Nicole DeJonghe

Program Director

Nicole comes to SBC with a passion for working towards a balanced and prosperous Sierra Nevada region. Her strengths include her ability to connect well with others, and her analytical skills balanced with an ability to realize and implement creative solutions. Nicole believes in educating, inspiring, and empowering others with the tools necessary to make positive change.

Professional Experience

Nicole brings to SBC a wide range of professional experience, including:

• Patagonia Inc. – Environmental analysis and social responsibility
• Launched two businesses, one involving affordable green modular housing
• Gateway Mountain Center (Donner Summit) – Development Director
• Published researcher on sustainable business practices
• New construction LEED certification project manager
• Yosemite Institute and Outward Bound – Instructor and site manager, inspired and empowered over 700 students in the Sierra
• Science Teacher and launched renewable energy grant funded program – Mammoth Lakes, CA
• Experiential and outdoor education curriculum developer and staff trainer
• Yoga, writing and wilderness – Course leader, Tuolumne

Education

Nicole holds a Masters degree in Environmental Science and Management, with a specialization in Green Innovation and Business (Bren School, UCSB).  She holds a second Masters degree in teaching, as well as two Secondary California Clear Teaching Credentials, in Geosciences and Biological Sciences. Her Bachelors of Science is from the University of Michigan, where she double majored in Environmental Policy and Behavior and Resource Ecology and Management.

Personal Highlights

Nicole has a deep love for backcountry skiing, climbing on granite, and swimming in alpine lakes. She has a contagious smile.

Nicole also works with a small group of committed individuals in Tanzania, Africa, where they are working to develop relationships and launch a successful school and its accompanied operating systems in a Maasai village.

Nicole has lived in various locations throughout the Sierra, including Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite (El Portal), and now looks forward to contributing to the healthy evolution of Truckee and the greater Sierra Nevada region.