Meet the Corps

Marlo relocated from El Paso, Texas where he got a Bachelor’s in Neurosience conducting nicotine dependence research. He has also conducted environmental health research for La Mujer Obrera studying the environmental health impacts of environmental racism on redlined barrios. They have been a part of local climate justice campaigns; organizing voter registration drives, training voter outreach volunteers, and canvassing over 10,000 El Pasoans. Marlo was also a supervisor at the Casa del Sagrado Corazon migrant shelter. He provided a comfortable humanitarian haven for newly arrived migrants. Ecological experience includes arroyo restoration projects in New Mexico- building erosion control features in the Chihuahuan desert in efforts to restore a niche of the grasslands that used to thrive in the now arid deserts; before developers and states canalized/militarized the Rio Grande for border and agricultural purposes. He fulfilled his role as a Crew Member at EarthCorps in 2024 working with state and private agencies to steward the land throughout Washington. His favorite project was working in Norse Peak, a trail restoration 10-day spike where he celebrated his birthday, and saw aurora lights and a meteor shower.

Marlo has presented educational harm reduction workshops as a chapter leader and board member for Students for Sensible Drug Policy, advocating for evidence-based approaches, policies, and perspectives on stigmatized substances. His passion for research, ending the failed war on drugs, climate justice, and migrant rights all interconnect towards the liberation of all people and reparations to communities fighting colonialism. At EarthCorps he is now the Volunteer Specialist Lead and hopes to do the hard, good work in ecological restoration while being guided by intersectional principles. He strongly believes all people have a role and belong to nature, especially those who have faced environmental injustices. On his off-time, Marlo enjoys political commentary, hiking, thrifting, and volunteering.

Autumn (she/her) is excited to be with EarthCorps as a Crew Leader after being in the corps last year. She is originally from Illinois but has been living in Seattle for over a year now – both places are home to her. Autumn got her bachelor’s degree in conservation biology and chemistry, but her preferred route of learning and growing is through community. She is eager to continue building community and symbiosis in the Pacific Northwest while learning about the ethnobotany and Indigenous knowledge rooted in the land. Birds, audiobooks, people, carabiners, and food bring the zest to Autumn’s life. Join her for a stroll anytime to discuss all of the big and small wonders of your life and of the planet – “you are only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all.”

Callan Umperovitch (he/they) grew up in Western Washington, where his passion for the natural world began at a young age. He earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Practice from Cascadia College in Bothell, where hands-on learning in the college’s restored wetlands sparked his interest in environmental education and local issues, particularly stormwater management and the water cycle.

Callan’s work has taken him across the region, from teaching outdoor preschool in Washington to working with youth in urban farming initiatives. He also interned with Rainwise, supporting green infrastructure projects such as rain gardens and cisterns to prevent Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). During the COVID-19 pandemic, he relocated to New York City, where he earned a Master of Science in Design and Urban Ecologies from Parsons School of Design. In New York, he co-founded and directed Wonderforest Nature Preschool, an outdoor school in Brooklyn. Most recently, Callan taught at Islandwood, leading field trips focused on stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and salmon habitat conservation.

In addition to teaching, Callan has collaborated with organizations like the New York Botanical Garden, Art Farm in the City, and the Hydrofeminist Map Collective, focusing on community building and climate justice. After several years on the East Coast, he returned to Seattle this fall with his girlfriend, Jenna, and two cats, Pancake and Lily. He’s excited to be back in the Pacific Northwest, closer to the Cascade Mountains that first inspired his passion for nature.

Chris Meland (he/him/his) is a new Crew Leader with the 2025 EarthCorps Cohort. Originally from Chicago, Chris brings over a decade of leadership experience in retail operations and Supply Chain Logistics from across the United States. Passionate about the environment and getting involved in his local community, Chris volunteers his time as a Habitat Steward with the Pierce Conservation District and recently worked with the Pierce County government in the Parks Department.

When Chris isn’t exploring the great outdoors, he enjoys the great indoors playing video games and spending time with his partner (Julie) and their two cats (Rocky and Daisy). He is excited to share experiences, collaborate on new projects, and grow alongside the EarthCorps community to build a better tomorrow.

