New Senior Interpretive Ranger at River Park JPA

Calei envisions a Junior Ranger program, partnerships with libraries and other parks, and a Park After Dark program, where nocturnal wildlife can get the attention it deserves and participants can avoid the heat of the day.

“I want to be in the community all the time,” Calei said.

Calei’s promotion follows Leana Bulay’s transition to the Executive Director role. It was Leana who hired Calei as an Interpretive Park Ranger three years ago.

“Calei has touched so many lives since joining the team,” Leana said.

Leana credits Calei’s initiative with having a tremendous impact on interpretive programming.

“Her enthusiasm and commitment are helping us create meaningful experiences for our visitors,” Leana said, “and strengthening the way we connect people with nature.”

Calei, in turn, hired Gaby Busalacchi as a new interpretive ranger to fill the position she vacated.

Years ago, Calei discovered her passion for working with children outdoors while serving as an artist at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Her career later shifted to project management for a large nonprofit dedicated to mental health and social services. The work was rewarding, but it was entirely indoors.

“I wanted to be where I have been happiest in my career, outside and with kids,” Calei said.

Watershed Explorers, the River Park’s weeklong program that brings youth from underserved neighborhoods into nature, has been especially rewarding. She will always remember two students in particular who started as reluctant learners but later returned to the program as interns and volunteers.

“Getting kids into nature, talking with them about moss and buckwheat or the history of Sikes Adobe, and seeing that spark of curiosity is really special,” Calei said.

During her time as a ranger, she has drawn great strength and camaraderie from memberships in the Environmental Educator Leaders Network and the Park Rangers Association of California.

“We all have the same goal,” she said, “of getting people into nature and making it more accessible to everyone.”