The Heart and Hands of Wild Compass
Wild Compass Challenge Course and Adventures is governed by a Board of Directors (see below), and is staffed by a small group of dedicated individuals. All staff, volunteers, and board members are committed to youth and their families, and to bringing a much needed approach to education that will support all people to develop life to their fullest capacities as human beings.
The Heart and Hands of WILD
The Wilderness Institute for Lifelong Development is governed by a Board of Directors (see below), and is staffed by a small group of dedicated individuals. All staff, volunteers, and board members are committed to youth and their families, and to bringing a much needed approach to education that will support all people to develop life to their fullest capacities as human beings.
Our Leadership Team
Alex Nopola
Co-Executive Director, Operations Manager, Lead Guide & Facilitator
After dedicating 20 years to Synergia Learning Center as a Lead Challenge Course Facilitator and Lead Field Guide, my passion for this work remains as strong as ever. I’m a certified Wilderness First Responder through NOLS Wilderness Medicine and have trained with the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) as a rock climbing instructor.
As a proud father of two spirited boys, I cherish the time spent outdoors introducing them to the beauty and adventures of nature. In winter, you can find me sharing my love for the slopes as a ski instructor in the Sierra Mountains. My adventures have taken me across the Sierra Mountain and Cascade Ranges, where I’ve enjoyed summiting peaks for the sheer joy of skiing down and, of course, savoring the breathtaking views.
I believe that my extensive knowledge of the mountains complements my desire to share the wonders of the rugged wilderness with both children and adults. When I’m not exploring the great outdoors, I love to gather my family in the kitchen to create delicious meals. Together, we celebrate the joy of connection, both in nature and at home.
Melanya Gonshorowski
Co-Executive Director, Program Director, & Facilitator
I love staying busy and working with people of all kinds. When someone asks me if I’m a cat or a dog person I often reply, “I’m a people person.” Before navigating the world of program director, I enjoyed a year as one of the directors for Synergia Nature School. Additionally, I have over 10 years experience working with children — from my time as a counselor at Camp Augusta, and working at Synergia back in 2005, to my most recent work as a farm educator with Sierra Harvest.
I am also a mother raising two wonderful boys with Alex. Previously I worked as a Licensed Midwife in Grass Valley and surrounding regions for almost 10 years and loved connecting with families and sharing knowledge that empowered new or seasoned parents. Risk management has always been a top priority for me across professions.
I look forward to connecting with you and teaching your children. I love many arts and crafts including needle felting, collaging and knitting. And if you are curious about my culinary creations ask me about hoshigaki persimmons or fire cider powder.
Jen Homan
Lead Guide and Facilitator
I come from a family of teachers and have worked in education in some form since I took my first tutoring job at the age of eleven! My connection to the outdoors began as a child growing up in the tropics, where I swam, sailed, and snorkeled daily from a small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
As a credentialed teacher and an outdoor educator for almost thirty years, I have worked as a classroom English and history teacher in several public schools in California and Washington. I’ve served as a trip leader and backpacking guide for youth with Lifeschool/Go Adventure, managed and directed semester study-abroad trips for Eastern Michigan University, and worked as a head naturalist at Woodleaf Outdoor School. Most recently, I was the founder and co-lead teacher of the Global Studies Academy at Forest Charter School in Nevada City, CA.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, running, camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, backpacking, reading, writing, and yoga. Most of all, I love spending time with my friends, family, and my two growing boys.
Josh Miller
Lead Guide and Facilitator
I grew up exploring the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific North West , falling in love with the outdoors in my own backyard. I started my career as a teenager at a boy scout camp teaching climbing and wilderness survival. Since then, I’ve worked as a trip leader at Naturalists at Large, backpacking guide Lifeschool/Go Adventure, and naturalist at Woodleaf Outdoor School (now Shady Creek). For 17 years, my wife, Jen, and I ran the Global Studies Academy at Forest Charter School in Nevada City.
I am also a professional photographer with work published worldwide, currently leading photo workshops throughout North, Central, and South America. When I’m not teaching or behind the lens, I enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, mountain biking, listening to jazz, playing guitar, and planning adventures. My favorite role, however, is teaching my sons about the world around them. Now that we are back in Nevada City, I am excited to join the amazing program at Wild Compass.
Mandala Kowal aka Mondy
Lead Guide and Facilitator
As an outdoor educator with 16 years of experience, I am guided by a deep sense of wonder and curiosity. Exploring the river canyon behind my childhood home, I found a sense of peace and belonging in wild places—a feeling I have since enjoyed sharing with countless people. To me, the best experience is being in the wilderness and watching everyone become calm, finding that "special shine" that comes from being immersed in the natural world.
At age 18, I began working with adolescent girls, facilitating coming-of-age rites and celebrations. That curriculum included life-skill discussions, choreographed dances, and guided hikes. I later taught in grade school as an art and garden teacher. After starting my own family, I spent over nine years leading expeditions with Synergia Learning Center. Most recently, I served as an Outdoor Program Supervisor at a group home, facilitating programs in camping, biking, climbing, woodshop, ceramics, and gardening.
I am passionate about bringing people into the wild and believe these experiences offer meaningful opportunities to build relationships within ourselves, each other, and the environment. I love sharing my care for the natural world and my understanding of local flora and fauna. My hope is that through this, we will build deep connections to each other and place, fostering curiosity and having fun.
In my free time, I enjoy rafting, hiking, backpacking, gardening, swimming, and yoga. I also love spending time with my family and my animals, and practicing primitive ceramics.
Raya Searls
Facilitator
I am Raya, born and raised in Nevada County’s serene rivers, lakes, and countless pines. I recently graduated from Prescott College with a B.A. in Adventure Education highlighting outdoor education, experimental education, and expeditionary learning.
I value supporting all ages in the outdoors, facilitating challenging experiences, and broadening their horizons. I am Wilderness EMT certified and fully enjoyed my time working with Synergia and am excited to continue working with Wild Compass.
Carin Sorani
Ropes Course Facilitator
I have always loved being outdoors. I have spent 25 years working on challenge courses with children and adults on my days off.
I spent 16 summers volunteering at Camp Okizu, a camp for children with cancer, their siblings & families. While there I helped run activities & support children in daily activities & had my first experience on a ropes course.
Since then I have worked for On Course, Inc., Synergia Learning Center and has filled in at Peak Adventures at Sacramento State and Mother Load River Center.
When I am not at work behind the cash register at Briar Patch Co-op or teambuilding, I enjoys going out on walks, alone or with my husband & goats, snowboarding in the winter & taking on my newest challenge of pottery making.
Board of Directors
Aaron Sorani
Sierra Lesiow Webb
Nalini Snell
Alex Nopola
Advisory Board
Debra Weistar
Davin Hart
