top of page

About the Founder

Before founding the Environmental Education and Empowerment Initiative (EEEI), I worked for over 18 years in environmental protection — including 15 years in tribal government and 3 years with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).

My journey in environmental education began even earlier, working with the Phoenix Zoo and the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), where I developed and delivered hands-on programs for children, youth, and families. These early roles shaped my passion for combining science, education, and community engagement.

Throughout my career, I’ve presented at national conferences, tribal forums, local Arizona events, and educational institutions such as Arizona State University (ASU) and Scottsdale Community College (SCC). I’ve led Earth Day events, K–12 school presentations, and community workshops, often organizing them to directly engage tribal communities and raise environmental awareness.

​

Topics Presented:

​

  • Recycling and waste reduction

  • Air and water quality

  • Brownfields and land reuse

  • Illegal dumping and environmental enforcement

  • Stormwater runoff and urban pollution

  • Environmental health and contamination

  • Lead-based paint dangers in Indian Country

  • Environmental career pathways and job readiness

  • Forest, wildlife, and natural resource protection

 

These topics have guided my work throughout my career and now form the foundation of EEEI’s mission — to bring relevant, accessible, and empowering environmental education to underserved communities, especially in tribal settings.

Education

2012-2014

Master of Science in Environmental Management
Arizona State University

  • Concentration: International Environmental Management

  • Traveled to Peru as part of an international project, collaborating with the Peruvian Water Authority (ANA) to provide education and outreach on water resource management and community watershed awareness.

  • Gained hands-on experience in international partnership development, community engagement, and delivering environmental education in cross-cultural settings.

2001-2005

Bachelor of Science in Ecological Restoration and Wildlife Habitat Management
Arizona State University

  • Focused on restoration ecology, wildlife biology, and habitat conservation.

  • Participated in field studies with the Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona Game & Fish Department, and the U.S. Forest Service, assisting in:

    • Vegetation monitoring and post-fire assessments

    • Animal population counts, trapping, and tagging

    • Analysis of illegal dumping impacts on local ecosystems

  • Completed a capstone project on the Kyoto Protocol, examining international environmental agreements and their implications for U.S. environmental policy.

  • Interned at the Phoenix Zoo and the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), where I led environmental education programs focused on wildlife and conservation.

  • Volunteered with the Arizona Humane Society, wildlife rescue organizations, and AZ Game & Fish, including work on desert tortoise data entry and public outreach.

bottom of page