Jeff Parker is our President and CEO. Jeff brings significant experience in strategic development, coordination, and execution of complex public and private projects to his position. He first worked for NYC in 1994 as Project Manager at a residential AmeriCorps camp on the Olympic peninsula. Jeff has also worked as NYC’s Youth Corps Program Director, and Deputy Director. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Washington, and a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science, with an emphasis on Public Policy, from Evergreen State College. Jeff is the proud father of two boys, a North Eugene resident, and an avid outdoor enthusiast.
Keith previously served as the Youth Corps Program Director, Operations Director, and head of the Marketing and Community Relations Department. Keith began his career with NYC in 1992 as a crew leader and spent his first few winters supervising NYC’s YouthBuild home construction program. When Keith is not working, he enjoys spending time exploring the Northwest forests and coastal areas with Ann, his wife and best friend.
Kate (she/her/hers) grew up in Pennsylvania but has called the PNW home for the last 19 years. Before having the opportunity to join the NYC team, Kate spent almost two decades in the non-profit world supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live happy and healthy lives. Her passions are art, music, gardening, cooking and spending time with her dog, Rosie.
Jay (he/him/his) is responsible for developing new conservation service program models, managing relationships with NYC’s key partners and supporting programs in the field. Jay is an award winning conservationist with a 30+ year career of connecting youth to conservation, creating and running effective backcountry conservation service programs, and developing and promulgating effective risk management practices for NYC, SCA, National Park Service, YMCA and other organizations and programs. In addition to his work with NYC, Jay serves on the boards for Aerie Backcountry Medicine and the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s Camping and Outdoor Leadership Branch, was a standing member of the Wilderness Risk Managers steering committee 1995-2019, and is an Associate with Experiential Consulting, LLC.
Since 1998, Natalie has worked to fund new programs through grant-writing and alumni and community solicitation. Her other responsibilities include donor and volunteer development, facility rentals, representing NYC on the Laurel Hill Valley Executive Committee, and chairing NYC’s Safety Committee. Prior to NYC, Natalie lived in The Hague, The Netherlands, where she operated a small cleaning business. She has also worked at a foundation supporting public schools, and as a Volunteer In Service To America (VISTA) where she developed youth activities. Natalie earned her Master of Fine Art Degree in Painting from the University of Oregon. She and her husband have a daughter who is a proud graduate of NYC’s high school, now called the Twin Rivers Charter School. When not working, Natalie studies and competes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Peter grew up in upstate New York, where he earned both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University at Albany and the College of Saint Rose. After completing his studies, he was eager to travel and explore America's natural landscapes. He discovered that conservation corps offered the type of adventure he was seeking.
Peter participated in and later led various conservation crews in Alaska and Montana before joining Northwest Youth Corps as a crew leader in 2011. Since then, he has taken on increasingly significant roles in Marketing and Communications, and he currently leads the organization's External Affairs and Communications efforts.
Ada Lee Chester, MBA, CFO, specializes in guiding organizations to financial success by knitting paradigm changing ideas with solid financial structures, combining her passion for creativity and positive change with sharp financial expertise. The last two decades has taken her from the vibrant chaos of Burning Man to guiding culture shifting nonprofits and for-profit companies to financial success. Ada lives in Eugene with her family, planting and pickling veggies and spoiling three cats.
Andrew (he/him/his) grew up in the cornfields of Central Illinois before escaping to Minnesota and all its many lakes in 2010. In Minnesota, he started his work with the Corps world, serving three terms with Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa, happily wielding a chainsaw almost every day. After completing his terms of service, Andrew returned to the University of Minnesota to gain his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management. Anxious to see just how big a lake he can find, Andrew found himself drawn to Oregon and its coast, and his next foray into the Corps world began with NYC. When not with NYC, you can find Andrew hiking along the coast, soaking in hot springs, biking, reading, or woodworking.
Jessie Johnson joins NYC as the HR Officer. Born in Florida and was transplanted to the tiny town of Cove Oregon. She feels that this upbringing gave her the best of both worlds. Surrounded by forests and fields she developed a true appreciation for nature and its’ lasting impact on youth. In 2012 Jessie attained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oregon. Over the course of her career she has provided management, leadership, and human resources in both the non-profit and private sector. Additionally, she is a SHRM-CP certified HR Professional who is passionate about organizational development and employee engagement. Outside of work you can find Jessie enjoying time with her daughter or getting out and exploring the community.
