Heidi Anderson

Executive Director

Heidi has five years of non-profit and programming experience serving as Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon and the Panhandle Humane Society. She's incredibly passionate about TMPF's mission and her experience in managing educational programming helped the Students Stewards Program flourish since she began working here as AmeriCorps Program Director.

Elena Larsen

Wetland Restoration Program Director

Elena served as a Naturalist Educator for TMPF in the spring and summer of 2018 and is now working as the Wetland Restoration Program Director.  She's a local and is extremely excited and proud to be working to restore an abandoned open space back to a functional ecosystem in her hometown.  In her free time, Elena can be found obsessing over dogs or participating in trivia nights.

Devin Sandoval de Genovese

Student Stewards Program Director

​Devin served nearly two years as a Naturalist Educator for Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation before starting his position as Student Stewards Program Director. He is originally from Grass Valley, California. He received his B.A. in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.  In his free time, Devin enjoys riding mountain bikes and enjoying Nevada's great outdoors. Devin is excited to be a part of the TMPF team and hopes to inspire youth in the community through the SSP program. 

Hannah Lansverk Sonnenberg

Student Stewards Program Manager

​Hannah is the Parks Foundation's Student Stewards Program Manager. She began her time here as an AmeriCorps Naturalist Educator in 2018. Originally from Bozeman, MT, she received her B.S. in Biology from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA and has spent the last several years working for non-profits in Montana and Connecticut. Hannah is an avid birder and is looking forward to sharing her love of science and the natural world with her new community!

Karly Bristol

Operations and Communications Director

Originally from Ransomville, New York, Karly swapped east for west coast to tackle a service year with AmeriCorps in 2019. After a year as VISTA Membership Coordinator, Karly moved into her current role as Operations and Communications Director for the Parks Foundation. With a deep love of laughter, growth, and all things living, Karly is excited to leverage her talents towards an impactful future for our beloved parks and community spaces. 

Chantel Dominguez

Programs and Events Manager

Chantel is our Programs and Events Manager. She received her B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Nevada, Reno and, after spending 4 years in Chicago, is thrilled to be back in Nevada promoting environmental sustainability and healthy lifestyles through her work with the Parks Foundation. In her free time, Chantel enjoys eating and cooking with friends, game nights, coffee, and exploring Nevada’s great outdoors.

Sarah Holcombe

Development Director

Most recently living in Montana and originally from Oregon, Sarah is now planting her roots in Nevada. After receiving her degree in Public Relations and Business Administration from the University of Oregon, Sarah quickly found her passion leaned towards the nonprofit and development world working within animal welfare and sustainability - leading to a perfect fit here at Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. Sarah is excited to explore her new home with her hobbies of snowboarding, backpacking, gardening, and hanging with shelter dogs.  

Sara Monks

VISTA Leader

Sara is serving as the AmeriCorps VISTA Leader at Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. After earning her BA in English Studies from Illinois State University, she became passionate about giving back to communities across the country. In 2019, Sara served as a Corps Member with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and even her hometown of Chicago, Illinois. She also served as an AmeriCorps Construction Crew Leader with the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity in 2020. She is absolutely thrilled to serve the Reno community and expand her explorations to the Western Region of the US!

Alexandra Sheehan

Wetland Restoration Outreach Coordinator VISTA

Alexandra earned her B.S. in Physics and Environmental Science Systems from Le Moyne College where she also ran cross country and track and field.  After graduating, she returned home to New Jersey where she has spent the last year working at an environmental education center, the Philadelphia Zoo, and working towards a post-baccalaureate certificate in Geographic Information Systems.  In her free time Alexandra enjoys exploring new running routes, trivia nights, and knitting.  She is looking forward to building environmental stewardship in the community through the nature study area and exploring all the west coast has to offer.

Andrea Lesperance 

Wetland Restoration Outreach Coordinator VISTA

Andrea is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she studied Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences. She has previously worked in outdoor education and assisted with various restoration projects, and is thrilled to be at TMPF promoting environmental engagement through the development of the Nature Study Area. In her free time, Andrea enjoys reading, aerial acrobatics, and spending time outdoors. As a native Illinoisan, she is looking forward to exploring the many trails and open spaces of the Truckee Meadows area!

