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Los Miembros del Personal

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Chantel Dominguez   (ella)

Gerente de Programas y Eventos

Chantel es nuestra Gerente de Programas y Eventos. Recibió su Licenciados en Artes en Antropología de la Universidad de Nevada, Reno y, después de pasar 4 años en Chicago, está encantada de estar de regreso en Nevada promoviendo la sostenibilidad ambiental y estilos de vida saludables a través de su trabajo con la Fundación de Parques. En su tiempo libre, a Chantel le gusta comer y cocinar con amigos, las noches de juegos, el café y explorar los increíbles lugares al aire libre de Nevada.

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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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Hannah Lansverk Sonnenberg   (she/her/hers)

Youth Education Director

​Hannah is the Parks Foundation's Youth Education Director. 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!

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David Hadel (he/him/his)

Development Director

David is our Development Director, homegrown right here in the Truckee Meadows. He has a background in media, sales, serving the public, graphic design, radio and voiceover. He enjoys hanging out with his wife and raising their daughter, backyard chickens, two chihuahuas and one cat. You'll see David on the trail, backpacking, disc golfing, skiing or boarding and at live music events. He is thrilled to be with Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation to engage our community and support our open spaces.

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Jay Howard (he/him/his)

Trails Program Manager

Jay is our new Trails Program Manager, and will be working 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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Bradley Leavitt (they/them/theirs)

Youth Camps and Recreation Manager

Bradley is from a rural town in southern Nevada where they grew up herping with their family in the Mojave Desert. They attended UNR and studied Wildlife Ecology, then later pursued a degree in Secondary Science Education. Before joining our staff, Bradley served an AmeriCorps term as a Naturalist Educator. Outside of work, you can catch them out on the crag or birding at a local park. Oh, and if you ever have a question about toads or the best paddle-boarding spots in the Truckee Meadows, Bradley is your go-to pal!

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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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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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Miembros de AmeriCorps VISTA 

@tmparksfoundation

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Julia Krier (she/her)

VISTA Leader

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, Julia is excited to join the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation for her second AmeriCorps term as VISTA Leader where she gets to work on projects that combine her love for health education and promoting the benefits of spending time outdoors. Outside of work she loves practicing yoga, and spending her free time exploring the outdoors. 

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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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Dayna Genio  (she/her)

Communications Coordinator

Born and raised in the Truckee Meadows, Dayna studied International Business Marketing at the University of Nevada, Reno. After graduating in 2021, she spent 2 months in India pursuing her passion by studying yoga and becoming a certified instructor. Now, Dayna is excited to join the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation promoting one of her favorite things, the outdoors! 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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Trisha Beaupre (she/her)

Youth Recreation Coordinator

Born in Southern California, Trisha attended high school and college in Northern Nevada. Receiving her Masters Degree in Social Work from UNR she has worked locally as a social worker. She loves the outdoors and is excited to be joining TMPF as the VISTA Youth Recreation Coordinator. In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling with her husband and 3 daughters. 

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Linsey Mecham (she/her)

Donor Relations Coordinator

Linsey recently moved from Las Vegas to Reno. She is currently attending the University of Nevada, Reno where she is majoring in Environmental Chemistry. She previously served in AmeriCorps as a restoration crew member with Great Basin Institute and as a stewardship associate with Friends of Nevada Wilderness. She enjoys hiking with her friends and reading in her free time.

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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)

Lead Naturalist Educator

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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Taylor Mayfield (she/her)

Naturalist Educator

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Taylor is currently studying Wildlife Ecology after falling in love with the Reno scenery. Committed to wildlife conservation, Taylor blends academic knowledge with hands-on experiences, and is excited to educate future generations with the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. Beyond classes, she finds joy in horseback riding, art, and exploring Nevada's landscapes.

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Regina Haynes (she/her)

Naturalist Educator

Bio coming soon!

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Solomon Feinstein (he/him)

Interpretive Trail Guide

Solomon is an Interpretive Trail Guide here at Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. Hailing from Las Vegas, Solomon has a B.S. in Geology from UNLV’s Honors College. Though he's lived most of his life in Las Vegas, he's also lived in New Mexico, Ohio, Hawaii, Elko, and Seattle. After receiving his degree in 2021, he spent time working in both the mining and civil engineering fields, but his undying passion for nature, education, and preserving the environment has brought him here to TMPF. In his free time, Solomon enjoys photography, researching and exploring the natural world, playing basketball, watching football, listening to and playing music, traveling, hanging out with friends and family, and making videos for his youtube channel.