Desirae (she/her) grew up in Ventura, California raising all kinds of animals in the backyard. She received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Washington, and has her M.S. in Spatial Ecology from California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. She has worked for the National Park Service trapping island foxes and skunks, the Center for Ecosystem Sentinels studying penguins, and also has veterinary and molecular biology experience. Her Master’s research was on the California Channel Islands studying the spatial distribution of island spotted skunks using camera traps. She is passionate about conservation, maps, and promoting equitable environmental education/opportunities. In her spare time she plays volleyball, explores the PNW, and loves gardening & long walks with her two dogs and husband.

Jade (she/her) was born and raised in El Paso, TX. Growing up in the Chihuahuan desert, she learned to appreciate nature at an early age. Jade received her Bachelors of Science in Horticulture from New Mexico State University. She has about five years of experience in sustainable agriculture, and is now interested in transitioning to the field of ecology, restoration, or forestry. Jade was an Ecological Monitoring Technician based out of Reno, Nevada, and this opportunity gave her extensive experience in botany and soil surveying, identifying plants across Nevada, and backcountry wilderness skills. Jade also recently completed a season with EarthCorps as a Crew Member in 2024. In her new role as a Crew Leader, she is excited to gain leadership skills, meet new people, and continue restoration projects across the Puget Sound. During her free time, you can find Jade crocheting, thrifting, and spoiling her two cats Mishko and Aoki.  

Pablo Palacios Figueroa (He/They) is a Crew Lead for the 2025 EarthCorps cohort. He studied Environmental Science at Western Washington University and fell in love with restoration ecology while completing two terms with the Washington Conservation Corps. In WCC he worked with the Snoqualmie Tribe and Seattle Public Utilities as part of a restoration crew. There, he helped steward primarily wetland ecosystems and the riparian corridor of the Snoqualmie River and its three forks, and the Cedar River Watershed. Pablo loves learning, practicing, and teaching plant identification, scientific names, and restoration skills. He is extremely excited to join the EarthCorps team and get to see new sites and projects, and continue working alongside other stewards of Washington’s natural beauty and resources. He looks forward to getting more trail work experience, and tackling new challenges with the EarthCorps team. In his free time, you can find Pablo listening to Not Another D&D podcast, talking about or thinking about D&D, videogames, watching video essays, spending time with friends, and quizzing people on plant latin names!

Valuing the health of people and planet, Will works towards developing reciprocal relationships between community and nature. After studying Philosophy and Geography at Oregon State University, Will worked as a Bicycle Mechanic and volunteered at his local community garden in Portland, OR, where he worked to develop more sustainable forms of urban living. When he isn’t at EarthCorps, you can find Will surfing along the PNW, growing some veggies, biking wherever he can, or gawking at the absolute awesomeness that are the Cascade volcanoes. Will is incredibly excited to expand his knowledge about the place he calls home – The Pacific Northwest – as a Crew Lead within the 2025 EarthCorps cohort. 

Amy Breuer (she/her) is from Indiana and spent a lot of time outdoors growing up. That’s what inspired her to study Sustainability at Messiah University. While she was there, she worked as the Garden Coordinator in the office of Sustainability. She loved working outside and meeting other people who shared her passion for the environment. While at college her passion for restoration blossomed and led her to pursue a career in that field. When she’s not working, Amy loves hiking, gardening, and spending time with her friends.

AnneMarie Rogers was looking for a change of career directions and an opportunity to pursue her passions when she found EarthCorp, and knew it was exactly what she was looking for (even if that meant moving all the way from Chicago!). With a background in barista work, animal welfare, and illustration, she’s a bit new to the field, but she’s excited to learn and help in every way she can. AnneMarie loves peaceful hikes, coffee, art, games, and learning new things about plants and animals of all sorts.

