Who We Are: Staff and Volunteers

MIKE YOSHIOKA
Educational Programs Manager

Mike Yoshioka is a California native and proud Hostel Adventures alumnus. His childhood participation in an Outdoor Hostel Adventure (formerly the Hostel Adventure Program) inspired Mike to pursue work in environmental conservation and education. After studying political science at San Francisco State University, he served environmental roles ranging from political activist for California forest conservation campaigns, to park ranger in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

In 2006 a search for ways to connect more children to nature brought him to the Golden Gate Council of Hostelling International USA, to serve as an interning Naturalist. In 2006, after graduating from the position of intern, Mike worked as a Staff Naturalist before transitioning to the position of Educational Programs Manager, where he continues to find excitement and inspiration in providing quality educational programs to youth.

SOFIA QURESHI
Educational Programs Coordinator

Through her work with Hostelling International, Sofia is delighted to continue furthering her twin passions: creating environmental and cross-cultural awareness. Prior to joining HI she pursued these interests while studying environmental anthropology as an undergraduate and graduate student in New York and Northern California. She has also worked in environmental education in both New York and the Bay Area.

Her favorite travel destination is anywhere warm and coastal where she can eat lots of vegetarian pasta.

LINDSAY CARVER
Community Walls Intern

Originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, Lindsay has a true passion for the arts and being a part of an artistically driven community. She studied graphic arts and painting at San Diego State University where she fell in love with the ocean. Now relocated to San Francisco, Lindsay is excited to share her love of the arts and the art of creating with children.

While living in Santa Fe, Lindsay worked with elementary school children as an art teacher's assistant. She also started and ran an art collective with 12 of her friends. Lindsay has spent much of her time seeing the world, traveling to Africa, Guatemala, and Europe to name a few. New to the Bay Area, she spends her time at the public library, biking through Golden Gate Park, camping in the redwoods, and cooking fresh veggies with her friends.