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Meet the Team

Staff Members

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Heidi Anderson   (she/her/hers)

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.

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Devin Sandoval de Genovese   (he/him/his)

VP of Education

​Devin served nearly two years as a Naturalist Educator for Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation before starting 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, with a minor in Spanish  In his free time, Devin enjoys riding mountain bikes and dirt bikes, and exploring Nevada's great outdoors. As VP of Education, Devin is excited to be a part of the continued growth of TMPF, and hopes to inspire the community through the SSP program. 

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Elena Larsen   (she/her/hers)

Nature Study Area VP

Elena serves as TMPF's Nature Study Area Vice President and has been working in environmental restoration since 2018. She was born and raised in the Reno-Sparks area and attended the University of Nevada, Reno for both her undergraduate and graduate studies. Elena holds a Bachelor's of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and a Master's of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology. Elena was the recipient of the 2022 Wayne E Kirch Conservation Award from the Nevada Department of Wildlife which is given to someone who has demonstrated significant results toward conservation, management, or enhancement of wildlife. 

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Jay Howard (he/him/his)

Trails Program Manager

Jay is our Trails Program Manager and works to implement the goals of the Truckee Meadows Trails Initiative. He comes to us after a 30 year career with Nevada State Parks. His time with State Parks involved several years being a recreation specialist for the Nevada Tahoe Resource Team, and 13 years as park supervisor for Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park (Sand Harbor, Spooner Lake and Backcountry, Cave Rock, and Van Sickle). Jay loves the outdoors and is an avid hiker and mountain biker. And let's not forget, professional volunteer. Jay enjoys working with the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society and Tahoe Mountain Bike Patrol.

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Matt DeBray   (he/him/his)

Communications Manager

Matt is the Communications Manager for Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. After serving with TMPF as an AmeriCorps VISTA in 2017 he worked to promote AmeriCorps programs throughout Nevada for four years and is excited to be back at the place that started his journey in the nonprofit world. Matt studied Radio Television Production at the University of Montana and brings over a decade of experience to the TMPF communications team. When he isn't working you can find Matt watching baseball, hiking with his family, or being pulled behind a boat.

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Kevin Lynch  (he/him/his)

AmeriCorps Compliance and Community Service Manager

Kevin is a local to the Truckee Meadows where he received his Master’s of Education from the University of Nevada-Reno with a focus on Career and Technical Education. He enjoys hiking with his wife, geocaching with his daughter, and running or reading all by his lonesome. As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and a former AmeriCorps employee, he is excited to continue supporting national and community service with Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation.

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Austin Cooper  (he/him/his)

Wetland Restorations Manager

Austin Cooper is a passionate outdoorsman whose life revolves around his love for nature. Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors from a young age. Whether it's deer hunting during the crisp autumn mornings or setting traps for fur-bearing animals in the winter, Austin thrives in the wild. His passion for ecology blossomed as he witnessed the delicate balance of nature firsthand. Austin pursued work in environmental science, eager to deepen his understanding of the ecosystems he cherished. Through his research, he became an advocate for conservation, working tirelessly to protect local habitats and educate others about the importance of preserving the environment. For Austin, the outdoors isn't just a hobby; it's a way of life. His unwavering passion for fishing, hunting, trapping, ecology and conservation defines him as a dedicated steward of the environment and a true lover of the wild.

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Shanna Kokosh  (she/her/hers)

Office Administrator

Shanna is the Administrator for the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation.  Originally from Colorado, she has lived in Northern Nevada for over 25 years.  She has over 15 years of experience in management, business operations and team leadership.  In her spare time, you can find her with her teenage daughter out in nature hiking, kayaking, fishing or camping as well as taking pictures of everything along the way!

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Julia Krier  (she/her/hers)

Camps and Youth Recreation Manager

Julia graduated from Western Connecticut State University earning a BS in Health Promotion Studies, with a concentration in community health and a minor in holistic health. Julia is passionate about helping people lead healthier and more active lifestyles. After graduating college she spent 2 months in Costa Rica studying yoga and meditation where she received her 200 hour YTT certification. Previously serving as the Programs and Events Coordinator, and VISTA Leader Julia is excited to join the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation staff as Camps and Youth Recretaion Manager.  Outside of work she loves practicing yoga, and spending her free time exploring the outdoors. 

