Our Mission
The Outside, For Everyone
It all started with a question: " Why am I only teaching a select few demographics in outdoor education, and what can we do about it?"
David "Davy" Crosier grew up in Northern and Southern California, where, thanks to loving naturalist parents, was exposed to the grandeur and magnificence of the world that we live in. In particular, at a young age, Davy began to understand that even though some areas look more magnificent than others, the intense intricacy of the beauty of these places stayed the same, wherever he went.
We want to share this beauty and magnificence with everyone around us. When we started looking for an outdoor school in the Sacramento Valley to get behind, we found that the options were concerningly few and meager.
So, with a group of experienced and skilled outdoor educators we created the Sacagawea Outdoor Learning Institute.
Through skills based and experiential learning, conservation advocacy, and equitable access to outdoor learning.
Why Sacagawea?
Sacagawea was a interpreter and guide for the Lewis & Clark Expedition, where, along with her husband and son, was influential in ensuring the success of the expedition all the way to the Pacific Northwest. During this expedition, she played a pivotal role in communicating between tribes, understand and interpreting the landscape, and acting as a strength and beacon during times of crisis. At Sacagawea Outdoor Learning Institute, we strive to embody and teach the same skills that Sacagawea demonstrated as a guide.
Meet The Team
David Crosier
Hi, my name is David! I have been working in outdoor education for over five years now. I specialize in species identification and bushcraft and am obsessed with the art of fire craft. I started this school because I noticed there was a lack of quality environment outdoor opportunities in the Sacramento Valley and decided to start the SOLI Learning Institute. My goal is to bring quality outdoor learning experiences to all who seek it.
Ayana Smith
Greetings! My name is Ayana! I'm an art instructor who focuses on child led learning. I have a long-term love of nature and naturalism and I do fiber arts on the side.
Scott Crosier
Hello there! My name is Scott.
Brenda Crosier
Hi, I'm Brenda.
Quyimah Crosier
My name is QuyImah (Ku-why-ee-ma), Crosier and I am a Human Development & Family Major with expectations to graduate with my degree by the time we start our 2026 Point Reyes Trip. I grew up in the city in the middle of Elk Grove. As young as six, however, I was obsessed with nature. I would check out field guide books on animals from the library and spend my days in my front yard, looking for my outside under literally every rock or leaf I could find. Now I am a mother of three who lives to share the outdoors with (at the very least) the youngest of us who might overwise never have had an opportunity to see the world outside the valley because of perceived differences or limitations. I believe that every child is unique in how they develop, learn and grow, and that that the things that may struggle with at home or school on the inside will never be the thing that keeps from their outside.
Dania Smith
My name is Dania. I worked in the energy consulant field for twenty year, finishing up as junior project manager. I am currently working as administrative assistant. My experience with education comes from homeschooling my kids all way through to graduation. I love to work in projects where children can learn at their own pace and express their own creativity. I grew up the daughter of a seasoned outdoor guide, so I am by no means unfamiliar with the outdoors and a love of nature.