Richard Young - he/him

Mr. Young

Executive Director

ryoung@sierraacademy.net

Richard is the Executive Director of our SAEL program and was a teacher in the Crew since 2017. At SAEL, Richard has taught Adventure/PE, Crew, and elective classes and has created, planned, and led Fieldwork experiences. He has also served on our instructional and character-based leadership teams within the program, as well as advised our student leadership group. He has also been a member of Site Council. A love of fitness and outdoor adventures started at a young age and informs Richard’s belief that the greatest growth, interpersonal connections, and accomplishment transpire when the human mind and body are pushed beyond their comfort zones. He is excited to take on the role of Executive Director to leverage his love of learning, deep curiosity, and current experience on our leadership teams here at SAEL.

Prior to SAEL Richard earned a B.S. in Forestry at Oregon State University and an M.S. in Natural Resources at the University of Idaho. Throughout college, Richard spent summers working in the mountains for the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Back on campus, Richard found community and employment working for the OSU and UofI outdoor programs leading outdoor adventures. In the years after college Richard continued to blend his love for education and conservation while working for public land management agencies across the Western US. Richard has continued his growth as an educator at SAEL by earning a California Career Technical Education teaching credential in the Agriculture and Natural Resources pathway as well as his Administrative Services Credential.

Richard combined this knowledge and lived experience to create curriculum and Fieldwork experience that deepen students’ connection to their academic classes, the natural world, and each other. Fieldwork is a foundational element of Expeditionary Learning and a central part of SAEL’s learning model. Mr. Young strives to support the best high School Adventure Fieldwork program possible. SAEL staff and students have explored the canyons and mountains of Utah, Arizona, and Colorado as well as the urban landscapes of Sacramento and San Fransisco while also camping, hiking, climbing, and floating throughout the Sierra Nevada.

When not working, Richard tries to keep up with his wife while seeking out new adventures together and growing their community and connection to Nevada City. Richard enjoys whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, running, backcountry skiing, climbing, cooking, and staring at maps dreaming up the next great adventure.