Prior to joining Northwest Youth Corps in 2023, Brenda worked for forty years in finance for companies including General Foods, Oregon Medical Laboratories, Downtown Athletic Club, and the Eugene Country Club. In her present position in accounts payable, Brenda is responsible for paying the bills of Northwest Youth Corps, Twin Rivers Charter School, and Idaho Conservation Corps; processing and paying all reimbursements; and overseeing and pulling all reports pertaining to payables.
Tracy has been NYC’s bookkeeper since 2010. Considering herself a Jane of all trades, before NYC, Tracy worked in a variety of jobs including silk screener, adult foster home assistant, and tile worker. A lifelong Oregonian, Tracy was born in Florence and moved to Eugene when she was five, where she’s lived ever since. She enjoys camping, waterskiing, bowling, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Erica was originally from Denver Colorado and spent most of her adult life in Arizona. She loved snow skiing, hiking, and camping with her family in her youth. In 2008 she moved to Montana and then relocated to Eugene Oregon in 2014 to be near family. Erica brings 24 years of financial background with 10 years experience in various accounting positions. She loves reading, gardening, knitting, and making jewelry. She is passionate about animals and would like to be a foster for kittens and cats in need someday. One item on her bucket list is to visit Scotland and Ireland.
Sara grew up in foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York where she developed a love for all things nature. She attended Appalachian State University in North Carolina and studied outdoor education. She then spent time in Colorado and Montana. She spent two years as a backpacking guide leading trips in Yellowstone National Park. After guiding she spent 3.5 years as Office Manager for a property management company in Big Sky. Sara moved to Eugene in the spring of 2023 and has fallen in love with the Pacific Northwest. When not in the office you can find her mountain biking, hiking through Oregon’s public lands, or enjoying a community event.
Carly was born in Denver, Colorado before moving to West Fargo, North Dakota, where she grew up. Her family spent summers camping in Minnesota and its 10,000 lakes, which fostered an early interest in the outdoors. After high school she attended Minnesota State University, where she worked as a News Writer for the MNSU Reporter and a Student Social Media Producer for the Marketing and Communications office, while earning a bachelor's degree in Mass Media with a minor in Political Science. Carly moved to Oregon after graduating college in 2023 and now produces and distributes brand content for NYC and ICC.
Steven (he, him, his) is originally from the east coast, hailing from Baltimore, Maryland but has spent years traveling the country in a variety of different roles with a wide range of organizations. He graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a degree in Recreation Management before setting off on a multi-year adventure that included working on cruise ships, as a therapeutic wilderness counselor in Georgia, and as a zipline guide in Oregon. Following that he worked for the YMCA as a senior director and then finally as an executive director with the YMCA as well as ran a recreation district on the Oregon coast. Before settling down in Boise, he worked as a brewer for a small brewery in the mountains of North Carolina. Since relocating to Boise he has worked for a variety of non-profit organizations before finding Northwest Youth Corps. In his down time, Steven enjoys hiking, backpacking, climbing, and spending time with his trusty sidekick, his dog Hacksaw.
Carson (She/ Her) grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended Emory University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Following graduation, she joined a young adult crew with Northwest Youth Corps. After her time on a young adult crew, she worked in construction with Habitat For Humanity for two years, until returning back out west to Washington to become a Member Services Coordinator for Northwest Youth Corps. Outside of work Carson likes to watch reality TV, hike, ski, and walk along the water with her beloved dog Sadie.
Catherine (Cat) (she/her) was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. After graduating with a degree in sociology from the University of Idaho, she returned home to work in non-profit. As her career path twisted and turned, she found herself joining a conservation crew to try something different. Catherine completed a successful Idaho Conservation Corps session in Spring 2024 and decided to pursue a staff position that would give back to an organization that gave her direction and purpose. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, and spending time with her pet cat.
Khalil (He/Him/His) grew up with the bright lights in Las Vegas, Nevada. Spending his entire life in the desert, he decided he wanted to try something new and moved to Eugene, Oregon knowing there would be opportunities with nature. After settling into his newfound home, he decided to try his luck on a community crew with Northwest Youth Corps. During the crew, he realized his passion for working in conservation and the outdoors and decided to pursue something more with NYC and applied for an Operations Team Member position. After working in operations for around 6 months, he set his eyes on the Member Services side of NYC and the rest is history. In his free time, Khalil likes to play guitar, practice martial arts, and study chess alongside his 2 cats, Egg Yolk and Birdie.
