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aine@sanmateoRCD.org

Ainé has a B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection with minors in Geographic Information Systems and Biology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. During her time in San Luis Obispo, Ainé gained experience in wetland conservation, dune restoration, and environmental permitting working at the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District. In this position, Ainé also worked on carbon farm plans, biological monitoring, and irrigation evaluations for local farms. Prior to joining the San Mateo RCD, Ainé worked on the Big Sur Coast monitoring its steelhead population and contributing to efforts aiming to assess salmonid status across California. Ainé is excited to bring her interest and experience in natural resource management to support habitat enhancement and water conservation projects in San Mateo County. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, running, and hiking.

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amy@sanmateoRCD.org

Amy manages the RCD’s Habitat Enhancement program, which works to ensure there are all the quality natural habitats needed to support our diverse local wildlife. This includes projects that restore ancestral fish migration access, improve in-stream habitat, enhance wetlands, restore uplands and grasslands for butterflies and pollinators, and more. Volunteering with her hometown conservation district in high school to monitor water quality in a local stream sparked her interest in watershed ecology and salmon. She went on to obtain a B.S. in Environmental Science & Resource Management from the University of Washington, with a focus in sustainable forest management, soils, and hydrology. Amy previously worked to restore salmon habitat in the Lake Washington-Cedar-Sammamish Watershed in the greater Seattle area and later ran a conservation and recreation nonprofit in San Francisco, connecting people to urban trails and nature while conserving important habitat for urban wildlife. One of her favorite things about working at the RCD is getting to be “boots on the ground” to make meaningful and lasting impact for the local community, wildlife, and environment.

415.993.0636

barb@sanmateoRCD.org

Barb Kipreos serves as the Engagement Officer for the RCD, helping to deepen relationships, broaden engagement, and continue the the RCD’s weaving of JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) principles into their work. She is a member of the California Landscape Stewardship Network’s JEDI Roundtable for Healing Severed Connections and a facilitator for the Western Collaborative Conservation Network’s Emerging Leadership Working Group, which works to lower barriers within conservation career pathways. She recently completed a Climate Justice Fellowship with the American Bird Conservancy and earned a Master’s in Conservation and Restoration Science from UC Irvine. In her spare time, she likes to weave tapestries, carve wood spoons, and create block prints.

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caileen@sanmateoRCD.org

Caileen works as a project manager on the Habitat Enhancement and Water for Farms, Fish, and People Teams. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from Gonzaga University. Her passion for the environment has led her to work on organic vegetable farms, sustainable bakeries, native plant nurseries, parks, and in the end-of-life industry. Caileen has a strong field background in ecological restoration, having worked on projects throughout the 82,027 acres of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Her work has always centered on conservation, community engagement, and creative problem solving. She’s excited to use her expertise to tend the habitat and communities of San Mateo County, which richly contribute to the diversity and beauty of the Bay Area.

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carolyn@sanmateoRCD.org

Prior to joining the RCD, Carolyn spent 8 years at the East Bay Regional Parks District working in the Recreation, Operations, and Stewardship departments. Her work has focused on Integrated Pest Management, conservation grazing, fuels management, and the importance of centering community collaboration and equitable access to land. Carolyn holds a BA in Environmental Geography from Clark University and has always loved exploring and tending to the land that she lives on. In her free time, she enjoys learning her local bird calls, puttering around her garden, and putting good fire back on the ground with her local Prescribed Burn Association. 

cesar@sanmateoRCD.org

Cesar supports the RCD as the Administrative Assistant. With more than 12 years in the hospitality industry, he is passionate about contributing to the team through smoothing processes and providing backbone support. Raised in Half Moon Bay, he has a big appreciation for the tight knit community in Half Moon Bay. In his free time he enjoys working out, trial running, and gaming.

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christina@sanmateoRCD.org

Christina is a project manager for the Habitat Enhancement and Water for Farms, Fish, and People teams. Christina is working on projects related to creek and wetland enhancement, butterfly restoration, and water conservation. She holds B.S. and B.A. degrees in Biology and in Sociology, as well as a M.S. in Biology from UC San Diego. Prior to joining the RCD, Christina worked as a wildlife biologist at an environmental consulting firm in Oakland for over 5 years, with a focus on bird and amphibian species. She has experience with environmental permitting and compliance, special-status species surveys, mitigation monitoring, and project management. In her free time, Christina enjoys reading, birding, and exploring local parks.