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Peavine Pete 

Habitat Conservation Ambassador

Hello! My name is Peavine Pete and I’m the newest addition to Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation! I am a Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) and usually live in the deserts of Southern Nevada, but TMPF adopted me from the Northern Nevada Tortoise Group. Now I get to live in Northern Nevada! I’m between 10 and 15 years old, I can’t exactly remember, but I live to be about 80 in captivity, so 5 years doesn’t seem like much to forget. Sadly, my species is listed as THREATENED under the Endangered Species Act. Much of our tortoise habitat in the desert is being lost due to development, degraded from invasive species, or fragmented by roads or other impassable barriers. 

 

I enjoy long walks outside, cozy burrows and marigolds! I am passionate about the preservation of our beautiful local, desert outdoors spaces. I’m very excited to join the TMPF Team and to become an ambassador to the community for habitat conservation. Stop by Rosewood Nature Study Area and say hello!

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AmeriCorps VISTA Members

@tmparksfoundation

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Jennie Johnson (she/her)

Wetland Restoration Outreach Coordinator

Jennie is serving her third AmeriCorps VISTA term as the Wetland Restoration Outreach Coordinator. She is from right here in Reno and went to the University of Nevada, Reno for a degree in Cultural Anthropology. She’s excited to use her marketing background to teach people about the parks and opportunities in their community. She enjoys running, hiking, sunshine and events such as Moms on the Run and the American River Half Marathon.

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Emily Guzman (she/her)

Communications Outreach Coordinator

Born and raised in New Jersey, Emily moved to Reno, where she fell in love with the stunning Sierras. Currently studying Communications, she is passionate about making the outdoors accessible to everyone. Emily is excited to work with the Truckee Meadows Park Foundation as the Communication Coordinator. A dedicated yoga teacher, she deepened her practice in her motherland of Guatemala. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing with friends, cooking meals from scratch, sunbathing, and practicing her Spanish. Emily believes in the power of community, nature, and mindful living.

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Dayna Genio  (she/her)

Youth Programs Coordinator

Born and raised in the Truckee Meadows, Dayna studied International Business Marketing at the University of Nevada, Reno, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Social Work. Previously holding a role in communications, Dayna is excited to join the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation for another AmeriCorps term now as the Youth Programs Coordinator. In her free time, Dayna can be found practicing yoga, exploring the world around her, or cozying up in her hammock with a good book.

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Claire McHenry (she/her)

Nature Study Area Development Coordinator

Claire is serving her second AmeriCorps term, but first VISTA term, with Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. Claire grew up in Seattle, Washington but has since moved around the United States. She received her bachelor's in Geology with GIS and statistics minors from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. After school, Claire moved to Louisiana to do statistical machine learning and GIS analysis for the U.S. Geological Survey. Following this position, she found her way back to the west and settled in Incline Village, Nevada where she currently lives. In her freetime, she can be found climbing peaks throughout the Sierra Nevada and making art. 

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Ashlin Gean (she/her)

Environmental Grants Coordinator

Ashlin is from Florence, Alabama where she received a B.S. in Sustainability from the University of North Alabama. Since graduating she has worked on various conservation initiatives involving outdoor education, regenerative farming, waste management and solar energy. In her free time she enjoys practicing the ukulele, trying new recipes and taking long walks in Reno's many beautiful parks. Ashlin is excited for this opportunity to broaden her experience in grant writing and to contribute to the stewardship of the Truckee Meadows community. 

AmeriCorps State/National Members

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Tara Tran (they/them)

Community Programs Educator

A proud Nevadan, Tara grew up in Las Vegas, but moved to Reno in 2015 to attend UNR. They graduated with a BA in Anthropology and Art and later spent 2 years working as archeological field technician. Inspired by their time spent in nature as a field tech, they’re now enthusiastic to share the beauty of the outdoors with their community through the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. You can often find them enjoying open spaces and making food, art and music with their friends.

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Deanna Miller (she/her)

Curriculum Integration Coordinator

Born and raised in Prescott, Arizona, Deanna joins us as our Lead Naturalist Educator. After graduating from Northern Arizona University with a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and a minor in Biology, she made the move to Reno to share her passion for environmental education and community service. She is excited to work in her field of study and most of all, help spread her passion for our environment to our next generations of leaders and community members.