Cassidy was born and raised in the Boise area. She has always been an avid animal lover and enjoyed the outdoors. She attended Boise State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. Her journey with nonprofits started while serving as a coordinating team member for the Boise River Enhancement Network. With her passion for environmental conservation and nonprofit work, she joined the Idaho Conservation Corps. In her free time, she loves to be outside on the water kayaking and fishing, but most importantly, spending time with her beloved cats.
Jason (He/Him) was born and raised outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After graduating college, he left his home state to work on a chef-owned biodynamic garlic farm in Ontario, Canada to gain a more in-depth view of sustainable food systems and take a quick break before settling down. To continue this break, Jason began working a conservation corps based in Flagstaff, Arizona which exposed him to the beautiful ecosystems of the American southwest which were notably different from northern Appalachia. Since completing his term with the conservation corps, Jason has worked as a garden educator, native plant horticulturist, coffee shop chef, fertilizer salesman, and a spotted owl research technician. He is now on year 5 of his quick break before settling down. Jason owes much of his success to the experiences and exposure gained through the conservation corps and is thrilled join the team at NYC in hopes of contributing to the positive impact on every crew member. Outside of work, Jason spends most of his time tending to his compost, watching movies with his kittens, telling stories about his kittens, or taking his canoe out on a lake somewhere.
Hannia grew up with one foot on the mountains of Costa Rica and the other one on the beaches of Miami. She initiated her AmeriCorps journey in 2012 leading summer crews in back and front country settings. Since then, she’s been part of other AmeriCorps programs as well as programs in Latin America that facilitate environmental justice and social engagement spaces for communities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation and Ecotourism from Unity College in Maine and recently received her master’s degree in Environment, Development and Peace with specialization in Sustainable Natural Resource Management from the United Nations Mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica. She focused her research on how environmental education and youth engagement in outdoor recreation can be used as a framework for social justice and civic engagement in areas of high social vulnerability in Latin America. With her grad school journey, she also began running trails and mountains. So far, she has completed two ultra-trail marathons and several mountain half marathons. She received two pounds of cheese once as a first-place prize on a 25K. Hannia is part of the Program Coordinator team in Oregon and comes to NYC with a high interest and passion in youth development, outdoor recreation, experiential education and community outreach.
Amanda (she/her) was born and raised in east Texas. She moved to Austin in 2011 and received a BS in Biology from the University of Texas in 2015. She joined the Texas Conservation Corps after graduation as a member on the Trails Across Texas crew and realized that the conservation corps world was where she wanted to be. She served another term as a leader with TXCC and a leader term with the Montana Conservation Corps, then worked with the Excelsior Conservation Corps in upstate New York. Amanda returned to TXCC in May of 2020 as a staff member. She has now moved to the program coordinator position in Eugene, OR with NYC and is excited to explore the Pacific Northwest with her fiancé and dog.
Jeff began his conservation journey as a teenager serving on a variety of conservation corps crews, working on trail and fire crews with the USFS and later rejoining NYC as a crew leader. He has spent the better part of the last decade focused on field training and risk management for ourprogramming across OR, ID and WA. Jeff oversees NYC’s USFS Saw Program for both Crosscut and Chainsaw, and works closely with Aerie Backcountry Medicine instructing and coordinating Wilderness Medicine courses. When not at work he can be found building furniture, in the desert uplands with pointing dogs or on a sweet ribbon of loam, pedaling through the forest.
Araya (she/her) has been involved in the conservation and enhancement of our public lands for many years. In addition to conservation corps leadership, Araya has worked extensively in southern Oregon as a sawyer for oak & aspen restoration and fire-wising communities. Her academic focus was wildlife research not limited to work with amphibians and endangered plant species. Her interests include tree climbing and backpacking. She was excited after graduating Oregon State University with a bachelor's degree in Natural Resources to join Northwest Youth Corps as part of their training team.
Brian (he/him) was born and raised in Oakland, California. After studying Natural Resource Management at the University of Vermont, he worked on organic farms throughout New England, growing produce and raising a variety of livestock. He eventually moved back to his native west coast and landed in Eugene. After many years in agriculture, he decided it was time for a change and is excited to be at NYC serving others and improving the natural world throughout our beautiful region! When he’s not working you can find him cooking up delicious food, riding his bike around town, or hiking in the woods with his dog Willie.
