Getting to Know You: Charelle Stanley

We are deeply grateful for the immense amount of growth that our organization has experienced over the last year or so. It has been a wild ride. And, we want to remain committed to cultivating relationships with each other, even as we grow. So, please enjoy our new Getting to Know You series: weekly staff features to get reacquainted and newly acquainted with all of the folks behind the scenes at Wild Diversity.

This week, hear from our Program Coordinator, and resident waterways and paddling expert, Charelle.

What goes first, the cereal or the milk? State your case.

Cereal first! If I pour milk first, my whole day is off.

Describe your favorite spot in your home.

My favorite spot in my house is the kitchen because I love to cook and it’s a place where I can be creative.

How do you like your eggs prepared?

I like scrambled eggs. But I don’t like the eggs to be too runny and wet when they’re scrambled.

Which element do you most identify with: earth, water, air, fire? And why?

I feel like I most identify with water. I feel like in many aspects water is present. My first kayaking and rafting courses helped me become comfortable on the water because it allowed me to understand the rivers. And ever since then I’ve tried to find ways to be on the water each summer. That’s why I became a river guide and paddling instructor. Water is what ties me to my ancestral land in the Southwest and as a child I was always taught to respect it and cherish it. And that carries through to today and on multi day river trips where I feel completely at ease.

Your favorite book or your favorite movie. Or both.

I usually listen to audiobooks rather than read and I haven’t listened to enough to have a favorite book. My favorite movie is Boy written and directed by Taika Waititi. There is a sentimental tune throughout the movie but it’s made light hearted by the humor. And it highlights indigenous actors!

Tell us about the oldest thing in your possession.

The oldest thing I own is a bandana that belonged to my grandma. She would have it with her all the time and when she would get ready for a walk or heading to the store she would put it on. It had a floral print and it had big red flowers all over and it’s contrasted against a black background and a green that outlines the stems and leaves of the flower. She lived on the reservation and that was/is the style of bandanas grandparents wear. My mom gave it to me when I moved to Oregon several years ago.

How did you find Wild Diversity?

I heard about Wild Diversity through a program that started in the fall of 2020. There was a lead educator position available for the Wild X Project.

Are there any lockdown related hobbies that have stuck for you? Or not?

I would say listening to audiobooks. I never really read books because that’s difficult for me. But at the beginning of the pandemic my partner and I listened to a lot of audiobooks. It’s perfect for road trips and house cleaning days.

Tell us about one of your favorite people and why they are one of your favorite people — dead or alive, friend, family, famous human.

My niece Zoey is one of my favorite people. She is the sweetest, silliest, and imaginative person I know. She just turned 7 this August and it’s the first time since I left New Mexico that I was able to spend a whole 5 days together. I was able to see how emotionally mature she is compared to her cousins. She could be direct at times but she focused on not stepping on toes. And even on her birthday she tried to make sure other kids didn’t feel left out. And she’s at that point where she thinks unicorns are real, and that’s the best thing about her!