Melanie Erquiaga | Executive Director Melanie.Erquiaga@Nevadaoutdoorschool.org
Melanie was born in Los Alamos, New Mexico and moved with her family to Idaho where she spent most of her childhood growing up on the family farm; she is the youngest of five children. She moved to Winnemucca in 1983 and met her husband Mike, a Winnemucca native, in 1986. She moved to Boise, Idaho after graduation where she attended ITT Technical Institute. After working for a while in the Boise area, she missed the rural Nevada environment and moved back to Winnemucca to marry and raise a family. They have two children together and two beautiful, inquisitive, nature loving grandchildren. She enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with her family, whether is in rural Nevada or beyond. Her favorite vacations are spent camping and whitewater rafting, but she also enjoys reading and cooking. Surrounded by a highly skilled, passionate and dedicated team, Melanie is inspired to lead Nevada Outdoor School into the next decade of expanding our programs across the state and continuing to work and live in these great rural Nevada communities.
Zulma Mayorga | AmeriCorps Program Director Zulma.Mayorga@Nevadaoutdoorschool.org
Zulma was born in Colima, Mexico but has lived in Winnemucca most of her life. She is married and has two wonderful girls. She enjoys hiking, and cooking with her family. She loves to travel and explore, Lake Tahoe being one of her favorite places. Her love for community service and adventure brought her to Nevada Outdoor School. She is passionate about strengthening non-profit organizations through the AmeriCorps program and helping their committed AmeriCorps members in Northern Nevada and Las Vegas.
Meghan Sturgell | Director of Programming Meghan.Sturgell@Nevadaoutdoorschool.org
Meghan was born and raised in Elko, Nevada where she spent her childhood and now her adult years exploring all the beauty Nevada has to offer. She loves to camp, hunt, hike and discover new things along this crazy adventure called life. Meghan graduated from Elko High School and then attended Great Basin College to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. In her spare time she enjoys reading, archery, fishing and caring for all of her many plants! She is passionate about learning and the love of the great outdoors and can’t wait to share that passion here at Nevada Outdoor School!
Jenny VanBuren | Director of Finance Jennifer.VanBuren@Nevadaoutdoorschool.org
Jenny was raised in Washington on the Kitsap Peninsula and moved to Northern Nevada in 2000 where her and her husband have raised their two children. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, shooting, cross-stitching, and traveling to explore places she’s never been before. She especially enjoys the natural beauty the great outdoors has to offer and taking pictures to remember it by. She is excited to be a part of the Nevada Outdoor School team!
Jessica Snaman | Myers Outreach Director Jessica.Snaman@Nevadaoutdoorschool.org
Jessica was born in Kansas, but grew up on the east coast outside of Washington, DC. Her love for the mountains took her to Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina where she majored in Elementary Education. Jessie first came to the amazing state of Nevada as an AmeriCorps Naturalist with NOS in 2009. After her year of service, she moved back east and taught fifth grade. However, the beauty, adventurous spirit and vastness of the west soon brought her back. She has been on staff with NOS since February 2012 as Director of Programming, Associate Director and now, part time as Outreach Director. Jessie currently lives in Tahoe with her husband, daughter and two cats, Wayne and Garth.
Toril Tapia | Communications and Marketing Specialist Toril.Tapia@Nevadaoutdoorschool.org
Toril was born and raised in Elko, Nevada. After graduating from Elko High School, Toril went on to attend Great Basin College. There, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communication. Since graduating, she has spent her time developing her skills in her career and traveling. She loves to travel and spend some time with the trees. When Toril is not working, she can be found reading a book, drawing, tending to a multitude of house plants, or spending time with her husband, two huskies, and two cats.
Kim Pay | Elko Programs Coordinator Kim.Pay@nevadaoutdoorschool.org
Kim was born and raised in McGill, Nevada. She enjoys exploring new places and going on new adventures with her kids. Kim is passionate about mental health, mindfulness and utilizing nature in our everyday lives. She can often be found meditating in nature with her dog and her kids. When she is at home she enjoys random dance parties and taking care of her plants. Kim is passionate about teaching others the importance of getting outside.
Ash Fayal | Winnemucca Programs Coordinator Ash.Fayal@NevadaOutdoorSchool.org
Ash, a true Nevadan, has roots deeply embedded in the Silver State. While he's called other places like Oregon, Idaho, and Utah home, his heart belongs to the rugged landscapes of Nevada. Growing up surrounded by the majestic mountains and vast deserts, Ash developed a passion for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting—a love that transcends state lines.
