Elaine, Our Assistant Site Manager

George, Our knowledgeable Naturalist

OUR WONDERFUL STAFF

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The San Gorgonio Staff come from all different backgrounds and bring a wonderful array of life experiences. Their formal educations range from high school graduates to Master Degrees. They do have several things in common. They are passionate about inspiring students to learn, love and respect the earth, as well as each other.

Our staff are excellent role models and are well trained. We provide a total of 5 days of training before working with students. They are instilled with the knowledge and confidence to give every student and teacher a very rewarding week. They are the epitome of a highly disciplined, respected team. Changing lives one student at a time is the goal of our entire staff.

Nurse Kelly doing what she does best!

What sets us apart from many other outdoor schools is our commitment to hiring a nurse and an Emergency Medical Technician, who are both on site for the full week. Because of the protocol of the medical team, our safety record is impeccable.

Students with fragile needs are well attended and we encourage all students regardless of their medical condition to enjoy nature and connect with science in a safe learning environment.

OUR WONDERFUL STAFF

Apply Now

An excellent staff is essential to the success of any business. We pride ourselves on hiring the best people and maintain a staff of twenty-five. This includes the site manager, the assistant site manager, a naturalist, a nurse and an Emergency Medical Technician, four lead instructors, and sixteen cabin leaders. Each person stays on site for the full week.

The site manager and assistant site manager assures that SGOSS is running smoothly and that any problems that may arise are handled quickly and successfully. Our naturalist keeps up on all current standards for teaching and provides us with a continuing array of new lessons and facts.

The lead instructors are also there to support the staff and teachers. They keep the radio’s working and the trail backpacks filled properly. In addition they are the support team for the cabin leaders.

What sets us apart from many other outdoor schools is our commitment to hiring a nurse and an Emergency Medical Technician, who are both on site for the full week. Because of the protocol of the medical team, our safety record is impeccable.

Students with fragile needs are well attended and we encourage all students regardless of their medical condition to enjoy nature and connect with science in a safe learning environment.

Would you like to be a part of our team?

 

We are closed right now due to the pandemic. If you enjoy working with children and have a passion for the outdoors, we would love to hear from you.  Please send your resume, and we will maintain it on file.  We expect to re-open in the latter part of the 2021-22 school year.

 

Apply Now

Would you like to be a part of our team?

 

We are closed right now due to the pandemic. If you enjoy working with children and have a passion for the outdoors, we would love to hear from you.  Please send your resume, and we will maintain it on file.  We expect to re-open in the latter part of the 2021-22 school year.

 

Apply Now

“You make me feel good every day!”

Student, Henry Elem. School, Anaheim

“You are the best guy I’ve ever met, and you inspired me to do better things.”

Student, Maxwell Elem School, Magnolia School District

“Thank you for the best four days of my life, the best thing we did was everything!”

Student, Peters Elem. School, Garden Grove

“Thank you for the best expereince I ever had and I am going to remember this for the rest of my life.”

Student, Maxwell Elem School, Magnolia School District

“Best trip so far. This is my 6th trip & I’ve always had great staff taking care of my kids. You guys took that to the next level !!! Genuine caring & enthusiasm. Students will & do remember this week forever.”

Schweitzer Elementary School Teacher

“The people are the most important component and your people were awesome.”

Walter Elementary School Teacher

“You make me feel good every day!”

Student, Henry Elem. School, Anaheim

“You are the best guy I’ve ever met, and you inspired me to do better things.”

Student, Maxwell Elem School, Magnolia School District

“Thank you for the best four days of my life, the best thing we did was everything!”

Student, Peters Elem. School, Garden Grove

“Thank you for the best expereince I ever had and I am going to remember this for the rest of my life.”

Student, Maxwell Elem School, Magnolia School District

“Best trip so far. This is my 6th trip & I’ve always had great staff taking care of my kids. You guys took that to the next level !!! Genuine caring & enthusiasm. Students will & do remember this week forever.”

Schweitzer Elementary School Teacher

“The people are the most important component and your people were awesome.”

Walter Elementary School Teacher

REQUIRED OF ALL STAFF

At SanGOSS, All of our staff are CPR and First Aid trained.

Extensive background checks are done.  State and FBI records (fingerprinting / live scan) are mandatory along with random drug testing.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL STAFF

At SanGOSS, All of our staff are CPR / First Aid trained.

Extensive background checks are done.  State and FBI records (fingerprinting / live scan) are mandatory along with random drug testing.

 

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Susan Brown, Founder

BA CA State University San Diego
MA CA State University Fullerton
Elementary Teaching Credential
Administrative Services Credential

The first visit to Outdoor Science School was amazing and I knew it would be life changing for my students. What I didn’t know was that it would be life changing for me as well. The remainder of my career choices centered on Environmental Science and Outdoor Education. It became my life ambition to give students a life enriching experience that would help them become caretakers of the earth.

