Staff

I spent my early years in Hood River, OR, where the Columbia River and the lush green hills of the Gorge left a lasting impression. A summer job in Yellowstone National Park sparked my passion for natural resource management, leading me to study Environmental Science at Montana State University.

My career kicked off in Arizona as the Native Plant Nursery Director for the Colorado River Indian Tribes. I loved the desert, but an opportunity with the Catalina Island Conservancy took me to the coast, where I worked as a native plant technician and experienced island life. Still, the palm trees couldn’t compete with my desire to live in Oregon. I returned as a Soil Scientist for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, helping protect soil and water resources.

From there, I joined Marion Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) as a Resource Conservationist, working with local landowners to care for the land. I later took on a new challenge with the Oregon Department of Agriculture as a Regional Water Quality Specialist. In 2020, I was elected to the Marion SWCD Board of Directors, and in 2022, I came full circle—rejoining the team as District Manager.

Now, I get to lead an incredible team passionate about conserving Oregon’s natural resources. I live in Salem with my partner, Troy, and when we’re not working, you’ll find us exploring Oregon’s endless rivers, mountains, and coastline.

Childhood camping trips and participation as a Girl Scout in the first Earth Day in 1970 sparked my lifelong love for and drive to protect natural resources. I am a Seattle native but also lived in Louisiana, Illinois, and Virginia before moving to Oregon. I earned a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois and an M.S. in Library Science from Catholic University of America. In 2000 I moved to Corvallis to work for Hewlett-Packard, where participation in the HP Sustainability Network and research on corporate social responsibility topics inspired me to pursue another degree—a Master’s in Sustainable Business from Presidio University. This launched my career as the City of Corvallis’s first sustainability officer from 2006-2012. I later served as Operations Manager for Benton SWCD before joining Marion SWCD in August 2022. I am happy to support the work of the District as a steward of its financial resources.

Susan is a native Oregonian, with a lifetime of agricultural experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Crop and Soil Science from Oregon State University, and has post-baccalaureate training in statistics, genetics, and plant pathology. Outside of her work for the district, she and her family operate a farm focused on seed production. Susan joined the staff of Marion SWCD in 2008; she currently serves as the district’s Grants Coordinator. Susan manages the district’s internal and external grants programs and processes, with an emphasis on assisting with the implementation of on-the ground conservation.

Janice is the front-line person for the office. When you call in, it will likely be her voice you first hear, and if you stop by the office, she will likely be the first person to greet you. Though her position title is Office Coordinator, she wears many hats: receptionist, keeper of the office and postal supplies, organizer of informational materials, support to staff and other administrative duties.

She began her career with the District back in 2006. Her duties and responsibilities have morphed and changed every few years, based on District needs. poster/mural contest coordinator, newsletter editor, forms creator, annual meeting coordinator and more.

I work with landowners to develop conservation projects, improve or create wildlife and pollinator habitat, and answer questions about native and invasive plants.

A passion for nature has been a driving force throughout my life, thanks in part to a childhood of camping, hiking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest and beyond. I believe a healthy natural environment supports healthy individuals, families, and communities.

Prior to settling in Salem, I worked at two other SWCDs in the Portland area where I was employed first as an intern, then an invasive plants specialist. before that, I spent ten years working the field leading a restoration contractor crew, conducting forest health surveys, and collecting data on spotted owl populations.

At Oregon State University, I earned a BS in Environmental Sciences specializing in Forest Ecology. I also have an AA in Horticulture where I focused on native and invasive plants and how people interact with their environment.

Having roots in Marion County agriculture, I am excited to join Marion Soil and Water Conservation District as the Ag Conservation Planner. I grew up on a hobby-farm that has been in my family for over a century where we raised sheep and rabbits, and baled hay for ourselves and others.

I attended Linn-Benton Community College and Oregon State University. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in General Agriculture and a Master’s of Science in Agricultural Education. While in college I was on the livestock judging team at LBCC and enjoyed taking courses in all aspects of agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. For the last 15 years I have been an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor in the county and I look forward to continuing to work with the great agriculturists who have made Marion County the top agriculture county in the state!

