Staff
Administration • Education • Restoration & 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.
Administration Staff
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Anne Morkill, Executive Director
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xt. 103, EmailAnne 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.
Adrienne Gause, SHRM-CP, Director of Administration
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xt. 107, EmailAdrienne’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 with a minor in Geography. 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 performing with the local dance troupe, Latin Elements.
Sierra Castillo, Development Program Manager
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xt. 109, EmailSierra 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 and 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 join Laguna Foundation to serve a mission that resonates with her heart.
Debra Wright, Accounting Manager
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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. Deb is very happy to join the Laguna team and hopes to help in any way she can.
Heather Baggett, Administrative Assistant
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xt. 112, EmailHeather graduated from Sonoma State University with a BA 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.
Education Programs Staff
Christine Fontaine, Director of Education
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xt. 102, EmailChristine has been striving to connect people to nature since 1995. She has a BA in Sociology from Sonoma State University and a Multiple-Subject elementary school teaching credential from Dominican University. In addition to working in the formal education field, she has a background in business administration, volunteer management, and focused experience in environmental education and interpretation. Her work and volunteer experience naturally led to the non-profit field, serving as the Education Programs Coordinator for Point Reyes National Seashore Association, then as Point Reyes Field Seminars Director from 2001-07. In 2006 she began volunteering for the Laguna Foundation on the Education Program Committee and joined the staff in 2007.
Maggie Hart, Outreach Manager
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xt. 100, EmailMaggie 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
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xt. 108, EmailWhen Ashley was a kid, she was super active playing sports, climbing trees, and loved nature. In high school, she completed a volunteer internship during 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’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."
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Restoration & Conservation Science Programs Staff
Brent Reed, Ecological Program Manager
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xt. 101, EmailBrent'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 B.S. degree 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.
Sarah Gordon, Conservation Science Program Manager
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xt. 105, EmailSarah joined the Laguna Foundation staff in February of 2017 and has been volunteering with the Foundation for over ten years, beginning with the docent training program (where she visited a vernal pool for the first time). More recently, she has provided volunteer support to the Vernal Pool Citizen Science Program. Sarah is a plant ecologist with experience in seasonal wetland plant ecology and rare plant conservation and mitigation. She completed her M.S. degree at Sonoma State University in 2006 and subsequently worked as a lecturer, research technician and ecological consultant, specializing in botany, rare plants and vernal pool ecosystems, primarily in Sonoma County.
Ayla Mills, Nursery Program Manager
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xt. 114, EmailAyla joined the staff in August of 2021. She graduated from Chico State University with an M.S. 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.
Asa Voight, Preserve Manager
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xt. 115, EmailAsa 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.
Elias Lopez, Restoration Field Supervisor
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xt. 116, EmailElias started at Laguna Foundation as a restoration intern back in December 2015. While working as an intern he finished his B.A. in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies and Planning at Sonoma State. He then went on to complete his M.S. 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.
Danielle Carney, Conservation Science Specialist
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xt. 117, EmailDanielle 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.
Willow Woodward, Restoration Technician
she/herWillow is a local plant enthusiast who grew up surrounded by the green wonders of the Laguna de Santa Rosa. She describes herself as, "the neighborhood plant whisperer or the self-appointed president of the 'Admire Every Leaf' club." As the namesake of the willow tree, she's brought her love for all things green to the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, where she's on a mission to befriend every plant and convince them to stay fabulous. Willow invites you to join in the botanical shenanigans as we celebrate the quirky charm of our natural playground!
Dawson Bell, Conservation Field Technician
he/himDawson 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.
Ashton Figaro, Nursery Technician
he/himAsh 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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