After nineteen years of teaching primarily sixth grade I became the Environmental Science Curriculum Specialist. One of my duties was to be the liaison between the Orange County Dept. Education Outdoor Science School Program and Anaheim Elementary School District.

Just as I completed my Administrative credential there was an opening for Principal of the County’s Outdoor Science School. I spent my last five years in education overseeing five outdoor science school sites with a staff of 120 employees and approximately 24,000 students in attendance each year.

I thought I had retired in 2007, but in 2014 when the Orange County Outdoor Program closed I knew immediately what I would be doing. It was without hesitation and with the help of others for whom I am so grateful, the opening of San Gorgonio Outdoor Science School, a non-profit entity began.

Susan Brown, Founder

BA CA State University San Diego
MA CA State University Fullerton
Elementary Teaching Credential
Administrative Services Credential

The first visit to Outdoor Science School was amazing and I knew it would be life changing for my students. What I didn’t know was that it would be life changing for me as well. The remainder of my career choices centered on Environmental Science and Outdoor Education. It became my life ambition to give students a life enriching experience that would help them become caretakers of the earth.

After nineteen years of teaching primarily sixth grade I became the Environmental Science Curriculum Specialist. One of my duties was to be the liaison between the Orange County Dept. Education Outdoor Science School Program and Anaheim Elementary School District.

Just as I completed my Administrative credential there was an opening for Principal of the County’s Outdoor Science School. I spent my last five years in education overseeing five outdoor science school sites with a staff of 120 employees and approximately 24,000 students in attendance each year.

I thought I had retired in 2007, but in 2014 when the Orange County Outdoor Program closed I knew immediately what I would be doing. It was without hesitation and with the help of others for whom I am so grateful, the opening of San Gorgonio Outdoor Science School, a non-profit entity began.

Laura Gore, Founder

BS CA State University San Bernardino
MS Pepperdine University
Teaching Credentials in Elementary, & Special Education

As a child I always dreamed of being a teacher. I would line up my dolls and pretend to give lessons. That first dream came true when I completed my Special Education Credential and began work for Anaheim Elementary School District.

During my thirty-two years, I also taught regular 2nd through 6th grade students as well as the Gifted and Talented Classes. The one thread between all of my students was that anytime there was learning that could be accomplished out of doors and with hands on activities, learning improved.

Supporting Outdoor Science School and Environmental Field Trips was an important part of my life. Being a member of the Anaheim Outdoor Science School Foundation and working for the outdoor science program was an integral part of my career. So of course when the opportunity to start SGOSS became available to me, I was gratified to offer my service.

My dream is now to continue this program and provide an opportunity for all students to realize their potential and dreams.

Laura Gore, Founder

BS CA State University San Bernardino
MS Pepperdine University
Teaching Credentials in Elementary, & Special Education

As a child I always dreamed of being a teacher. I would line up my dolls and pretend to give lessons. That first dream came true when I completed my Special Education Credential and began work for Anaheim Elementary School District.

During my thirty-two years, I also taught regular 2nd through 6th grade students as well as the Gifted and Talented Classes. The one thread between all of my students was that anytime there was learning that could be accomplished out of doors and with hands on activities, learning improved.

Supporting Outdoor Science School and Environmental Field Trips was an important part of my life. Being a member of the Anaheim Outdoor Science School Foundation and working for the outdoor science program was an integral part of my career. So of course when the opportunity to start SGOSS became available to me, I was gratified to offer my service.

My dream is now to continue this program and provide an opportunity for all students to realize their potential and dreams.

Susan Winterhoff

CA State University Fullerton, Biology

Inspiring individuals of all ages to discover the joy of nature and science has been one of my life-long passions. It began when I was a biology student at California State University, Fullerton, and noticed a posting on a bulletin board for an internship at a local wildlife sanctuary.

There, I acquired the skills to engage students in hands-on learning, and was very quickly “hooked.” My early experiences in outdoor education, including at Orange County Outdoor School, ultimately led me to serving as the director of an outdoor school for more than a decade.

Even after moving into a variety of administrative positions in the nonprofit world, I still find myself teaching whenever I can. There is nothing like witnessing that “lightbulb” moment, when a child (or even an adult) really gets a science concept, or discovers the joy and beauty of nature!

I’m excited to support the mission of San Gorgonio Outdoor Science School and am looking forward to once again seeing students outdoors on the trail, discovering the joy and wonder of nature!

Susan Winterhoff

CA State University Fullerton, Biology

Inspiring individuals of all ages to discover the joy of nature and science has been one of my life-long passions. It began when I was a biology student at California State University, Fullerton, and noticed a posting on a bulletin board for an internship at a local wildlife sanctuary.

