Behind the Scenes

Promotions and Outreach Coordinator

Marissa Capito

Made from sustainable, 100% post-consumer waste with a free range, grain fed lifestyle, as your Promotions and Outreach Coordinator I’m nothing short of USDA Certified Organic, with the occasional slab of bacon. Hailing from the gray and green of Southeast Alaska I am stoked to be a part of Team OC. Though my expertise is mainly in bushwhacking and fishing, I’m always on call for a hike, bike, climb, camping and sledding excursion. I love riding trees, eating avocados and jamming out on any sort of percussion instrument. In my studies I’ve dabbled in Medical Illustration, Linguistics, Music, Chemistry, Astronomy, dance and in the very distant past, a garbage truck driver. Now the papers tell me I’m an Environmental Science major but the spectrum of things I need to learn keeps growing, and honing in on my outdoor skills is definitely at the top of the list. On my down time I enjoy studying languages, reading, listening to music, busting some tasty moves, naps and drinking tea.

Excursions Coordinator

Bridgett Jamison

Hi…My name is Bridgett Jamison. I am a senior and an Environmental Toxicology major at Western. As the three-quarter Excursion Coordinator, I will be working with Calvin to plan and organize all the OC sponsored fall, winter, and spring trips to the rivers, mountains, forests, beaches and cliffs of the Pacific Northwest.

I grew up in the cornfields and rolling hills of Pennsylvania although I have been frequenting the west during my summers since I was 16. Much of my experience in the outdoors has been working on trail crews as and as a backcountry ranger in Olympic National Park. Now that I live somewhere with mountains, lakes, cliffs, and decent snow, I have been doing a lot of climbing, mountaineering, windsurfing, and snowboarding, and telemark skiing. Whenever I have a bit of extra free time, I also enjoy farming (I work at Cedarville Farm off Baker Highway) and reading (Tom Brown Jr., Bernard Henrich, and Farley Mowat are among my favorite authors.)

I’m really looking forward to this year and am hoping for a dry fall, snowy winter, and sunny spring.

Excursions Coordinator

Calvin Laatsch

I am Calvin Laatsch the excursions co-coordinator. My story begins in the great beer capital of the world, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born and raised in the Mid-West, my early outdoor adventures were limited to urban hiking, car camping, and riding hills iced over with man-made snow. My primal instincts eventually led me to Washington and the Cascade Mountains where I discovered black berries, rock walls, and real snow - amongst other things. Outdoor recreation quickly took over my life, and left me a biking, hiking, and climbing junky. A year spent with the vikings of Norway honed my climbing skills, alpine know-how, and love for brown goat cheese. Now back at Western, as a recreation major, I study, plan, and guide trips - it's my life.

Resources & Events Coordinator

Jonathan Dufay

I am a 4th year college student and am studying to be a high school science teacher. I transferred here to WU from North Seattle Community College. When I am not studying, I spend my time whitewater kayaking, tele skiing and ice climbing. I teach kayaking and climbing for the OC as well as lead trips.

I spent my childhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After high school, I left the desert and joined the Navy. I served for seven years working in military medicine and ended up here in Washington. From the time I got here, I realized that this was the place that I wanted to live for a long time. Washington State is a place that has stoked my passion for the natural world and outdoor adventure.

Equipment Shop Coordinator

Eric Bortel

I’m Eric. I’m the bike and equipment shop manager at the outdoor center. I’m into backpacking, biking, and math. In my free time, I design and build all my own outdoor gear.

Cheers!

Assistant Shop Coordinator

Adam

I was born and raised in Corvallis Oregon; Through my travels I have now found my self based out of Bellingham WA., absorbing the variety of outdoor pursuits at hand. I have worked at the outdoor center for three years being a trip leader and now I am the Equipment shop Coordinator. Skiing is a passion in my life, but I enjoy alpine climbing, rock climbing, kayaking, biking and backcountry botany. Cheers, to the many good times and the many times to come.

The Real the Now

Administration Assistant

Aphrodite Toth

Hey everyone! My name is Aphrodite Toth and I was born in Federal Way, Washington which is between Seattle and Tacoma. I am currently a sophomore at Western Washington University and I plan to major in Community Health and Pre-Med. After graduation, I plan to go to Medical School to become a pediatrician, anesthesiologist, or dentist. I’ve played the piano and danced ballet since I was four years old, and since I’ve been in college, I’ve recently picked up snowboarding. I love being outside, especially when it’s really hot and I love being active and athletic. I’ve been working at the Outdoor Center as the Administrative Assistant for four months now. Come down to the Outdoor Center and check us out! You’d be surprised as to how much we can do for you :) BYE!

Work Study Employees

Ciaran

Hey, my name’s Ciaran and I work at the Outdoor Center through the work study program. Born in Italy with an American father in the Navy and a Swiss mother, I’ve had the opportunity to live in many places, including the beautiful Bellingham. I decided to return after living in Alameda, CA for five years because my favorite color is green and, if global warming were to reach the point of melting all the ice caps, the Western campus would be an island in the bay. I’m tentatively planning to major in Geology, but I’m just a freshman and “que será, será.”

Lisa

Hello there! My name is Lisa and I was born in the sunny town of Homer, Alaska but proudly call Washington my home of ten years. Since coming here I have been welcomed into the Cascades, the San Juans, and the enchanting forests of the Olympic Peninsula. Of course, I enjoy the summer adventures of working in random places such as the Alaska Canneries and Rocky Mountain Trail Crew. Travels to Central America have lead me to the fun degree of Spanish and minor in Soc. With graduation on its way I am excited to explore the world more. For now I am excited to enjoy Bellingham with all its great outdoor adventures!

E.D.G.E Program

Maddie Neuman

Hi my name is Maddie Neuman and I am the E.D.G.E Program Coordinator. The EDGE program runs the high and low courses out at Lakewood as well as many on-campus, team-bonding and group centered activities.

I was born and raised in Alexandria,VA (which is just outside of Washington DC). I moved to Bellingham 5 years ago and have enjoyed the Bellingham outdoor lifestyle ever since! I love all outdoor activities, but hiking and biking with my friends tops the list of my favorite things to do! I also love anything having to do with water, especially kayaking and white water rafting.

I am a Freshman at Western and I plan on majoring in Elementary Education. I think this major will fit perfectly with my love for children, making a difference, and finger-paints.

I am passionate about dance and theatre, and hope to be a cast member on Saturday Night Live one day. Hey... a girl can dream right?!?!

Outdoor Center Manager

Frederick Collins

I have worked with and for students many years. I have directed activity programs for the Department of Defense, United States Air Force, U.S.Army, Georgia Mental Health, and the Seattle Community College District to name a few. My last position at Western dates back to 1995-2000. I was the Facility and Programs Supervisor for the Department of Campus Recreation. My pre-graduate and post graduate degrees in Education were acquired right here at good old Western.

Playing in the Northwest is a little different than growing up in New York City. We are blessed here to have trees, forests, and clean water. It is indeed a pleasure to work in such a supportive environment such as the Outdoor Center. Everything we do here is structured to give students an incredible, safe, and educating interaction in the out of doors. We also hire many students per year to operate the shops, equipment, and lead outstanding excursions.

Feel free to contact me with any ideas, issues, or concerns. I will be responsive and do what we can to make this activity the best on campus.

Meet previous staff members