Bridget Mulkerin

Programs and Events Coordinator VISTA

Prior to joining the team, Bridget served an AmeriCorps term with Our City Forest in San Jose, CA. Bridget most recently returned from Peace Corps Senegal where she served as an Agroforestry volunteer. You’ll probably catch this NJ native sniffing lavender and petting Norfolk Island Pines in her downtime.

Camille Iannacchione

Membership Coordinator VISTA

Camille is a native Nevadan who graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Camille describes herself as a lifelong learner! In college, she worked at the Sanford Center for Aging, where she became passionate about helping people age well. Now that Camille has taken on a new chapter with the Parks Foundation, she is excited to learn how to help people become environmental stewards, make healthy decisions and be mindful. When she's not serving, you can find this native buying a cactus, walking her dogs or enjoying the great outdoors. 

Cortney Arrington

Resource Development Coordinator VISTA

Originally from California, Cortney attended the University of Nevada, Reno and completed her B.A. in both Sociology and Economics. After graduating, she moved to New Zealand for a year to experience life in a new place and spend time in nature. Cortney is excited to be back in Reno and to serve as the Resource Development Coordinator for Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. In her free time she enjoys hiking, photography, and exploring all of the wonderful outdoor and community spaces that Reno has to offer. 

Haley Grable

Student Stewards Program Outreach Coordinator VISTA

Haley (she/her) just graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.A. in Cognitive Science and is now serving as the SSP Outreach Coordinator at Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation in Reno. She believes that education should be engaging, inclusive, and accessible to all, so she is excited to promote scientific exploration in our local parks. In her free time, Haley enjoys hiking, playing the guitar, skating, and making wontons with her grandma.

Jacqui Keating

Programs and Events Coordinator VISTA

Jacqui earned her B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Nevada, Reno and is currently pursuing an M.S in Environmental Policy. She is thrilled to join the team at TMPF and prioritizes serving her community. Jacqui has always felt comfortable in the outdoors and looks forward to connecting others to the outdoors through the Healthy Parks, Healthy People programs. She is passionate about protecting our open spaces and bridging the gap between people and their natural environment.

Rachel Carroll

Communications Coordinator VISTA

Rachel, a lifelong Reno/Sparks native, grew up with a love of rocks, nature, and outer space. Inspired by NASA's work in exogeology, she went to Truckee Meadows Community College to earn an Associate of Science, Geoscience Emphasis degree. Though she has interest in other worlds, she has dedicated herself to improving this one by working with local non-profit organizations on social media outreach projects to help get the word out about the great things these groups accomplish. Rachel also runs her own small business and in her free time enjoys collecting minerals, video games, and spoiling her corgi.

Sam Lee

Wellness Education Coordinator VISTA

Sam graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in Horticulture. From Louisville, Kentucky, he is now in Reno to serve with the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation as the Wellness Education Coordinator. In his free time, Sam enjoys road trips, hiking, and playing tabletop games.

Spencer Cox

Community Engagement Coordinator VISTA

Spencer is thrilled to be serving as TMPF’s Community Engagement Coordinator. Spencer graduated from Colorado State University in 2019 with a B.A. in Communication Studies as well as a double minor in History and French. In his free time, Spencer loves recreating outside and seeks to share that passion with others. Depending on the season, you can find him skiing, climbing, trail running or mountain biking on the many wonderful trails around Reno. Spencer values community engagement and encourages all community members to take advantage of all the amazing parks and trails in the Truckee Meadows area! 

Alex Shahbazi

Parks Project Coordinator AmeriCorps

As Parks Project Coordinator with TMPF, Alex is thrilled to help protect and connect people to the Truckee Meadows' natural and outdoor spaces. Originally from the wilds of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Alex completed a B.A. in Physics at Lawrence University before most recently spending over two years as an educator at a zoo in Chicago. Besides nature and the outdoors, Alex's greatest passions are puns, pie, and yelling at soccer players on TV.

Caitlin Amburgey

Community Programs Educator AmeriCorps

Caitlin is a Reno native and recent graduate of UNR. She is very excited to be serving as a Community Programs Educator and looks forward to gaining experience in interpretation while learning about the great Truckee Meadows. She has worked for several non-profits and served as an AmeriCorps member many times. When not serving the community, Caitlin enjoys running and outdoor leisure.

