Our Staff

Prior to joining GBI as CEO, Peter Woodruff’s leadership was most recently spread nationwide at ACE (American Conservation Experience), overseeing a thriving staff and hundreds of federal agency partnerships facilitating conservation across the U.S. and territories. Peter’s signature workforce development programs included the Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program (CRDIP), National Park Service Academy (NPS/A), Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP), and NPS Mellon Humanities Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Peter hails from the corn & bean fields of rural Indiana, earned an interdisciplinary Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY focused on field ecology and land-use issues.  He undertook cultural immersion and resource management studies in Botswana, before turning to an AmeriCorps year of service, a wide array of seasonal federal agency work, and wilderness therapy programming. His contributions in wildlife biology, backcountry ranger duties, environmental education, community land trust services, and citizen science found him serving across the California Sierras, interior Alaska, Cape Cod Massachusetts, Utah and Nevada. In addition to his passion for working with amazing colleagues, Fed and NonFed partners, and inspiring emerging conservation professionals, Peter enjoys backcountry skiing, running, and widely exploring our public lands.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 100

Gaby Davis is a first generation Mexican born in Southern California and raised in Northern Nevada for most of her life. Through all her various life and work experiences which included working with Elementary students she was able to see her true passion is working with people. She graduated with her AS in Science 2018 and a BA in Human Resources Management in July 2023, becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college. Gaby is excited to bring her love of connecting with people and creating an inclusive workplace at GBI. Gaby loves spending time with her husband and two kids. She also enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and running.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 201

Antonio was born and mostly raised in Southern Nevada. He moved up north in 2007 when he began his studies at the University of Nevada, Reno and simultaneously joined the Wolf Pack Marching Band. Antonio received a B.S. in both International Business and Economics from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2011. Antonio has worked in the HR/Recruiting space for over a decade, supporting many industries; from Accounting and finance, DoD to gaming. When Antonio is not working as a recruiting professional, you can find him playing the tuba and classical piano, albeit not at the same time, we think!

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 203

Brooke Martin grew up in the woods of North New Jersey, then moved to Maryland and resided there to get her degree from Towson University. She moved to Reno in 2020 to be closer to family and expand her career. She worked a few corporate recruitment jobs before starting at GBI, and she loves the opportunity to do her part in the betterment of our environment. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, painting, and spending time with friends and family.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 204

Danielle Tuason is a Reno native and has cherished the beauty of the Tahoe Basin since her early years. Prior to joining GBI, she honed her skills in Customer Satisfaction and Logistics, where her dedication to enhancing the experiences of those around her shone through. With a deep appreciation for public lands not native to her familial heritage, Danielle is excited to channel her passion into providing opportunities for individuals devoted to the conservation field.

Outside of work, she enjoys creating functional pottery, camping, indulging in new local eateries, getting out to the many lakes or rivers surrounding home, and spending time with friends and family. Her most recent adventures include frequent travels to Portland, OR, where she spends cherished moments with her new nephew.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 205

Alex, a Las Vegas native, holds a B.A. in Environmental Policy and Project Management with a minor in Communication. With experience in community outreach, county parks, and national forest recreation, she is passionate about connecting people with the outdoors. She loves spending lake days soaking up the sun, capturing moments through her lens, and making memories with friends. Whether exploring nature or sharing stories, Alex thrives on adventure and engagement.

Contact: (775) 243-4547

Kevin Dose is the Chief of Administration for GBI. After graduating with a B.S. in Environmental Health from Purdue University (2002), Kevin traveled west to join GBI’s Nevada Conservation Corps (NCC) program as a Trail Crew Leader stationed at Great Basin National Park. Kevin has held multiple roles over the past twenty years, including NCC Crew Coordinator, NCC Program Director, and most recently GBI Deputy Director. As GBI’s Chief of Administration, Kevin leads GBI’s Business Operations Team, responsible for sustaining GBI through fiscal responsibilities, regulatory compliance, technology, and partnership curation. Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife Dana, daughter Reya, and son Levon in the great outdoors from their home in Littleton, CO.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 101

Chris Warner has been professionally involved with the national service movement and environmental stewardship for more than two decades. After graduating from Villanova University with a BA in Sociology (1998), Chris coordinated environmental education activities for EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region for two years when he served as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. As an Environmental Management Fellow with EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program, Chris supported several multi-jurisdictional committees whose mandate is to establish policies that aim to improve the water quality of Chesapeake Bay and to manage the Program’s congressionally appropriated annual budget. After relocating to the mountain west in 2002, Chris received his MA in Political Science (Environmental Policy) from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2005. Since graduating from UNR, Chris has spent the entirety of his career at Great Basin Institute, collaborating with colleagues to develop and enhance resource management direct service programs. Chris served as the Institute’s first Research Associates Program Director and presently serves as Director of Development. In his current role, Chris is primarily focused on developing federal and state grants and agreements, and conducting government relations and policy development at the national level on behalf of GBI. In July 2011 Chris moved back to the mid-Atlantic with his family. When he isn’t playing with his two daughters, Chris enjoys cooking, gardening and bird-watching with his wife, as well as exploring the mixed conifer and hardwood forests and rolling hillsides of the surrounding farm country that south central Pennsylvania offers.

