Past Staff
Equipment Shop Tech
Lisa Doubet
My name is Lisa Doubet, and I am an equipment technician here at the Outdoor Center.
My love of the outdoors started at an early age, because I grew up in Whatcom County
and my parents took me on countless hiking, skiing, and backpacking trips. In 2006,
I took a 6-month course with the Bellingham Mountaineers and fell in love with climbing.
Any kind of climbing is fun, but alpine climbing is my favorite--not only for its technical
challenges, but also its spectacular beauty. When I'm not out in the North Cascades,
I love to bike, run, drink coffee, and hang out with my 14 housemates. (That's right...
I live in a house with 15 girls, and it actually works really well!) Here at Western,
I'm majoring in violin performance with a minor in Spanish. I also teach violin lessons
and write for Adventures NW Magazine. Stop by the OC and say hi!
Equipment Shop Tech
Charles Walker
I was born in Silver City, New Mexico but spent most of my youth growing up
in Ashland, Oregon. I'm currently a Fairhaven student who will most
likely design my own major around social work of some type. My career
goal is to work with marginalized groups of people to try to make their
life a little easier. I've been an equipment shop technician here at the
outdoor center since the end of winter term and am continually trying to
get outdoors more and explore Washington. To a large degree the outdoors
is my refuge from daily stress and to feel healthy I need to be making the
time to get outdoors and relax. I hope everybody feels comfortable to
come and explore what the outdoor center and the outdoors alone can offer
them, no matter what your experience is. I'll be here to help with any
questions or needs. Take care~Charles Walker
E.D.G.E Program
Melissa Queen
My name is Melissa Queen and I am the lead facilitator for the E.D.G.E Program, which runs
the low and high ropes course out at WWU’s Lakewood facilities, as well as on-campus
experiential education and group development programs.
This is my second year active in the Outdoor Center as ropes course facilitator and trip leader. I am in my third year here at Western studying creative writing and music. I enjoy snowboarding, rock climbing, and trying new things.
Administration Assistant
Said Hassan
Hi! My name is Said Hassan. I was born in Somalia which is located in East Africa.
I moved to the United States with my family when I was ten years old. Currently,
I am junior here at Western Washington University and I plan to major in Accounting.
In the future, I would like to return to my homeland and become a successful business
man. I’ve been working at the Outdoor Center as the work-study program assistant since
January 2007. I manage and organize the WFR and Challenge Course programs. My favorite
outdoor activity is kayaking, fishing and basketball. Come on down Outdoor Center where
the grass is greener and where outdoors are made fun!
Bike Shop Coordinator
Mike Parelskin
I have been working for the OC for almost three years. My interests are biking, snowboarding,
surfing, wakeboarding and mountaineering. I lead trips and do challenge course work as well at
Lakewood. I am Western's most eligible bachelor of 2006, and I enjoy pole dancing at bachelorette
parties.
Email the Bike Shop Coordinator
Phone: 650-6857
Excursion Co-Coordinator (3qtr)
Becca Nelson
I love working in such a fun atmosphere with people who are into the outdoors. It's my third year
working at the OC and this year I am one of the Excursions and Instruction Co-coordinators. In this
position my main goals are to provide really awesome trips for the whole campus and help trip
leaders build new skills.
I love running, rock climbing, hiking and backpacking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, among other things. In the summers I work for an non-profit organization, Youth Dynamics Adventure, as a rafting, rock climbing and backpacking guide. When I am not outside I love to read, cook, and eat ice cream. Some of my newer interests include learning about social justice, the environment and sustainability, whitewater kayaking and ice climbing. I am a senior this year majoring in German with a minor in TESOL and would love to work abroad for a couple years after I graduate.
"Ask the questions that have no answers." Wendell Berry
"Love and business and family and religion and art and patriotism are nothing but shadows of words when a man's starving." O. Henry (And climbing?)
