Get to know the EMSWCD staff! Use any of the links below to scroll down to a particular program or find out about current employment opportunities. We are currently hiring for a Rural Lands Program Supervisor.
Full staff list
Kelley Beamer
Executive Director
Pronouns: she/her
Kelley joined EMSWCD in February of 2024 where she is thrilled to continue her career working on behalf of Oregon’s lands and waters. Kelley comes to the district with 20 years of non-profit experience building relationships and successfully advocating for the natural environment and the people that depend on it. Most recently, Kelley served as the founding Executive Director for the Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT) where she united 30 organizations in a shared mission to conserve Oregon’s farms, forests and fish and natural areas. During her tenure at COLT she helped launch the Oregon Land Justice Project, an effort to increase Indigenous access and ownership of land and first foods. She helped create the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Program and advocated on the state and national level for programs that support voluntary land conservation. Kelley is passionate about bringing diverse communities together for positive change. Her past roles include advocacy manager for Cascadia Green Building Council and conservation organizer for Friends of the Columbia Gorge.
Kelley loves to fish, hunt and explore rivers. She lives with her family in North Portland and is excited to join the talented and dedicated team at EMSWD to care for land and water in her own backyard.
Call me about: Anything!
Finance & Operations
Dan Mitten
Chief of Finance and Operations
Pronouns: he/him/his
Dan joined EMSWCD in August 2018 as our Chief of Finance and Operations. Dan is responsible for all budgeting, financial, and administrative oversight of EMSWCD as well as leadership and oversight of the Finance and Operations Program. Prior to joining EMSWCD, Dan served for over 20 years in senior executive roles, specializing in operations, finance, and organizational leadership in both non-profit and for-profit arenas. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Arizona State University. While originally a desert rat, Dan and his wife fell in love with all things Oregon over a decade ago and moved to Portland in 2012.
Scot Wood
Facilities and Fleet Manager
Pronouns: he/him
Scot manages and maintains both our headquarters and our facilities at Headwaters Farm. Scot started with EMSWCD in August 2014. His upbringing was on a farm that specialized in producing peaches, crops of vegetables and livestock. He has worked over thirty years in construction and maintenance management. With Scot's farming background, attention to the health of our land and expertise in maintenance, he is excited to be a part of our team and contribute to our conservation efforts. Although he has been an Oregonian for over 26 years, his loyalty for football remains with his original roots in Texas as a True Blue Dallas Cowboys fan.
Scot serves on EMSWCD’s staff-led Equity Team, which works to elevate EMSWCD’s awareness, sensitivity, and response to the equity concerns of our communities related to natural resource management and environmental justice. Reach out to Scot with questions or concerns about our equity work.
Sasha Schwenk
Operations Administrative Assistant
Sasha apprenticed on two small organic farms in the coastal hills outside of Eugene and in the Applegate Valley of southern Oregon before following her love of all things fermented, becoming a baker, cheese monger, and wine steward. Having worked for many progressive food organizations over the past twenty-plus years, she has an appreciation for our local food economy, as seen through a lens of equitable production and distribution, with a focus on the health of the communities and landscape where our food is grown.
She has braided together her love of microbes, soil health, and farming, and plans to add viticulture in the future.
When not managing spreadsheets for EMSWCD, you can find Sasha bird-watching, mushroom hunting, or hiking in the Gorge.
Alex Woolery
IT and Analytic Specialist
Pronouns: he/him
Alex has been with the District since 2013. He is the IT and Analytic Specialist, and works to ensure EMSWCD’s technology and network are secure and working well. He also assists staff as needed with design, print and related outreach needs. Before joining EMSWCD, Alex had worked for eight years doing creative design and technical work for large corporations, small businesses and non-profits in web, print and mobile outputs. His other experience includes everything from green building material design to construction to translation, but he has enjoyed working in conservation the most. Alex has a degree in Russian language from Portland State University.
Call me about: questions about our programs, or if you have any technical issues or questions regarding the EMSWCD website. Also about any general media inquiries or about advertisements! Speaks intermediate Russian (говорит по-русски на среднем уровне) and basic Spanish (habla español básico).
Asianna Fernandez
Executive Assistant
Pronouns: she/her
Asianna joined EMSWCD in October 2021 as the executive assistant to the executive director. She manages the Executive Director’s schedule and helps keep her organized, while also serving as Clerk of the Board of Directors and extending help to all EMSWCD staff and board. She recently graduated from Portland State University, two months before joining our team, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Leadership and a minor in Environmental Sustainability. Throughout her college career, she has been a part of multiple environmental sustainability clubs and student organizations which planted her roots in conservation and environmentally conscious business models. Asianna is originally from the Bay Area in California, but the autumn leaves, great public transportation system, and the rain (yes, the rain!) brought her to Portland!