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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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Elyssa Santana (she/her)

Nature Study Area Visitor Center Host

Elyssa Santana, a recent graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno, received a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science. Originally from Lodi, California, her focus during her college career was ecological restoration and conservation biology, with a particular personal interest in native plants of the Great Basin. Over the years she’s had the privilege of overseeing native plant shade houses for habitat restoration purposes, conducting remote sensitive plant surveys, collecting AIM soil and vegetation data with the Great Basin Institute, as well as working in the herbarium located in the Natural History Museum on UNR’s campus. She’s thrilled to be a part of the team at the Rosewood Nature Study Area as the host of the nature center! She loves chatting about everything and all things ecology and nature-related. If you’re ever in our area come say hi, and check out all the amazing exhibits and information on our awesome Great Basin Wetland Restoration Project! 

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Hana Fahmi (any/all)

Nature Study Area Visitor Center Host

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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Shannon Duffy (she/her)

GIS Specialist

Shannon developed her passion for conservation and recreation while skiing and hiking in her home state of Vermont. Since graduating college in 2021 from Colgate University with a BA in Environmental Biology, she has explored the west coast doing seasonal jobs and internships in forestry, hydrology, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She serves as the GIS Specialist for Truckee Meadows Trails creating maps of our trail network expansion projects and creating web maps for our trail users. She plans to attend graduate school for Ecohydrology in the fall.

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Nyaabila Apambire (he/him)

Youth Recreation Leader

Nyaabila is a Youth Recreation Leader for the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. Working with kids 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. In the Spring he will graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno with a double major in Sociology and Psychology. Nyaabila is Battle Born. Throughout his life, 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.

Wetland Restoration Technicians

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Chloe Kinerson (she/her)

Wetland Restoration Technician 

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 where she is now excited to be working as a Wetland Restoration Technician. When not at work, you can find Chloe playing board games, roller skating, or reading.

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Alexandra De Sousa (she/her)

Wetland Restoration Technician 

Alex graduated from Ithaca College in 2022 after having received a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies. After her two month camping trip in Southern Arizona in 2021, she fell in love with desert ecosystems and the outdoors. This is her third AmeriCorps term after previously working with Walker Basin Conservancy and Great Basin Institute in the last 2 years, and she is excited to continue working in the outdoors and learning about the ecosystem of a wetland.

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Cory Strauss (he/him)

Wetland Restoration Technician 

Cory is a graduate of Cal Poly Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State University) with a dual B.S. in Rangeland Resource Management and Soils and a Minor in Watersheds. He grew up in the Durango, Colorado, Four Corners area. He has held a variety of jobs within the Federal Government, including the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). This is his second time serving with AmeriCorps; previously he was down in Las Cruces, New Mexico in 2020 with the Southwest Conservation Corps. Cory is very excited to be in the Reno area experiencing city life.

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Catherine Yarbrough (she/her)

Wetland Restoration Technician 

Catherine graduated in the fall of 2023 from ASU with a B.S. in Conservation Biology and Ecology, minor in Sustainability. She has previously worked with the State of California and State of Washington State Parks for a cumulative 5 years. She is super stoked to finally be getting hands on experience in restoration, which is a major part of her career goals.

Also see: Loves pine trees, desolate mountain trails, and snacks.

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Joseph Amon (he/him)

Wetland Restoration Technician 

Joseph was born and raised in the California Bay Area. He attained a Bachelor's in Environmental Science and Management from UC Davis. Joseph is driven by a passion for wildlife and conservation.

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Jaida Marinas (she/her)

Wetland Restoration Technician 

Jaida received her B.S. in Biology with a minor in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno in May 2023. Her favorite classes in college were Human Anatomy and Physiology, Endocrinology, and Entomology. She's worked in a couple of labs during her college years but she's excited to be broadening her experience in field work and is ready to learn. Outside of work, Jaida can be found crocheting, baking, or at a local thrift store.

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Heaven Lane (she/her)

Wetland Restoration Technician 

Originally from Northern California, Heaven moved to the Reno area in 2017 to attend UNR. She graduated in 2023 with a B.S. in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Natural Resource Planning and Management. Her favorite classes at UNR involved conservation biology and restoration ecology so she is excited to be joining the restoration crew at Rosewood. When not at work, she enjoys reading, listening to true crime podcasts, taking her dog on hikes, and cuddling with her cat.