Aslan Renner (they/them) grew up in Portland, Oregon. They were lucky enough to grow up doing a lot of hiking and camping with their family and quickly developed a love for the outdoors. They moved to Tacoma, WA to attend college at the University of Puget Sound where they studied Environmental Policy and Decision Making and Politics and Government. After graduating they decided to stay in Tacoma and pursue a career in environmental work. While Aslan mostly studied the historical, political and societal aspects of environmental issues in college, they are also passionate about environmental/ecological restoration and doing hands-on work, which is what led them to join EarthCorps. We are one with nature. Nature takes care of us therefore we should take care of her. 

Typical of a Pacific Northwest resident, outside of work, Aslan enjoys hiking and camping. They also enjoy cooking, crafting cocktails, and spending time with their two cats. 

Autumn (she/her) grew up in central Illinois and moved to Washignton after graduating with her bachelor’s degree in conservation biology. Serving as a Corps Member for EarthCorps, she is excited to meet a different part of Mother Earth, as well as make a community of fellow nature lovers. Autumn hopes to become a better steward of the environment during her time at EarthCorps, learning about restoration techniques, local species identification, and the remediation of environmental injustices. After all, the Earth is for everyone! If you bump into Autumn, be sure to ask her about her favorite birds, as she is an avid birdwatcher. She also spends ample time on leisurely walks, writing poetry, and amateur cooking.

Bailey (she/her) moved to Seattle from Syracuse, New York, where she worked in conservation and restoration ecology. She studied environmental science at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, where her main focus was intertidal ecology.

Edgar (he/him) was born and raised in Seattle, where he developed a great love of nature through backyard birding, and the plant-based passion of close friends. He has a passion for identifying birds, bugs, plants, and all their unique roles in the ecosystems that surround them, and is thrilled to start giving back to them.
When not busy staring down local wildlife, Ed loves baking, gardening, video games, and D&D.

Elizabeth (she/her) grew up in northern Indiana and moved to Seattle after graduating with her Bachelors in Forestry Management from Purdue University. While working at Earthcorps as a crew member, she is excited to develop more identification skills with the trees and herbaceous cover in the Pacific Northwest. Her passions include hiking, reading, camping, and helping towards the improvement of our planet! If your paths cross, make sure to ask her about her time spent working for the DNR in southern Indiana. If she’s not in the woods, you’ll be sure to find her down by the Sound reading a book by the water!

To Liz, being a first-generation college graduate means figuring things out as she goes, and having many feelings of uncertainty. It also gives her the opportunity to represent and uplift those with similar experiences in underrepresented spaces. In college, she discovered a deep interest for the physical sciences as she did for the humanities, and pursued an education in Chemistry and Religious Studies at the University of California, Irvine. Here, Liz spent time synthesizing organic chemicals, learning about human culture, and working as a part-time barista in Orange County where she crossed paths with many great individuals. In these spaces, Liz found a support system that guided her toward Earthcorps. Since relocating, her experience in the PNW has been nothing short of beautiful, and she looks forward to building her year ahead in the Corps. A naturally optimistic person, Liz romanticizes her life by enjoying live music, exploring her neighborhood, creating photo albums, traveling, strolling…

When she isn’t working or setting trees on fire (for research), you can find Inès molded onto her couch with a crisp Baja Blast ™ drawing and hanging out with her roommate who doesn’t pay rent (her cat), Cosmo.

Jacob comes from Dubuque Iowa, within the Driftless Zone of the Midwest. Jacob came to Earthcorps looking for a head start in the environmental sphere and has found not only that but strong community, meaningful labor and lifelong memories, leading to their desicion to stay another year.

Laurabelén relocated from Miami Florida. For as long as she could remember she’s had an interest in helping the environment. For someone with a dream in working with the USDA from inspecting land for invasive insects to managing land for logging and controlled fires, this opportunity has been a dream come true and an amazing stepping stone in reaching their goals. A very special thanks to their loved ones in encouraging and pushing them to carry their dreams no matter the distance from Home.

Lauriane Noirot (she/her) joined the 2024 EarthCorps cohort in order to support EarthCorps efforts in restoring local ecosystems. She holds a BA in Environmental Sciences and a MA in Agricultural Development. After working on projects in sustainable agriculture and waste management for the past 3 years, Lauriane decided it was time to spend more time in the field. At EarthCorps, her goal is to gain knowledge of PNW ecosystems in order to link ecosystem restoration/conservation to the local agricultural sector. In her free time, Lauriane enjoys traveling, hiking and learning from others.