Call me about: Scheduling, note taking, and organization!
Rural Lands
Rural Lands Program Supervisor
Rural Lands Program Supervisor
This position is currently vacant.
Jeremy Baker
Senior Rural Conservationist
Pronouns: he/him
Jeremy has 21 years of experience in natural resources management and farm planning throughout the Lower Willamette Basin. Having stops in Polk, Marion and Clackamas Counties throughout his career, he has amassed a great deal of experience in assessing and treating a broad range of natural resource concerns including:
- mud and manure management
- pasture and grazing management
- cropping systems and soil health
- irrigation water management
- erosion control
- weed management
- streambank stabilization
- rainwater harvesting
He is a graduate of Oregon State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in International Natural Resources and a minor in Spanish.
Jon Wagner
Senior Rural Conservationist
Pronouns: he/him
Jon joined EMSWCD in 2012 and works on a variety of projects to protect and create healthy habitats and waterways. Jon has background in wildlife biology, with 15 years of experience in the field, and he loves being outdoors working to protect native plants and animals. Jon has a BA in biology from Earlham College and a Master’s Certificate in Science Illustration from the University of California Santa Cruz.
Jon works with partner organizations and landowners throughout the region to plan, coordinate and implement large-scale control efforts for invasive weeds such as garlic mustard, knotweed, English ivy, and clematis. Jon manages water quality monitoring projects for rural streams to ensure that they are healthy and free of sediment and pollution. He gives educational presentations on rural weeds, native plants, and creating wildlife habitat. He is also an in-house illustrator for EMSWCD, and he works with staff and partners to create engaging outreach materials that tell the story of conservation in new and exciting ways.
Call me about: Weeds, wildlife and water quality.
Chris Aldassy
Senior Rural Conservationist
Pronouns: he/him
Chris grew up exploring Oregon's wild places where he developed a love and sense of stewardship for the natural world. He received a degree in Environmental Science in 2000 and promptly went to the tropics to study in the one of the worlds hotspots of biologic diversity in the equatorial Amazon. Upon returning stateside he began guiding wilderness river trips. Soon local natural resource issues began to burden the areas he cherished. It was his motivation to create positive change in the world that led him to The Nature Conservancy and then ultimately to EMSWCD in 2007. His sense of adventure and knowledge of native plant communities and noxious weeds fit him perfectly in his role working on invasive species and streamside restoration projects.
Call me about: Weeds, restoration
Isa Rojas
Rural Conservation Specialist
Pronouns: she/her
Isa joined EMSWCD in April of 2024, bringing years of non-profit experience advocating for the environment and communities. She has a background in conservation and cartography. Isa is passionate about conservation, especially native plants, using GIS for monitoring, and promoting diversity in conservation. When she is not looking for records or listening to Arthur Russell, she enjoys hiking, foraging, river exploration, and skiing. Isa is excited to join EMSWCD's team to care for land and water in her community, particularly the rural community in east Multnomah County.
Call me about: Weeds and Restoration.
Matt Shipkey
Land Legacy Program Manager
Pronouns: he/him
Matt joined EMSWCD in April 2017 with 13+ years of land conservation experience. He was thrilled to return to the Pacific Northwest, where he had previously completed his Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of British Columbia. Matt’s prior positions – with The Scenic Hudson Land Trust and the Monmouth County Agriculture Development Board – provided him with the opportunity to conserve a diversity of landscape and property types, such as farms, wetlands, trails, scenic ridgelines, river launches and urban parks. Conserving our finite and threatened resources and connecting people with the land fuels Matt’s passion for land conservation.
Call me about: Information about land conservation options for your property.
Rowan Steele
Headwaters Farm Program Manager
Pronouns: he/him
Rowan came to the District in 2012 with a background in community food planning, stewardship, and small-scale agriculture. Rowan has an undergraduate degree in Geography from Humboldt State University and a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Portland State University. He works directly with incubator farmers, program partners, and the surrounding community to leverage the resources at Headwaters Farm for District constituents. He is your primary contact for all questions related to the incubator program, Headwaters Farm, and new farm development.
