Meet the Staff
Outdoor Wellness Leaders (OWLs) are a team of students overseen by a Program Manager, who work to create, organize, promote, and implement OW trips and programs for the student body at 56ԹB. OWls are trained in CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, group facilitation, outdoor skills, risk management, outdoor equipment literacy and a variety of other skills that allow them to effectively plan and lead programs and manage the day to day operations of the Nest Gear Shop.
We recognize the barriers to entry outdoors are lack of education and experience, equipment expenses, transportation requirements and a lack of welcoming or inclusive communities. The OW Program seeks to break these barriers for students through program offerings and the Outdoor Gear Shop. The Outdoor Gear Shop (“Nest”) is a welcoming space that serves as a hub for students to access free outdoor gear rental and general education about trips and services from the OW staff.
Meet the 2024-2025 Outdoor Wellness Staff!
Nishka (She/Her) – Outdoor Wellness Leader
Nishka is a first year OWL who is studying business administration at 56ԹB. She loves outdoor activities and is excited to create fun experiences for others to participate in! She enjoys many activities such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding and rock climbing.

Alex (He/Him) – Student Education & Activities Leader
Alex is a Junior at Cascadia Community College pursuing my bachelors in Biochemistry. He loves nature and learning, and working as a SEAL is a great way to pursue both!

Chris (He/Him) – SEAL Climbing Specialist
Chris is a first year SEAL and a Sophomore at 56ԹB pursuing a Business Administration degree. He plans to go to trade school after graduating to become a lineman. He loves anything outdoors, especially rock climbing, skiing, and hiking. He also loves anything high adrenaline like skydiving and bungee jumping. Chris also has experience as a rock-climbing coach and is eager to give tips and tricks on anything climbing or skiing related. He believes that everyone should have a connection to nature whether its climbing up a massive rock-face or having a picnic in the park.

Rileigh (She/Her) – Program Manager
Rileigh was an Outdoor Wellness Leader for 4 years prior to becoming the Program Manager. She is passionate about acting as a bridge between humans and nature and nurturing peoples love for the outdoors. She believes that everyone has a right to enjoyment, experience, and education in natural spaces and hopes to provide all of the above for her student team and the 56ԹB/CC campus community. Her favorite outdoor activities include climbing, hiking, backpacking, camping, snowboarding, and forest bathing.

Interested in becoming a part of the team?
Outdoor Wellness is hiring for Outdoor Wellness Leaders for the 2025-2026 school year! Cascadia and 56Թ Bothell Students can apply on or Handshake starting March 31, 2025. Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2025.