Cara Schaefer

Community Programs Educator AmeriCorps

Originally from Findlay, Ohio, Cara studied political science at the Ohio State University and is excited to spend some time out west while serving as a Community Programs Educator for Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. She has previously worked in the outdoor industry as a backcountry caretaker, outdoor educator, interpretive ranger, and outreach intern for the podcast Out There. In her free time you can find her reading, hiking, exploring new national parks, and being distracted by cute animals. 

Colleen Searcy

Naturalist Educator AmeriCorps

Colleen graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Zoology and is originally from Chicago. She is thrilled to get more experience as an environmental educator with the Parks Foundation and hopes to continue working as a teacher after her service term. In her free time, she is usually making art or caring for her rabbits.

Keaton Aldrich

Naturalist Educator AmeriCorps

Keaton is so excited to be starting a new adventure in Reno. She just moved here from Alaska and is enjoying all the parks, trails, and natural spaces Reno has to offer. When she is not designing scientific journals for the Student Stewards Program, Keaton likes to play the flute and go kayaking.

Kayleigh Dearstyne

Naturalist Educator AmeriCorps

Originally from New York, Kayleigh recently graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland with degrees in International Relations and Sustainable Development. She looks forward to nurturing community engagement through natural education and park exploration. Outside of work, Kayleigh can be found trying new recipes and looking for Nevada's native plants!

Kristina Lee

Naturalist Educator AmeriCorps

Kristina is from Folsom, California, but is quickly learning to call Reno home! She graduated from CSU Monterey Bay with a degree in Environmental Studies. She is looking forward to strengthening the community's connection to nature and quality of life. If you're looking for her, Kristina is probably playing guitar, hanging out with her dog, or exploring a body of water.

Danny Whitaker

Naturalist Educator AmeriCorps

After his Peace Corps term in Guyana was cut short, Danny was drawn to continue serving with the Parks Foundation in Reno. Danny has a degree in Geography from the University of Arizona and is excited to share his passion for nature with people visiting our parks. When he's not learning more about conservation, Danny loves to go hiking and camping.

Rachel Dunn

Naturalist Educator AmeriCorps

A St. Louis native, Rachel recently graduated from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale with a B.S. in Plant Biology and Horticulture and a minor in Environmental Studies. She is excited to be in a state that's not a prarie and looks forward to developing her skills as a naturalist with TMPF and the Reno community! Along with being outdoors, Rachel's interests include quilting, reading, and playing video games. 

Macklin McSorley

AmeriCorps Lead Wetland Restoration Technician

Macklin is a graduate from the University of Nevada where he earned his B.S. in Rangeland Ecology & Management in 2016. He has previously served with TMPF as an AmeriCorps Wetland Restoration Technician and is now an AmeriCorps Lead Wetland Restoration Technician. Before that, Macklin worked in the wine industry as an Assistant Winemaker and Vineyard Manager for four years. Macklin played volleyball for the University for four years and enjoys hiking with his dog, weight lifting, and hanging out with friends.

Rachel Kieffer

AmeriCorps Lead Wetland Restoration Technician

Rachel is originally from Los Angeles and graduated from Goucher College in 2018 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a Concentration in Environmental Science and Minor in Biological Sciences.  Rachel has previously served in the area with Nevada Conservation Corps as part of their Trail Crew program as well as with Arizona Conservation Corps and the Watershed Stewards Program in California.  She is excited to be part of an organization that is community-based and is excited for the future opportunities that the restored wetland will provide for the area.

Camille Verendia

AmeriCorps Wetland Restoration Technician

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Camille recently graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Environmental Science. Coming from a land of eternal sunshine, Camille is thrilled to finally experience all four seasons here in Reno. As an AmeriCorps Wetland Restoration Technician, she is eager to learn about the Northern Nevada ecosystem and to create an easily accessible place for the community to engage with nature. In her free time, Camille loves to read and run, and can’t wait to check out Reno’s local bookstores and trails.

