Developing skills, knowledge & motivation

Vince Meldrum is an experienced leader with a 25-year history of transforming organizations through program development, innovative technology, and cross-sector partnerships. Vince’s expertise brings Earth Force into the center of the climate resiliency movement. With a specific focus on people, having built several large-scale partnerships, Vince offers a unique perspective on the role of community and youth in the future of our environment.

Donna Power Stowe’s extensive experience in education – as a classroom teacher, teacher trainer, and curriculum developer for several non-profits – allows her to create authentic connections between classrooms and the real-world. Focusing on developing and supporting opportunities for civically engaged youth, Donna understands the importance of youth voice when working to create life-long environmental citizens.

Sarah Pacheco manages – at both a strategic and operational level – Earth Force’s key administrative functions, overseeing human resources, IT, finances, and business operations. Her role strengthens and aligns administrative and financial functions to ensure Earth Force programming is seamless.

Michelle Blodgett brings 20 years experience in the classroom as a teacher, teacher-trainer, and school leader to the environmental field. She uses this experience to support programming for GREEN throughout the U.S. and Canada. With a science background, she has been at the forefront of unwrapping the Next Generation Science Standards and is skilled in helping educators to implement the new standards and hands-on inquiry based principles of learning.

Emily Bretl brings in-depth experience as a K-12 classroom educator, teacher-trainer, and curriculum designer in science and environmental education. Her background in education and environmental science supports a balanced and enthusiastic approach to working with students and teachers on issues related to social justice, sustainability and scientific literacy. Emily supports educators in stormwater and health focused work by translating science standards into real world learning opportunities.

Julia Bernal brings an expertise of working with K-12 students in environmental education, focusing on water quality and urban watersheds. Her role as a Program Coordinator in Albuquerque, NM leverages this experience to implement youth-driven stormwater work at the urban Valle de Oro National wildlife refuge. Julia is also currently enrolled at the University of New Mexico in the Water Resources Graduate program.

Jennifer Hanson has 15 years of experience in nonprofit operations. She ensures all grant and budget requirements are met so that programs run smoothly and efficiently, having the highest possible impact.

Kristen Mueller-Sims leads national communications, creating engagement and excitement around Earth Force, and its partners’, hands on, minds on programming. Specializing in traditional media and social media relations, she brings youth voice and leadership to the forefront of the environmental education field.

Erika Pierson brings experience working with cities across the country on their education and afterschool systems. Using her combination of classroom and city policy experience, she supports educators in connecting students with their community to solve pressing environmental issues. Erika supports educators participating in the Caring for Our Watersheds program and GREEN.

Grace Scarsella’s experience in leading multiple outreach programs focusing on environmental sustainability, specifically aquatic health issues, brings a suite of skills to address water quality challenges. She graduated with a Master’s of Biology from the University of Alabama and holds a Bachelor’s of Zoology from Michigan State University. At Earth Force, she promotes critical thinking and civic action by supporting GREEN programming.

Hayley Valley provides leadership, coordination, and program development for all of Earth Force’s fundraising efforts, including grant development and individual donations. Her ability to work across all functions of the organization, as well as engage corporations, government agencies, and community partners is a key factor in Earth Force’s continued growth.