Contact: (775) 525-8009

Savita Shukla joins the Great Basin Institute as Controller, bringing more than 30 years of experience in accounting, finance, and management. She grew up and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Management, Finance, and Education in the farmlands of northern India before moving to the United States in the mid-1990s. Savita began her career teaching finance and went on to work with a variety of nonprofit and government organizations, including the City of Reno and, most recently, a tribal government. She looks forward to both contributing her expertise and learning more about GBI’s mission in conservation, research, and education. After living in Reno for over thirty years with her husband, Savita still loves being surrounded by the mountains and natural beauty of the region. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and traveling to visit her two kids, who are now spread across the country. She is excited to connect with her new colleagues and be part of the GBI community.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 210

Zoe Greig grew up in the California foothills, often traveling throughout the Great Basin and enjoying its immense beauty. She moved to Reno in 2016 to study at UNR and graduated in May of 2020 with a BS in Finance. She worked a few corporate accounting jobs before landing at GBI, and she loves giving back to the area she’s loved her whole life. In her free time, she enjoys camping, kayaking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 212

Bailey Craugh grew up on a ranch in Northern Nevada. She worked as a Fiscal Supervisor for a school district in Northern California. Outside of work, Bailey coaches a 12 and under softball team. She enjoys playing softball, and cornhole. Bailey also loves to read, do puzzles, play with her dogs, and spend time with her family and friends. She is so excited to be a GBI team member and is proud to give back to the place she was raised in.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 213

Carol Goddard is a Finance Associate for Great Basin Institute. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and has been working in the accounting field for over 10 years.

Carol is a native of northern Nevada and currently lives in Fernley, NV with her husband, 4 children, and German Shepherd. In her spare time, Carol loves to camp, hike and volunteer in dog rescue.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 215

Joseph Pettibone, a true Renoite and UNR graduate, has always called the Biggest Little City his home. Beyond the 9-to-5, catch him fishing, hiking, skiing, and biking –embracing all things outdoors. Finding joy in the alignment of his job with his values, GBI has turned the daily grind into a daily delight.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 214

Elliot taught 4th Grade for four years in Glendale, AZ and was a two time State Champ Baseball Coach for 5th – 8th graders. Originally from Chicago, he is a Butler University Graduate with a degree in education. After teaching, he transitioned into the IT field and now serves GBI as the Business Technology Integration Specialist. Elliot has a passion for helping others by teaching and passing on knowledge in any and every aspect possible. In his free time, Elliot enjoys spending time with his wife and her son kayaking, skateboarding, and camping in the Sierra Nevada’s.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 206

Richard comes to GBI by way of Texas, completing his Bachelor’s from Texas State University, and his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2018.  Richard has worked extensively in the private sector supporting industry management, most recently with Verizon in the greater Reno area.  He is an avid traveler, having explored all 50 US states, 10 different countries, and has lived and explored in the Sierra foothills for the past 8 years. His combined passion for conservation and outdoor sports keeps him engaged in the organizational management at the Institute. When not working to support GBI administration, you can find Richard hiking, camping, or skiing with his spouse, Kristen, of 8 years.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 700

Marc Oxoby was born and raised in Northern California. He labored extensively over books to acquire a PhD in English from the University of Nevada Reno, where he taught writing, literature, and humanities classes. Marc provides analytical overview of programmatic scope while also supporting document deliverables. His hobbies include music, comics, craft beer, and rare film, and he (and he alone) considers himself a connoisseur of fine joke telling. He is also the creator and host of the podcast, A Book & Its Author. Marc is happily married with three kids and a pile of dogs.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 221

Ariannah started working with GBI at the Las Vegas office in Spring of 2024 as a Program Coordinator for the Research Associate Program. She has several years of experience working in the environmental field as an educator or in some type of coordination role for environmental non-profits.

In 2021, she obtained her Masters in Biology with a focus in community-based conservation through Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Her background has helped her become incredibly passionate about connecting people of all backgrounds to nature and ensuring there will be long lasting stewards for this wonderful world.

During her free time, Ariannah can be found photographing wildlife, hiking, playing board games or video games, and enjoying quality time with her partner and two cats.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 510

Gabe Donaldson, originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, developed a deep connection to the outdoors while growing up in the picturesque foothills near the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest and various municipal mountain parks. His passion lies at the intersection of wildland fire, business, and conservation. Gabe spent 17 years as a Hotshot Superintendent and Smokejumper for the Bureau of Land Management in Elko and Boise, where he gained fundamental and critical experience in risk management and leadership.

In 2016, Gabe embraced another leadership role as the Colorado and Arizona Fire Program Manager for The Nature Conservancy. Recognizing the importance of supporting underserved communities, he went on to establish several non-profit businesses and initiatives, aiming to create more job opportunities in the realm of conservation. Gabe’s academic journey spans institutions such as St. John’s College in Santa Fe, the National Outdoor Leadership School in Chile, the University of Northern Colorado, Colorado State University, Truckee Meadows Community College, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he attained a licentiate degree in Biological Sciences (BS) for Wildland Fire Personnel.

Gabe shares his passion for non-profit work and the outdoors with his wife, son and three dogs (two pitties and a frenchie). If time permits, he enjoys reading, writing, and supporting start up business and small non-profit organizations as both a consultant and advisory board member 

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 102

Associate Director, Terry Christopher, is proud to be from the great state of Texas, just ask him! He was born in Wichita Falls and spent most of his childhood in north Texas. His love of animals and wildlife was ingrained early on, and some of his fondest memories are of running around catching ornate box turtles and horned lizards (horny toads) on the farm. Living in El Paso, Texas for four years and spending three years in northern Alberta, Canada only strengthened his love of the outdoors and vast open spaces. (Those who know Terry find it hard to believe he lived in Canada; he’s way too much like the ectotherms he works with.) Terry attended Texas A&M University and, while at the campus on Galveston Island, he became involved with the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network, a non-profit recovery organization, and the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Head Start program. For four years, he coordinated volunteers to recover whales and dolphins stranded along the Texas coast. Although he loved these programs, his first love was tortoises, and he continues to strive for their conservation.

