Yesi Castro was born and raised in Hood River, Oregon and is the daughter of Mexican Immigrants from the beautiful states of Durango & Zacatecas , Mexico.

She holds a Public Health degree from Oregon State University, where she focused on community health promotion and health behavior. She also earned a Community Health Worker certificate from the The Community Capacitation Center of Multnomah County. Yesi has worked in the nonprofit sector for 8 years and currently serves as a Director at Large for the Board of Directors at the Oregon Public Health Association. Yesi has over 10 years of experience in community health and prevention, and has worked extensively in the areas of community organizing, curriculum development, social determinants of health, health and the outdoors and farmworker rights. She is an experienced trainer and facilitator, and believes in the transformative methodology of Popular Education. She is passionate about programs that support community self-determination, and is deeply committed to addressing systemic and institutional oppression at all levels of her work.

It has been my privilege to work at CultureSeed since 2022. First as a peer group facilitator, then Outdoor Director and now serving as the Program Director. I’m a first generation Puerto Rican American and the first in my family to recreate outdoors. I’ve worked 10+ years as a commercial outdoor guide including owning and operating Cascade Canyon Guides here in the Gorge. Non profit experience includes working with Rohingya Refugees in Thailand, Tibetan Refugees in the Himalaya and Slum communities in Mumbai. I’m a certified wilderness first responder, ACA lead canyon guide & instructor and have spent 5+ years volunteering on local Search & Rescue teams. I’m lucky enough to spend over 200 days a year outdoors and it is my greatest joy to do so with the youth in our program. I’m grateful for this opportunity and for the people who have worked hard to make this resource available in our community. 

Kelcey's childhood outside of Philadelphia and pursuit of her degree in Spanish with additional studies in Portuguese and Latin American studies in Pittsburgh, built the strong foundation of a compassionate but also a no nonsense go-getter who is passionate about sharing her first love, the outdoors, with as many different people and communities as possible.

She first floated down a river in the middle of a 14-foot canoe, cradled by the gentle waves and the smooth paddle strokes of her parents, when she was just barely eighteen months old. She's been chasing rivers and big sunny boulders to lay on across the Americas ever since. This instant love for the outdoors and desire to work outside was fostered by her attending and working at a kayak school on the Ottawa River. As she grew, her deep love for rivers helped lead her to travel to South America to further her studies and wander in new wildernesses.

Through her time working with indigenous communities abroad in Bolivia and Ecuador, Kelcey learned so much more about natural experiences and the disparities in them. She came home with a desire to focus on equity in access to the outdoors. Ever since that first job on the river, Kelcey has always found her professional life to be in the outdoors--whether on a river, trail or office, she has supported bringing experiences in nature to as many people as possible before she could even articulate why. Now a full time resident of the White Salmon valley, she remains in awe of the beauty of the natural world around her and works passionately at CultureSeed to allow others to see that wonder and feel that peace in nature. She strives to support everyone and brings a sense of belonging to those she is with.

When she is not at work, she is often found flying off waterfalls, spinning around on eddy lines, skiing, painting, playing Settlers of Catan, baking, trying new recipes, gardening or strolling in the woods with her pup, Otter.

Taylor grew up in Eugene playing in the woods and fostering a love and appreciation for sharing time in nature with others. Her interest in trying new outdoor activities led her to The Gorge where she was able to work seasonally in positions that allowed her to learn to ski and kayak. After realizing the personal mental health benefits from her outdoor adventures and the important role time in nature played in addressing her grief, Taylor was inspired to explore the connection between nature and mental health. In 2022, Taylor graduated with her Masters of Social Work degree from Portland State University where she first connected with CultureSeed as a student intern. Taylor is excited to return as the Development Coordinator! When she is not studying or adventuring outside Taylor can be found baking chocolate chip cookies or playing with her pup, Agatha.

Jaden was born in New York City to a vibrant family of Dominican and Argentinian immigrants. This upbringing solidified community and diversity as two of her most cherished values. With confidence in the restorative power of the outdoors, and a belief that all should have access to its social and emotional benefits, she is passionate about facilitating organic connections to the environment through place-based, experiential programs.