Outside of work, my husband, son and I are enjoying setting up our new small acreage. We have fun showing our Horned Dorset sheep and also plan to get back into showing rabbits in the near future. During the COVID shutdown we added another type of critter – dairy goats – to our small operation and have started to make soaps and lotions from their milk. I have also started a 4-H club in Linn County to stay involved in ag education.

I look forward to helping you with your projects to keep Marion County an agricultural powerhouse long into the future!

I am a California native who moved to Oregon in 2014 to pursue an undergraduate degree in Microbiology at Oregon State University. During this time, I quickly fell in love with Oregon, particularly the Willamette valley, and decided to make this place my home. Upon completion of my degree, I was fortunate enough to find work with the USDA-ARS as a research technician and begin my career as a civil servant. After my brief employment with the USDA, I was once again able to attend Oregon State University, except this time as a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Soil Science.  

Outside of my professional life, I often find myself by one of the many streams and rivers that are but a short drive from my home. I spend many of the summer weekends fishing and crawdadding, and when I am not on the river, I can be found hiking along many of the local day trails with my dog. My love for conservation stems from my appreciation of the outdoors, and the joy outside recreation provides for me. 

I look forward to serving Marion County as a Conservation Planner, and working with everyone to protect the natural resources we depend upon and cherish in our daily lives. Please reach out if you have any questions, I am happy to do my best to help you find answers!  

I am a recent Oregonian transplant, having lived on Oregon soil for three years after moving to Portland from Bellingham, Washington where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy at Western Washington University. I was fortunate enough to gain experience as a Clean Energy Intern at a nonprofit and travel abroad in Mexico to study water rights and sustainable farming. I have been passionate about habitat restoration and protecting public lands ever since. I have experience working in native salmon habitat restoration along riparian areas, trail building in county parks and forests, and maintaining public green spaces for a city public works department.

My passion for conservation is rooted in my experiences growing up camping and backpacking every summer since I was young. My favorite activities always involve being outside, whether I am hiking, snowboarding, or biking, I love to explore as much natural beauty as possible.

 I recently completed a life goal of mine to walk from southern California to northern Washington on the Pacific Crest Trail and I am excited for this next chapter in my life to join the Marion Soil and Water Conservation District in their mission to improve and enhance the soil and water quality for all residents of Marion County. I will be helping landowners, and anyone interested in improving the health and productivity of their land as the Conservation Planner for natural areas.

Rachel joined Yamhill SWCD in December 2022. Prior to her role as a Riparian Conservationist, she served as the Miller Woods Nursery Caretaker. Rachel is responsible for providing technical assistance to landowners in Yamhill and Marion County regarding riparian health and conservation practices. Additionally, she works with landowners to implement riparian buffers on their properties through the CREP program.

Before joining the district, she worked in habitat restoration, conducting vegetation surveys, and at native plant nurseries throughout Oregon. Rachel is passionate about native plants and pollinator conservation and is currently pursuing her Master of Environmental Science with a focus in Ecology at Oregon State University. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, native plant photography, dancing, and gardening.

The Willamette Valley has been my home since 2014. Since then, I have become familiar with the native flora, fauna, and local community through work, educational classes, volunteering, and recreational activities. For the last 10 years, I have been involved in working with different public and private entities as a conservation planner, educator, and horticulturist. I am excited to combine my diverse skill sets and passion for nature into this new position for Marion SWCD!

My educational background includes an Associates of Arts at Collin College, certification as an OSU Extension Master Woodland Manager, Master Naturalist, Master Gardener, Master Melittologist, and OSU Permaculture Design. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University in Agriculture Science with a sustainable land management emphasis.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or if you would like resources related to urban conservation! I can also assist you in creating wildlife habitat through participation in the Little Habitat Project.

Tom grew up in Blodgett and was a Rotary International Exchange Student to the Republic of the Philippines.

After graduating from college he joined the Peace Corps as a Natural Resources Educator and served in current North Macedonia and Ecuador, where he met his wife, another volunteer.

They taught English in Thailand for three years and have lived in the Willamette Valley ever since, now residing in Independence. Tom enjoys cooking, playing the drums and eating barbecue whenever he can.