In 1994, Terry migrated westward to run the Smithsonian Institution’s Desert Tortoise Nutrition program. Over the next 11 years, Terry conducted nutritional research on desert tortoises in Nevada, California, Utah and Arizona. He said he never planned on being a botanist but studying a desert herbivore quickly changed his mind. After a brief stint running a turtle and tortoise conservation center in California, Terry came to GBI as a Research Associate helping to run the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center and coordinating the USFWS Desert Tortoise Line Distance Sampling project. In fall 2008, he stepped into the role of Associate Director, overseeing GBI operations in southern NV. He brought his knowledge of the southwest and strong relationships with project partners in the south to GBI. He continues to run the desert tortoise monitoring program, refusing to give up that which brought him to the west. While in Nevada, he fell in love with his future wife (not only the desert), had three kids, and has made southern Nevada his home.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 208

Nathan Brown-Silveira began his conservation career immediately after graduating the University of Nevada in Reno. He has since worked with the Nevada Conservation Corps and the Research Associate Program. Currently Nathan provides fleet coordination, logistics support, and facilities upkeep for the Great Basin Institute.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 207

Hailing from both Washington state and Nebraska, Marina McCreary received her B.S. in Rangeland Management Ecology from Chadron State College. Marina worked as a Rangeland Technician in Nebraska, North Dakota, and Idaho before coming to Reno in early 2020 for an AmeriCorps term with the Great Basin Institute. Through an interesting pandemic season, Marina loved collecting native plant seeds from across the Sierras and exploring Nevada’s public lands. Marina then served a second AmeriCorps term with Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) organizing volunteer litter pickups. After her term, Marina was hired on as KTMB’s Beautification and Cleanups Program Manager. This position saw Marina planning and executing the Great Community Cleanup, the Truckee River Cleanup and Christmas Tree Recycling. These events are huge productions requiring the collaboration of numerous community partners, the support of hundreds of volunteers, and management of an extensive tools and supplies inventory. Marina is thrilled to return to the GBI team, bringing with her strong inventory management and logistics skills to support GBI’s mission of promoting science through field studies programs, conservation practices, and public outreach.

Off the clock, Marina enjoys hosting arts and crafts nights in her home, bouncing around at dance events in town, and owning the stage at karaoke.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 209

Nick is a recent transplant to Reno after spending several years managing a rafting company in Denali, AK. Having a lifelong passion for the outdoors he has come to work with GBI to help conserve the beautiful Sierra mountains. He is an avid hiker and can often be found on just about any trail in the Reno/Tahoe area accompanied by his hound Jameson. When not out on the trails he spends his time on any water source possible. Rafting on the Truckee, paddling a kayak out on Lake Tahoe, and the occasional trips to the pacific to re-live his surfing youth. He also enjoys rockhounding, board game cafes, pub trivia, and photography. If there’s an adventure to be had Nick is always on board.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 9121

Brian Corcoran grew up in Northern California and attended Butte College in Oroville, where he completed the Heavy Equipment Operator Technician program. Additionally, he earned several associate degrees in Environmental Horticulture, Agriculture, Mechanized Agriculture, Animal Science, Welding, and Natural Resources. At Chico State he earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture, Land Resource Management, and Horticulture with a focus in applied field ecology. Recently, he completed his Masters of Business Administration from the Forbes School of Business and Technology at the University of Arizona Global Campus. Professionally, Brian has over twenty years of agronomic and horticultural experience and ten years of agricultural advising. In recent management roles, Brian has developed solutions to resolve complex issues by applying his experience, educational background, and outside-the-box critical thinking. Recent projects include natural resource management mitigation, plant nutrition, pest and disease control, and large commercial and industrial irrigation retrofits and repairs. Project environments have included tropical agriculture and natural resource development, commercial landscaping with a focus on water efficiency, blending native plants into designs in desert environments, and forest restoration and management. He has also worked on habitat development and soil conservation in the Plains. Brian is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys sharing his passion with others.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 223

Scott Sveiven brings a highly diverse background spearheading conservation and natural resource projects across a variety of ecosystems, landscapes, and countries. His executive leadership experience includes many years as the U.S. Director of a volunteer-funded biodiversity research organization, where
he led recruitment through presentations across the country to varied audiences.

Additionally, he maintained strong working relationships with research partners, with the overarching aim to organize and lead international conservation projects with teams of scientists, volunteers, and local indigenous staff in the remote rainforests of South America, documenting species diversity across a series of field camps. He further enhanced these skills working for The Nature Conservancy in a unique seasonal role as Preserve Manager on the isolated, far-flung Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge roughly 1000 miles south of Hawaii. Domestically, his previous experience includes working for the National Park Service surveying wetland plant communities in the Rockies, working as an instructor at one of the oldest forestry colleges in the country in the Adirondacks, and wildlife fieldwork with Anishinaabe colleagues on fishers and pine martens in the Chequamegon National Forest.

In 2021, he developed an experiential field course in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem to engage volunteers in surveying a large private property with important habitat corridors for the critically endangered Florida panther. Results from this work documented over 275 species, including several new county records, and culminated in a peer-reviewed publication showcasing the potential value of private lands in conservation efforts. Scott is excited to bring this experience to the critical, necessary, and invaluable work GBI is doing.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 705

Lauren is a Hoosier by birth and received her B.S. in Public Affairs from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, Bloomington. She first came to Reno in 2018 as an AmeriCorps VISTA serving the Northern Nevada International Center’s Refugee Resettlement program and joined the staff at the International Center to lead international exchange programs, including the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. She fell in love with the Sierras and is excited to use her program management skills to further GBI’s work in the area. Lauren enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her friends, especially bouldering, skiing, soaking in hot springs, and swimming in cold alpine lakes.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 701

Noor is an experienced Project Coordinator with over 8+ years in project management, specializing in overseeing complex projects. Demonstrated expertise in budget management, stakeholder engagement, Recruitment and comprehensive report writing. Committed to driving positive social impact through strategic initiatives.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 706

Jess Couturiaux is the Program Administrative Coordinator for Great Basin Institute’s Basin & Range Forestry Program. Before joining GBI, she worked in remote, fast-moving environments from Alaska to Antarctica, where she learned the value of staying organized, adaptable, and steady. She brings that practical approach to supporting the administrative operations of a busy, field-focused program. Based in Northern Nevada, Jess enjoys silversmithing, woodworking, classic vehicles, live music, historic architecture, and spending time outdoors exploring the region’s natural beauty. In her creative work and the places she is drawn to, she values curiosity, craftsmanship, and noticing the small details and quiet wonders that often go overlooked.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 709