Jaden holds a degree in Environmental Science with a focus in Leadership, Sustainability, and Communication from the University of Arizona. She has worked as an Environmental Educator in Arizona and New York, as well as a Field Ranger in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, where she's been hooked on the mountain views and wildflower blooms ever since!

In her free time Jaden can be found exploring the Northwest, looking for waterfalls and coffee spots, crafting in the sun, and finding new ways to live the values she brings to her work.

Shelby grew up in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and proudly describes themselves as a nature nerd and outdoor enthusiast. With a background in Environmental Studies and Outdoor Leadership from Pacific University, they felt called to help others find personal growth, healing, and community through transformational outdoor experiences - just as they’ve experienced.Over the past decade, Shelby has had the privilege to work with several PNW–based nonprofits as an environmental educator and outdoor guide. They believe that everyone belongs in nature and are passionate about helping others create a meaningful connection to and find a sense of belonging and wonder in nature.Shelby is thrilled to be joining the CultureSeed team as a Program Coordinator and can’t wait to see you out on an adventure! When off the clock, Shelby finds joy in camping, whitewater kayaking, and foraging wild edibles to cook (and eat - obviously!).

Chris brings creativity and humor to the therapeutic process while collaborating to find practical solutions and adaptations to whatever challenges life is bringing you. He strays away from any one-size-fits-all approaches and instead draws from a range of different therapeutic styles (Family systems, Mindfulness, Solutions focused, and CBT) while making sure to leave space to figure things out on the fly and tailor your treatment to your unique needs. Chris has experience working with people of all ages dealing with a broad range of issues including Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Grief, Anger, ADHD, Identity, Sexuality, and Self Harm.

Chris has a background in wilderness therapy and is passionate about getting people outside and interacting with nature in whatever ways inspire and help them find peace.
You can know that from the very first session, Chris is 100% on your team and will work hard to support you and ensure that you get what you came for out of therapy.

The relationship between mental health and being outdoors in nature is a strong and positive one.  Spending time in nature is scientifically shown to reduce anxiety, depression and have positive impacts on stress reduction.

Emily is a licensed clinical social worker. She has over five years experience supporting adolescents, children and adults in schools, inpatient and outpatient settings in both rural and urban areas throughout the country.

Emily takes a holistic and individualized approach in therapy. She works to normalize the experience of mental health with her clients and explore how each person's human experience impacts their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Emily loves working with children and adolescents, supporting them as they grow, overcome challenges and discover who they are as individuals.

Emily is a certified yoga teacher, she enjoys going on hikes, camping, cooking and traveling.

Temira (they/them) is an avid athlete, a trained mindfulness instructor, and a passionate advocate for others. They have been a counselor since 2017, and they see counseling as a way to help people discover the strength and courage to be their best selves. Temira recognizes the impact of history, trauma, oppression, social structures, and gender norms on mental health and strives to help folks see all the forces impacting their lives. Knowledge, in this case, is power!

Hello, my name is Phoenix Dorsey-Billy. I am an enrolled member of the Shoalwater Bay Tribe and a descendant of many cultures along the Nch’i Wana (Columbia River). I am a hunter, fisherman, gatherer, brother, uncle, and educator. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Education from The Evergreen State College and have remained dedicated to teaching the next generations the importance of life, resilience, and the belief that anything they set their minds to is possible.

Hey y’all, my name is Dylan Clancy, and I use he/him pronouns. I grew up in California, where I first discovered a love for the outdoors on the South Fork American River and around Lake Tahoe. Five years ago, that love for adventure brought me to White Salmon, which I now call home. My passions are wide-ranging. I recently completed my Psychology degree at Prescott College and have also spent the past few years running Nativ Cafe. I believe that the diverse experiences of life shape who we are and foster connection with others. As a peer facilitator, I hope to bring curiosity, openness, and a sense of adventure into our shared space.

Ximena, Emanuel, Paige, Sofi, Lupe, Michael, Lisa, Azsah, Elizabeth, Caroline, Japhia