Our Board of Directors
Brandolyn grew up in Alaska, and moved to Nevada to attend University of Nevada, Reno. She loves to laugh, take the back roads, and discover fun things along any route she happens upon. Brandolyn first served as an AmeriCorps Naturalist at Nevada Outdoor School in 2017, and later joined as staff in 2019. She holds advanced degrees in Cell and Molecular Biology and Environmental Science. Her passion is melding science, brain research and spirituality to encourage and empower others to discover their awesome potential. Brandolyn loves wildflowers, hiking, backpacking, and kayaking in the summer, and simply survives the winter by snowshoeing her way through it. She is almost always cold so she is sometimes mistaken for the abominable snowman. She plays the piano and ukulele. Brandolyn has been married to Robby for 20+ years and they have a teenaged son who loves cars and baseball.
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.
Born in Elko, NV, D’ette is a native Nevadan that knows right where home is. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education and attended Utah State University. She is an Aggie who loved hiking Logan Canyon and swimming in Bear Lake in the summers. Growing up, D’ette looked forward to the two weeks she got to spend at camp, whether for Girl Scouts or Church, it was her favorite part of Summer. She has served as a Girl Scout leader and currently works with her church’s youth group. Today D’ette works for the Northeastern Nevada Museum. She is also on the board of directors for the Nevada Museums Association. She has an immense love for the natural beauty and history of the Silver State. D’ette is very excited for the opportunity to work with the NOS Board of Directors and Staff.
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.
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
