Arin Okada - Program Director
Born and raised in the mountains of Northern California, Arin experienced first hand how the outdoors could be a positive tool for struggling youth. As a teen, she volunteered her time at a local outdoor school where her love of the outdoors turned into a passion to foster connections between other youth and the power the outdoors can have on mental health. From there, she headed to Oregon where she received her BS in Outdoor Adventure Leadership from Southern Oregon University with minors in both Child Psychology and Earth Sciences. After graduating, Arin traveled to various environmental schools and outdoor programs in Oregon, California, New York, and Alabama. They taught everything from state based science curriculum to guiding backpacking, rock climbing and kayaking trips. She eventually settled in New Orleans, where she started part-time at LOOP, helping to create our Wetlands Ecology Program and develop our high school Outdoor Adventure Club. During Covid, Arin made the decision to take a full-time position with New Orleans Boulder Lounge as their Program Director. This is where they were able to grow their leadership skills, overseeing and managing a diverse staff while creating and developing programming for both indoor and outdoor climbing.
When LOOP’s Program Director position opened up, Arin could not pass up the opportunity to work back outside. Now, with over 12 years of experience leading in the outdoors, Arin is excited to bring her skills and passions to help further LOOP NOLA’s mission; creating positive outdoor experiences for youth in and around New Orleans.
Christian Vogelgesang - SPECIAL Programs MANAGER
Christian Vogelgesang was born in Ohio where there's not much to do, so he spent his youth building rafts, climbing trees, and staring out the window while he should have been paying attention in math class. After graduating from Ohio University, he decided to make outdoor leadership a priority and began working for Outward Bound. Working as a Lead Instructor and Course Director, Christian learned that the outdoors has immense potential to change the way individuals relate to the world, other beings, and themselves. This transformative work led Christian to LOOP, where he continues to encourage and educate folks in New Orleans in order to enhance their lives through spending time outside.
Katya Agamy - Lead Outdoor Programs Facilitator
Originally from New England, Katya has never wanted to be inside. Whether it was hiking, camping, paddling, or picnicking, she was always spending time outdoors. In 2016, Katya made the move to New Orleans to attend Loyola University. Upon graduating and working a number of different jobs (all behind closed doors), a change needed to be made. She couldn’t stay inside forever! Then in 2021, Katya escaped the indoors and began working with LOOP NOLA. She jumped right into outdoor programming and handled every challenge that came at her. As time went on, Katya found her place as our Youth Programs Coordinator overseeing the Outdoor Adventure Club, many days of summer camp, and day-to-day outdoor programs.
Quel Cooper - Outdoor Programs Facilitator
Quel received enriching outdoor experiences from a young age, enjoying Girl Scouts, exploring nature, and attending a school with engaging recess and PE activities. She fondly recalls childhood trips exploring new nature areas with fellow scouts along with trying fun sporting activities that piqued her interest in wellness. In middle school through college, Quel furthered her love for physical education by embracing activities like yoga and physical exercise while volunteering to assist peers with disabilities in accessing health and wellness activities. Recently awarded the Lifespan Coach Certification by the International Sports Science Association, Quel has enhanced her research on how educational psychology, mindfulness, and yoga in nature-based learning boosts fitness and productivity in younger generations. Her passion is now channeled through her role at LOOP NOLA, where she works to ensure all people can experience the physical, mental, and community benefits of accessing natural spaces for outdoor recreation.
Patrick Soliz - Program Leader
From Bolivia to New Orleans, here comes: Patrick Soliz!!!
Patrick came to New Orleans in 2021 with one objective in mind -- helping people in any way that he could. Patrick studies Elementary Education at the University of New Orleans (UNO). Passionate about making a change for a future, Patrick intends to use all of his current and future knowledge to interact with kids in the funniest way possible, making them feel at home. Patrick's favorite phrase is, "Everything comes from love," which motivates him to continue working hard to help everyone. Patrick is always happy to help. And if you want to practice some Spanish, he's the right person for you!