Blake Carlile has a background in environmental research, ecology, and administrative problem-solving. He was drawn to environmental work because of his experience growing up in coastal California, where he spent time hiking, backpacking, and capturing images of nature with his camera. He studied environmental science and biology at Willamette University in Oregon, where he assisted with research on sensitive bird and tree species. He also won a grant to produce a short film about backyard wildlife. As a fresh graduate, he worked for the City of Portland, Oregon, in their urban forestry division. Blake made the jump from Oregon to Nevada in 2025, where he began his current role with the Great Basin Institute. When he’s not at work, Blake can be found lost in a creative project, exploring his interest in paleontology, or hiking in the mountains with his camera equipped.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 702

Vanessa Butler has a background in partnership development, grantmaking, and emergency response. She has a B.S. in Biology from UNR, and after some years in New York at a role advocating for parks and open spaces across the city, she returned to Nevada for a field botany season before joining GBI. She has worked with native seed saving programs in Ireland and Nevada, and continues the practice of seed saving and permaculture.

John Pelak joined the Great Basin Institute as the Forestry Stewardship Contracting Program Manager in 2025. John`s background focuses on forestry and natural resource management with key interests in silviculture and remote sensing. Prior to joining the institute, John served as the District Forester in the Northern and Southeastern Districts of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management where he was responsible for a team that planned and implemented timber sales, fuels reduction projects, and more across the diverse range of Arizona`s forests, deserts, and woodlands. He also worked as a Silviculture Forester with Weyerhaeuser in Washington State where he was responsible for reforestation, stocking control, and invasive species management from the coast to the Cascades. Prior to beginning his professional career, he received a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Forestry from Northern Arizona University and worked seasonally with several groups including the Ecological Restoration Institute, Forest Service, and Southwest Fire Science Consortium.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 708

Denzel Snyder originally joined the Great Basin Institute in 2021 as a seasonal forestry technician in the Truckee Ranger District. Prior to that Denzel grew up hiking and mountain biking in the redwoods of northern California. This created a love for the woods which he decided to pursue through land management and forestry. Denzel received a B.S. in Forestry with a concentration in Wildland Fire Management and a minor in Geospatial Analysis from Cal Poly Humboldt in 2023. During these studies and afterwards his career primarily consisted of forestry/biological consulting for various land owners and public land managers throughout California and Oregon.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 712

Emma Enebo grew up in Colorado and graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Rangeland and Forest Management. While working on Six Rivers National Forest for a season, she fell in love with forestry. After graduation, she worked as a Forester on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests focused on fuel treatments and post-fire restoration projects. This led to her current position with GBI on the Eldorado National Forest. In her free time she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, board games, and crafting.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 710

Devin grew up in northern California spending as much time as he could in the ocean or in the Redwoods. After graduating with a degree in Ecology from UC Santa Cruz he bounced around between seasonal positions doing everything from working the ski lift at a tiny resort in Montana to tracking rattlesnakes in the Mojave, until landing for a few years in Sequoia National Park and settling into the world of forestry. Learning about the ecology and history of the region’s forests and witnessing first-hand the impacts of climate change, drought, and historic fire suppression inspired him to seek out a role in the effort to reestablish a healthy fire regime in the area. This eventually led to his position with GBI, where he partners with the Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks on fuels reduction and forest restoration projects. He currently lives in Fresno and in his free time enjoys camping, biking, and swimming in the mountains with his wife and new baby. 

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 9116

Luria grew up in the East Coast and graduated from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry with B.S. in Conservation Biology in 2018. Her work has taken her all over California starting as a GBI forestry tech marking timber in Eldorado National Forest, hydrology tech in Sequoia National Forest, and various federal and nonprofit jobs before landing into her current position at the Mendocino National Forest. She loves turtles and dedicates her life mission in advocating for turtle conservation.

Michael Arkwright was born and raised in southeast Michigan. In 2015, Michael received a Bachelor’s of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh in Philosophy and Political Science. After discovering a love for the forest, Michael began working in forestry by marking timber in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Michael also worked extensively as a Research Technician studying the transmission of Oak Wilt while working towards attaining a Master’s of Forestry degree from Michigan Technological University, which they completed in 2023. Michael moved to California in May of 2023 to work for GBI as a Forestry Co-Crew Lead on the Plumas National Forest, and is now serving on the Sequoia National Forest. Michael continues to develop their passion for responsible forest management and is particularly interested in ecological silviculture. In their free time, Michael enjoys hiking, cooking, listening to podcasts, playing video games, and spending time with friends.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 10006

Kyle grew up in both Michigan and Louisiana. He pursued a career change into natural resource management in 2019 by joining the Idaho Conservation Corps as a silviculture crew member. Having fallen in love with the vast array of work in nature, he has now crew led trail work, invasive removal, habitat restoration, timber marking, chainsaw and crosscut saw work, and prescribed fire. From 2019 to 2021 he worked consecutive all-season crews across Idaho, Oregon, Michigan, and California. Kyle arrived on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit in 2022 as a timber sale prep crew lead and has stayed moving into the Sale Prep Forester role with a dedicated focus on wildland urban interface defense. He graduated from Northwestern State University of Louisiana with a B.A. in History. His personal academic passion is environmental history and ancient logging/timber work. His hobbies range from playing music, to card/board/video/tabletop games, other artistic endeavors such as painting, to enjoying public OHV and bodies of water with his favorite being Lake Michigan.

