Our Team
tony peniche
Meet Tony Peniche, a trailblazer whose passion for the great outdoors and boundless curiosity has led him to establish the PNW Survival Games – an event that stands at the crossroads of adventure and innovation. While Tony boasts an impressive career as an award-winning fashion designer, high fashion photographer, inventor, and serial entrepreneur, his true essence finds its roots in the untamed beauty of nature.
Tony's adventurous spirit has guided him to explore the far reaches of the globe, where he's fearlessly taken on the challenges of hunting alligators, iguanas, wild boar, ducks, snakes, and an array of captivating creatures. Through these journeys, he's developed an unwavering reverence for the natural world and an acute awareness of the delicate harmony between human interaction and the wilderness.
Guided by his belief in embracing the great outdoors, the PNW Survival Games has become a transformative experience that seamlessly fuses his love for adventure with his branding and marketing acumen. This event is a testament to Tony's unwavering commitment to inspiring others to step beyond their comfort zones, confront nature's challenges head-on, and unearth their latent potential.
Join Tony in celebrating the convergence of daring exploration and creative thought as he invites you to the PNW Survival Games – a testament to his unwavering belief in the power of community, nature, and personal growth.
phil robinson
Phil Robinson is an operations professional and the co-founder of the PNW Survival Games, a unique blend of adventure and education. Based in the heart of Portland, Oregon, Phil's journey has been driven by an enduring passion for the outdoors and the timeless art of wilderness survival.
Growing up amidst the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, Phil discovered a world of exploration and experimentation right at his doorstep. His early experiences in the wilderness ignited a lifelong fascination with the natural world and the skills needed to thrive in it.
Phil's wellspring of inspiration draws from sources as diverse as the movies "Swiss Family Robinson" and "The Edge," along with classic TV shows like the "A-Team" and "MacGyver." He's even unearthed wisdom in the weathered pages of his father's books, notably "How to Survive in the Wilderness."
Rooted in a profound belief in self-reliance, a thirst for adventure, and a commitment to community, Phil's quest for knowledge and novel experiences is ceaseless. He finds unbridled joy in both learning and passing on his wisdom to others, embodying the belief that true growth comes from sharing knowledge.
Phil's vision is to build a thriving community of like-minded individuals who share a profound interest in reclaiming the forgotten arts of survival techniques. He understands that not everyone has the experience or resources to embark on this journey alone. With his leadership, the PNW Survival Games aim to bridge this gap, fostering a community where everyone can discover their inner survivor, together.
Survival Instructors
EJ Snyder
Naked & Afraid XL
EJ Snyder, a renowned survivalist and TV personality, boasts a 25-year military career and extensive survival experience. Known for his grit on Naked and Afraid and Dual Survival, EJ brings unparalleled expertise and passion to the PNW Survival Games team.
Biko Wright
Alone - Season 8
With the heart of a mountain Viking and the soul of a skald, Biko is most at home in the wild. He is not only an expert outdoorsman and survivalist, but also an accomplished musician, singer, and runner-up on season 8 of History Channels Alone series.
Peter Bauer
ReWild Portland
Peter Bauer, with 25 years of experience as an anthropologist, historian, and bushcraft instructor, champions non-traditional education. He authored "Rewild or Die" and is the founder and director of Rewild Portland, shaping a distinct path in the wilderness.
Sharon Ross
Afrovivalist
Sharon Ross is a seasoned survival expert with a journey that has molded her into an outstanding instructor in the realms of bushcraft and survival. Sharon's upbringing in idyllic Southern Oregon laid the foundation for her lifelong connection with the great outdoors.
Dana Anderson
Wild Mountain Man Dan
From an early age, Dana's heart belonged to the wilderness. His hunger for knowledge led him down unconventional paths, focusing on arrowheads and the lore of mountain men. It's been over six decades since those early days, and Dana's spirit remains as wild as ever.
Dr. Natalie Bonthius
Dr. Natalie Bonthius, founder of Survival Med, is an Emergency Medicine physician and wilderness medicine expert. She educates over 30,000 students globally, collaborates with top organizations, and researches neuroscience and survival psychology. Dr. Bonthius also serves as a renowned speaker and consultant in various fields.
Survival Med
Additional Team Members
Jordan Zandi
Director of Operations
Inspired by his experience as a participant in the 2024 Survival Games, Jordan brings a wealth of expertise in developing and launching products and programs across publishing, technology, and higher education. An outdoors enthusiast, he enjoys backpacking, mountaineering, and learning bushcraft skills. Currently, he’s also working toward membership in PNWSAR, further solidifying his commitment to outdoor safety and preparedness.
Matt akins
Director of digital marketing
Originally from Alaska, Matt recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest in 2016 and brings over 13 years of experience building and managing marketing campaigns. A proud new dad, Matt and his wife celebrated the arrival of their first child last year. His expertise and fresh perspective will help us grow our reach and connect with more outdoor enthusiasts.
Rio Tafoya
Creative Director & Lead Video Editor
Rio is a is a visual storyteller who thrives on chaos and creativity. His work is bold, raw, and dripping with authenticity, breaking away from the polished and predictable to create visuals that demand attention. If it’s not pushing boundaries, it’s not Rio.
Media
CHRIS FISCHER
Chris Fischer is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer specializing in large mammal wildlife, documentary, music video and live performance filmmaking. With 25 years of photography experience, he excels in shot selection, lighting, and framing. He has collaborated with brands like the Portland Trail Blazers, Moda Health, and United Way, as well as being published by BBC and National Geographic. He serves as Director of Photography for multiple wildlife and cultural documentaries, both completed and upcoming. His VR wildlife series, Close Encounters, filmed across Africa, continues to sell internationally. With a financial background in accounting, Chris ensures tight budget control and manages international shoots with ease.