Bio

Rhianna Orton was hired as the coordinator of recreation and wellness in August of 2022, and is in her second year at CMS. 

Orton's role includes managing group fitness programs and wellness programs, planning and executing department special events, including the 5K run, wellness fairs, challenges and hikes, and assisting in department strategic planning. 

Orton came to CMS after previously working at CSU Northridge, where she was a graduate assistant supervisor for the CSUN Outdoor Adventures program and an instructional graduate assistant with the recreation and tourism management department. Prior to that, she was an adventures instructor at Cal Poly Pomona for two years, in charge of an annual climbing competition and instructing a variety of adventure classes, primarily for climbing-specific training and kayaking. 

In addition to her collegiate roles, Orton also worked at Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) for three years, including hands-on demonstrations for rock climbing gear, tents and backpacks. She received the Tal Morash Scholarship in 2021 for community service in outdoor recreation, and was awarded the White Mountain Climbing Foundation Award in 2014.

Orton graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2019 with a degree in liberal studies, and completed her MS in recreational sport management from CSU Northridge in 2022.