Grace grew up in Wyoming, New York and spent her childhood exploring her family farm and fostering a love for nature. In 2021, she graduated with a B.S. in Conservation Biology from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, where she also competed in collegiate timbersports and worked for the American Chestnut Research and Restoration Project. Since graduating, Grace has worked seasonally for GBI as both a forestry technician and sale admin throughout all districts of Eldorado National Forest. She then spent her winters working and living at ski resorts in the Eastern Sierras. These experiences fueled a passion for forest health and post-fire restoration work which led to her current position on the Eldorado. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, surfing, painting, and hiking with her dog Chicken.

Evan Barbarick has a diverse background in environmental conservation work and education. He was raised in the Lake Tahoe area where he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He obtained a bachelor’s in environmental science and management from Humboldt State University, where he gained a thorough understanding of California ecosystems. Following graduation, Evan served as a Forestry and Environmental Specialist with the United States Peace Corps in Senegal, helping communities to develop sustainable environmental and agricultural practices. He worked as a Forestry Technician in California for two years, assisting on numerous research and management-based projects across the central Sierras. Evan obtained a master’s degree in forest science from the University of Padova in Italy and a master’s in forestry from the University of British Columbia in Canada. After graduate school, he worked as a Forest Certification Associate in British Columbia, conducting multiple forest management audits across the U.S. and Canada. Before coming to GBI, Evan researched forest restoration and recovery in the Italian Alps. Evan is now the Forest Data Scientist for the Great Basin Institute, where he supports and collaborates with partners across the Eldorado National Forest. His role includes analyzing, integrating, and leveraging data to improve the ecological health and well-being of forests, wildlife, water resources, and surrounding communities. When he’s not working, Evan enjoys hiking, biking, camping, and snowboarding in the mountains he calls home.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 10002

Chelsea joined GBI in 2024 with experience working in museums and at historic sites. She was born and raised in Florida and received both her B.A. and M.A. degrees in Classics, with a focus on ancient religions and languages, from Florida State University. While earning her M.A., Chelsea completed specialized coursework in museum studies and that was where her passion grew for working within museums and at cultural heritage sites. Prior to joining GBI, Chelsea has consistently served in public facing roles that engage the community. She served as a Park Manager for the South Carolina State Park Service, as an Interpreter within the SC Park Service before that, and has also worked in education within the museum field. Throughout her career, Chelsea has been enthusiastic about working with cultural resources, whether it be within museums, with artifact collections, or at historic sites, and using these resources for public engagement and to serve the community. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys reading, gardening, hiking with her husband, and taking care of her three dogs, Albus, Ollie, and Lupin.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 307

Karen Supak is the Cultural Resource Program Manager at GBI. Raised in southern Mississippi, Karen completed her A.A. in Cultural Anthropology with Departmental Honors in Archaeology at Merced College before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley, to complete her B.A. in Anthropology. Her field school was completed through Harvard University and the National Museums of Kenya at Koobi Fora, on the shores of Lake Turkana. While in college, Karen developed a strong interest in archaeology, which she pursued professionally immediately following graduation.

Over the course of the next 30 years, Karen has participated in all aspects of cultural resource management in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and Basin and Range regions of the United States. She has participated extensively in all aspects of archaeological fieldwork from project planning to agency reporting in academic, museum, government, and private corporate settings. Karen has developed skills in prehistoric and historic archaeology, including critical issues analysis, site survey, NRHP evaluation and mitigation, human and faunal osteological recovery and analysis, archaeobotanical recovery and analysis, and analysis of site taphonomy. She has also successfully completed training in archaeological damage assessment analysis, reporting, and testimony. Her experience in human osteological analysis has led to her participation in NAGPRA projects at several academic institutions and federal agencies. In addition to her specific project efforts, Karen served as a member of both the Committee on Ethics (2011-2015) and the Public Education Committee (2013 -2015) for the Society for American Archaeology (SAA), and has presented research results at state, regional, and national levels. She is also active in local and statewide volunteer activities that focus on public education and awareness of archaeological and other cultural resources.

When she isn’t at work, Karen can be found spending time outdoors as often as possible, hiking, taking photographs, and spending time with her grown children and new grandson in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains as often as she can.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 301

Anna Marie Kelly grew up along the Northern California coast surrounded by art and beautiful redwoods. Her upbringing cultivated a deep passion for art and environmental preservation. Anna received two Bachelor’s degrees from Sonoma State University in History and Art History. She subsequently earned a Master’s degree from San Francisco State University in Museum Studies. While pursuing her graduate studies, Anna worked for the Bay Area Discovery Museum and several Bay Area art galleries. These experiences allowed Anna to collaborate with community partners and local artists in developing unique and inclusive exhibits and public programs. Anna is excited to apply her skills in Museum Education and Public Programs in her new role as Cultural Resources Program Coordinator.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and visiting jazz clubs, rock concerts, and art museums.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 305

Isabelle Sengupta was raised in the bustling San Francisco Bay Area, spending time in the nearby Santa Cruz beaches and mountains. She moved to Boulder, Colorado to attend university and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in anthropology, with a focus on American Southwest archaeology. Immediately after her last exam, Isabelle headed out to attend an archeological excavation with tribal members in the Gila National Forest. She further went on to do coordination work for the San Jose Egyptian Museum where she had interned during college. Later on she then relocated to Reno, Nevada and found GBI, where she now works as a Cultural Resources Program Coordinator. Isabelle enjoys caring for her backyard garden where she grows anything the bees like. Come fall, one can find Isabelle pickling, jamming, baking, and otherwise preserving the summer abundance; when the outside plants begin to wither, she focuses her attention on her vast houseplant collection. From birdwatching to amphibian and insect identification, Isabelle is fascinated by all things thriving in nature.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 306

Heather joined GBI in 2026 with experience working in the California Conservation Corps and corporate administration. Heather was born and raised in the mountains of Redding, California where she developed her passion for the outdoors, hiking, backpacking, fishing and camping. She received her B.A. degree in Sociology with a minor in History from the University of Las Vegas Nevada in 2020 and moved to Reno, Nevada the same year. Throughout her career, Heather has had a passion for serving her community and contributing to conservation efforts for future generations, and this continues to fuel her commitment for her work at GBI.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 308

