Hike San Diego

Mission:

Hike San Diego is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide educational and recreational opportunities for hikers in San Diego County.  

Vision:

Promoting the diversity of hiking opportunities in San Diego County to the public. Inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. Encouraging residents to live well and build better health by choosing the outdoors for recreation. Educating all hikers about trail safety and leave no trace principles.

Core Values:

Stewardship - Leave No Trace - Advocacy - Diversity - Education

Kevin Perez, is currently a North Park resident and holds his Master's degree in Public Affairs with an emphasis in Non-Profit Management. He is a grant administrator for the City of San Diego. Kevin is a dog dad and avid outdoor adventurer. "I have been fortunate to call San Diego my home for the last several years and catch myself taken aback by all the beauty that exists around here from beaches, mountains, to deserts. I'm excited to share, explore, and experience San Diego trails with our amazing community."

Shannon Castellano, is a San Diego resident who loves to hike, camp, backpack and paddle board with her dog named Cappie Bear. She enjoys leading trips and planning adventures for the hiking and dog friendly communities. Shannon is currently a Navy civilian and has over 17 years of financial management experience. Shannon is also a volunteer for Search and Rescue with the San Diego County Sheriff Department.

Anthony Dato-on, DPT, Anthony is a Southern California native. He grew up outdoors as an avid runner, soccer player, and climber. His career and schooling has brought him throughout the US, giving him the opportunities to experience the outdoors throughout this beautiful nation. He has found himself back in Southern California where he can run or hike the trails with little weather interruptions. He currently practices as a physical therapist and part time professor, educating both patients and students about their bodies and active lifestyles are his passion, which coincides with his love for the outdoors. When he is not working you can find him running the trails, on the beach, or on the field.

Ben Redding, is a San Diego native who has enjoyed taking advantage of all the great outdoor resources San Diego County has to offer. He is an avid fisherman, mountaineer, and hiker who prefers pine trees, granite and fresh air over office chairs and meetings and he’ll take any opportunity to pitch a tent in the backcountry. Ben attended Northern Arizona University where he graduated with a B.S. in Biology, focusing on animal physiology and ecology.

Justin Aquino, Executive Director, is a San Diego native and has enjoyed hiking around the county since being exposed to the outdoors at Camp Denver Fox near Palomar Mountain for 6th grade camp. The devastating ‘03 and ‘07 wildfires in the county inspired Justin to study Environmental Science as an undergraduate student, in the hopes of better understanding and being a better steward of the environment. He is currently a graduate student at San Diego State University. When not hiking, Justin enjoys taking care of his growing number of exotic and rare fruit trees.

Karyna Rodriguez, Public Relations Coordinator, is a San Diego resident who enjoys hitting the trails whenever she can. Originally from the Midwest, she loves exploring all the diverse landscapes Southern California has to offer. Karyna is currently a photojournalist for ABC 10 News. Her career gives her the chance to travel around the county every day.

Elaine Flores, Educational Coordinator, is a San Diego resident and SoCal native who enjoys the many pleasures San Diego has to offer such as hiking, paddle boarding, and all the various events, festivals, and farmers markets. Elaine is currently a High School English Teacher in the Sweetwater Union High School District who is also a graduate student at San Diego State University. When she is not hiking nor in the classroom she is traveling and spending time with her dog Shadow.