Outdoor Program Instructor
My name is Elena and I am commonly found peering through binoculars in early mornings, simultaneously air playing instruments in groovy songs, or hiking in the backcountry. I am originally from the East Bay area of California, and a few years ago I moved to Santa Cruz to become a Banana Slug (a bright yellow, slimy, shell-less mollusk commonly found on the redwood forest floor and the unofficial mascot for UC Santa Cruz) and to continue my education of Environmental Studies and History. As an adventure seeker, I have been known to hike in frigid streams through dark caves illuminated only by my headlamp, search for kiwi fish on a small island off of the New Zealand’s South Island, swim among schools of fish in the Great Barrier Reef, and avoid quicksand while backpacking through the canyons in Utah. I love spending my days outside especially if they include jumping into alpine lakes followed by sunbathing on granite rocks. When I am not camping or hiding among trees waiting out a thunder and lightning storm, I like to do something that allows me to be creative! Inspired by the natural world, I enjoy photographing rugged mountain peaks and transforming them into watercolor paintings. Wherever I go, I always make sure to bring my camera and sketch book. I have also recently taught myself how to play acoustic guitar, specializing in Simon & Garfunkel tunes