Our Team

Co-Founder, Executive Director she/her(s)

Sarah co-founded ECO to bring more science into elementary classrooms and cultivate stewardship. She has worked with regional and federal government agencies, teachers, school districts, and community organizations to bring hands-on ecology to students in Oregon. She is an expert in place-based education and is currently working to bring ECO’s curricula to communities across the Pacific Northwest.

Program Manager they/them/theirs

A conservationist, environmental educator, and co-star of the ECO Adventure Series, Alexandra has an infectious excitement for nature education that students see and feel. They work to ensure we are meeting the needs of teachers and community partners while furthering the development of ECO’s curricula for both English and Spanish speakers.

Educator he/him/his

Paul has worked with kids for fifteen years as a public school teacher, summer camp director, surfing instructor, music teacher, volunteer, and more. He sees education as tending the garden for future generations of human beings. Paul has taught in five countries on three continents, and he loves sharing his joy and curiosity about the outdoors with young minds at ECO.

Aves Program Manager she/her(s)

Carina earned a BA in Environmental Science and Sociology and a Master’s in Environmental Education. Her love of nature began as a child playing in the diverse ecosystems of eastern Bolivia, central Argentina, and south-central Kansas. Her work reflects a passion for connecting children to nature - from school gardens to forest kindergartens.

Partnership Coordinator he/him/his

Sebastian holds degrees in Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Sciences, and Sustainability. His academic, professional, and personal journeys echo his deep-rooted commitment to a holistic understanding of our planet and his passion for social, economic, and environmental sustainability. His dream is to witness a transformative shift in how the general public views and addresses environmental challenges.

Educator she/her(s)

Lilla has been learning from and teaching young people at environmental and outdoor education organizations in Vermont, Maine, Colorado, and California for the past eight years. She loves helping students build relationships with their human and more-than-human communities by inspiring curiosity, embracing imperfection, and encouraging play.

Board President she/her(s)

Amanda experienced firsthand the impact of having an education centered around ecology and is determined to bring the same opportunity to more classrooms across the U.S. Social activism also led her to found the first Women and Gender minorities group in her workplace.

Board Treasurer he/him/his

After 24 years with Intel, Naveed brings his finance, supply chain, and business development expertise to our board as treasurer. He is an outdoor enthusiast and goes where nature takes him, mountain biking, backpacking, or paddleboarding. His love of the natural world compels him to preserve its wonder for future generations.

Board Secretary she/her(s)

Kelly is a committed environmentalist and sustainability professional who has dedicated her career to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and creating energy and resource conservation programs to reduce human environmental impact.

Board Member

Shelley has led Public Relations for Deloitte and PWC and Global Communications for Nike, Inc. Now, as co-founder of the Peng Field Foundation, she supports efforts to reverse climate change through regenerative agriculture, habitat conservation, and fostering meaningful connections between children and nature to instill a deep appreciation and commitment to protecting it.

Board Member

Emily is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast who prefers climbing mountains on the back of her horse or exploring nature with her family. She holds a master's degree in communications and is an advocate for sustainable and regenerative farming practices. Emily is enthusiastic about supporting climate-focused leadership and stewardship in her ongoing commitment to a greener future.

Board Member she/her

Sue-Del believes in the power of information and the necessity of ecology education to empower engaged and inspired environmental stewards. As a long-time member of the Multnomah County Steering Committee for the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, she reviewed candidates’ environmental voting records and conducted endorsement interviews. When not outdoors with her family, Sue-Del practices employment law and sings in the Portland Symphonic Choir.

Board Member

Nick is a passionate sustainability advocate with a Master’s in Environmental Sustainability charged with driving the Clean Mobility, Energy, and Sustainability team with Accenture. He believes in equitable access to the outdoors and actively drives impactful solutions for a greener future. Committed to ECO’s mission, Nick inspires others to join the movement for a more environmentally conscious world.

Board Member

Natalia is the Managing Director at Duke Corporate Education in Washington, DC with over 25 years in executive education. She tackles global growth and leadership challenges and has worked with Fortune 500 companies across industries. A former leader at GE, she has a dual Doctorate in International Business and Organizational Psychology and is a certified executive coach. (She's also a Master Black Belt in Lean and Six Sigma!)

Board Member

Nirmala has over 30 years of experience in the technology sector. She specializes in crafting strategies and wrangling budgets and is passionate about promoting sustainability initiatives and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). She is an avid hiker, National Parks enthusiast, and gardener.