Rowan accredits his own success as a farmer to his two years at the Arcata Educational Farm—a farm incubator program in northern California—as well as his past farm business growing mixed vegetables for direct market sales. Rowan’s passion for agriculture is now focused on regenerative practices which he views as a primary tool for addressing major environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Call me about: new farmer development and resources, program partnership opportunities, the Headwaters Incubator Program, Headwaters Farm
Nick Pfeil
Headwaters Farm Operations Specialist
Pronouns: he/him
Nick joined the District in 2020 as the Operations Assistant at Headwaters Farm. He grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and left the desert southwest for the mountains of Montana where he studied anthropology and archaeology at the University of Montana in Missoula. After graduating, Nick moved to Seattle and studied food systems, which led to an interest in small-scale farming and local food production. He starting working at a small farm outside of Seattle and fell in love with farming and growing food, finding it to be an incredibly challenging and rewarding endeavor.
For the better part of a decade, Nick has worked on organic farms of varying size and scale around the Pacific Northwest. At Headwaters, he helps support the farmers in the program with a variety of things like tractor work, irrigation systems, building infrastructure and machine maintenance, as well as helping to manage the Headwaters property and natural areas in a sustainable and regenerative way.
Urban Lands
Kathy Shearin
Urban Lands Program Supervisor
Pronouns: she/her
Kathy has been with EMSWCD since 2002. She is the program supervisor for the Urban Lands Program, best known for EMSWCD’s urban workshops, the annual native plant sale and the Naturescaped Yards Tour.
Kathy has degrees in Sociology and in Plant, Soil and Insect Ecology. Prior to her position with the Soil and Water Conservation District here in Oregon, she worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA/NRCS) and the Soil and Water Conservation District for Pima County in Tucson, Arizona, where she managed a water conservation program.
Call me about: native plants, naturescaping, stormwater, invasive plants, urban conservation projects and EMSWCD’s equity initiative.
Whitney Bailey
Senior Urban Conservationist
Pronouns: she/her
Whitney has been the Senior Urban Conservationist with the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District since 2017. She has nearly two decades of experience in conservation planning, land management, environmental restoration, and urban sustainability. In her role at EMSWCD she helps private landowners, schools, and partner organizations learn about and implement sustainable practices such as:
- infiltrating stormwater
- removing harmful and aggressive plants
- choosing, sourcing, and installing native plants
- improving wildlife habitat
- reducing erosion
- reducing chemical use
- reducing outdoor water use
- harvesting rainwater
She also oversees cost-share funding for riparian forest restoration projects on private properties, provides community workshops on a variety of topics including rain gardens and climate change, and manages the landscape at Conservation Corner.
Whitney has a Masters of Science in Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology. Prior to joining EMSWCD she worked for the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Forest Service. In her free time she is an avid hiker and backpacker, and volunteers with Cascadia Wild and the local arts community.
Whitney serves on EMSWCD’s staff-led Equity Team, which works to elevate EMSWCD’s awareness, sensitivity, and response to the equity concerns of our communities related to natural resource management and environmental justice. Reach out to Whitney with questions or concerns about our equity work.
Monica McAllister
Community Connections Liaison
Pronouns: she/her
Monica joined EMSWCD as the Community Connections Liaison in January 2019. Her background includes community organizing, environmental education, restoration projects, community gardens, and outreach and events. She is passionate about environmental conservation, community engagement, and racial equity.
Monica received her B.S. in Biology with a Chemistry minor and B.A. in Spanish from The University of Portland. After graduating, she worked as a wildlife field technician on research projects monitoring wildlife movement along rivers in the boreal forest of Canada, surveying wildlife biodiversity response to grassland restoration in New Mexico, and tracking the Greater Sage-Grouse in SE Oregon. Prior to working for EMSWCD, she was the Nadaka Nature Park Coordinator for Friends of Nadaka and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for 4 years. In her free time, Monica enjoys hiking, photography, Latin dancing, gardening, and exploring Portland’s coffee shops.
Cat Ayala
Urban Lands Education and Outreach Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her/cô
Cat joined EMSWCD in November 2024 and brings years of experience in outdoor environmental education and outreach focused on diverse and marginalized communities.
Cat is a second-generation Vietnamese American. She grew up exploring the outdoors and growing many culturally relevant plants with her mother. Her childhood encouraged her to get a B.S. in Earth & Environmental Science with a minor in Biology. After graduating, Cat served in the Peace Corps and created environmental awareness in her community through education and organizing. When she returned to the US, she continued to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Confluence Environmental Center and the City of Portland BES to connect with marginalized communities through environmental outreach. Cat has also worked at Growing Gardens as a Garden Educator/Coordinator and Community Organizer. She is looking forward to building deeper relationships with the community and informing and inspiring diverse audiences on how to care for our environment. In her free time, Cat is often traveling, taking photos, cooking/baking, or hiking with her husband and rescued street dog (from her Peace Corps days)!
