The Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation Staff

. Banner Image by Steve Gibbs

Staff

Administration • Education • Stewardship • Conservation Science

The staff of the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation are indispensable to the organization's mission and sustainability. Through their expertise and dedication, they play a vital role in managing and conserving the Laguna de Santa Rosa's diverse ecosystem. From scientific research and habitat restoration to community education and advocacy, the staff ensures that the foundation's goals of environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation are effectively pursued. Their efforts not only preserve this critical wetlands complex but also inspire others to appreciate and protect this invaluable natural resource for future generations.

Anne Morkill, Executive Director
she/her
xt. 103, Email
Anne joined the Laguna Foundation in March 2020. She has worked in wildlife conservation for more than three decades, including 24 years as a wildlife biologist and refuge manager with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System in Colorado, Alaska, Florida, and California, and six years as a wildlife biologist with the Bureau of Land Management in Alaska. Before coming to the Foundation, she managed the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex for 8 years which includes seven National Wildlife Refuges in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas and the Farallon Islands. Originally from Miami, Florida, Anne received a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University and a M.S. in Zoology from the University of Wyoming. Anne is passionate about restoring native habitats and conserving imperiled wildlife through promoting science-based climate adaption, fostering collaborative partnerships, and connecting people to nature. Anne lives in Sebastopol with her husband Harry, and they enjoy sailing, bicycling, traveling, and exploring the diverse natural, historical, and culinary venues that abound in northern California.

Administration Staff

Adrienne Gause, SHRM-CP, Director of Administration
she/her
xt. 107, Email
Adrienne’s journey with the Laguna Foundation began as an intern in the Education Department and became a staff member in July of 2013 after graduating from Sonoma State University with a BS in Environmental Studies. Adrienne was awarded the SHRM-CP designation from the Society of Human Resource Management in 2020. Her career background includes working with local businesses and non-profit organizations in fundraising, advertising, graphic design, project management, accounting, and HR functions. When not in the office, she enjoys camping with her family, tending to her ever-growing succulent garden, and finding joy on the dance floor.

Sierra Castillo, Development Program Manager
she/her
xt. 109, Email
Sierra is a Sebastopol native whose close proximity to the Laguna instilled a great appreciation for wildlife and open space. Her background includes fund development, marketing, event planning, beekeeping, and farming. Sierra also owns and operates Pollen & Fox Flower Farm, a small-scale flower farm dedicated to supporting pollinator health. Sierra is pleased to be part of the Laguna Foundation to serve a mission that resonates with her heart.

Debra Wright, Accounting Manager
she/her
xt. 104, Email

Deb joined us in October 2021 and brings a diverse background in conservation science and non-profit management. She began her career trapping/radio-tracking opossums for her Masters, then worked with cassowaries in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for her PhD where she lived for two decades. While still a grad student she built a remote research station, organized and led biodiversity surveys, and began annual field training courses for PNG students. She then founded and for 8 years was Co-Director of Wildlife Conservation Society’s PNG Country program. Her work has included fund raising, logistics, budgeting, accounting/reporting, as well as mentoring/training university students in project design, field techniques, data analysis, scientific paper/proposal writing, and oral presentations. She traps and radio-tracks mammals, mist-nets birds and bats, makes museum vouchers, does plant work, has raised over $8 million for non-profit projects and has published scientific papers and book chapters.

Heather Baggett, Administrative Assistant
she/her
xt. 112, Email
Heather graduated from Sonoma State University with a BS in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Conservation and Restoration and a minor in Biology. She has a background in international and wine country tourism as well as working as a safari tour guide for a local wildlife preserve. She loves to travel, garden, preserve food, and take her dog on hikes. She is very excited to join a team of like-minded individuals where she can pursue her passion of working with a local conservation organization.

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Education Programs Staff

Christine Fontaine, Director of Education
she/her
xt. 102, Email
Christine has been volunteering and working in the environmental education field since 1995. She joined the Laguna Foundation as Education Director in 2007. Her work includes directing Learning Laguna, and training community members to become environmental educators in the program. Christine created and directs Camp Tule and mentors high school and college students seeking hands-on opportunities to learn teaching skills and build their own leadership competencies. Additionally, Christine provides strategic leadership and creative planning for our Community Education and Outreach programs. She has a BA in Sociology from Sonoma State University and a Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential from Dominican University. She also has a background in business administration and volunteer management, along with focused experience in environmental education and interpretation through both her volunteer work as a naturalist, and her previous position as Director of Point Reyes Field Seminars. In 2024, Christine was awarded Ernestine I. Smith Environmentalist of the Year through the Sonoma County Conservation Council.

Maggie Hart, Outreach Manager
she/her
xt. 100, Email
Maggie joined the Foundation staff in July 2005. Her background in nonprofit administration includes working for the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, San Francisco's Friends of the Urban Forest, and Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Maggie holds an undergraduate degree in Ecology from Evergreen State University.

Ashley Carreño, Education Coordinator
she/her
xt. 108, Email
When Ashley was a child, she was active playing sports, climbing trees, and loving nature. In high school, she completed a volunteer internship at Pepperwood Preserve that sparked her interests, and she found out she could study what she loved the most! Ashley was a participant in Chico State University's Associated Student Sustainability Education and Outreach team and worked in the Geology Department as a Fossil Data Analyst. Ashley graduated from Chico State University with a B.S. in Environmental Science focused on Energy and Earth Resources. After graduation, she moved back home and joined the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation's education department. She loves working with kids and strongly believes they are the future Green Generation. Ashley enjoys hiking, traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with loved ones.

"I strive for kids, people, and more Spanish speaking communities to reconnect with nature and truly enjoy all of its beauty. I hope to inspire kids and adults with my enthusiasm towards our tierra."

Chloe Winsemius, Environmental Education Assistant
she/her
Email
Chloe grew up in Sonoma County and enjoys hiking, foraging, crafting, and conducting field surveys. She loves amphibians and studies endangered species, such as California Tiger Salamanders, at Sonoma State University. Chloe will soon graduate with a BS in Environmental Science with minors in Biology and Sustainability. She will then start her Master's program investigating the freshwater community in restored riparian habitats. Chloe is thrilled to work with youth at Camp Tule and Learning Laguna and inspire community members to help keep the Laguna thriving for the plants, animals, and all who call it home.

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Stewarship Programs Staff

Brent Reed, Stewardhip Director
he/him
xt. 101, Email
Brent's first professional experience with ecological restoration in the Laguna watershed was working on the Kelly Farm Demonstration Wetlands in 1989, while on summer break from studies for a BS in Natural Resources Management at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. After getting his degree, Brent moved back home to Sonoma County in 1995 and has been supervising, designing, and working in all facets of ecological restoration on projects throughout northern California as a former Restoration Specialist with Circuit Rider Productions and as an independent contractor. Before joining the Foundation in November of 2011, Brent was involved in multiple restoration projects and on-going vernal pool monitoring in the Laguna watershed, often in partnership with the Laguna Foundation.

Ayla Mills, Nursery Program Manager
she/her
xt. 114, Email
Ayla joined the staff in August of 2021. She graduated from Chico State University with an MS in Biology, focused on botany, and has over ten years of experience in the habitat restoration field. Before joining the Foundation, Ayla worked at Floral Native Nursery and managed the nursery operations at Central Coast Wilds and the Sonoma Ecology Center’s native plant nursery. She has also worked as a botanical consultant, restoration technician, and teacher. Ayla has participated in California Native Plant Society conferences and Jepson Herbarium workshops and is passionate about conserving California’s native plant diversity.

Elias Lopez, Restoration Field Supervisor
he/him
xt. 116, Email
Elias started at Laguna Foundation as a restoration intern back in December 2015. While working as an intern he finished his BA in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies and Planning at Sonoma State University. He then went on to complete his MS in Ecology and Sustainability at CSU Stanislaus in 2018. Before returning to the Laguna Foundation as the Restoration Field supervisor, he worked at LandPaths as a Bilingual Stewardship Specialist where he stewarded ecological preserves and connected people to the land. He is inspired to continue protecting and restoring critical habitats and educating the next generation of environmental stewards.

Ashton Figaro, Nursery Technician
he/him
Email
Ash joined the nursery team after completing an internship at the Laguna in spring of 2024. He spent much of his former years immersed in nature, but his true interest in working in ecological restoration was sparked while surveying chaparral plant life at Sugarloaf State Park in the aftermath of the Glass Fire. He is currently studying natural resource management and fire ecology at Santa Rosa Junior College. Ash spends his free time foraging, learning about plants and insects, and making art. He is excited to continue to expand his connection with more people and plants.

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Conservation Science Programs Staff

Sarah Gordon, Conservation Science Director
she/her
xt. 105, Email
Sarah joined the Laguna Foundation staff in February of 2017 as a member of the Conservation Science team but has been participating with the Foundation as a fellow community member and collaborating scientist for many years. Having grown up in Sebastopol, Sarah deeply values the biodiversity of Sonoma County and is grateful for a chance to give back to the land.

A Laguna Foundation led field trip was her first introduction to vernal pools, and these habitats have been a lifelong passion ever since. A plant ecologist by training, Sarah completed her MS degree at Sonoma State University in 2006 in plant population and conservation genetics. Subsequently, she worked as a lecturer, researcher, and ecological consultant, specializing in botany, rare plants, and vernal pool ecosystems, primarily in Sonoma County. Sarah leads the Conservation team at the Foundation, focusing on conservation, restoration, stewardship, and community engagement in unique and endemic habitats in the watershed, including vernal pools, forested marshes, and oak woodlands. She is a long-time board member of the California Native Plant Society, Milo Baker Chapter.

Asa Voight, Preserve Manager
he/him
xt. 115, Email
Asa Voight, a Certified Master Naturalist, has been restoring and maintaining native habitats with the Laguna Foundation seasonally since 2015. Asa’s strong background of working closely with native flora and fauna began with 7 years as a sustainable farmer along the Russian River riparian zone. His past work in natural resource management as a Crew Supervisor with Conservation Corps North Bay has given him experience leading numerous resource conservation projects in a variety of local ecosystems. Asa is thrilled to be continuing his work in ecological restoration as a full time Preserve Manager with the Laguna Foundation, restoring and maintaining this Wetland of International Importance.

Danielle Carney, Conservation Science Specialist
she/they
xt. 117, Email
Danielle began her career in Natural Resource Management at Sonoma County Regional Parks. In her five years at Parks, Danielle gained experience in land management including invasive species monitoring and removal, fuels management, and ecological restoration. She has a certificate in Natural Resource Management from Santa Rosa Junior College as well as a UC California Naturalist certificate. Danielle also holds a BS in Web Design and Development with a minor in Computer Science from CSU Monterey Bay. Danielle enjoys native plant gardening, mushroom foraging, and spending time outdoors with her wife and dog.

Dawson Bell, Conservation Field Technician
he/him
Email
Dawson grew up in the Laguna Watershed and loved being outdoors from an early age. After studying Environmental Science at UC Davis, he worked throughout the Sierra Nevada Range studying montane plant communities and fire ecology. Recently, he has worked as an environmental educator throughout the beautiful forests of Western Washington. He moved back to the area to complete an M.S. in biology (in progress) at Sonoma State where he is studying the California bay laurel’s resprouting response to wildfire using terrestrial LiDAR. When he is not writing or out in the field, you can find him camping with his wife and dog, playing board games, gardening, or finding bodies of water to jump in.

[ top ]

	Adrienne Gause, SHRM-CP, Director of Administration she/her xt. 107, Email Adrienne’s journey with the Laguna Foundation began as an intern in the Education Department and became a staff member in July of 2013 after graduating from Sonoma State University with a BS in Environmental Studies. Adrienne was awarded the SHRM-CP designation from the Society of Human Resource Management in 2020. Her career background includes working with local businesses and non-profit organizations in fundraising, advertising, graphic design, project management, accounting, and HR functions. When not in the office, she enjoys camping with her family, tending to her ever-growing succulent garden, and finding joy on the dance floor.
	Sierra Castillo, Development Program Manager she/her xt. 109, Email Sierra is a Sebastopol native whose close proximity to the Laguna instilled a great appreciation for wildlife and open space. Her background includes fund development, marketing, event planning, beekeeping, and farming. Sierra also owns and operates Pollen & Fox Flower Farm, a small-scale flower farm dedicated to supporting pollinator health. Sierra is pleased to be part of the Laguna Foundation to serve a mission that resonates with her heart.
	Debra Wright, Accounting Manager she/her xt. 104, Email Deb joined us in October 2021 and brings a diverse background in conservation science and non-profit management. She began her career trapping/radio-tracking opossums for her Masters, then worked with cassowaries in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for her PhD where she lived for two decades. While still a grad student she built a remote research station, organized and led biodiversity surveys, and began annual field training courses for PNG students. She then founded and for 8 years was Co-Director of Wildlife Conservation Society’s PNG Country program. Her work has included fund raising, logistics, budgeting, accounting/reporting, as well as mentoring/training university students in project design, field techniques, data analysis, scientific paper/proposal writing, and oral presentations. She traps and radio-tracks mammals, mist-nets birds and bats, makes museum vouchers, does plant work, has raised over $8 million for non-profit projects and has published scientific papers and book chapters.
	Heather Baggett, Administrative Assistant she/her xt. 112, Email Heather graduated from Sonoma State University with a BS in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Conservation and Restoration and a minor in Biology. She has a background in international and wine country tourism as well as working as a safari tour guide for a local wildlife preserve. She loves to travel, garden, preserve food, and take her dog on hikes. She is very excited to join a team of like-minded individuals where she can pursue her passion of working with a local conservation organization.

	Christine Fontaine, Director of Education she/her xt. 102, Email Christine has been volunteering and working in the environmental education field since 1995. She joined the Laguna Foundation as Education Director in 2007. Her work includes directing Learning Laguna, and training community members to become environmental educators in the program. Christine created and directs Camp Tule and mentors high school and college students seeking hands-on opportunities to learn teaching skills and build their own leadership competencies. Additionally, Christine provides strategic leadership and creative planning for our Community Education and Outreach programs. She has a BA in Sociology from Sonoma State University and a Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential from Dominican University. She also has a background in business administration and volunteer management, along with focused experience in environmental education and interpretation through both her volunteer work as a naturalist, and her previous position as Director of Point Reyes Field Seminars. In 2024, Christine was awarded Ernestine I. Smith Environmentalist of the Year through the Sonoma County Conservation Council.
	Maggie Hart, Outreach Manager she/her xt. 100, Email Maggie joined the Foundation staff in July 2005. Her background in nonprofit administration includes working for the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, San Francisco's Friends of the Urban Forest, and Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Maggie holds an undergraduate degree in Ecology from Evergreen State University.
	Ashley Carreño, Education Coordinator she/her xt. 108, Email When Ashley was a child, she was active playing sports, climbing trees, and loving nature. In high school, she completed a volunteer internship at Pepperwood Preserve that sparked her interests, and she found out she could study what she loved the most! Ashley was a participant in Chico State University's Associated Student Sustainability Education and Outreach team and worked in the Geology Department as a Fossil Data Analyst. Ashley graduated from Chico State University with a B.S. in Environmental Science focused on Energy and Earth Resources. After graduation, she moved back home and joined the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation's education department. She loves working with kids and strongly believes they are the future Green Generation. Ashley enjoys hiking, traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with loved ones. "I strive for kids, people, and more Spanish speaking communities to reconnect with nature and truly enjoy all of its beauty. I hope to inspire kids and adults with my enthusiasm towards our tierra."
	Chloe Winsemius, Environmental Education Assistant she/her Email Chloe grew up in Sonoma County and enjoys hiking, foraging, crafting, and conducting field surveys. She loves amphibians and studies endangered species, such as California Tiger Salamanders, at Sonoma State University. Chloe will soon graduate with a BS in Environmental Science with minors in Biology and Sustainability. She will then start her Master's program investigating the freshwater community in restored riparian habitats. Chloe is thrilled to work with youth at Camp Tule and Learning Laguna and inspire community members to help keep the Laguna thriving for the plants, animals, and all who call it home.