Alexandra Zoellner was born and raised in Carson City, Nevada, where she was brought up with a love for culture and the outdoors. She attended the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) where she obtained her BA degrees in English (writing concentration) and anthropology. She conducted undergraduate research in both cultural anthropology and archaeology, while also managing an internship with the Nevada State Museum in Carson City. After her undergraduate graduation, she started her MA remotely with the University of Oklahoma (OU) in museum studies, where she was also the founding President of the Online and Remote Graduate Student Association (ORGSA) and completed her thesis on applying the concept of “collection” to historic Lone Mountain Cemetery’s grave markers. During her MA degree, Alex also completed her museum project in coordination with a folklorist at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in order to create a Loteria game for their partner museum’s, the John E. Conner Museum at Texas A&M- Kingsville, cultural maize festival. Her current research includes cultural spiritual beliefs, resilience, cemeteries, and folklore. Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time in her garden and greenhouse, playing with her two cats, and mentoring students.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 304

Lauren Steinkamp received their degree in Ecological Restoration from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Soon after, they made their way out west for a crew lead position with the Nevada Conservation Corps. In 2019, they accepted a crew lead position conducting AIM protocols within the Ecological Monitoring Program. Since then, they have held the titles of Ecological Monitoring Project Manager, Program Manager, and Sr. Program Manager before becoming the Program Director in January of 2023. They have really enjoyed getting to know Nevada and calling Reno home. In their free time, they like to get out into nature and hike and camp with their friends and their dog, Scout.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 600

Growing up in Nevada, Allie has always loved the desert landscape and exploring wild places. After earning a B.S. in Environmental Science, she started with GBI in 2018 as an Ecological Monitoring Tech and continued in 2019 as a Lead. In 2020, Allie moved into her current position as the Ecological Monitoring Program Manager in partnership with Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). Outside of botanizing at work, Allie can be found growing, cooking, and eating plants.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 601

Brittany was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a minor in Business Admin. After graduating Brittany travelled the country and ventured abroad, working seasonal jobs and backpacking new countries. For three years Brittany worked as a Wildland Firefighter out of the Willamette National Forest, in Oregon, as well as the Browns Park Wildlife Refuge, in Western Colorado. She most recently spent time working as an EMT in Orange County, CA, prior to joining GBI as an Ecological Monitoring Crew Lead for our USGS Desert Tortoise Habitat Quality crew. Brittany is passionate about conservation and is endlessly intrigued by Nevada’s wildlife. In her free time, you can find Brittany hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring off-road trails with her partner David and her fuzzy fruit bat (dog) Ember.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 505

Shannon Murphy grew up on the coast of North Carolina. Her journey with the Great Basin Institute started in 2020 as an Ecological Monitoring Technician in the Richfield, UT field office. During the winter season, she worked in Oregon doing Salmon habitat restoration, invasive plant removal, and bare root planting of native species. She returned to GBI for two following seasons as a Crew Lead implementing AIM protocols. She gained experience working in an office setting in her time as a Recruitment Coordinator during winter of 2022 and moved into her current role as an Ecological Monitoring Project Manager in January of 2023. Shannon is excited for the growth opportunities this position will offer her.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 606

Cienna (CJ) Ajir grew up in Santa Cruz, California surrounded by the beautiful redwood forests. She majored in Conservation and Resource Studies at U.C Berkeley and took classes in the business school with hopes of learning how to manage a non-profit. After graduating, she moved to Reno to work on a trail crew with Nevada Conservation Corps. She then moved to the Ecological Monitoring program as a technician, and continued the next year as a crew lead. 

In her free time, Cienna enjoys aerial arts, creative writing, and horror novels. She is thankful her positions at GBI have given her wonderful friends and housemates.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 604

Libby Wilson joined GBI in early 2023. She was born and raised in Northern California, making the move to Northern Nevada in 2002. Her journey into the world of conservation began over a decade ago at an energy conservation organization, delivering innovative energy management resources for clients throughout the nation. In her role as Director of Program Services she established a dynamic history in professional development, strategic implementation, improving technical user experience, and company collaboration. Her hands-on approach in leading the programs support and implementation teams allowed for the promotion and administration of educational programs in energy and water efficiency to schools and households throughout the county.

In the workplace, Libby uses her positive attitude and energy to encourage others to work tirelessly towards their success knowing, from her own experiences, that it always seems impossible until it’s done. When she has free time, she likes to read, travel, and spend her time outdoors with her husband, daughter and quirky fur-baby Apollo who will skillfully take you on a guilt trip until his next outing.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 400

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 401

Vincent Coccia, but you can call him Coccia (Co-sha) is originally from Upstate New York, Rome, NY. Coccia began his career with GBI as a Crew Leader with NCC. Later he transitioned to the RA Program and now serves as the Southern Operations Manager for NCC based in Las Vegas, NV. 

Coccia has been living in Las Vegas since August 2016 and is always happy to share recommendations on what to do when in and around the LV area. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Gabriela and their pets. They enjoy the movies, camping, and taking trips on their makeshift catamaran down the Colorado River. 

