Diane Olsen - Executive Director
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Diane knows BEAR well, serving on the Board of Directors for 8 years before becoming part of the staff. She also taught environmental education in Redwood National Park, led backpacking trips for 3 years at a therapeutic wilderness program and spent 4 years as the Youth Services Coordinator at a program serving survivors of domestic violence. She loves the work of connecting resources to BEAR's programs so that youth can meet their potential and experience the clarity and solace that can come with being in the outdoors.
[email protected]
Diane knows BEAR well, serving on the Board of Directors for 8 years before becoming part of the staff. She also taught environmental education in Redwood National Park, led backpacking trips for 3 years at a therapeutic wilderness program and spent 4 years as the Youth Services Coordinator at a program serving survivors of domestic violence. She loves the work of connecting resources to BEAR's programs so that youth can meet their potential and experience the clarity and solace that can come with being in the outdoors.
Mallory Ijames - Program & Site Coordinator
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Mallory has worked with youth most of her life; from volunteering in elementary school classes as a kid, being a summer camp counselor, after-school care leader and more, she has always had a passion for working with youth. She has a degree in Outdoor Recreation from Humboldt State University and was a kayak and backpacking guide in Northern California. She is an outdoor enthusiast who especially loves fishing, mushroom hunting and backpacking. She loves working with youth and getting them more connected to the outdoors!
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Mallory has worked with youth most of her life; from volunteering in elementary school classes as a kid, being a summer camp counselor, after-school care leader and more, she has always had a passion for working with youth. She has a degree in Outdoor Recreation from Humboldt State University and was a kayak and backpacking guide in Northern California. She is an outdoor enthusiast who especially loves fishing, mushroom hunting and backpacking. She loves working with youth and getting them more connected to the outdoors!
Ethan Saulnier - Program Leader
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Ethan recently finished an Environmental Philosophy program at UM, and joined BEAR after spending a summer at Cultivating Connections farm in Hamilton. He's excited to help BEAR's youth deepen their relationships with their peers and community, with themselves, and with the natural world. Originally from Ohio, he never wants to take the mountains for granted and tries to practice conscious gratitude for their majestic beauty everyday. He's especially interested in regenerating degraded ecosystems, creating biodiverse foodsheds, and building community resilience. Ethan finds immense satisfaction in hiking, mountain biking, slacklining, playing soccer, and reading.
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Ethan recently finished an Environmental Philosophy program at UM, and joined BEAR after spending a summer at Cultivating Connections farm in Hamilton. He's excited to help BEAR's youth deepen their relationships with their peers and community, with themselves, and with the natural world. Originally from Ohio, he never wants to take the mountains for granted and tries to practice conscious gratitude for their majestic beauty everyday. He's especially interested in regenerating degraded ecosystems, creating biodiverse foodsheds, and building community resilience. Ethan finds immense satisfaction in hiking, mountain biking, slacklining, playing soccer, and reading.
Breeze McCormack - Program Leader
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Breeze is wildly passionate about outdoor activities; spending time with her two horses and corgis is on the top of her list, along with skiing in the winter, kayaking, hiking, and fishing. Growing up in Montana definitely put her at an advantage for being able to enjoy, learn and share many outdoor activities. She looks forward to connecting with our community and youth while at BEAR!
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Breeze is wildly passionate about outdoor activities; spending time with her two horses and corgis is on the top of her list, along with skiing in the winter, kayaking, hiking, and fishing. Growing up in Montana definitely put her at an advantage for being able to enjoy, learn and share many outdoor activities. She looks forward to connecting with our community and youth while at BEAR!
Savannah Smith - Ropes Course & Program Assistant
Sav has always had a passion for outdoor activities. Horseback riding, hiking, and snowboarding are her favorites. She takes her dog along for most of her adventures. She has outdoor recreation experience in the Midwest and along the northern rockies, along with Search and Rescue training in North Central Colorado. Growing up, she was part of a program similar to B.E.A.R. and she is excited to join us!
Sav has always had a passion for outdoor activities. Horseback riding, hiking, and snowboarding are her favorites. She takes her dog along for most of her adventures. She has outdoor recreation experience in the Midwest and along the northern rockies, along with Search and Rescue training in North Central Colorado. Growing up, she was part of a program similar to B.E.A.R. and she is excited to join us!