831.776.0200

clarissa@sanmateoRCD.org

Clarissa is passionate about food systems, environmental resilience, and community engagement. Growing up in Salinas, California, she developed a deep respect for agriculture and land stewardship, shaping her approach to conservation and climate work. She holds a Bachelor’s in Geography and a Master’s in Resource Management and Environmental Planning from San Francisco State University. Her thesis analyzed greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soils under different management practices in collaboration with Gold Ridge RCD and the Healthy Soils Program.  With experience in agricultural research, soil analysis, ecosystem monitoring, and program coordination, Clarissa is excited to continue contributing to conservation and climate adaptation projects. Her experience includes vegetation management with the National Park Service in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and data analysis with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Clarissa enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring the outdoors in her free time.

clifton@sanmateoRCD.org

Clifton is the technical lead in our efforts to identify, assess, and remediate sources of water pollution to help ensure clean creeks and beaches, benefiting both humans and wildlife. As a marine ecologist specializing in coastal California habitats, his diverse experience spans outdoor education, community science program development, private consulting in marine and watershed science, and regulatory policy development for water supply planning. He holds a B.S. in Marine Biology from UC Santa Cruz and an M.S. in Applied Marine and Watershed Science from CSU Monterey Bay.  Clifton is passionate about nature and strives to promote environmental conservation and equitable community resilience through his work. He enjoys cooking, tinkering, and spending time outdoors with his friends and dog.

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colleen@sanmateoRCD.org

Colleen works with the Water Resources and Habitat Enhancement teams on projects that enhance streamflow, improve water security, and restore wildlife habitat. Before joining the RCD, Colleen spent five years leading a coalition of river conservation organizations focused on hydropower, including in the policy arena and involving deep collaboration with a wide range of partners. She also has a background in international development and has worked in several countries on projects to support healthy ecosystems. Colleen earned her B.A in Sociology/Anthropology from Lewis and Clark College and her M.A. in Sustainable International Development from Brandeis University. Colleen also enjoys whitewater rafting, hiking with her dog, dancing, and gardening, including a recent passion for dahlias.

doug@sanmateoRCD.org

Doug is a Project Manager for the Agriculture Program where he works on compost and soil health projects. Doug has worked in San Mateo County agriculture for over 15 years, including at TomKat Ranch and The HEAL Project. He brings 25 years of experience in agriculture (including aquaponics!), composting, soil health, and carbon farm planning. Doug grew up in the middle of farmland and graduated from Ohio State University in Greenhouse Production and Management. Doug’s passion for soil and surf make San Mateo County his ideal home.

650.712.7765

eddie@sanmateoRCD.org

Eddie works as a project manager on the Forest Health and Fire program, to support local forests as well as the protection of communities in the Wildland Urban Interface. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geographic Information Science from Humboldt State University. He has worked as a project manager for the FireSafe Council in Santa Clara County. He is also a cartographer, naturalist, and enjoys learning about the formation of earth’s geographical features. On his free time Eddie enjoys hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, and road trips.

eliza@sanmateoRCD.org

Eliza serves dual roles as Agricultural Stewardship Program Manager and San Mateo County Agricultural Ombudsman. As Program Manager, she oversees a variety of projects concerning conservation, climate, and farming. As the Agricultural Ombudsman, she serves as a liaison between agricultural producers and County officials, helping farmers and ranchers navigate County permitting and assisting the County with improving its agricultural permitting process. Before joining the RCD, Eliza spent a decade farming organic food and flowers in Santa Cruz and Healdsburg. Eliza holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz, a Certificate in Advanced Ecological Horticulture from CASFS, and a master’s degree in Environmental Conservation and Education from NYU. She is currently a Junior Fellow at the Safina Center, where she writes at the intersection of food systems and climate change. In her spare time, you can find her on the pickleball courts, playing guitar, or swimming in the ocean.

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grace@sanmateoRCD.org

Grace is a project manager with the Water Quality team assisting with projects that focus on monitoring, data analysis, and outreach. She received her bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Environmental Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after which she worked as a chemist at a Wastewater Treatment Plant for a couple of years and then as a research specialist at NC State University for 3 years. Her research focused on monitoring the water quality of rivers and conducting fecal source tracking in agricultural watersheds and she is excited to deploy those skills with the RCD. In her free time, Grace enjoys playing tennis and exploring the natural beauty of the Bay Area by hiking.

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jarrad@sanmateoRCD.org

Jarrad manages programs and projects addressing water resources, sedimentation, erosion, water stewardship, and habitat restoration. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography specializing in GIS and Remote Sensing, and a Master’s degree in Geographic Information Science from San Francisco State University. Jarrad’s master’s thesis monitored and evaluated a large floodplain restoration project for the RCD.  He brings considerable background in natural resource management, biogeography, and bioclimatology and spends much of his free time rock climbing and backpacking in Yosemite, Tahoe, and the Eastern Sierras.

