Meet Our Administrative Staff
Derek Tenney
Director of Outdoor Education
Derek is the Director of Outdoor Education at Pali Institute. He is starting his second year at Pali. Derek brings seven years of outdoor education experience and a Masters in Environmental Education to Pali. The New York Times chose Derek as the “most dynamic bull fighter in new England”. He is looking forward to a great season at Pali.
Jen Smith
Assistant Director of Programs
Jen bring years of experience to Pali as the Assistant Director. She hails from Indiana, where she worked most recently as Program Director for the university of Indian’s Bradford Woods Outdoor Education program. Jen has traveled from coast to coast in the Outdoor Education field and loves her home now in the San Bernardino National Forest. If your lucky you can get here to sing her famous rendition of “A ‘60’s Party” at one of our campfires.
Michael Urbach
Visiting Schools Coordinator
Michael Urbach, the Visiting School Coordinator, is in his second school year at Pali Institute. Originally from the Chicago area of Illinois, Mike started at Pali as an instructor and has worked his way up to working with schools full-time to ensure they are getting quality programming. He has many interests including archery, hiking, and playing a variety of sports.
Jolee Jones
Ropes Course Director
Jolee , originally from Austin, Texas, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her current position of Ropes Course Director for Pali Institute and Pali Overnight Adventures. She completed her undergraduate degree in 2003 in Recreation Administration with a minor in Photography at Southwest Texas State, where she was also the 2002 Homecoming Queen. From 2003-2005, Jolee was the Staff Recruiter and Assistant Ropes Course Manager at the Outdoor School in Marble Falls, Texas. In 2007, she completed her Master of Education in Experiential Education. Jolee’s goals for the year include providing positive experiences for youth, completing two century rides on her road bike and continuing to explore the great outdoors.
Paul Clemens
Education Coordinator
Paul is originally from Rochester, Minnesota. His nickname is Mayo, but he’ll never tell why. Before arriving at Pali, he pursued a career as a figure skater for the 1998 winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, and after that as a school bus driver in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ask him to use his extensive knowledge of animal calls: “Here, birdie birdie birdie!”