Our Board of Directors
Gene and his wife Chrissy moved to Northern Nevada in 2016, having been born and raised in Southern California. Gene's love of the outdoors started with camping and fishing trips with his Grandfather. That love of the outdoors led Gene to share his experiences with his children, and expanded to off road racing and riding all over California and Nevada.
After 30+ years in business, spanning Aerospace and Corporate Real Estate Services, Gene and his wife moved to Winnemucca in search of a rural lifestyle. One that would allow quick and easy access to nature, along with the trails and areas that would give them the opportunity to lead the lifestyle they desired.
Finding a home in Paradise Ranchos, they enjoy horseback riding, off road trails, and raising their horses, goats and chickens on a ranch surrounded by beautiful mountains, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
After participating in NOS events, Gene and his wife found the staff and volunteers friendly and engaging, with a passion to share the NOS philosophy.
Gene has joined NOS to help youth and adult alike, in getting the various benefits and enjoyment that the outdoors, and the NOS programs have to offer.
Tina Burke is a 24-year retiree of the United States Coast Guard Officer Corps. She grew up in Connecticut and while in the military worked and lived in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii. Tina and her husband Sean moved to Winnemucca in 2011, where they own a small hobby farm. She is a licensed Veterinary Nurse and has worked at a local small animal veterinary hospital for over 10 years.
Tina is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She loves hiking, outdoor photography, exploring back roads with Sean and their dog Maggie, and traveling to witness the beautiful wonders of nature wherever they may be found. She also competes in dressage with her horse Altanero.
Tina began volunteering with the Nevada Outdoor School in early 2022 is a huge supporter of the NOS missions and programs. She thinks it is critical that children and community members learn to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, while also learning how to respect our natural areas so that they can continue to be enjoyed far into the future.
Krystal grew up in Montana, then relocated to northern Nevada in 2011. After spending some time in Elko, she and her husband moved to Winnemucca. They have a wire-haired pointing Griffon named Yogi. She enjoys hiking, fishing, and geocaching. She learned to fish in the Ruby Mountains near Elko. She and her husband love to travel. Her favorite vacation destination so far is Belize. They also enjoy going to Reno to support the Aces baseball team. Her involvement in community and her love of the outdoors brought her to Nevada Outdoor School.
SSR Mining
sandhnelson@att.net
Originally from Montana, Heather moved to Northern Nevada in 1996, where she and her family embraced their passion for the outdoors. An avid explorer and hunter, she enjoys adventuring with her husband, sons, and now grandchildren. Her love for the wild took her to Alaska for several years, where she explored rugged terrains and native villages, savoring the beauty of the Last Frontier.
Heather’s values align closely with the Nevada Outdoor mission—encouraging exploration, responsible stewardship of our natural world, and a deep dedication to community. Whether hiking, biking, running, or hunting, you’ll often find her out on the trails, making the most of the great outdoors.
Michelle Albisu
michelle.albisu@nevadaoutdoorschool.org
Michelle is a native of Winnemucca, Nevada, where she has spent her life appreciating the state's natural beauty. She is married and has a son who shares her passion for nature. After graduating high school, Michelle joined the AmeriCorps program at Nevada Outdoor School, serving as an Outdoor Ethics Specialist. This role ignited her passion for educating the community about the joys of the outdoors. In her free time, Michelle enjoys traveling to new destinations and spends time hiking, camping, and off-roading with her family.
ABOUT US
Nevada Outdoor School inspires exploration of the natural world, responsible stewardship of our habitat and dedication to community.
CONTACT US
Winnemucca Office:
655 Anderson Street
Winnemucca, NV 89445
(775) 623-5656
Elko Office:
170 Idaho St.
Elko, NV 89801
(775) 777-0814