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Tatum Fowler (she/her)

Wetland Restoration Technician 

Tatum graduated from Warren Wilson College in December 2023 after completing a B.S. in Environmental Studies with a Concentration in Water and Earth Resources and a Minor in Spanish. She is from Kentucky where she served with AmeriCorps as an EELCorps educator. She loves working outdoors and has done ecological landscaping for four years. Tatum is so excited to be part of the team restoring Rosewood!

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Jonah Hedlund (he/him)

Wetland Restoration Technician 

As a recent UNR graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and an emphasis in Restoration and Conservation, Jonah is excited for the opportunity to be able to gain more hands-on experience and work outdoors with TMPF. Previously, he has done GIS, post-fire restoration, and worked for California State Parks for eight seasons. He has also been lucky enough to live and work in the Redwoods and the ghost town of Bodie. 

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Taylor Sanchez (she/her)

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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Sarah Chvilicek, Presidenta

Board Vice President

Como ex-comisionada de Parques Regionales y Espacios Abiertos, Sarah siempre ha abogado por los parques y espacios abiertos en el área metropolitana de los Prados Truckee. Actualmente se desempeña tanto en la Comisión de Planificación del Condado de Washoe como en la Comisión de Planificación Regional, donde todavía aboga por los parques y los espacios abiertos como elementos importantes que se relacionan con los problemas de planificación regional.

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Catherine McFeely

Board Treasurer 

Sophia es una nativa de Nevada que creció explorando las muchas maravillas al aire libre de los Prados Truckee y Sierra Nevada. Ella se dedica a proteger nuestras tierras silvestres y conectar comunidades mediante la creación de espacios al aire libre compartidos. Después de obtener su maestría en política ambiental internacional y vivir durante unos años en Colorado y California, está emocionada de estar de regreso en su ciudad natal, trabajando como planificadora de parques para el condado de Washoe y formando parte de la Junta Directiva de la Fundación de Parques.

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Kris Lavoy-Perry

Board Member

Sophia es una nativa de Nevada que creció explorando las muchas maravillas al aire libre de los Prados Truckee y Sierra Nevada. Ella se dedica a proteger nuestras tierras silvestres y conectar comunidades mediante la creación de espacios al aire libre compartidos. Después de obtener su maestría en política ambiental internacional y vivir durante unos años en Colorado y California, está emocionada de estar de regreso en su ciudad natal, trabajando como planificadora de parques para el condado de Washoe y formando parte de la Junta Directiva de la Fundación de Parques.

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Stephanie Mazza

Board Member

Sophia es una nativa de Nevada que creció explorando las muchas maravillas al aire libre de los Prados Truckee y Sierra Nevada. Ella se dedica a proteger nuestras tierras silvestres y conectar comunidades mediante la creación de espacios al aire libre compartidos. Después de obtener su maestría en política ambiental internacional y vivir durante unos años en Colorado y California, está emocionada de estar de regreso en su ciudad natal, trabajando como planificadora de parques para el condado de Washoe y formando parte de la Junta Directiva de la Fundación de Parques.

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Sarali Diaz

Board Member

Sophia es una nativa de Nevada que creció explorando las muchas maravillas al aire libre de los Prados Truckee y Sierra Nevada. Ella se dedica a proteger nuestras tierras silvestres y conectar comunidades mediante la creación de espacios al aire libre compartidos. Después de obtener su maestría en política ambiental internacional y vivir durante unos años en Colorado y California, está emocionada de estar de regreso en su ciudad natal, trabajando como planificadora de parques para el condado de Washoe y formando parte de la Junta Directiva de la Fundación de Parques.

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Sean McLaughlin

Board Member

Sophia es una nativa de Nevada que creció explorando las muchas maravillas al aire libre de los Prados Truckee y Sierra Nevada. Ella se dedica a proteger nuestras tierras silvestres y conectar comunidades mediante la creación de espacios al aire libre compartidos. Después de obtener su maestría en política ambiental internacional y vivir durante unos años en Colorado y California, está emocionada de estar de regreso en su ciudad natal, trabajando como planificadora de parques para el condado de Washoe y formando parte de la Junta Directiva de la Fundación de Parques.

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