WHO WE ARE
Wild Canyon Discovery is based out of the
Southern Utah town of Big Water. Our mailing address is:
Wild Canyon Discovery
P.O. Box 410073
Big Water, UT 84741-2073
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Wild Canyon Discovery's program leaders have all had background
checks before being approved to be employed or volunteer
as camp leaders, camp assistants and camp mentors.
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We have General Liability insurance for our programs, Director and
Officer insurance coverage for our Board of Directors and
Organization Officers and accident insurance for our volunteers
and program participants.
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Our program leaders are Wilderness First Responders with years of outdoor recreation and outdoor activity experience.
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We are able to offer these transformative outdoor experiences at affordable prices because of the generous contributions of our business and individual sponsors.
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We are looking for volunteers and employees willing to
share their time and outdoor knowledge with the next
generation of youth.
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Each volunteer and employee is required to complete a free background check done through Intellicorp.net.
☼ Gratitude ☼ Curiosity ☼ Experiential Education ☼ Courage ☼
☼ Respect for self, others, and the natural world ☼
☼ Resilience ☼ Diversity ☼ Responsibility ☼
☼ Teamwork ☼ Leadership ☼ Honesty ☼ Integrity ☼ Stewardship ☼ ☼ Generosity ☼ Resourcefulness ☼ Health ☼ Wellness ☼
OUR VALUES
PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER
JENNIE LASSEN
Jennie has been a resident of rural Southern Utah for the past 30 years. She has worked in public schools with all grade levels but finds outdoor education to be her best fit. Jennie has worked as an addiction and substance abuse recovery group leader in Page, AZ. She is a certified yoga instructor and has taught yoga and meditation in mental health and substance abuse treatment programs and to local kids and adults. Jennie has worked as a river guide on the Colorado River in Glen Canyon since 2018. In 2020, she attended a Twin Eagles Wilderness School training program in Northern Idaho and in March of 2022, she got her Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training certification.
Jennie loves learning about the region’s natural and human history, sharing that knowledge, and helping others connect to nature. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and kayaking in the beautiful landscapes of the Southwest.
BOARD CHAIRPERSON
DEBRA MOCKER
Having spent her early years on the family farm, Debra has been savoring the outdoor world all her life. After arriving in Arizona in 1982, her exploration began in earnest, hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering and caving. An avid caver and volunteer, Debra has worked on projects in the Grand Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns, Lechuguilla Cave and many caves throughout Arizona helping scientists who study paleontology and karst systems. Debra has a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration and in 2006, she started a successful wedding planning service, now thriving in Page Arizona. Debra is a Wilderness First Responder and is happy to lend her support to Wild Canyon Discovery and it’s mission to encourage outdoor connections and promote healthful opportunities to explore our magnificent landscapes.
BOARD VICE CHAIR AND SECRETARY
NATHALIE BOWMAN
Nathalie came to love the great outdoors as a child, hiking, camping and fishing with her dad in the Idaho wilderness. Her first experience with the Desert Southwest was when she worked at Jacob Lake near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in her early 20s. While experiencing the beautiful sunsets and sunrises in the Canyon, as well as hiking Rim to Rim twice in one week, she fell in love with the stunning Grand Canyon. After spending over 20 years raising her family in the city, she decided it was time to make the move to beautiful Southern Utah, where she could immerse herself in the Grand Canyon and Red Rock Country. As a mother of 8, she is passionate about helping kids get away from technology and connect to nature, learn new skills, and have fun experiences while building self-confidence. Nathalie is a full time Desert Tour guide with Dreamland Safari Tours, and is a Wilderness First Responder.
BOARD TREASURER
DEBORA DELLA
FORMER AND FOUNDING MEMBERS
SHERI HILL
Sheri has called Southern Utah her home for 21 years, though she first fell in love with it 45 years ago. She has spent lots of time throughout her life boating on Lake Powell, off-road exploring, and hiking the many trails. When she first moved here, opportunities to be involved with the community started right away. She has served as a volunteer art teacher and substitute teacher, on the Big Water Town Council, in addition to some time spent as the acting Mayor.
Currently, she is the manager at the "Care and Share" Community Food Bank, and is excited
for her newest adventure as a member of
Wild Canyon Discovery.
MICHELLE TENNEY
Michelle Tenney is a Hypnotherapist, and has always been drawn to the outdoors. That is why she chooses to live in Southern Utah, in the Grand Circle, surrounded by National Parks and Recreational Areas. Michelle grew up in a rural area enjoying nature. It has been a mainstay in her life, as well as in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Michelle has a Bachelor’s Degree and worked as a Social Work Supervisor for 13 years. Her focus was foster care and adoption. She has served on the Big Water Town Council, Planning and Zoning and Utilities Board, and currently volunteers at the "Care and Share" Community Food Bank.
Michelle is excited to help launch Wild Canyon Discovery because she feels that every individual can benefit physically, academically, spiritually, and emotionally from participation in WCD activities.
ASHLEY RANKIN BRUNNER
Ashley has lived in Southern Utah her entire life, and has no desire to ever leave. She has worked in Graphic Design and Marketing, volunteered with local festivals, and is now a B&B Innkeeper.
She is passionate about music, writing, exploring, homesteading, and public lands advocacy.
Ashley is a wife, and a mother to 2 sons. She feels one of the greatest gifts she can offer her family is a Wilderness focused lifestyle.
She and her husband Cory love hiking, kayaking, sleeping under the stars, taking day trips, and camping with their boys.
Ashley suffered a Brain Injury at age 12, and believes spending time outdoors in the Canyon Country region helped her to heal so miraculously.
She is excited to participate in Wild Canyon Discovery to help others discover the healing powers of Nature.
