to provide similar opportunities for youth. I spent 5 years in Chicago working in various programmatic and administrative roles at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. In the past, I have also worked with outdoor recreation programs; starting as a camp counselor throughout my college years before becoming a full-time manager at the YMCA in 2006.
As the Senior Director of Finance and Administration, I help our program and development teams focus on their important work by supporting the organization’s financial, HR and administrative needs.
What I love about Outdoor Outreach the most is the people. Whether it’s the Leadership Program students, instructors, office staff or participants, everyone brings a passion and energy for the work we do, making it easy and enjoyable to come to the office each day! I believe that we actively promote the heart and soul of San Diego, working to share outdoor experiences with everyone, not just those who have easy access.
molly.morelli@outdooroutreach.org
Nicole Morris (She/They/Him)
Youth Programs Associate Manager
As a Youth Programs Associate Manager, I’m often supporting the youth programs team and managing community partnerships. This also means that at times I act as a bridge between multiple departments, supporting with interdepartmental initiatives, grant reporting, and trainings.
I love working with Outdoor Outreach because of our commitment to making infrastructural change in our organization and in our local community. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature and all that it has to offer. My favorite way to do this is to get in the water, either snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, or paddle boarding!
nicole.morris@outdooroutreach.org
Ramona Wallace (She/her)
Senior Coordinator of Outreach and Fundraising
In my role as the Senior Coordinator of Outreach & Fundraising, I have the opportunity to ethically tell the stories of the unique experiences of our youth and team. What excites me the most about being part of Outdoor Outreach is being able to support youth in finding their voice and challenging themselves, whether it’s through learning a new skill or finding out something about themselves.
Throughout my 10+ years in the informal and environmental education field, I have had the honor of providing youth and adults with the chance to build connection with nature, while inspiring them to be environmental stewards. With an M.A. in Biology and experience working with local communities in Belize, Namibia, and Mongolia, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from people who are advocating for independence, accessibility to resources, and wildlife conservation. I’m grateful to have these chances to learn and be able to apply it to my work with Outdoor Outreach. Just as I encourage youth to approach challenges by choice, I try to challenge myself by learning a new skill and traveling somewhere new every season- you never know what you might discover!
ramona.wallace@outdooroutreach.org
Salina Sanchez (She/Her)
Human Resources Manager
Prior to joining OO, I worked in hospitality as a Human Resources Generalist for a large hotel company. I’ve held many jobs within the hospitality industry, but I am most passionate about working in Human Resources. What I enjoyed most about my previous job is getting to work with so many different people. OO is my first job in both the non-profit and outdoor recreation space. I am very excited to now be a part of both!
I fully believe in Outdoor Outreach’s mission to help transform the lives of young people with the positive experiences and connections made in the outdoors. As a Human Resources Manager, I assist the organization in recruitment, staff training, and development, as well as provide support to staff with the navigation of HR policies and processes. What I like most about working in HR is helping others to reach their full potential while helping the organization fulfill their mission. In my free time, I enjoy long-distance and trail running, hiking, camping, and backpacking.
salina.sanchez@outdooroutreach.org
Santos Plaza (He/Him)
Leadership Program Coordinator
Prior to joining OO, I was in High school working with volunteers across San Diego County. I was the president of a student-run organization at The O’Farrell Charter Schools. I also was working as a student aid at the same school. A fun fact about me is that I am the fourth Santos in my family. I am proudly Samoan and love to be in the ocean, desperately wishing I could speak with sea turtles. Outside of work I enjoy playing some card games with my family and friends.
As an instructor, I am side by side with other instructors directing the youths we serve to challenge themselves to their comfort, with all the activities and programs we offer.