Community Outreach and Engagement
Heather Nelson Kent
Community Outreach and Engagement Supervisor
Heather joined EMSWCD in 2021. She brings her deep experience and connections to the district’s new Community Outreach and Engagement team. Previously, Heather worked at Metro Parks and Nature and the Regional Arts & Culture Council leading strategic communications and community engagement efforts that increased public access, built trust, and raised visibility. She works effectively with community partners, government, business, and nonprofits in land conservation, sustainable agriculture, habitat protection and access to nature initiatives. Her passion is transforming organizations through equitable programs and project management, inclusive practices, and public accountability.
Call me about: Community Events and Outreach, grant opportunities, questions about the grant application process and to brainstorm your ideas and find potential partners.
Chelsea White-Brainard
Senior Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her
Chelsea joined EMSWCD in 2015 to connect rural residents to resources that help them care for their land and water. Her educational background is in Environmental Science, Spanish, and Geography. Prior to joining the district, she promoted programs and behaviors for improved water quality in the Clackamas watershed.
Being from the Pacific Northwest, Chelsea is passionate about protecting the lands she grew up in. She believes that by working together, we will build a sustainable future for Oregon at the crossroads of environmental, social and economic interests. Speaks Spanish, habla español.
Katie Meckes
Senior Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her
Katie joined EMSWCD in 2008 with a background leading youth work crews in natural area restoration projects at Cascade Education Corps and managing education and events at Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Columbia Slough Watershed Council.
In her earlier years with the District, she managed workshops and events for the Urban Lands program. Over time, her responsibilities stretched into project planning and management, data collection, and program evaluation. With a fondness for developing systems and streamlining processes, she is our go-to person for the “way” we work. She now puts these skills to work on the District’s new Community Outreach and Engagement team.
Her work at the District allows her to combine her love for planning and logistics with community outreach and engagement. In her free time Katie enjoys running, biking, and spending time exploring with her family and friends.
Katie also serves as the coordinator of our staff-led Equity Team, which works to elevate EMSWCD’s awareness, sensitivity, and response to the equity concerns of our communities related to natural resource management and environmental justice. Reach out to Katie with questions or concerns about our equity work.
Call me about: Outreach, community engagement, data collection, planning.
Julia Pacheco-Cole
Outreach and Engagement Communications Assistant
Pronouns: any pronouns
Julia joined EMSWCD in April of 2024. She brings with her a background in marketing and higher education. Julia is an East Coast transplant and received their BFA from Cornell University and M.Ed from Clemson University. She moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2021 to work at Lewis & Clark College as an Area Director in residence life to support student development, event planning, campus and community partnerships, communications, and residence hall operations.
Julia appreciates educational access, community engagement, and social justice. They are excited to creatively support EMSWCD's work through social media and other communications channels, bringing awareness to all the great resources the District has to offer. In her free time, she loves video games and board games, photography, learning, trying out new restaurants around Portland, machine embroidery, and hanging out with her partner, two cats, and ball python. If you have any fun conservation facts to share with Julia, please do!
Security Staff
Eleanor Rigby (Ella)
Financial Security Watchdog
Ella follows the money (and her ball) wherever it may lead. She’s extremely intelligent, high energy and a great snuggler. She loves her people, her ball, sitting in the sun, long walks, and yelling at squirrels and crows; however, the jury is still out on car rides (carbon emissions, pollution and all).
Call me about: signing up to play ball, catching some rays, or any financial question.
Duncan
Security Specialist and Grounds Inspector
Duncan is an active and always attentive member of the Finance and Operations team, often accompanying Scot around the office grounds or weighing in during staff and team meetings. Duncan enjoys pets, treats and touring the neighborhood on walks.
Call me about: going on walks, safety concerns, facilities questions.
Missy
Executive security assistant
Missy is a high energy, German Shepherd/Husky mix with a fear of nothing but the rain. She was the runt of the pack but that doesn’t hold her back! She loves squirrels, swimming, digging, coffee (unfortunately), and her stuffed toy turtle!
Call me about: Long runs on the beach and high fives (only if asked for in Spanish).
Milo
Security Manager and IT Security Specialist
Although not usually at the office, Milo helps manage the security team remotely, and as IT Security Specialist vigilantly protects the website against hackers and other cyber-security threats.
Call me about: Security incidents, stylish scarf accessories, beach trips.
Penny
Security Specialist and Office Greeter
Known as Penny the Portland Pup, Penny is eager to greet new visitors at the office and is especially good with kids! A terrier chihuahua mix originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Penny is very playful, loves to cuddle, and has been known to enjoy camping and nature walks with her mom Monica.
Call me about: nature walks, kid’s activities, and watching squirrels.