There, I acquired the skills to engage students in hands-on learning, and was very quickly “hooked.” My early experiences in outdoor education, including at Orange County Outdoor School, ultimately led me to serving as the director of an outdoor school for more than a decade.

Even after moving into a variety of administrative positions in the nonprofit world, I still find myself teaching whenever I can. There is nothing like witnessing that “lightbulb” moment, when a child (or even an adult) really gets a science concept, or discovers the joy and beauty of nature!

I’m excited to support the mission of San Gorgonio Outdoor Science School and am looking forward to once again seeing students outdoors on the trail, discovering the joy and wonder of nature!

 

Leslie O. Nakano

B.S. CA Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Food Science

I like to think myself as an outdoor enthusiast. I became a Girl Scout because I wanted to go backpacking, camping and sleep outside with nature. I was able to learn all I could about how our ecosystem works, how mankind is connected with nature and our planet Earth.

Throughout the years I have never stopped camping and hiking and always doing outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, sailing, and biking. All students should have the opportunity to learn about our natural environment, experiencing it firsthand as I did. I am very proud to be part of an outdoor science school that can give students the knowledge and outdoor experiences that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Leslie O. Nakano

B.S. CA Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Food Science

I like to think myself as an outdoor enthusiast. I became a Girl Scout because I wanted to go backpacking, camping and sleep outside with nature. I was able to learn all I could about how our ecosystem works, how mankind is connected with nature and our planet Earth.

Throughout the years I have never stopped camping and hiking and always doing outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, sailing, and biking. All students should have the opportunity to learn about our natural environment, experiencing it firsthand as I did. I am very proud to be part of an outdoor science school that can give students the knowledge and outdoor experiences that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

.

Sandra Dickson

B.A. San Diego State University
M.A. Saint Mary’s College
Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential
Elementary Counseling Credential

I believe that the highest calling as a teacher, parent and grandparent is to introduce the wonders of nature to our children. Encouraging children to be curious of the world, the ocean and the woods and to inspire our children to learn to be the stewards of our earth has always been my life ambition.

It is for these reasons that I am honored to be a part of San Gorgonio OSS. Children can only care for nature through the experiences of being in nature and seeing the stars, feeling the air, and learning the science of nature.

Sandra Dickson

B.A. San Diego State University
M.A. Saint Mary’s College
Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential
Elementary Counseling Credential

I believe that the highest calling as a teacher, parent and grandparent is to introduce the wonders of nature to our children. Encouraging children to be curious of the world, the ocean and the woods and to inspire our children to learn to be the stewards of our earth has always been my life ambition.

It is for these reasons that I am honored to be a part of San Gorgonio OSS. Children can only care for nature through the experiences of being in nature and seeing the stars, feeling the air, and learning the science of nature.

Bob Gardner

B.A. , M.S. (Curriculum and Instruction)
Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential
Administrative Services Credential

My journey with Outdoor Science School began in 1976, my first year of teaching in the Anaheim Elementary School District (AESD), when I accompanied 112 sixth grade students to Forest Home. During my 35-year career with AESD, as a teacher for 13 years and then serving as a principal for 22 years, I had many opportunities to spend a week with my students, lead students on trails, and make yearly day trips to visit the students.

My roles as a teacher and principal afforded me the opportunity to see the tremendous value the program has for our students. In 1989, I was part of a group of five educators that founded the Anaheim Outdoor Science Education Foundation (AOSEF), an organization that I continue to serve as Treasurer.

In my retirement, I served on the Anaheim Elementary School District Board, proudly voting for SGOSS as the provider of Outdoor Science Education for AESD sixth graders. SGOSS rescued Outdoor Science Education in North Orange County and I am thrilled to be working with such high quality and talented people for a very noble cause- the education of our children and the preservation of our environment.

 

Bob Gardner

B.A. , M.S. (Curriculum and Instruction)
Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential
Administrative Services Credential

My journey with Outdoor Science School began in 1976, my first year of teaching in the Anaheim Elementary School District (AESD), when I accompanied 112 sixth grade students to Forest Home. During my 35-year career with AESD, as a teacher for 13 years and then serving as a principal for 22 years, I had many opportunities to spend a week with my students, lead students on trails, and make yearly day trips to visit the students.

My roles as a teacher and principal afforded me the opportunity to see the tremendous value the program has for our students. In 1989, I was part of a group of five educators that founded the Anaheim Outdoor Science Education Foundation (AOSEF), an organization that I continue to serve as Treasurer.

In my retirement, I served on the Anaheim Elementary School District Board, proudly voting for SGOSS as the provider of Outdoor Science Education for AESD sixth graders. SGOSS rescued Outdoor Science Education in North Orange County and I am thrilled to be working with such high quality and talented people for a very noble cause- the education of our children and the preservation of our environment.

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