What I love most about Outdoor Outreach is the way that we provide youth with an environment that feels welcoming and supportive – a place where they can truly be themselves. I love working face to face with young men and women. Seeing their faces light up when they’ve had their epiphanies, or when they are proud of achieving their goal for that day; that makes my day.
santos.plaza@outdooroutreach.org
Sunny Chang (She/Her)
Youth Programs Senior Manager
As the Youth Programs Senior Manager, my role is to keep our programs functioning smoothly. On a typical day, I take care of administrative duties in the office and then go out in the field to lead a trip with students. The best part of my job is exposing youth to outdoor activities and places for the first time, and watching them be transformed through these experiences. I love seeing how it brightens their day and gives them joy; for some, it can be a life-changing event. All in all, to spread positivity is the most rewarding feeling ever. I love that OO introduces the kids to their own backyard. Through these amazing sights and activities, the students are able to feel connected to their surroundings and each other. It cultivates a culture of care, respect and responsibility for the community.
After graduating from UCSC with a double major in Sociology and Wilderness Therapy, I worked with several youth organizations, leading adventure activities, backpacking trips and challenge courses. I have always been involved in some form of education and instruction with youth. I have been with OO for about 9 years now.
When I’m not working, I try to play metal songs on my ukulele. My other passions include spending quality time with friends and family, surfing, rock climbing, and playing disc golf.
sunny.chang@outdooroutreach.org
Alexis (She/Her)
As a field instructor, it is my responsibility to help youth build their knowledge and confidence by teaching them how to safely perform outdoor based activities. I love how Outdoor Outreach provides an opportunity to challenge youth in our community, watch them grow and see them acknowledge what they are capable of. My favorite way to spend time outdoors is backpacking because I get to enjoy the beautiful nature our world has to offer and disconnect from technology.
Angela (She/Her)
Field Instructor
I am a Field Instructor at Outdoor Outreach. I help lead trips to help the youth be able to experience the outdoors. I love that Outdoor Outreach impact’s the community by encouraging the youth to be more connected to the outdoors. My favorite way to spend time outdoors is to see the ocean waves crash.
Gage Hausheer (He/Him)
Field Instructor
As a field instructor, I help introduce kids to outdoor activities such as climbing, hiking, kayaking, surfing, mountain biking, camping, and more because these trips help participants discover new potential passions!
I appreciate that Outdoor Outreach provides opportunities to participants that they might not have had otherwise so that the youth of San Diego county can learn to love and live an active lifestyle in nature and make meaningful connections with their peers while doing so.
My favorite outdoor activity is swimming because I’ve always lived by the water and enjoyed the peaceful space it provides. Camping because I get to enjoy my favorite people and cook tasty food in cooler places. Finally, I especially love climbing with friends because climbers seem to create the most welcoming and intellectually benevolent communities I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of.
Noel (She/Her)
Youth Programs Coordinator
As a Field Instructor at Outdoor Outreach, I am passionate about creating space and increasing accessibility to the outdoors for everyone. I believe that connecting youth to the outdoors can be life-changing just as it has been for my personal journey.
I love that Outdoor Outreach supports youth by building their confidence through learning new skills, challenging themselves, and raising self-awareness. I would like to inspire youth to develop a relationship with the outdoors and experience the transformative qualities that nature has to offer.
I have a Bachelors degree in Sociology and have worked in the non-profit sector since 2018. I’m thankful to be a part of this amazing team and am looking forward to many adventures ahead!
Quinten (He/Him)
Field Instructor
As a field instructor, I assist in the awesome trips OO are able to run. I am fortunate to work with some of the fantastic youth of San Diego helping facilitate different outdoor and team-building activities!
I was born and raised in San Diego and became someone constantly drawn to the outdoors and the preserved spaces throughout the county at a young age! While working with OO, I am able to connect youth with these sacred spaces that are in our own backyard. I am honored to have the ability of leading trips with youth who are able to connect with the natural environment we live around simultaneously learning new skills and becoming proficient at a new outdoor activity.
Before joining Outdoor Outreach I was a professional cyclist. I was able to travel to and race in 10 different counties over a handful of years! I was able to use the bicycle as a vessel to travel and experience different cultures, people, and natural environments. I’ve worked in and around the bike industry for nearly a decade. I am always excited to go on a mountain bike ride and you can most likely find me pedaling around somewhere scenic on a day off.
Stefanie (She/Her)
Field Instructor
I love working with youth and combining my work with my passion for the outdoors! I hope to provide memorable experiences that will spark a love for our environment in others.