Lillian Mance (She/Her) relocated to Washington after graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in Natural Resources with an emphasis in ecology and rangeland management. During her time at UA, Lillian found her passion for ecological restoration and environmental policy. She worked for the university as Science Outreach Intern Educator, Student Field Botanist, Aquaponics Lab Tech, Horticulture Technician Intern with the incredible Borderlands Restoration Network, and continues to work as a researcher on the innovative NEPAccess team.

Lillian hopes to combine research and education in her future career, and contribute to environmental policy reform. She plans to pursue graduate school in ecology, and continue to help the planet heal in whatever way possible. She is thrilled to be a member of Earthcorps and start her professional journey with a group of hardworking, optimistic change-makers.

Lily (she/they) was born and raised in Seattle WA. She earned a Bachelor of Science from The Evergreen State College where she studied natural sciences including invertebrate zoology and evolutionary biology. After serving a term with the Washington Conservation Corps in 2019-2020, they interned at PAWS Wildlife Hospital caring for sick and injured wildlife. She then spent some time working in childcare and environmental education before returning to environmental restoration with EarthCorps, where she is excited to gain the experience needed to continue a career in the environmental field. She is passionate about conservation and happiest when she gets to spend her time outdoors making a positive impact on the environment.

Outside of work, they enjoy hiking, camping, watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with their friends and cats!

Lottie has a lifetimes worth of observation of the outdoors. As a child (and still to this day) they enjoyed hands on learning and getting dirty while doing it. In high school they were apart of an Environmental Academy which further ingrained their love for all things ecology and systems. When Lottie isn’t yelling “Hot Saw” from deep in the woods doing fire prevention or screaming in the streets for human/earth rights – you’ll find them laying at home recharging and indulging in what they call “rotting”.

Luke Johnson (He/Him) grew up in Seattle but moved to Shoreline in 2018. After graduating High School, he decided to do a gap year and join Earth Corps. He plans to study environmental science in college after his time in Earth Corps. Growing up, Luke always had an interest in the environment. This stemmed from the many camping trips and hikes he would go on as a child. He loves everything outdoors and enjoys hiking, camping, and reading in his free time. 

Meet Mar ( they/ them) they’re a Corps member! mar is a passionate advocate for habitat restoration and wildlife conservation. Mar is currently pursuing their degree in Geography at the university of north texas in denton texas, and hopes to pursue their masters in wetland ecology after! mar has spent time in lab settings doing research and also has experience conducting work with GIS systems. When not immersed in the world of preserving nature, you can find them playing music with their band and spending time with their cats.

Marlo relocated from El Paso, Texas where he got his Bachelors in Neuroscience conducting nicotine dependence research, and is a board member for NOVA Initiative- an organization that promotes evidence-based education on nicotine products to public schools. He has also conducted environmental health research for La Mujer Obrera studying the impacts of environmental racism on redlined barrios. They have been critical in local climate justice campaigns, arroyo restoration projects in New Mexico, and a supervisor at the Casa del Sagrado Corazon migrant shelter. As a chapter leader and board member for Students for Sensible Drug Policy, he has presented educational harm reduction workshops, advocating for evidence-based approaches, policies, and perspectives on stigmatized substances. His passion for research, ending the failed war on drugs, climate justice, and migrant rights all interconnect towards the liberation of all people and reparations to communities fighting colonialism. At EarthCorps he hopes to do the hard, good work in ecological restoration while being guided by intersectional principles. Marlo enjoys antojitos, hiking, thrifting, volunteering, and skateboarding on his off time.

Max (he/him) grew up in Radford, Virginia, and then went to Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York where he majored in Environmental Studies with a focus on Forest Ecology and Geography. After graduating, he moved to Seattle and worked as a teacher’s assistant at an outdoor preschool. He is excited to join EarthCorps in their conservation and restoration work, and hopes to continue his career in the ecology field. Outside of work, Max can be found walking his dog around Capitol Hill or babysitting his former students.

As a Corpsmember at EarthCorps, Mitchell brings a unique blend of academic curiosity and a passion for conservation work. Initially drawn to the intricacies of biochemistry, he soon realized that his true calling lay outdoors, where he could actively contribute to local communities and the environment.

Choosing the path of conservation work was a deliberate shift away from corporate culture, driven by a desire to make a tangible impact and connect with nature. The decision to become a Corpsmember at EarthCorps is rooted in the joy of working with one’s hands, solving real-world problems, and fostering positive change in the communities we serve.

He is excited to be part of EarthCorps, where every day presents an opportunity to channel his academic background into practical solutions for environmental challenges. Together with like-minded individuals, Mitchell is committed to making a lasting difference in our natural surroundings and building a more sustainable future.

Raghav (he/him) is a Crew Member at EarthCorps. He went to school for astrophysics with a “concept of a plan“ to pursue a PhD. At the crux of his undergrad career, he decided that he wasn’t quite ready to go down that path and instead wanted to work for a bit. After graduating, he moved to Boston to work in financial consulting, which is what physicists do when they decide to run away from physics. A year later, he left the business bros for an IT job in Madison, WI. Throughout the next year, he realized he had an interest in activism, climate, geography, and ecology, which is how he ended up at EarthCorps.

Raghav has many interests and is always looking to try new things (or perhaps that’s his ADHD brain speaking). He enjoys reading, movies, biking, the art of making coffee, building mechanical keyboards, writing, cool art, and going to EDM festivals. At EarthCorps, he hopes to fall in love with restoration work!

Rebekah spent most of her childhood outside, which has inspired her love for learning more about the natural world. Rebekah moved from Berea, Kentucky where she got a degree in Anthropological Archaeology. With a background in organic farming and working on archeological digs, Rebekah understands how human connections to the earth shape culture. As an Earthcorps crew member, Rebekah is excited to be immersed in the nature of Washington and learn from those around her. When she is not digging in the dirt, Rebekah loves baking bread, finding fun swim spots, and biking anywhere she can.

River has studied at Northern Illinois University and earned his Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies with a focus on Biological Restoration. He has also done several projects throughout his educational career from developing a tree management program for his college campus, to conducting research at the Nachusa Grasslands.

With an educational background in biodiversity, sustainable practices, and green technologies, and an extra curricular background in Speech and Debate, River is looking for a way to make the world around him more sustainable and cohesive with nature (I think cohesive is the right word).

When River isn’t fighting for a sustainable future, you can find him enjoying the outdoors fishing, birding, hiking. As well as find him on the piste fencing sabre.

Soren Wilkie (they/them) grew up in Berea, Kentucky, learning the names of all the trees native to eastern and central Kentucky. Now, they are excited to learn some new names in eastern Washington’s natural and urban forests while getting their hands dirty on ecological restoration. When they’re not pulling weeds or trying to identify a new plant, they like to crochet, play pokemon, and hang out with their cat.

Tori is an occasional artist and bird enthusiast from Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in an urban landscape inspired a strong passion for environmental justice and access to green spaces, and they have spent much of their time working with urban farms and community environmental spaces. Tori recently graduated with a degree in art and environmental science, and they are excited to pursue a future working with others who share a desire to fight for the safety of our earth and those who inhabit it.

When they’re not working outdoors, Tori can be found playing Dungeons and Dragons or oil painting in their room.

As a Seattle native and lover of the great outdoors, William is excited to be serving his community with EarthCorps this year. William recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics but decided to try something completely different for a year — “life is short, why not make it an adventure?” he says. Besides working with EarthCorps, William enjoys gardening, gaming, and doing improv comedy.

The International Crew Member position is for non-U.S. residents to come and train in Seattle, Washington. It runs from June through December each year. International Crew Members are sponsored by EarthCorps on a J-1 Trainee visa. EarthCorps charges no fees for international participants. However, participants are responsible for costs associated with applying for a visa and purchasing airfare to and from Seattle. International participants live with Host Families in Seattle who provide room and board and a glimpse into Pacific Northwest culture. Read a full position description from a past posting here: International Crew Member Position Description.

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