Eryn (She/Her) grew up in Michigan and developed a passion for the outdoors after spending every summer at summer camps. She attended Michigan State University and graduated with a BS in Sustainable Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Eryn did her first trail crew in 2021 and fell in love with both the work and community. Before joining NYC, she was working as a state park manager in Vermont. In her free time, Eryn likes cooking, camping, and hanging out with her pet hedgehog, Oatmeal.
Anna (she/her) grew up in central Pennsylvania and developed a passion for the outdoors while studying environmental science at a small college in Tampa Bay Florida. While pursuing her degree Anna began doing field work for NYC starting as a member in 2021. One season was not enough, and she returned as a leader in 2022 to then continue field work as a woodsboss for the Community Wildfire Protection Corp in 2023. Outside of the office, you can find her somewhere down a forest road, lifting weights, or spending time with her cat Monty.
Hannah (she/her/hers) is from Houston, TX, and Chicago, IL. She attended the University of Wisconsin- Madison and completed her studies in Community & Environmental Sociology. It wasn’t until she left the big city that she found her passion for the outdoors and increasing its accessibility. After graduating, Hannah worked for US Fish & Wildlife and the National Park Service in their education and interpretation departments. Most recently, she lived and worked in Yellowstone NP as a crew leader for their Youth Conservation Corps. Outside of work, Hannah likes to spend her time hiking, bouldering, reading, and cooking new recipes.
Laura (they/them) first encountered the magic of the outdoors growing up in Portland, OR where they got to explore the Oregon Coast as a child and the broader PNW through a mountaineering and climbing club they joined in high school. Ever since, they have sought ways to foster connections between their community and the natural world through accessibility and sustainability. While studying Sociology & Anthropology and Gender & Queer Studies at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, they worked as a Trip Leader and eventual Trip Coordinator for the school’s outdoor program where they got to explore more of Washington’s natural playground. Laura came into their current role after they got hooked on conservation work as a crew lead for the Rainbow Youth Crews. Outside of NYC, Laura is usually found looking for bugs under rocks or making art with friends.
Jude (he/they) was born and raised in Oakland, CA, and spent their early years outside exploring the coast and redwoods with their dad and brothers. Northwest Youth Corps was Jude's formal introduction to conservation. Since then, he has worked in various roles and has had the chance to explore much of the PNW through his trails experience. Trail work has offered him a space to learn and grow, and he hopes to continue to provide that space to others. They are excited to be back with NYC, joining the staff as a Program Coordinator. When not in the office or out in the field, Jude likes to make food for friends, go on walks (and not carry a tool), read, make art, and learn new things.
Adam Cashman was born in Glendale, California, and graduated from Humboldt State University with a degree in Environmental Science and Management focusing on Ecological Restoration. He spent 2020-2023 working on restoration crews in the California Redwoods, Nevada desert riparian areas, and eventually fell in love with Washington, working on a riparian restoration crew for 2 years in the Northern Sound area with Sound Salmon Solutions. He then spent 2 years as a Peace Corps Volunteer with the Environmental program in Zambia, working with a rural village on various Agroforestry and health programs. Outside of work, he loves rock climbing, reading, and board games.
Oliver (he/him/his) grew up on the Wyoming/Idaho border and was introduced to many amazing outdoors opportunities at a young age. His first job was as a youth crew member on the Grand Teton National Park trail crew and he never looked back from there. After graduating from the University of Vermont, he spent a year travelling around the U.S. visiting National Parks and other natural wonders before landing as a crew leader for NYC in Eugene. With a few summer leading youth crews under his belt, he journeyed to Montana to begin working as a Wilderness Ranger with the Forest Service. Five years later, and with a Masters in Creative Writing, Oliver returned to NYC as a Program Coordinator. Outside of work, Oliver enjoys trail-running , reading, writing, cross-country skiing, and is an aspiring rock climber.
Lisa (she/her/hers) joined the Northwest Youth Corps as the Idaho State Program Manager in 2021. She spent her formative years as a world traveler, living in Texas, Minnesota, Indonesia, and England. After earning a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame in 2010, she ran off to the mountains of Northern California to serve on a Backcountry Trail Crew with the California Conservation Corps. She fell in love with working to protect and promote access to our natural spaces and hasn’t looked back since. She spent the next few years leading conservation crews in Texas and Washington, responding to natural disasters across the country, working trails for the Forest Service in California, and most recently working as a municipal Arborist in Boise, the City of Trees. When not at work, Lisa is most often hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, or relaxing with her husband and dog.
