MEET THE STAFF
CREW STAFF
. Derek joined the C.R.E.W. team in 2021 after 11 years at Ventura Land Trust, 5 years at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) and five prior years of environmental consulting and field biology work. Along with volunteering for various non-profit environmental groups, Derek earned a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from CSU-Fullerton and a B.A. in Music Composition (with significant environmental coursework) from UCSB. At OVLC, he managed a variety of wetland restoration projects in the upper Ventura River watershed and at the Ventura Land Trust’s he assisted in efforts to preserve and improve wildlife habitat and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Ventura. Along with spending time with his wife and kids, Derek enjoys music, wildlife and hiking. derek@thecrew.org
DEREK POULTNEY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
. Todd grew up in the Ojai Valley and is a former Transportation Manager with over 25 years of logistics experience managing fleet trucking and distribution operations. Todd’s office experience involves project management, personnel, coaching, operations, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. Todd joined the C.R.E.W Team in June of 2015 and holds a BS in Business Management from Cal-Poly Pomona. thomer@thecrew.org
TODD HOMER
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER
. Kat is a graduate of CSUCI with a degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management. She joins The C.R.E.W. with a background in Landscape Architecture/Restoration and Avian Biology, working on projects such as the LA River Revitalization, Baldwin Hills Restoration, Inland Empire Landscape Beautification, LA Rain Gardens, and Youth Development Program “Generation Water.” More recently she has been a biologist with the Shorebird Recovery Program at Ventura Audubon working with threatened and endangered shorebirds and has a passion for habitat restoration and conservation. Kat joins The C.R.E.W. excited to help expand a diverse and prosperous program where young adults gain career experience in the fast-growing green collar job industry. When she isn't working, Kat can be found with her husband and daughter Wren exploring and trying new restaurants. kat@thecrew.org
KAT WHITEHOUSE
GRANT & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
. Greta graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor’s Degree in Global Studies with a concentration in Human Development. She has a background in marketing, development, and art direction. In her free time she loves going to flea markets, camping, and listening to music. Greta is excited to be a part of the C.R.E.W. and work to expand environmental education and opportunity for young people in Ojai Valley. greta@thecrew.org
GRETA CHARNESS
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
. Lindsay graduated from Sonoma State University with Environmental Studies and Computer Science degrees. She joins the Crew with a passion for design, creativity, and protecting our natural spaces. Aside from these, she also has a background in GIS and geospatial analysis which encompases much of her career experience. Outside of work, Lindsay loves to camp, garden, and travel and can be found at a local brewery or the beach in her spare time. web@thecrew.org
LINDSAY TALLY
WEBMASTER
. Directors of Mousing, this dynamic duo was brought on in 2021 and has clearly earned their title. Most days they can be found lounging in the sun or snuggled on a team member's lap.
MARSHALL & LILLY
. Executive Director Derek Poultney's trusted mini poodle companion, Buddy, can be found relaxing in our office snoozing away in his bed, or out on the trail helping scout the newest work sites.
BUDDY
GREEN VALLEY PROJECT STAFF
. Tara graduated from CSU Channel Islands with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management. She is passionate about environmental restoration and education. She has experience working directly to develop programs for teens and young adults as a Program Assistant at the Boys and Girls Club and later as a Residential Advisor at CSU Channel Islands. She is very excited to be a part of the Green Valley Project and is ready to help develop the future leaders of the Ojai community! tara@thecrew.org
TARA FAY
GREEN VALLEY PROJECT DIRECTOR
. Melissa will hold a bachelor’s in Environmental Science and Resource Management with a minor in Spanish in Spring 2023 from CSU Channel Islands. She set in motion her stewardship of public lands when she began volunteering with various conservation organizations aimed to rehabilitate habitats, clean degraded trails, foster nature connections, and aid in environmental justice matters. More recently, she has worked as an outdoor educator, mentoring children using their innate enthusiasm for the natural world as a context to engage them in the learning process. She is excited to be a part of the Green Valley Project, assisting with programs and projects while witnessing the next generation of leaders rehabilitate the Ojai Valley.
MELISSA RUIZ
GREEN VALLEY PROJECT PROGRAM ASSISTANT
. Ava Elliott serves as a Program Assistant for the Green Valley Project. Her role includes managing advertising efforts at the farmers market, on social media, and leading the Communications Internship in the fall. Ava’s journey began with over a year of fieldwork at The C.R.E.W., where she discovered her passion for supporting projects beyond the field. In 2022, she joined the Green Valley Project as a Communications Intern and Youth Council member, a pivotal step that deepened her involvement in the organization. Since then, she has been an active contributor to GVP initiatives, culminating in her promotion to Program Assistant in April. Currently a first-year ecology student at Santa Barbara City College, Ava is eager to expand her education and experience in environmental science and outreach.
