Board of Directors
Merria Velasco
Chairperson
With more than 15 years of experience in education, the arts, and human services nonprofits, Merria joined Friends In Deed as the inaugural Senior Director of Development in February 2021. A Certified Fundraising Executive, she began her career as an auditor with KPMG after earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Saint Mary’s College of California. Outside of work, Merria enjoys teaching Jazzercise, visiting friends across the country, and spending quality time with her family. She also loves gardening, hiking, and exploring the outdoors with her husband, a wildland firefighter—especially in the mountain town of Idyllwild, where she lived for five years.
Sarah Long
Vice Chairperson
Ryan Trantum
Treasurer
Ryan James Trantum is a Certified Financial Fiduciary with AJT Wealth Consultants, where he supports his community by equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve financial security. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Whittier College in 2016 and holds the rank of Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of America. Ryan is also a PADI Certified Dive Master. In his free time, he enjoys relaxing in a hammock, stargazing, and getting lost in a good book surrounded by nature.
Bonnie Carpenter
Secretary
Bonnie Carpenter is an educator dedicated to helping others discover their sense of self and purpose through creative play and imagination. With over 25 years of experience, her students can be found around the world, using their artistic voices in a wide range of fields. Originally from southeastern Wisconsin, Bonnie now enjoys exploring the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of California with her husband, Todd, and their two children, Finneas (17) and Quinnlyn (11). She has spent more than two decades in the Dramatic Arts department at Idyllwild Arts and remains deeply committed to personal growth and lifelong learning. Most recently, she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Alverno College.
Robert “Dale” Machen
Board Member
Join the Boojum Board of Directors
When you were a kid, did you ever go to camp as part of a school trip? That’s what a Boojum trip is like. Outdoor Adventures by Boojum is a nonprofit that helps people learn more about themselves, each other and the environment. It’s an outdoor school with hiking, rock climbing, high-ropes courses, and other fun yet challenging interactive programs for children and adults. Outdoor Adventures by Boojum is a great way to have hands-on learning experiences in nature. Being a board member is a big responsibility. It takes time and dedication; It is not a job for everyone.
At Outdoor Adventures by Boojum, Board of Directors is not a line on a resume, it is a personal commitment, a commitment to give kids a chance to foster positive peer relationship, self-confidence and environmental stewardship.
We know things get tough sometime, especially with your busy schedule. But with every little mind we inspire, every little heart we touch, every smile we put on a child’s face… we see the promising future happening right before our eyes. We see the differences we have made right here in our own community. No empty promises, no remote operations, and no politics. Our task ultimately becomes our reward:
We are making the future happen, one child at a time, thousands of children every year, and we think you may be perfect for this.
Boojum is looking for dedicated, engaged board members that are excited about making a difference. In addition to enthusiasm and engagement we are also looking for board members with the following specific skills: