Our Staff
Program Managers
Administrative Assistants
SEEDS After School Programs
Coordinators
Support Staff
VISTA Members
YCC Team Leaders
Executive Director
Sarna Salzman, MS
Sarna builds synergy within SEEDS and in the wider community through innovative monitoring techniques and fostering direct connections. She has an eclectic bundle of skills all related to building community self-reliance through ecological intelligence. She has a BA in Anthropology and Sociology from Kalamazoo College in Michigan and an MS in Community Development from the University of California at Davis. In her spare time you might find her on stage, sharing a spicy meal, or just drinking maple syrup. sarna @ecoSEEDS.org
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Program Managers
Barton Kirk, EIT, MS
Area: Energy & Environmental Analysis
Barton works at the nexus of energy, water, climate, community and engineered design. His social and environmental roots were established early, working on his parents’ community-supported farm and at the Penn State Center for Sustainability. For the past decade, he has been helping communities by applying life-cycle systems analysis and has a particular interest in regenerative infrastructure design that engages youth and local citizens. His has a BS in Agricultural & Biological Engineering from Pennsylvania State, an MS in Natural Resources from the University of Vermont and is a guest lecturer at the Yestermorrow Design/Build School where he teaches hands-on and theoretical courses on ecological water and waste solutions. Find his CV here. barton @ecoSEEDS.org
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Amy Martin
Area: Development
Amy seeks possibilities and makes them happen. She does this through a love of developing efficient systems for people, projects, and ideas. She holds a BS in Music and Education from Western Michigan University and an MA from Michigan State University in Educational Technology. Her educator's background combined with her zealousness for discovery and making connections has inspired her work on project and program coordination, grant writing, and fundraising. She also brings a passion for running, Ashtanga yoga, lively discussions, jam sessions, and outdoor adventures with her husband and 3 crazy children. amy @ecoseeds.org
Maeve McBride, PhD
Area: Ecological Engineering
Maeve has worked with a variety of organizations and engineering firms on floodplain restoration, geomorphic analysis, and engineered logjams. She has worked with the Academy of Natural Sciences on numerous stream rehabilitation, nonpoint source watershed modeling, watershed management planning, and urban stream assessment projects. She received a BS in Systems Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MS and PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Washington and University of Vermont respectively. Maeve's current work involves riparian restoration, rain gardens, and urban stormwater solutions. Her other interests include her son, organic gardening and teaching yoga.
maeve @ecoSEEDS.org
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Solomon Townsend, EIT
Area: Energy & Environmental Analysis
Solomon is a Mechanical Engineer/ Energy Analyst helping institutions understand their resource consumption choices. Since a young age he has had an intense interest in understanding how things work and improving them, which led him to pursue engineering. Solomon has a diverse background including a broad exposure to a number of engineering disciplines, construction, economics, and business. Before joining SEEDS, he worked for ten years in mechanical design and project engineering with an emphasis in system optimization. Outside of work he enjoys biking, kayaking, surfing, camping, and doing almost anything outdoors. solomon @ecoSEEDS.org
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Tara Ward, MSNR
Area: Education
Tara's background is varied, with skills in organizational development, fundraising, organizing, and her passion, science and environmental education. Tara grew up in California, France, and Minnesota, worked for eleven years at the nonprofit Ecology Center in Ann Arbor and has developed curriculum from Traverse City for the past ten years. She has a BS in Biology and Biophysical Environmental Studies from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, and an MS in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan, with emphases in Environmental Education and Advocacy. Her hobbies are birdwatching, botanizing, and her wonderful children. tara @ecoSEEDS.org
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Bill Watson
Area: Youth Development
Bill has worked with youth since 2001. His passion for his work with young people has helped him spearhead creative partnerships that provide benefits on many levels - for youth, local business, a region's natural environment, and the larger community. He is also an experienced anger management and domestic violence group facilitator. In his former lives, Bill was a chef, an itinerant scuba diver and spearfisherman, a carpenter, and a guy who walked into the woods for days with only a pack and sleeping mat on his back. Now his camping experiences involve being a sherpa for his wife and boys. bwatson @ecoSEEDS.org
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Administrative Assistants
Sarah Garrity
Sarah is the Communications Coordinator at the SEEDS Headwaters office. She has a BFA from Alma College with an emphasis in scientific Illustration and minor in Biology. She plans to continue her education by pursing a Masters Degree. This position provides her with an in-depth look into the non-profit world. Born and raised in Traverse City, MI, Sarah has been able to spend the seasons kayaking, roller-blading, sailing, camping, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. These outdoor experiences have had an influence on her artwork and attitude towards life! sarahg @ecoSEEDS.org
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Renee Herman
Renee has happily joined the SEEDS team to wear an assortment of hats. She is currently the new Coordinator and Fundraiser for this year's Great Lakes Bioneers, the paperwork-tracking maven for all SEEDS staff, and a teacher for the Frankfort (Michigan) Glee Club. After earning a BA in Music from Berklee College of Music (Boston) and spending ten years in Los Angeles where she developed her administrative and organizational skills in the non-profit world, Renee is happy to return to her northern Michigan homeland, where she is reveling in the bounty of lakes, forests, and delicious food, and dipping her toes into the thriving local music scene. renee @ecoseeds.org
Christine Sleeman
Christine joined SEEDS in January 2010 and has been very busy keeping track of all the SEED-lings! Born in Detroit and raised among the woods and shores of Lake Michigan in Traverse City, her interest in science, dance, and art led her to study at Western Michigan University where she earned a BS in Biology. After college she set off to the West for adventures in Montana, Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound, and Seattle, working in horticulture, science education , and environmental health research. She returned to the Great Lakes in 2002 and spent 5 years combining her love of botany and art as a floral designer and gardener. Her favorite hobbies are napping with her pets, watching lots of movies, world travel, and making jewelry. She shares a wonderful home with her partner and the Lincoln St. Beagles & Cats. admin @ecoSEEDS.org
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SEEDS After School Program Coordinators
Kara Bontrager
Forest Area Middle School
Kara is a native “Yooper” who relocated to the Kalkaska area in 2006. In November 2009, Kara joined SEEDS as a VISTA member and works at SEEDS After School at Kalkaska Middle School. In 2010, Kara received her BS in Liberal Studies from Grand Valley State University. You can usually find Kara spending time with her wonderful husband and son, curled up with a book or a movie, trying out a new recipe, or soaking up as much warm sunshine as northern Michigan will provide. kara @ecoSEEDS.org
Michelle "Mo" Denoyer, BASW
Kalkaska High School & Northside Educational Center
After growing up in the Traverse City area, Mo has settled in Mancelona with her partner for life, exploring the woods and waterways in Antrim County. Mo came to SEEDS with seven years’ experience working with youth in areas such as life skills coaching, team building, and case management. She enjoys spending time with students, helping them to understand that each is beautiful in their own way, and her passion is fueled by the often colorful stories unique to each student. Mo earned her BA degree in Social Work from Ferris State University and will return to graduate school in Fall 2011 to pursue a counseling degree, one more step on her path toward her dream of creating a haven for wayward youth. In her free time she enjoys kayaking, quadding (riding ATVs), hiking, and gardening. When the north is blanketed in white you will find her on the slopes or exploring the woods by snow machine or snow shoes. mo @ecoSEEDS.org
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Nick Florip
Suttons Bay Middle and High School
Nick was born and raised in northern Michigan. He graduated from Glen Lake Schools and later Hope College after obtaining his degree in education. Nick has been working for SEEDS in Suttons Bay for just over two years now. When Nick is not at SEEDS, he likes to spend his time in the outdoors fishing, hunting, and hiking.
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Jana Lanning
Kalkaska County Outreach
Jana has a great love for Kalkaska County from its people right down to its Ellsworth Shale bedrock. Her three children graduated from Kalkaska Public Schools and she has worked with Kalkaska students and families for 15 years. She has a BS Summa Cum Laude from Grand Valley State University. From early childhood, Jana has loved creeks and woodlands and now regularly picks her food fresh from woods and field. jana @ecoSEEDS.org
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Dave Moore
Forest Area High School
David Moore is a native of Northern Michigan. He loves all things that have to do with sports and the outdoors, especially sharing his skills and adventures with others. After college at Grand Valley State University, he found himself traveling the country and then came back home - Up North. He joined SEEDS in 2011 as “Chief Barn Operator” but now works with the SEEDS after school program at Forest Area Schools. When Dave is not helping with homework or hitting the slopes with students, he can be found hunting, fishing, or playing some hoops with pals. david @ecoseeds.org
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Sarah Nicholas
Frankfort Middle & High School
Sarah is a second year VISTA member for the Frankfort After School Program. She grew up in Metamora, MI, before heading to Alma College. She now has a BA in Exercise and Health Science, focusing on Health and Fitness. After graduation, she was a fitness specialist, personal trainer, and cross-country coach in mid-Michigan before working as a counselor/fitness instructor at a teen weight loss camp in La Jolla, CA. Sarah loves spending time with friends and family, traveling, singing, song-writing, playing guitar, the beach, working out, pictures, cooking, and going on northern MI adventures. She has spent the last year taking full advantage of life on Lake Michigan and looks forward to another year of exploring! sarahnicholas @ecoSEEDS.org
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Ben Parsons
Brethren Middle School & High School
Ben was born and raised in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula on the Keweenaw Peninsula. He grew up on an organic farm, so he learned to appreciate the relationship between humans and the natural world from an early age. Ben attended school in Kalamazoo, at Western Michigan University where he received degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Analysis and Resource Management. ben @ecoSEEDS.org
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Nate Shivlie
Kalkaska Middle School
Nate was born into the hills and spills of Michigan's Northern Lower Peninsula. A peaceful upbringing amongst the woods and water of Missaukee County sent him to Western Michigan University to earn a teaching degree. Following graduation, he embarked on a two year journey throughout the continental United States, working with the wind industry in Wyoming, re-building houses in Mississippi, washing dishes in Washington, catching crabs in Oregon, and making friends along the way. He recently earned an English teaching endorsement from Baker College. In his spare time, led by the divine, he writes rhymes, walks and floats rivers and shorelines, plays basketball, and embraces the changing times.
nateshivlie @ecoSEEDS.org
Josh Stoltz
Benzie Central Middle School & High School
Josh was born in Traverse City and raised in the woods and wetlands of Northern Michigan by his city-hippy-dad and farmer-redneck-ma. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a degree in Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts, Marketing, and Advertising, he moved out West to chase his own tale and soon discovered his knack for building relationships. During his twenties, Josh opened several companies throughout Arizona and Florida before calling it quits just prior to turning 30. He spent the next couple years semi-retired, living on a school bus named The Future that was painted like the Earth and traveling the country. In 2007 he married his soulmate, bought a house without tires or a steering wheel, and became the proud step-father of a now teenage boy, Isaac. In his spare time, Josh likes to tell stories or sleep. josh @ecoSEEDS.org
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Kevin Summers
Manistee High School
Kevin’s students will tell you that he is a very serious person. They don’t know about his other life as a performance artist and backwoods homesteader. He began working with youth as part of a community garden project in Pittsburgh, PA, while completing his undergraduate degree. He then taught first through third grade in Camden, NJ. Before recently returning to Northern Michigan, Kevin presented a review of his work integrating art, science, and music in Camden at the joint conference of the Acoustical Society of America and the European Acoustics Association in Paris, France. Kevin is also the administrator for the Don Dohler fan page on Facebook. knsummers @ecoSEEDS.org
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SEEDS After School Program Support Staff
Marc Alderman
S.T.E.M. Education Specialist
(Science Engineering, Math and Technology)
Marc began working for SEEDS as a site coordinator for the 21st Century Community Learning Center after school program in 2009. Since 2011 he has been able to use his skills as a musician, scientist, educator, and community builder in his new role as the SEEDS S.T.E.M. Education Specialist. Marc grew up in Northern Michigan, graduated from Glen Lake Community Schools, received a BA (percussion performance) from Alma College and a BS (education) from Central Michigan University. He continues to be an active performing musician playing all over the Midwest and has exposed thousands of students to the joy and cultural significance of hand drumming. He is also an avid nature enthusiast and enjoys hiking, canoeing, camping, and snorkeling in both tropical waters and the Great Lakes. marcalderman @ecoSEEDS.org
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Greta Bell
A native of Leelanau County, Greta Bell earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Michigan State University. Since graduation Greta has done a variety of work with children, including serving as a lead preschool teacher, activities director, tutor, and mentor. Raised with a love for the outdoors, Greta enjoys staying active by running, hiking, and playing sports. greta @ecoSEEDS.org
Meryl Estes
Meryl, raised in Traverse City, MI, spent most of her spare time outdoors working with young people. She graduated from Northern Michigan University with a BFA in Photography, moved to Portland, OR, and earned an associates degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Management at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Working in some of Portland's top restaurants, all of which received their produce from local organic farms, inspired her to serve an apprenticeship at Sauvie Island Organics, a local CSA farm, where she fell in love with organic farming. Now Meryl's dreams are coming true in Beulah; she and her husband Alex own Narrow Gauge Farm and Forge. Meryl runs the cooking program for Benzie Central High and Frankfort. She loves geeking out about food and farming with students and friends and in her spare time she enjoys surfing, snowboarding and rockclimbing. meryl @ecoseeds.org
Kimberly Evans
Kimberly Evans was born in Texas, but raised in Rockford Michigan. She grew up working at her family’s campground and canoe livery, and after graduating from Rockford High School, she attended Western Michigan University to obtain a degree in Secondary Education, specializing in English Language Arts and Speech. Kimberly moved up north after she graduated from WMU. She loves spending time with her two cats: Armand and Other Cat. Kimberly can always be found with a book on hand, and she loves to discuss literature and discover new books. She really enjoys working with students, and is excited to work with them in the SEEDs After School Program! kevans @ecoseeds.org
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Greg Hart
Greg is a Food Systems Specialist, coordinating farm-to-table educational programming. A native of Ann Arbor, Greg went to Chicago to earn his BA in Biology with a Spanish minor at North Park University. He then moved back to Michigan where he spent time at the Au Sable Institute in Mancelona providing K-12 education. Living in Washtenaw County, he worked with Tantre Farm in Chelsea for three years including managing a variety of projects from wholesale accounts to dry bean production. Later, with The Brinery in Ann Arbor, he helped ferment and sell vegetables. Now in Traverse City, Greg lives with his wife Meghan and enjoys sailing, rock climbing and eating with friends! greg@ecoseeds.org
VISTA Members (Volunteers in Service to America)
Beth Anderson
Beth is an AmeriCorps VISTA at SEEDS After School in Brethren. She grew up in a military family zigzagging around the country, graduating High School in Cadillac MI in 2005, and going on to earn her BS in Commercial Art and Illustration in 2009 from Olivet Nazarene University. Since then, she has worked as a chef and kitchen manager and is now leading Art and Cooking clubs for SEEDS. She enjoys drawing, hiking, photography, and all things U.P. beth @ecoseeds.org
Kayla Bates
Kayla's life has come full circle. Raised in Benzie County, she is a graduate of Benzie Central High School. She finds herself at Benzie again, this time working as a VISTA member for SEEDS after school. In between, Kayla attended the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. Kayla enjoys ultimate frisbee, reading, baking, and being outside in beautiful Northern Michigan whenever possible.
kayla @ecoSEEDS.org
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Christina Carson
Having grown up in Petoskey, Christina considers herself a tried and true Northern Michigan girl. She has a BA from the University of Michigan’s Program in the Environment, where she specialized her studies in Environmental Education. Since graduating, she has spent her years helping manage the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, serving as an AmeriCorps member with the Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, working on small farms, and living in both the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. These days she couldn’t be happier to be back on the shores of the Great Lakes. In her free time, you can often find Christina exploring the local woods, cooking and baking for others, writing letters to friends near and far, biking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and always with her camera in hand! christina @ecoSEEDS.org
Crystal Lemmon
Crystal is from Goldsboro, North Carolina. She attended East Carolina University and received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work with a concentration in School Social Work. She was vacationing in Michigan when she heard about the SEEDS VISTA position available in Manistee County. A few weeks later, she drove nearly 1,000 miles and has settled in with her three cats and dog to enjoy all that living near Lake Michigan has to offer. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, running, and playing video games. crystal @ecoseeds.org
Juliana Lisuk
Juliana grew up in Leland and spent her time exploring the beautiful natural areas of Northern Michigan. Leaving Michigan to attend Denison University, she earned a BA in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Sociology/Anthropology. Throughout college she was involved in Denison’s Green Team, environmental education club, and The Homestead, a student run intentional community. Post-graduation Juliana spent a season working on an organic vegetable farm in Alaska and made the nearly 6,000 mile road trip to return to work as a VISTA with SEEDS. juliana @ecoseeds.org
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Claire Martin