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Nyaabila Apambire (he/him)

Naturalist Educator

Nyaabila formerly served an AmeriCorps term as a Youth Recreation Leader for the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. He is now a Naturalist Educator Working with kids, which has always been a passion. He is excited to serve for TMPF through AmeriCorps. For around 10 years he has been coaching and refereeing youth basketball. Battle-born Nyaabila graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a double major in Sociology and Psychology. He’s lived in Nevada, Canada, Washington, California, and two years overseas. He highly enjoys traveling, the outdoors, flying drones, and playing basketball in his spare time.

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Hana Fahmi (any/all)

Naturalist Educator

With a decade of dedicated service industry experience, Hana has diligently worked her way up through all roles, gaining valuable insights and skills. The transformative experience of participating in the 82nd legislative session ignited her passion for civic engagement. Now, as a resident of Nevada, her goals extend from navigating the intricacies of state and local entities to conquering the Rubicon Trail. Additionally, as a Wedding DJ with DJ Funn she brings a unique rhythm to both the political and cultural landscapes, embracing a multifaceted journey in her new Nevada chapter.

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Regina Haynes (she/her)

Naturalist Educator

Bio coming soon!

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Charlie Smith (he/him)

Interpretive Trail Guide

Hailing from Sparks, NV, Charlie is a local to the area and holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. He was drawn to TMPF because he has always been passionate about the outdoors and environmental conservation. Charlie has been a volunteer with TMPF for years and did a half term as a Wetland Technician last summer! His hobbies include hiking, fencing, aviation, and international travel. Charlie's favorite way to get outside is to camp, or go for a hike and look at the birds, plants, bugs, rocks, etc.  He is excited to learn how to do interpretive guiding and connect people with the outdoors. 

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Chloe Kinerson (she/her)

Interpretive Trail Guide

Originally from Reno, Chloe grew up camping and hiking in the area. This fostered a desire to protect the environment, leading her to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Conservation from the University of British Columbia. However, her love for the Great Basin desert brought her back to Reno. Previously a Wetland Restoration Technician, Chloe is excited to serve another term with TMPF as an Interpretive Trail Guide. When not at work, you can find Chloe playing board games, roller skating, or reading.

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Spencer Stockton

Interpretive Trail Guide

Bio coming soon!

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Jonah Hedlund (he/him)

GIS Specialist

As a recent UNR graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and an emphasis in Restoration and Conservation, Jonah recently served as a Wetland Restoration Technician. Drawing on his GIS experience, he is now helping our trails program as the GIS Specialist! Previously, Jonah has also done post-fire restoration, worked for California State Parks for eight seasons, and was lucky enough to live and work in the redwoods and the ghost town of Bodie. 

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Mara Nutt (they/them)

Rosewood Education Coordinator

Mara graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with their Masters degree in Hydrology in late 2023. Although they are formally trained primarily in environmental/climate science and geology, they’ve always had a passion for STEAM outreach and education. They are excited to put this into practice as an Education Coordinator at the Rosewood Nature Study Area by using outdoor classroom spaces and interactive lessons that utilize the amazing restored wetlands at Rosewood. Their life goal is to learn something new everyday, and the best way they’ve found to do that is by working interactively with the community. In their free time they love walking in the local parks, biking, and spending time with their partner and cat. 

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Anna Grocholski

Rosewood Education Coordinator

Bio Coming Soon

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Iris Maplewood (she/they)

Rosewood Nature Center Host

Iris graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.A. in Anthropology and a minor in Biology.  She worked in education as a teacher and tutor before switching careers to conservation.  She volunteered and worked for Conserve Southwest Utah in St. George, and is excited to serve her first AmeriCorps term with us as the Rosewood Nature Center Host.  She is going back to school to earn a degree in either forestry or environmental science.  In her free time, she can be found hiking or playing with her two cats. 

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Nash Dickason (he/him)

Rosewood Nature Center Host

Originally from Rochester, New York, Nash brings a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge to Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. A proud graduate of SUNY ESF's The Ranger School, he honed his skills in environmental science and forestry. Nash has spent a field season with the Great Basin Institute in both Nevada and California, where he immersed himself in diverse ecosystems and conservation efforts. As our visitor center host, Nash is excited to share his knowledge and love of the outdoors with all who visit. 

