Our Board

Valerie Peltier, the new Executive Director, brings a wealth of experience in outdoor education, wilderness safety, and operations management to the role. With certifications and experience in backcountry guiding, Valerie has a deep understanding of outdoor adventure and safety. Valerie continues to be mentored by Joanne Gawler, co-founder and the organization’s first Executive Director, further strengthening Valerie’s connection to RASS’s roots and mission. In addition to her technical expertise, Valerie is highly skilled in customer service, team leadership, and program facilitation, all of which will serve her well in her new leadership position.

Her career is marked by a commitment to education and sustainability, having earned an Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Diploma from Algonquin College and certifications in various outdoor fields. Valerie’s leadership experience as Operations Manager and her hands-on experience as an instructor and safety officer underscore her ability to coordinate, guide, and inspire teams. She is passionate about fostering safe, inclusive, and educational outdoor experiences, and her diverse skill set in outdoor activities and operations management makes her an excellent fit to lead the organization into its next phase of growth.