Coming from a large, tight-knit family of twelve, with Ash being an adopted child, adventure runs in their blood. Each member of his family shares a fervent enthusiasm for the great outdoors, making every gathering an opportunity for exploration and adrenaline-pumping escapades.
During the summer months, Ash is either out on the water, soaking up the sun and enjoying the thrill of boating, or he's nestled amidst the tranquility of the mountains, accompanied by his faithful canine companions. There's an undeniable joy that fills his spirit when he's outside, inhaling the crisp, fresh air and basking under the starlit sky during camping trips with his beloved family.
Always prepared for impromptu fishing adventures, Ash keeps his car stocked with fishing poles, embodying his philosophy that "You never know where some good fishing may be unless you try." It's this adventurous spirit and unwavering love for nature that define Ash's essence, making him a true embodiment of the outdoor lifestyle.
Macy Rohr | Interpretive Program Coordinator (CTIC) Macy.Rohr@Nevadaoutdoorschool.org
This photo at Griswold Lake is special to Macy because it was taken on her first backpacking trip. Camping is her favorite escape. She was able to have her first-time backcountry experience through serving as an AmeriCorps Member at Nevada Outdoor School. Through two years of serving as a Naturalist, she made priceless memories and friends of all ages. Some may better recognize her as “Bubbles.” Macy loves working for Nevada Outdoor School because she finds value in outdoor education, exploration, and being an active member of our community. Macy studied Natural Resources at Ball State University and graduated in 2019. In 2021, she moved from Indiana to Elko to serve at Nevada Outdoor School and began integrating herself into rural Nevada. Outside of her fulfilling job, she enjoys roller skating, crocheting, secondhand shopping, and taking naps with her cat, Uma.
Paul Gregory | Marketing & Outreach Manager (CTIC) Paul.Gregory@nevadaoutdoorschool.org
A life-long native of Elko, Paul is a photographer, artist, and avid outdoorsman, as well as head of a local non-profit theater organization. Paul’s happy place is hiking and camping in the mountains. Though new to NOS, Paul has worked at the California Trail Center since 2016 managing retail operations, marketing, graphic design, and social media.
Bayley Mason | AmeriCorps Outdoor Educator - Elko Bayley.Mason@Nevadaoutdoorschool.org
My name is Bayley Mason and I am 18 years old. I love to be outside, especially taking pictures as I love photography and hope to pursue it in the future. Alongside the love of nature's beauty I like to listen to music, read, write, spend time with friends as well as hike and camp in the summer. I am originally from the state of Oregon so I have developed a love for both lush forests and the vast brush filled state I now call home.
Beau Blades | AmeriCorps Outdoor Education - Winnemucca Beau.Blades@Nevadaoutdoorschool.org
Hi, my name is Beau Blades. I am originally from Ely, Nevada. I now live in Winnemucca. I moved here from California in 2021 and love being here. I am the oldest of three siblings. I have four dogs. I enjoy being outdoors, and I am happy to educate kids more about the outdoors as I once was.
Breanne Laborde | AmeriCorps Outdoor Education - Winnemucca Breanne.Laborde@Nevadaoutdoorschool.or
Hello, my name is Breanne Laborde. I was born and raised in Washington State, I moved to Nevada three years ago with my husband and our fur babies! Moving to Nevada I have really learned to love the big skies, and the openness of the area. I am a crazy animal lady, I have 6 cats, 3 dogs and a hedgehog! It is my goal to one day own a mini farm and just enjoy nature and the gifts it gives.
Jamie Horse | AmeriCorps Outdoor Educator - Elko Jamie.Horse@Nevadaoutdoorschool.org
My name is Jamie I am originally from Arizona and have been living in Nevada for the past year and totally love it. I’ve been exploring more of Nevada especially now since I’ve started at NOS. I obtained an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from Arizona and enjoy working with kids and being outdoors while doing it is a plus. I have a dog named Valkyrie which is also my camp name and I am looking forward to working further with NOS.
Roxanne Keim | AmeriCorps Outdoor Educator - Elko Roxanne.Keim@Nevadaoutdoorschool.org
My name is Roxanne I am 18 years old and enjoy people, animals, and the outdoors. I spend a majority of my free-time hanging out with friends, hiking, reading, and doing puzzles. I have two little brothers that love to partake in all of the different adventures I go on. I am busy body and enjoy being super active and having fun every step of the way.