Claire (She/her) grew up in Southern Maryland near the banks of the Chesapeake Bay. She attended Eckerd College in Florida and earned her degree in Environmental Studies with concentrations in Coastal Land Management and Business. She’s been a long-time member of the conservation Corps community since her early teens and has held various positions from Environmental Education Teacher, crew member to crew leader with the University of Maine, Student Conservation Association, and Southwest Conservation Corps. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, backpacking, and cooking.
Sarah (she/her/hers) grew up in Boise, ID and has lived in Oregon since 2015. She has spent time working as a park ranger on the Rogue River and has been in the nonprofit world as an Executive Director in Southern Oregon. Sarah is passionate about public land, conservation, and environmental education. You can find her biking, camping, hot springing, or out on the trail with her beloved boxer dogs.
Will is from coastal Alabama and spent much of my life there. From a young age I have greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, kayaking, and recreating on Alabama’s public forests and beaches. I attended 4 years at the University of Alabama and received a bachelor’s in history and Geography, while enrolled at Alabama I was also a 4-year member and leader of the “Million-dollar band” marching band program. Post college I decided to pursue the conservation field with the hopes of finding a job that would allow me to help support conservation efforts and land stewardship. My job search led me to Northwest Youth Corps, and I have had the opportunity to fill several roles here since. I started as a crew member in Idaho, but quickly made a transition to a young adult lead for Oregon programs. Following these experiences, I realized that I wanted to continue working in the conservation field and came back to NYC as a Crew supervisor for the Community Wildfire Protection Crew and then as a Woods boss for Youth programs. I will now be joining the Oregon office as a Program Coordinator and am very excited to start a new chapter of my life in the Pacific Northwest! Outside of work you can find me listening to local live music with my black lab Biscuit and watching Alabama football.
Lev (Xe/Xem) grew up in rural Michigan and received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical, Cellular and Molecular Biology from Central Michigan University. After graduating in 2018, xe moved to Houston, Texas and served an AmeriCorps term with Texas Conservation Corps of American Youthworks. Falling in love with the Corps world, Lev joined staff at American Youthworks, while receiving a Graduate Certificate in Fish Health and Aquaculture from the University of Florida. Always loving the Pacific Northwest, Lev happily transitioned to the Northwest Youth Corps Internship team in 2021 and was promoted to Director in November 2023. When not working, xe can usually be found hiking in Washington State Parks.
Matt (he/him) grew up in Dayton, Ohio and received a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation and Education from Ohio University. During school, he worked for a season in Yellowstone National Park which sparked his passion for conserving public lands. Matt's love of the outdoors led him to hike the Appalachian Trail in 2018, an experience that fueled his love for long-distance trails and the communities they foster. After graduating in 2020, he moved to Durham, North Carolina and worked as a Retail Sales Lead at REI. In 2024, Matt joined NYC as an Internship Coordinator at the Idaho office. When not working, Matt can be found strumming his guitar, trail running with his dog Thor, practicing yoga, or baking homemade bread.
Molly (She/They) grew up in Portland, Oregon and received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Environmental Studies from The University of Oregon in 2024. At the UO, she connected with her community through her relationship with nature. Among other extracurriculars, Molly led weekly hikes for the UO Outdoor Program and directed a student activism campaign called the Climate Justice League. She has worked on environmental communication campaigns for organizations such as The Eugene Water and Electric Board, Fossil Free Eugene, and the McKenzie River Trust. Molly fell in love with Northwest Youth Corps during her time as an Urban and Community Forestry Crew Member. She was thrilled to become NYC’s Internship Coordinator in January 2024. After work, Molly loves to play her bass guitar, paint, and spend time outdoors with friends.
Matthew is originally from Connecticut, and his career has taken him across three continents in a variety of operational leadership roles. He has worked as a Park Ranger in Alaska, served as an environmental educator in the Peace Corps, and managed off-grid properties in Alaska and Tanzania—and it all started when he took a chance and volunteered as a crewmember in a youth conservation corps.
A graduate of the University of Connecticut, he brings significant experience in facilities and fleet management, logistics, safety, and outdoor education. A recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest, he spends his free time on camping trips with his wife.
Alfredo has worked in the construction field for many years, and brings to NYC a wide range of skills and certifications. As the Facilities Coordinator, he is an integral part of the Operations Department. Outside of work, Alfredo enjoys spending time with his boys, and attending church.