Email the Excursions Co-Coordinator (3qtr)
Phone: 650-7677
Excursion Co-Coordinator (4qtr)
Jack McDonald
Greetings, my name is Jack McDonald. I am an English major at Western, this is my fifth year at the
school. I work at WWU's Outdoor Center as one of two Excursion Coordinators. My job entails planning
trips to the rivers, mountains, forests, beaches and cliffs of the Pacific Northwest, including parts
of B.C. In addition, I hire the trip leaders who are in charge of these excursions. I also function
as a trip leader on the Outdoor Center's Alpine and Ice climbing trips. So far I have lead five trips
in this capacity. I was born in Juneau, Alaska and grew up commercial fishing intensively, every
summer in fact. In 2000, I graduated from high school in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Due to the remoteness and foul weather characteristic of Alaskan mountain ranges, I rarely got into the alpine environment for the first 18 years of my life. After moving to Washington, I have been making up for lost time, climbing on the cliffs, mountains and waterfalls that are found within a day's drive of Bellingham. Just last April, I climbed the Triple Couloirs on Dragontail Peak near Leavenworth Washington, my first grade IV alpine route. Working at the Outdoor Center has been a good experience for me and my future plans to find meager employment as a climbing guide.
Email the Excursions Co-Coordinator (4qtr)
Phone: 650-7531
Resources And Events Coordinator
Jared Zeretzke
Ensuring that the students of Western Washington University are well represented in their diverse
needs was a primary motivation in my decision to get involved with the Outdoor Center. I feel that
through my actions and decisions I can plan constructive events and implement resources that will
benefit the students whom we serve. Getting more students aware and involved with the opportunities
and services that the Outdoor Center provides is a vital goal that I am striving to meet in the coming
year. I look forward to serving you; the students of Western Washington University, and sincerely
invite you to introduce questions, concerns, or comments when you see me.
On a lighter note, I enjoy recreation in the Northwest and in addition to working for the Associated Students Outdoor Center as Resource and Events Co-coordinator; I host a radio show on KUGS 89.3 on Wednesday afternoons 4:00-6:00 pm, Am a Associated Student Senator, serve on the emergency management planning council and am a member of Students for Renewable Energy. I have many diverse interests and seek to expand my knowledge and experience throughout my college career. I am always happy to talk to students about their interests and learn about what makes them passionate about life!
Email the Resources and Events Coordinator
Phone: 650-7533
Equipment Shop Coordinator
Ben Sokolow
I was born in Seattle, Washington in 1983 - actually I was born in Bellevue. I am a sociology major
and plan on going to graduate school in sociology after doing a year of Americorp here in Bellingham
or elsewhere. I love working at the Outdoor Center. Everyone is extra cool and caring. I love being
part of an organization that introduces people to new opportunities (i.e. facets of outdoor recreation).
I get to work for the students everyday and see the result of my efforts manifest in the level of
service we provide them. Personally, I am a passionate cross-country/telemark skier. I think there
is nothing funnier. I like to bike too and swimming is also a joy. But anything where you're out
working with people to complete a common objective is fun. I try to always keep people's feelings
and my own in mind even when it doesn't make rational sense. I've never been disappointed by doing
what I felt was right.
Email the Equipment Shop Coordinator
Phone: 650-7532
Equipment Desk
Jenn
Hey, my name’s Jen, I work at the equipment desk here at the Outdoor
Center. I’m majoring in Biology, hoping to go to graduate school for
Wildlife research and Zoology and intern in Kenya. I grew up on the East
Coast, kayaking, running, climbing, camping etc.. Though back east we’ve
only got hills, not mountains. Working at the Outdoor Center has been a
great experience, I’ve learned what Washington has to offer for outdoor
adventure in a fun and supportive environment and being able to help out
fellow students is always a plus. Come check us out! You wont be
disappointed. :D
Administrative Assistant
Carly Peach
Hey all,
I've been in love with the outdoors since I slid down the ski hill with my edgie-wedgie when I was 2 yrs old... since then I've been a Ski Patroller at few different mountains in New Mexico and Montana, mountain biking on the world-famous Slick Rock Trail in Moab Utah, and Rock Climbing on Vancouver Island!!! (Among other adventures...) I always love to see new places!!!
Currently I'm the Administrative Assistant at the Outdoor Center, working hard!!!
Come on down and say hey,
Carly Peach
