The vital link between nature and the classroom

Our Staff

Meet Our Full-Time Staff

Deborah Guinn

Deborah Guinn
Executive Director

Deborah’s love for the outdoors began early in her childhood while growing up in Arkansas’ Ozark Mountains. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Arkansas, Deborah moved to Oregon, where she received her degree in Secondary Education from Western Oregon State College. In 1995, she accepted a position as the Equestrian Director and Retreat Coordinator for Baskin Family Camps, and when the owners expanded their facilities to create The Outdoor School in 1996 Deborah enthusiastically became a part of that team. Deborah’s love for the outdoors, her passion for teaching and her experience working with children make her the perfect choice for Executive Director of The Outdoor School!

Rob Letendre

Rob Letendre
Sales and Marketing Director

Rob received his degree in Outdoor Education from Johnson State College in Vermont. Over the last decade, Rob has held a variety of roles with The Outdoor School and Champions Retreat. He has spent time as an instructor, and program coordinator, was the director at our Camp For All location, and most recently was the retreat director and leadership coordinator. Rob is excited to continue to grow the programs through building relationships with new schools and retreat groups.

Ali Grello
Ropes and Retreat Director

Ali has been on staff with The Outdoor School and Camp Champions since 2015. She received a degree in Forestry and French from Sewanee: The University of the South in Tennessee and then moved to Texas in 2015. Beginning in her childhood, she always had a love for hiking and camping and is happy to have a way to share the outdoors with others. Ali is also the Director of First Time Campers for our summer camp, Camp Champions!

Katie

Personnel Director

Katie was born and raised in Texas and grew up in College Station. She received her kinesiology degree from Texas A&M University. Whoop! She spent her summers during undergrad working at summer camps. This fueled her passion for working with kids and being in the outdoors. The Outdoor School is exactly where she wants to be, and she can’t wait to serve the kids, teachers, and staff in this role. When she isn’t working, you’ll find her at a state park, the climbing gym, or on her deck watching the sunset.

Micah

Program Coordinator

Pronouns: They/Them.

Micah grew up going back and forth between Los Angeles, California, and Palmer, Alaska. This guided them to appreciate and love both lively cities with culture and quiet, serene, untouched nature. The years babysitting and working in childcare for their church while growing up, as well as becoming an auntie 12 years ago, sparked their love of working with children and helping kids grow up to be impactful people. After working in a multitude of industries, Micah landed in Outdoor Education two years ago and has since worked with several programs in California as well as spending two seasons here at TOS as an instructor. They are excited to return as a Program Coordinator to help the program thrive and coordinate life-changing experiences for youth.

Kelci

Program Coordinator

Kelci is a born and raised Texan! She knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher and after graduating from Texas State University, she went on to pursue just that. She served two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guyana before returning to Texas where she taught at the high school level. Her experience teaching has shown her the importance of approaching education from all angles and is so happy to be able to do that at The Outdoor School! In her free time, Kelci enjoys hiking, journaling, and going to concerts.

Lindsey

Program Coordinator

Lindsey is from Columbia, MO, and recently earned her degree in Psychology from Truman State University. She spent the last few summers working in summer camps and found a love for working with kids and working outdoors. Combining all of her experiences and passions landed her at the Outdoor School! One of her favorite hobbies is cooking and spending time with friends and family. Lindsey loves the Outdoor school and can’t wait to help students have the best experience possible!

Phoebe 

Program Coordinator

Phoebe grew up in the Midwest, where she attended Indiana Wesleyan University. After graduating, she moved to North Carolina to pursue a career in education. Living here grew her love for the outdoors and inspired weekend hikes, camping trips, and exploring new landscapes. In her free time, you’ll likely find Phoebe trying out a new coffee shop, spending time on the water, or relaxing with a good book. She is passionate about both learning and adventure and is so excited to continue her journey at TOS and encourage others to get outside and explore