Outdoor Centre Staff

Paul Chiddle

Outdoor Centre Manager, Instructor, Guide

Paul is the manager of the Outdoor Centre and a highly experienced practitioner in all disciplines and aspects of outdoor education. Whilst Paul is primarily responsible for the strategic development, business and risk management within the Outdoor Centre, he is also a fully qualified IFMGA Mountain Guide and member of the ACMG, so in his spare time you’ll likely find him somewhere in the mountains. 

Lauren Chown

Youth Program Coordinator, Instructor

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Lauren has been working at the Outdoor Centre since 2018. She began as an Outdoor Youth Leader, leading summer camps, overnight trips, and cross-country skiing programs, as well as youth paddling and mountain biking programs. She later advanced to Assistant Youth Program Coordinator and is now the Youth Program Coordinator. Lauren is dedicated to encouraging youth to get outside and try new activities! Paddle Canada Moving Water Canoe Instructor, Paddle Canada Advanced Flatwater Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor, and OCC Field Leader (Hiking).

Cody Johnston

BA, BEd, Equipment and Services Coordinator, Instructor

BIKING, BIKE REPAIR

Cody has over 25 years of mountain biking and teaching experience and coordinates the cycling and ski/bike repair programs at the Outdoor Centre. He shares a passion and philosophy for riding, tuning and repairing technical gear. He says, “There is something captivating about bikes– the balance, the openness to one’s surroundings, and the simplicity of the machine itself. Whether on skis, a board, or a bike, tuning gear with your own hands only adds to the satisfaction and freedom you feel outdoors.”

Nakita Kautzman

Customer Service Supervisor (Rental Shop)

Nakita is a graduate of the University of Calgary, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies. She joined Active Living in 2017 and has been a valued member of the Outdoor Centre team since 2021. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, Nakita enjoys a variety of activities, including snowboarding, cross-country skiing, backpacking, hiking, dirt biking, and whitewater rafting. In addition to her outdoor pursuits, Nakita is also a competitive bodybuilder and powerlifter.
Nakita's passion for adventure has taken her all over the world, including backpacking through 16 countries in Europe and whitewater rafting the Lütschine in the Swiss Alps, which she considers to be her most memorable trip. When she's not exploring the great outdoors, Nakita can be found pushing her limits in the gym or enjoying some much-needed downtime in the mountains. BA Communication and Media Studies

Sam Mazerolle

Climbing and Bouldering Facilities Supervisor, Instructor

INDOOR CLIMBING AND BOULDERING

Sam joined the Outdoor Centre team in 2023, bringing extensive knowledge and experience in commercial climbing. With a strong background in instructing, she has developed a keen understanding of climbing techniques and strategies. Her expertise extends to route-setting, where she designs challenging and engaging routes for climbers of all skill levels. Sam is passionate about fostering the climbing community at the University of Calgary, starting with her work in the climbing office.
When Sam isn't at the Outdoor Centre, you’ll find her exploring the mountains, either hiking or climbing. She also loves solving New York Times games, particularly the mini crossword puzzles!

Brad Cooke

Program Coordinator, Instructor

ROCK CLIMBING, ICE CLIMBING, MOUNTAINEERING, AVALANCHE SAFETY, BACKCOUNTRY SKIING, SKI MOUNTAINEERING, CREVASSE RESCUE

Brad joined the Outdoor Center in 2019, bringing with him a decade of experience guiding guests in the mountain ranges of Alberta and British Columbia. He is an enthusiastic rock, ice, and alpine climber, backcountry skier, runner, and cyclist and is passionate about sharing his love of safely enjoying the great outdoors. As the manager of a team of ACMG-certified guides and avalanche skills instructors, Brad works to spread the excitement and expertise of his crew to others. Climbing Wall Association (Provider), CAA Level 2 Avalanche Operations, CSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor

Chris Chesham

Program Coordinator , Instructor

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, CANOEING, KAYAKING, STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING

Growing up in Canmore, Chris fell in love with the mountains and being outside. His passion brought him into the cross-country ski racing world where he competed at a high-level in the sport of Biathlon, winning national championships. Transitioning into the instructing world and attending school at Algonquin College for an Outdoor Adventure Diploma, his capabilities in the outdoors continued to grow, adding paddling to his repertoire with time spent canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. Soon his abilities brought him into the adventure course world, where he facilitated and managed many different challenge courses and zip lines. Working professionally as a course builder and inspector, he spent many years providing high-level management and training to many different facilities.  Happily transitioning in 2024 to the role of Cross-Country Ski and Paddling Coordinator at the Outdoor Centre, Chris is excited to help grow the programs and build upon many successful years. He is always happy to have a coffee and chat, and tell stories of hiking through the alps, biking across ocean roads in Cuba, crafting the perfect cocktail, or snuggling up with his cat, Patrick. 

Rachel Oggy

Program Coordinator, Instructor, Guide

HIKING, SNOWSHOEING, LEADERSHIP, NAVIGATION, BEAR SAFETY, PARAGLIDING, HANG GLIDING, WILDERNESS FIRST AID

Rachel has been with the Outdoor Centre for 12 years. She coordinates the hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, navigation and leadership programs, and guides many of the trips. Rachel brings extensive knowledge of the mountains, trails and routes of the Canadian Rockies, which allows the Outdoor Centre to offer a wide variety of spectacular hiking trips and locations. Rachel leads a team of highly qualified guides who have years of experience and a variety of expertise to share with trip participants.

Brooke Van Oosten

Program Coordinator, Instructor

CUSTOM PROGRAMS

Brooke joined the Outdoor Centre in 2021 starting as a rental shop staff while studying at the University of Calgary and competing on the Dinos field hockey team. Brooke began her position as custom program coordinator in 2024 and works with schools and large groups, allowing many to start their hopefully long-lasting outdoor journeys!
Brooke has a passion for the outdoors, always attempting and learning a variety of activities. She enjoys climbing, hiking, road and trail running, biking, and the occasional water sport of canoeing or kayaking. When not at the Outdoor Centre, she loves reading, cooking, travelling, and valued time with family and friends. 

Nikita Lehnert-Thiel

Marketing Coordinator

Nikita graduated from Mount Royal University with a Bachelor of Communication in Journalism & Digital Media. She joined the Outdoor Centre as Marketing Coordinator in April 2024, bringing her passion for creativity and storytelling to her role. Raised on an acreage in Alberta’s foothills, Nikita has always loved being outside, spending countless hours exploring the wilderness. Her favourite activities include skiing, hiking, climbing, fishing, and capturing the beauty of nature through photography. Nikita is excited to continue growing her outdoor skills alongside her team at the Outdoor Centre!