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 512

Thomas Hotaling grew up in the Midwest, graduating from Case Western Reserve University with a degree in Environmental Geology and Environmental Studies before moving to Nevada in 2021 to work on a crew with the Nevada Conservation Corps. He has also worked in the Environmental Monitoring Program as an AIM Crew Lead and Field Data Specialist. Thomas loves the beautiful, remote locations conservation work has brought him to and always wants to discover more.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 408

Diana Kaskie joined GBI in April of 2024. She was born in Romania and, as a military brat, lived in many different countries and states. She moved to Reno, NV in 2015 to attend college at the University of Nevada, Reno. She has a Bachelors of Science in Biology with a minor in Community Health Science. She is new to the conservation scene, but is eager to learn more about it. In her free time, she loves trying new baking recipes, spending time outdoors with her family, traveling to visit friends/family in other states, knitting, reading, listening to music, going to concerts, paddle boarding in Folsom Lake, and always looking for the next adventure that life has in store.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 407

Elijah is a Reno native, graduating in 2019 from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelor’s in Ecohydrology. They began their career with GBI shortly afterwards as a Nevada Conservation Corps crew member. In the years since, they’ve held a variety of positions with GBI, from replanting native species throughout the Mojave, to serving on the Off Highway Vehicles Mapping Collaborative, to assisting with logistics for the Northern Nevada office. They took on the role of AmeriCorps Compliance Coordinator in 2022.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 403

Preston Alden has worked on wildlife research and conservation projects for over 15 years. He has also served as Program Director at Gateway Mountain Center, a nonprofit that integrates the natural sciences with outdoor adventure experiences.
Preston earned a M.S. in Ecology from U.C. Davis in 2017 and his B.S. in Ecology and Wildlife at Western State Colorado University in 2009. In the intervening years between his degrees he worked on, and managed, a number of remote wildlife research projects including Channel Island Fox biology with CSU Fort Collins and Humboldt State University, as well as the Sierra Nevada Red Fox project with UC Davis and the CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife.
Preston brings both his technical expertise and passion for public lands conservation to his work with the Basin and Range Forestry and NEPA Services Programs at the Great Basin Institute. He is currently focused on post-fire restoration projects throughout the Sierra Nevada with a particular interest in Pacific Fisher and Sierra Nevada Red Fox.

When Preston is not working he can be found exploring the mountains climbing, splitboarding, and backpacking with his girlfriend and dog. He also continues to read widely on natural sciences topics.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 900

Bert Skillen worked as a Professor of Environmental Science/Biology for approximately 17 years at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, NV and Sierra College, Folsom Lake College, American River College, Cosumnes River College, and Yuba College in the Sacramento, CA area. Bert has also worked for the Army Corps of Engineers in Sacramento, CA as an Environmental Manager, for the U.S. Forest Service as a NEPA Planner on the Umpqua (OR), Eldorado (CA), and Tahoe (CA) National Forests, and as an Environmental Planner for Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) at the Bangor Submarine Base in Silverdale, WA.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 904

Sarah Dezelin holds a B.S degree in Natural Resources from the University of Connecticut and graduated Summa Cum Laude. They started their career as a NEPA practitioner with the US Forest Service. After working several roles on the Monongahela and Sequoia national forests, such as writer-editor, planner, coordinator, and staff officer, Sarah joined the Great Basin Institute team. Sarah brings a deep, lifelong love of Earth and a wide variety of skills with particular expertise in writing and regulatory compliance.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 1003

Tyanna Blaschak joined the Great Basin Institute team in June 2026, bringing a strong appreciation for public lands and natural resource stewardship. She holds a master’s degree in Geosciences from Colorado State University and has more than a decade of experience with the U.S. Forest Service, where she served as a hydrologist and geologist across northern California. She has also worked as a project manager with a conservation nonprofit. Outside of work, Tyanna enjoys reading, painting, running, and exploring the trails and landscapes of the Cascades, Klamath Mountains, and northwestern Great Basin.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 10008

Miles Carlile was born and raised in Northern California. While studying Environmental Science at the University of Nevada, Reno, Miles won multiple academic research awards, funding his independently-led study on invertebrate biodiversity in the Shasta River. Simultaneously, he was a research technician in a botany lab on campus, contributing to a seed-focused local adaptation study. In addition, Miles spent a season performing raptor occupancy surveys with the Institute for Bird Populations before receiving his degree in Environmental Science. Prior to joining GBI as a Program Coordinator, Miles worked a second season with the Institute for Bird Populations as a Wildlife Biologist. Miles is passionate about ecosystem restoration, wildlife conservation, native seed research, and wilderness preservation. When Miles is out of the office, he can be found exploring the High Sierra, snowboarding, playing basketball, or spending time with friends and family.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 702

Kelly Barrett joined GBI in 2023, bringing with her over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit and environmental programming sector.

Prior to joining GBI, Kelly served as the Division Director with American Conservation Experience, collaborating with partners such as BLM, USFS, USBR, and state/nonprofit organizations to manage and support programming for the individual placement program, as well as the Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) Program and the Direct Hire Authority (DHA) Program. Kelly also served in the AmeriCorps NCCC program, supporting crew-based projects in the north central and then the pacific regions. Additionally, she gained valuable experience as part of a conservation crew in Southeast Alaska. In 2021, she earned her Masters of Environmental Management (Integrative Public Land Management) from Western Colorado University, combining her professional and educational backgrounds. Most recently, her academic pursuits drove her to broaden her professional experience, focusing on sustainability and clean air initiatives while serving as a co-Director/Sr. Manager for Utah Clean Cities, where she actively contributed to adaptive management and resiliency building throughout Utah and the Intermountain West.

Outside the office, Kelly can be found hiking and exploring our public lands with her husband, dogs, and their trusty Jeep.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 500

Deanna Stark started her journey with the conservation corps world in 2008 after graduating from Auburn University. Her first corps experience took her to TN doing environmental education, then out to Cumberland Islands NS as an archivist, and finally to a year long stint in one of the hottest and lowest places on the planet – Death Valley NP. Her corps days paved the way to work as a seasonal interpretive ranger at several National Parks. The most notable of which was a summer season at Carlsbad Caverns NP where she spent her days 800ft underground leading cave tours and had the good fortune to meet her husband. Deanna went on to spend several years as a contract and procurement specialist in local government before finding her way back to the corps world. Deanna comes to GBI from ACE where she managed Western Partnerships with the National Park Service. A relatively new resident to the Tahoe/ Nevada area, Deanna can be found paddle boarding on a lake most weekends with husband, two children, and two dogs in tow!