AVA ELLIOTT
GREEN VALLEY PROJECT PROGRAM ASSISTANT
ONCE UPON A WATERSHED STAFF
. David has a B.S. in Biological Sciences and Ph.D. in Medicine from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Since 1988 he has worked with numerous environmental groups in Ventura County including the Keep the Sespe Wild Committee, the Center for Regenerative Agriculture, Food for Thought Ojai, the Captain Planet Foundation and the Ojai Valley Green Coalition. David has directed Once upon a Watershed since 2010 and in 2020 brought the Oaktober initiative to Ventura County. With a focus on connecting children to nature, one of David's favourite things to do is to plant trees with kids.
DAVID WHITE
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
. Sara has been passionate about children and nature as far back as she can remember. She has an M.A. in Somatic Psychology from Naropa University. It was here that she first heard about Wilderness Therapy and took the idea with her into the different settings she worked. She helped develop and run a program for at-risk youth in Longmont, Co. and took young adults to Central America doing service projects throughout the area. Sara has studied edible and medicinal plants for the past 25 years. She currently lives in Ojai with her two sons and husband. She is very happy to be bringing education to the schools about our precious watershed.
SARA MACCRACKEN
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
. Heather is a professional outdoor educator and mentor with over 30 years of wilderness education experience. With a Masters in Outdoor Education Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Education and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, she continues to seek new insight and knowledge of nature, kids and self. Her broad range of leadership and teaching experiences include many programs around the country and internationally that continues to teach the role that nature has on our well-being as individuals, neighbors and caretakers. In addition to being a lead educator for Once upon a Watershed Heather is writing and illustrating children's books. These are heartfelt professions for Heather, who is committed to fostering a playful sense of discovery and wonder that leads to curiosity about life and learning. You will continue to find her out on the trails and in the creeks, usually a bit muddy if possible.
HEATHER KING
EDUCATOR
. Maegen has a B.A. in International Relations with a minor in Spanish; a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate; and a Permaculture Design certificate. Forever fascinated with the world's diverse cultures and natural landscapes, she spent a decade traveling internationally, where she taught English and studied sustainable agriculture and ecology. She feels very fortunate to call the Ojai Valley home once again, and has enjoyed working as an environmental educator and now in admin. She is passionate about environmental justice and greatly appreciates that OUW works tirelessly to bring environmental education and hands-on experience to youth of all backgrounds. She spends her free time exploring the great outdoors with her own kids as much as possible. "To put your hands in a river is to feel the chords that bind the earth together." - Barry Lopez
MAEGEN ANDERSON PHANEUF
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
. Heather has a B.S. in Zoology from University of California at Santa Barbara and a M.A. in Biology Secondary Education. While participating in AmeriCorps*NCCC Heather learned the importance of preserving our natural environment and teaching future generations how small acts of kindness can go a long way. She has taught historical and environmental programs throughout Ventura County. Water, nature, and fitness have been integral components of Heather’s upbringing. Through education and adventure Heather enjoys the opportunity to share the wonders of nature and to assist with the preservation of our watershed.
HEATHER KUBIC
EDUCATOR
. Jenny grew up in west Sonoma County, CA and spent most of her childhood outdoors, running around with chickens and sheep and adventuring in a nearby creek. She studied environmental science and music at UC Santa Cruz, and fell in love with tropical biology after studying in Costa Rica. She spent many years studying ecology and tropical insects in Central and South America, obtaining her M.S. and then embarking on a doctoral program. Part-way into a PhD program, she realized that she preferred exploring nature and teaching, rather than studying nature in an academic context. Ever since, she has dedicated herself to environmental education and speaking Spanish. Jenny is a bilingual educator for OUW and loves to connect children and families to nature. She is also very passionate about developing bilingual nature connection and education programs, and making these programs accessible to all members of the local community. When not working with Once upon a Watershed, Jenny can be found wrangling her own kiddos, swimming, tending plants, or chasing bugs.
JENNY JACOBS
EDUCATOR
. Camila, also known as the Queen of Compost, is an environmental educator in Ventura County. She focuses on healthy soils through garden education and community composting programs. After studying Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences at The University of Arizona, she completed her B.S. in Environmental Science & Resource Management from California State University Channel Islands. She loves spending time in gardens and homesteading with her chickens.
CAMILA GUZMAN
COMPOST COORDINATOR
. Lynne Okun earned a Bachelor of Science degree in design from UC Davis and a masters of science in Art Therapy from California State University, Sacramento, and is a registered and board certified Art Therapist. Lynne is a quintessential jack-of-all-trades who combines her playful, dynamic intuition with the wisdom of her professional background. She is inspired by the power of arts as a tool for learning about the natural world around us and inside of us. Her work in the community spans 20 years, serving as a mentor for many young artists in the community and people from all walks of life. Lynne is a passionate life-long learner who embraces the art of permaculture, earth-building, and growing edible food forests. Lynne designs creative, experimental curriculum to inspire students' curiosity and connection with our local watersheds.
LYNN OKUN
ARTS COORDINATOR