Claire Martin is a Pure Michigan girl. She grew up in Lansing, attended Michigan State University and received a BA in Geography. The fresh water of northwest Michigan called her to Traverse City where she has lived for the past year. Claire loves anything that has to do with the Great Lakes. In her free time you can find Claire wakeboarding, kiteboarding, surfing, longboarding and snowboarding. She enjoys travelling, spending time out in nature, playing with animals, eating Michigan grown food and meeting new people. claire @ecoSEEDS.org
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DeAnna Romstad
In summer 2010, DeAnna spent six-and-a-half months thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail with her husband. While on the trail, she was known as Scat Tracker for her peculiar fascination with animal poop and her husband was known as UniCroc because he walked for more than 20 with one boot and one Croc to help tame the pain of an injured foot! After completing the trail, they returned to Bay City, MI, but DeAnna jumped at the opportunity to move to Kalkaska, which is surrounded by woods and hills and rivers and wildlife. She was thrilled to discover that by joining SEEDS she would become part of an organization that shares her strong personal values and has such an appreciation and respect for the outdoors, especially for our dear Mother Earth! deanna @ecoSEEDS.org
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Alex Scott
Alex was born in Fremont, MI and raised in a small town north of Grand Rapids called Grant. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a BS degree in physical education, where he also served as the president for the Honors Physical Education Fraternity, Phi Epsilon Kappa. After graduation, Alex found himself back in school, and is currently pursuing his Masters degree in Adapted Physical Education. When not serving Brethren as an Americorps Vista, you can find Alex disc golfing, mountain biking, golfing, or traveling. alexscott @ecoseeds.org
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Katie Sexton
Kathleen graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelors Degree in Natural Resources Management, and a minor in Environmental Studies. She grew up in Southeast Michigan, and after attending GVSU and spending time exploring the coast of Lake Michigan, vowed to never move back to a busy traffic clogged area again. After school she had various seasonal jobs, including a wildlife technician position for the U.S. Forest Service and a Dune Restoration Crew Member for The Nature Conservancy in Frankfort, MI. Kathleen has always had a passion for ecological awareness, wildlife, and living and working outdoors. She enjoys sharing her interests with others by taking them out and showing them unique places throughout Northwest Michigan. kathleen @ecoseeds.org
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Ian Wilson
Ian was born in Pennslyvania but grew up in Greenville, North Carolina. After high school he attended Brevard College for a couple of years where he studied Art and History. He then finished up at Appalachian State University where he earned his BFA in Painting and Printmaking and found a passion for organizing and installing art exhibits. He took a summer to work as a curating intern at an art museum. In his spare time he enjoys painting and drawing mostly and tries to take time to enjoy long bike rides, lengthy runs, music, reading and jokes. Ian @ecoseeds.org
Erin Williams
Erin Williams joins SEEDS from a long history of traveling around the USA as a military brat. Previous to her VISTA term, she worked with a pizza catering business focusing on organic ingredients. She has a love of youth and a passion for fresh food and gets to bring both together serving the Forest Area After School program. erin @ecoseeds.org
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Cameron Winright
Cameron graduated from Brethren High School in Brethren, Michigan, where he is now working for SEEDS as an Americorp VISTA. He attended Northern Michigan University and is working towards a degree in Physical Education. In his spare time he enjoys, hunting, fishing, paintball, and playing nearly any sport. cameron @ecoseeds.org
Lauren Ziemba
Lauren Ziemba grew up in Ludington, Michigan. She went to Kenadall College of Art and Design where she received her BFA in Jewelry/Metal Design. After time in Chicago she went to Brazil to help with a community center that focused on the needs of at-risk girls. After coming back to Michigan she was excited to find a position with the SEEDS offshoot in Manistee. She loves going to art museums and cities after it rains, finding art in public places, hiking at the state park, traveling for months in foreign countries, and spending time in thrift stores. lauren @ecoseeds.org
Youth Conservation Corps Team Leaders
Britt Uecker
Britt Uecker is passionate about growing good food and eating well. Britt turned a passion for gardening into a B.S. in Horticulture at Michigan State University. She was employed by the MSU Children’s garden while attending college. Britt believes deeply that education is the key to getting communities excited about healthy food choices. To this end, she works with youth in Manistee on gardening and farm market projects.
Rick Magee
Rick Magee was born in Rochester, MI, and raised in Northern Michigan. He earned his Associates degree from Northwestern Michigan Community College and a BS in Psychology from Central Michigan University. He settled in little Fife Lake where he resides with his wife of 21 years and 7 children. He has worn many hats in his work life, as a teacher, a coach of nearly all sports, a carpenter, a painter, an athletic director, and more. His passion is children. He loves to coach and teach, he has been a foster parent for several years, and he continues to nurture youth in every aspect of his life. He loves working with the young people of SEEDS. In his spare time, you will find him camping, boating, coaching, or attending a sporting event with his family. rick @ecoSEEDS.org