	Brent Reed, Stewardhip Director he/him xt. 101, Email Brent's first professional experience with ecological restoration in the Laguna watershed was working on the Kelly Farm Demonstration Wetlands in 1989, while on summer break from studies for a BS in Natural Resources Management at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. After getting his degree, Brent moved back home to Sonoma County in 1995 and has been supervising, designing, and working in all facets of ecological restoration on projects throughout northern California as a former Restoration Specialist with Circuit Rider Productions and as an independent contractor. Before joining the Foundation in November of 2011, Brent was involved in multiple restoration projects and on-going vernal pool monitoring in the Laguna watershed, often in partnership with the Laguna Foundation.
	Ayla Mills, Nursery Program Manager she/her xt. 114, Email Ayla joined the staff in August of 2021. She graduated from Chico State University with an MS in Biology, focused on botany, and has over ten years of experience in the habitat restoration field. Before joining the Foundation, Ayla worked at Floral Native Nursery and managed the nursery operations at Central Coast Wilds and the Sonoma Ecology Center’s native plant nursery. She has also worked as a botanical consultant, restoration technician, and teacher. Ayla has participated in California Native Plant Society conferences and Jepson Herbarium workshops and is passionate about conserving California’s native plant diversity.
	Elias Lopez, Restoration Field Supervisor he/him xt. 116, Email Elias started at Laguna Foundation as a restoration intern back in December 2015. While working as an intern he finished his BA in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies and Planning at Sonoma State University. He then went on to complete his MS in Ecology and Sustainability at CSU Stanislaus in 2018. Before returning to the Laguna Foundation as the Restoration Field supervisor, he worked at LandPaths as a Bilingual Stewardship Specialist where he stewarded ecological preserves and connected people to the land. He is inspired to continue protecting and restoring critical habitats and educating the next generation of environmental stewards.
	Ashton Figaro, Nursery Technician he/him Email Ash joined the nursery team after completing an internship at the Laguna in spring of 2024. He spent much of his former years immersed in nature, but his true interest in working in ecological restoration was sparked while surveying chaparral plant life at Sugarloaf State Park in the aftermath of the Glass Fire. He is currently studying natural resource management and fire ecology at Santa Rosa Junior College. Ash spends his free time foraging, learning about plants and insects, and making art. He is excited to continue to expand his connection with more people and plants.

	Sarah Gordon, Conservation Science Director she/her xt. 105, Email Sarah joined the Laguna Foundation staff in February of 2017 as a member of the Conservation Science team but has been participating with the Foundation as a fellow community member and collaborating scientist for many years. Having grown up in Sebastopol, Sarah deeply values the biodiversity of Sonoma County and is grateful for a chance to give back to the land. A Laguna Foundation led field trip was her first introduction to vernal pools, and these habitats have been a lifelong passion ever since. A plant ecologist by training, Sarah completed her MS degree at Sonoma State University in 2006 in plant population and conservation genetics. Subsequently, she worked as a lecturer, researcher, and ecological consultant, specializing in botany, rare plants, and vernal pool ecosystems, primarily in Sonoma County. Sarah leads the Conservation team at the Foundation, focusing on conservation, restoration, stewardship, and community engagement in unique and endemic habitats in the watershed, including vernal pools, forested marshes, and oak woodlands. She is a long-time board member of the California Native Plant Society, Milo Baker Chapter.
	Asa Voight, Preserve Manager he/him xt. 115, Email Asa Voight, a Certified Master Naturalist, has been restoring and maintaining native habitats with the Laguna Foundation seasonally since 2015. Asa’s strong background of working closely with native flora and fauna began with 7 years as a sustainable farmer along the Russian River riparian zone. His past work in natural resource management as a Crew Supervisor with Conservation Corps North Bay has given him experience leading numerous resource conservation projects in a variety of local ecosystems. Asa is thrilled to be continuing his work in ecological restoration as a full time Preserve Manager with the Laguna Foundation, restoring and maintaining this Wetland of International Importance.
	Danielle Carney, Conservation Science Specialist she/they xt. 117, Email Danielle began her career in Natural Resource Management at Sonoma County Regional Parks. In her five years at Parks, Danielle gained experience in land management including invasive species monitoring and removal, fuels management, and ecological restoration. She has a certificate in Natural Resource Management from Santa Rosa Junior College as well as a UC California Naturalist certificate. Danielle also holds a BS in Web Design and Development with a minor in Computer Science from CSU Monterey Bay. Danielle enjoys native plant gardening, mushroom foraging, and spending time outdoors with her wife and dog.
	Dawson Bell, Conservation Field Technician he/him Email Dawson grew up in the Laguna Watershed and loved being outdoors from an early age. After studying Environmental Science at UC Davis, he worked throughout the Sierra Nevada Range studying montane plant communities and fire ecology. Recently, he has worked as an environmental educator throughout the beautiful forests of Western Washington. He moved back to the area to complete an M.S. in biology (in progress) at Sonoma State where he is studying the California bay laurel’s resprouting response to wildfire using terrestrial LiDAR. When he is not writing or out in the field, you can find him camping with his wife and dog, playing board games, gardening, or finding bodies of water to jump in.