ARC congratulates Sarah Cupery Ottley, who is enthusiastically moving from the role of Program Director into the Executive Director position. Sarah has been with ARC since 2009, when she joined the organization to open a new program site in Yosemite. Because of her rootedness in the Yosemite community, years of experience as an interpretive ranger and educator in the area, and excitement for a new challenge, Sarah hit the ground running.
Sarah was quickly promoted from Course Director of Summer Immersion Courses to Outreach Coordinator for Merced County Programming, to Program Coordinator of the Yosemite/Merced site, then to Program Director of the entire organization. Ready for a new challenge and excited about opportunities for learning and growth, she has now stepped into the role of ARC’s Executive Director.
Seeing first-hand the effectiveness of ARC’s programming, Sarah has quickly gained a passion for the field of youth development. Speaking about her five years with ARC, she said, “It’s an incredible experience to work for an organization in which so much transformation takes place. Every time I work with our participants, I’m able to observe that they have grown in confidence, character and academic ability.”
Beginning her career in environmental education by working at National Parks in Arizona, Alaska and California, Sarah solidified her passion for working in wilderness environments. She then worked five years at Yosemite Institute, receiving consistent training as an educator, backpacking guide, and risk manager while teaching over 300 youth a year and leading backpacking trips of up to fourteen days in length.
Sarah speaks conversational Spanish and has 10 years certification as a Wilderness First Responder. She has received additional training in organizational risk management, expository reading and writing education, and youth development. Sarah uses her love of music and Bachelor’s of Music degree from Wheaton College in Illinois by performing weekly in a string band.