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 515

Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning with a minor in both Sociology and Sustainable Systems from Utah State University. She started her career in conservation working as a trail crew member with the Nevada Conservation Corps. After graduation she worked as a Landscape Designer in Salt Lake City, Utah but eventually found her way back to GBI working as a Research Associate Program Coordinator for their Northern Region. Outside of work she enjoys being active, spending time outdoors, and exploring new hobbies. She is passionate about protecting and studying landscapes in the West and is excited about the opportunity to help others advance their careers in the field of environmental conservation.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 503

Kaelyn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with a minor in Rangeland Management (2020) from the University of Nevada, Reno. Kaelyn started her career with GBI back in 2018 when she served with NCC, following with a Research Associate position in 2020 as a Bat Monitoring Technician. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Kaelyn moved up to Reno in 2013. Since then, she has explored the many joys of being outside and growing her family. She enjoys hanging out with her husband and watching their baby grow crazy fast, as well going on hikes, backpacking trips, and spending time with their friends and family.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 508

Cynthia joined the team in April 2025. She has a strong appreciation for the environment and feels connected to the mission of helping others build meaningful careers in conservation. Outside of work, Cynthia loves to travel, try new foods, and spend quality time with the people she cares about. Her interests range from reading and hiking to enjoying the cozy atmosphere of a café.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 516

Lindsey St John joined GBI in June of 2024. Originally from Texas, she relocated to Nevada in 2020 with her partner and dogs. Having a background in recruiting, she is excited and eager to combine her love of the outdoors and professional experience into one at GBI. Outside of work her time is filled with bouldering, hiking with her dogs, and making stained glass.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 514

Sean grew up in Illinois always loving the outdoors and developed an interested in conservation while attending college in Northern Wisconsin. He has been across the Midwest and Western U.S. working on various field and restoration projects. Most recently Sean provided logistics support at Sequoia, helping with projects such as the Giant Sequoia replantings and cone collection. In his free time Sean prefers playing guitar, gardening, climbing, and bothering his three cats.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 519

Ceana (“C”) Olson grew up in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest in northern Minnesota. Being invested in all things natural resources and ecological conservation, C spent time in East Africa surveying coral reefs and researched residential dolphin populations in the Indian Ocean. They earned their B.S. in Ecology and Environmental Biology from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire before heading westward to Nevada. They began with GBI in 2021 as an Ecological Monitoring technician and spent the spring of 2022 monitoring Mojave Desert Tortoise populations before returning as an Ecological Monitoring crew lead for the 2022 and 2023 field seasons. In 2024 they began their current role as the Great Basin Seeds of Success Collection Coordinator to aid native plant restoration. C enjoys exploring natural spaces both in our beloved Great Basin and across the world! They spend their free time camping, reading, rock climbing, and, of course, botanizing.

Kendal Scott grew up on the shores of the Puget Sound, spending her early days immersed in the forests, beaches, and mountains of the Pacific Northwest, and developed a love of nature early on. She has over a decade of experience developing outdoor environmental education programs for nonprofits and local governments and has led experiential learning for everyone from preschoolers to veterans across California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Washington, and Alaska.

In 2020, Kendal moved to the area to work as a naturalist for the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science and has called Tahoe home ever since. Most recently, she served as the Outdoor Education Lead for the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, managing a state grant program and uplifting outdoor education opportunities through interdisciplinary collaboratives, technical assistance, and public policy. In 2019, Kendal received a MS in Parks, Recreation & Tourism from the University of Utah where her graduate work focused on connecting youth and families to their public lands through the development of the Salt Lake City Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. She also holds a BS in Recreation Management from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Kendal enjoys backpacking trips in search of wildflowers, traveling, snowboarding, making tele turns, and playing dress up in thrift stores.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 803

Gabriel, originally from the Pacific Northwest, fell in love with Nevada in 2008, when she moved to Boulder City, NV. After graduating from Southern Oregon University, her outdoor career started as an Oregon State Park Ranger and grew when she became a seasonal National Park Ranger at Lake Mead NRA. In 2013, she worked with a nonprofit organization – partnering with the National Park Service – as an Operations Manager, overseeing retail and visitor center operations in 10 National Parks, covering California and Nevada. Then, she worked with Clark County Wetlands Park, in Las Vegas, to open a Nature Center with a retail store.

Joining GBI in 2021 as the Visitor Center Administrator, completes the circle; she worked with GBI in 2013 as a Research Associate and looks forward to helping GBI expand their outreach. Gabriel, her husband, and their dog enjoy exploring nature and enjoy cheering on their favorite team, the Las Vegas Raiders.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 801

In 2010, Erin earned a B.A. in journalism from Penn State University. After graduating, she decided to explore and moved to Mexico, where she lived for a year teaching English. Erin then began a career in adventure travel, working as a North and Central American tour guide for eight seasons. During that time, she was also a freelance writer, English teacher and wildlife educator, and chose Reno as her homebase in 2015. In 2019 she moved to New Jersey to oversee the east coast operations for a destination management company. Two years later, she returned to Reno-Tahoe and worked for the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center and Tallac Historic Site in South Lake Tahoe. In 2022, she joined GBI as visitor services administrator of those sites. Erin also completed her M.S. in park and resource management in 2022, and is hopefully done moving back and forth across the country.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 800

With a degree in Early Care and Education, Ashley Morales taught Preschool for several years in South Carolina before joining AmeriCorps and moving to Reno. Ashley has been working for The Great Basin Institute since 2022, supporting Visitor Services by teaching and developing GBI’s educational programs and Exploration Camps. As the Education Coordinator, Ashley serves local schools and communities, hosting field trips, camps, and public events at Galena Creek Regional Park. Ashley enjoys art projects and cooking new foods. Her passion for teaching and building environmental stewardship in others drives her to connect with and encourage a love for learning in everyone she meets.

Contact: (775) 674-5475, ext 802