Wetland Restoration Technicians

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Nico Dillman

Wetland Restoration Technician 

I am currently serving as a wetland technician with AmeriCorps in Reno, Nevada, where I focus on restoring and preserving local wetlands. Originally from Philadelphia, I moved to Reno to pursue my passion for the outdoors and a career in environmental conservation. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, running, playing soccer, and swimming, which keeps me connected to the natural landscapes I work to protect.

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Daniel Roediger

Wetland Restoration Technician 

Bio Coming Soon

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Jordan Zapata

Wetland Restoration Technician 

Bio Coming Soon

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Elijah Mayorga

Wetland Restoration Technician 

Bio Coming Soon

Board of Directors

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Jill Richardson

Board President

Jill volunteers as a park history researcher for TMPF and serves as the board president.  She is a member of the Historic Reno Preservation Society, where she has led historic walking tours in Reno and has published her park history research in the FootPrints publication.  She is also a member of the Nevada Historical Society.

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Laura Fillmore

Board Vice President

Laura Fillmore is an interdisciplinary artist and educator. In 1997, she helped to found an immersion language school focused on indigenous language renewal; Wà:šiw ‘itlu Gawgayay,  ‘Speak Washoe’. She fundraised for the Wilderness and Arts Literacy Collaborative--and for UNR Women’s Studies. She served as a board member at the Great Basin Community Food Co-op, and was on the inaugural board of the Holland Project. In 2020 she retired from teaching fine art/digital media to focus on the nexus between the arts, the ecologies of water and fire, and telling the stories of regenerative best practices on the landscape.  She currently serves on the board of The Center for the Study of the Force Majeure, and recently, the work re-wilding the Rosewood Nature Study area wetlands drew her to serve on the board of TMPF.

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Catherine McFeely

Board Treasurer 

Catherine Mcfeely grew up in a small town surrounded by the stunning Lassen National Forest, where her father worked as a US Forest Service ranger. From an early age, Catherine learned the importance of preserving parks, trails, and open spaces; instilling in her a deep respect and appreciation for nature's beauty and natural resources. After moving to Reno twenty years ago to pursue a career in Recreation and Parks Administration, Catherine's passion for promoting the health and wellness benefits of outdoor activities grew stronger. With over 24 years of experience as a certified therapeutic recreation therapist, she has helped integrate the areas geriatric population into the community through outdoor adventures utilizing many of our parks. As a 7 year volunteer and now serving board member of TMPF, Catherine is dedicated to finding innovative ways to promote growth, cultivate awareness, and instill appreciation of Northern Nevada's open spaces.

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Kris Lavoy-Perry

Board Member

Bio coming soon!

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Stephanie Mazza

Board Member

Stephanie is excited to bring her creative and marketing experience to the TMPF board. Originally from Sonoma County, California, she has happily called Reno her home since 2016. Stephanie has worked as a graphic designer for over a decade and currently serves as Senior Art Director for Estipona Group, a full-service marketing agency in Reno. There, she leads accessible and inclusive creative solutions for public health campaigns, government agencies, and educational institutions. In her free time, she can be found snowboarding and exploring hiking trails and parks with her husband, daughter, and four-legged running buddy, Galena. 

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Sarali Diaz

Board Member

Sarali is a long time Reno resident who loves hiking and exploring our many parks and trails.  She has a master’s degree in Computer Science and has worked in the information technology field at the University of Nevada, Reno and, most recently, at Coupa Software.  Her scientific curiosity and data management background led her to volunteer as a phenology observer and help in the regular cleanup and restoration efforts at the Rosewood Nature Center.  As a member of the TMPF board, she wants to help protect our spectacular open spaces and help our community discover opportunities to enjoy and learn about them.

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Sean McLaughlin

Board Member

Sean is a new board member of the TMPF and a geologist with a passion for promoting outdoor recreation and conservation. Originally from south Louisiana, Sean moved to the Reno area in 2007 and has been an avid explorer of the area's natural beauty ever since. Sean's experience in mapping and geology provide him with an understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting natural resources, and he is excited to bring this knowledge to the TMPF. Sean is committed to advancing the foundation's mission of supporting local parks and promoting the benefits of the outdoors, particularly in urban areas where access to green spaces can be limited. Sean will help the foundation build strong partnerships with the community and help inspire more people to explore and connect with nature.

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