Matthew Poindexter

AmeriCorps Wetland Restoration Technician

Matt moved to the Truckee Meadows in 2012 to study Hydrogeology at the University of Nevada. He's starting his first year of service as an AmeriCorps Wetland Restoration Technician striving to restore the Rosewood Lakes property to a functional wetland. His favorite authors are Issac Assimov, William Gibson, and JRR Tolkien. In his free time, Matt can be found riding his bike, playing video games and hanging out in his backyard.

Sarah Chvilicek, President

As a past Regional Parks and Open Space Commissioner, Sarah has always advocated for parks and open space in the greater Truckee Meadows. She currently serves on  both the Washoe County Planning Commission and Regional Planning Commission where she still advocates for parks and open space as important elements as they relate to regional planning issues. 

Dawn Smith, Vice President

Dawn moved to Reno from Washington State for a job with Renown. She enjoys hiking and exploring new areas. Dawn is thankful for the opportunity to get to know and be involved in education and stewardship of the local open spaces. She is a past AmeriCorps VISTA member through the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (R.A.R.E) in Oregon. Dawn previously worked with natural resource agencies to help document and preserve habitat in her role as G.I.S. Coordinator of Wallowa County. 

David von Seggern, Treasurer

David is retired from the UNR Nevada Seismological Laboratory after a career in seismology.  His last career position was as the seismic network manager for the Yucca Mountain Project, which seeks to make Nevada the repository of the nation’s high-level nuclear waste.  He served as treasurer for the Seismological Society of America for nine years.  David acquired an appreciation of our natural heritage as a college-aged spelunker in Missouri.  He is a past chair of the Executive Committee of the Toiyabe Chapter of the Sierra Club, is a frequent hike leader in the Truckee Meadows area, and loves to explore Nevada’s remotest places. 

David Jickling

David Jickling is a lifelong birder and passionate advocate for the outdoors. He has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan and moved to Nevada with his wife Debbie in 1990. In 1994 David was appointed to the Wildlife Commission by Governor Miller, and served on the commission as the conservation representative until 2000. He has also served as president of the Lahontan Audubon Society and leads field trips and teaches the introductory class of the very popular birds of the Truckee Meadows series.

Sophia Kirschenman

Sophia is a native Nevadan who grew up exploring the many outdoor wonders of the Truckee Meadows and the Sierra Nevada. She is dedicated to protecting our wildlands and connecting communities by creating shared outdoor spaces. After getting her master’s degree in international environmental policy and living for a handful of years in Colorado and California, she is excited to be back in her hometown, working as a park planner for Washoe County and serving on the Parks Foundation's Board of Directors. 

Tina Nappe

Tina is a long time supporter of parks in Washoe County and Reno. She has served on multiple nonprofit boards within our community and is happy to lend her expertise to furthering the mission of Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation.

Katie Palani

Born and raised in Reno, Katie graduated twice from UNR, and has worked with or for many community enterprises, including Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful, the Reno News and Review, the UNR special collections library, and local tutoring centers. Katie went to her first Discover Your Parks walk in 2017 to check out the Sierra Vista Future Park Site in her neighborhood and find out if the development would include a bike park. In addition to a yes on the bike park, she was surprised to find a non-profit that matched her enthusiasm in shared open spaces, community relevance and stewardship. Coming from a large Reno family, Katie has always felt a deep connection to place, story and building community here in the Truckee Meadows. Now a single mom with two kids, Katie is happy to be back in Reno, delving into our open spaces, exploring playgrounds, interpretive centers and hiking trails. And, she’s passionate about helping other young families do the same. As one of the younger, more active members of TMPF, Katie wants to share her love of experiencing the outdoors with children to the group, helping to inform decisions about family programming and using her extensive social network in the area to form lasting relationships with members of our 
community.

Nate Tippie

Nate Tippie is an entrepreneur, product designer, and longtime Parks Foundation supporter. After selling his accounting backup software to Intuit, he joined them as a Product Manager for QuickBooks Online. He studied Finance and Film at the University of Georgia, where he also served as a judge for the Peabody Awards. Nate has been a volunteer, member, sustaining member, and Doggie Ambassador before becoming a board member. He enjoys yoga, camping, and aviation, and lives in Midtown with his dogs, Bennie and Luna.