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joe@sanmateoRCD.org

Joe’s work focuses on creek habitat enhancement projects and efforts to restore streamflow through water conservation and stewardship. Joe has worked for RCDs since 2006, first in Santa Cruz County and in San Mateo County since 2011.  Joe holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Cruz in Environmental Studies and an M.S. in Geographic Information Science from San Francisco State University.  Joe spends much of his free time at his family’s property in Albion, near the Mendocino Coast where they are actively restoring their redwood forest.

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kellyx@sanmateoRCD.org

Kellyx Nelson is passionate about public service and building strong alliances to tackle thorny challenges. She has spent nearly 30 years in non-profits, government, and the private sector developing, implementing, and assessing programs and partnerships for environmental benefit and other public good. She has served as the Executive Director of the Resource Conservation District since 2006.  Her diverse career has included 14 years as an environmental educator for underserved communities in New York and San Francisco, driving a Freightliner cross-country as a long-haul trucker, delivering packages as a motorcycle messenger, and managing conservation projects for a local land trust. She has an undergraduate degree from Columbia University in Political Science and Environmental Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from UC Berkeley. Under her direction the RCD has achieved distinction, receiving the 2017 Silicon Valley Water Conservation Award, 2016 Sustainability Award from Sustainable San Mateo County, 2012 District of the Year from the California Association of RCDs and more. In 2015, Kellyx was inducted into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to the overall well-being of the County.

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lau@sanmateoRCD.org

Lau wears many hats as the RCD’s Administrative Officer, where she is excited to support its noble, boots on the ground conservation. Prior to working for the RCD, she spent 10 years managing the facilities and curating exhibits at a Victorian-era greenhouse and public garden in San Francisco. Lau holds degrees in History and French from the University of San Francisco and has studied Horticulture at Merritt College. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, nerding out on California history and tending to her garden in Half Moon Bay.

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maaya@sanmateoRCD.org

Maaya is on the conservation team working on projects addressing fish passage, eradicating slender false brome and habitat restoration. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz and went on to work in environmental consulting and habitat restoration in the Bay Area. She has spent most of her life living on the California coast and enjoys hiking, camping, identifying plants, cooking and overall adventure.

mia@sanmateoRCD.org

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ryan@sanmateoRCD.org

Ryan works as a project manager on the Habitat Enhancement and Water Resources teams helping bring to life projects that improve our coastal watersheds and serve the people, ecosystems, and farms of San Mateo County. Ryan’s studies for his B.A. in Political Science and Economics at UC Berkeley and Agroecology for his Advanced Certificate in Ecological Horticulture from UC Santa Cruz provide a good background for working on projects at the crossroads of sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and land stewardship. Ryan has spent his career working on organic orchards in the Santa Cruz/Watsonville area, as a land manager in the Santa Cruz mountains, and as a project manager for water conservation, streamflow enhancement, and wildfire mitigation projects across Central and Southern California. Ryan enjoys surfing, outrigger canoe paddling, grafting rare fruit trees, finding new varieties for his small chile pepper farm, and spending time exploring the outdoors with his family.

sara@sanmateoRCD.org
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Sara supports multiple efforts at the RCD focused primarily on climate, erosion and sedimentation, and regulatory compliance. She works in a variety of capacities including project coordination, data analysis and report preparation, policy analysis, development of permit applications, and workshop planning. As a planner with the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) for over a decade, Sara worked closely with partner agencies and local governments on planning for sea level rise and other coastal hazards utilizing tools and communications resources that she helped develop. Sara holds a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University in biology and a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

timothy@sanmateoRCD.org
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Timothy manages the RCD’s Forest Health and Fire program, improving the ecological function of forests and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire.  He received his Master’s in Biogeography from Appalachian State University and his B.A. in Geography from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Before coming to the RCD, Timothy worked for 13 years managing stewardship and restoration programs at Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore, and implementing restoration projects in 53 National Park units and conservation areas from the North Slope of Alaska to the borderlands of Arizona. Beyond the RCD, Timothy manages environmental compliance for the Burning Man Project, where he coordinates permitting with federal, state, and local agencies for the largest Leave No Trace event in the world. In his free time, Timothy can be found roller skating in Golden Gate Park, practicing guitar, or marveling at manzanitas on Montara Mountain.