Staff

Meet all the awesome people that work for Nature Consortium!

	Lili Allala, Restoration Director After graduating with an English degree from Winona University, Lili found her way to Seattle, where she became an EarthCorps crew member. In that capacity she has worked on many of our restoration projects. In addition to two years with EarthCorps, she has worked with the Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy. In that last capacity she learned a great deal about uplands and wetland habitat and developed an interest in wetland restoration. Lili enjoys hiking, camping, listening to soul and funk music, and is a huge fan of the Chicago White Sox.
	Ryan Applegate, Graphic Designer A cum laude graduate from the University of Washington, Ryan majored in Environmental Studies and minored in Architecture. He is excited to be developing new print and digital media for an organization that masterfully blends art and the natural world. When he’s not behind a computer, Ryan spends time snowboarding, painting, listening to music, bicycling and hanging out with friends.
	Max Baker, AmeriCorps Restoration Technician Max is a native Michigander, passionate explorer and connoisseur of all things outdoors. Following graduation from the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources, he has pursued a lifestyle of protecting and recreating within the natural environment. His first encounter with Washington took place in Leavenworth as an intern with the Forest Service, quickly followed by multiple research studies at his alma mater, an Americorps stint in the Lake Tahoe area as the Tahoe Rim Trail Association’s Trail Operations Manager, and a year of traveling and volunteering in Asia and South America. Between his seemingly endless moves he enjoys backpacking, snowboarding, canoeing and eating Indian food. He looks forward to the year ahead with the Nature Consortium and connecting with its many passionate partners and volunteers!
	Averie Garman, Site Coordinator Averie grew up in a family of actors and world travelers. After receiving her degree in Business administration from Eastern WA university Averie started her career in Real Estate. After gaining many skills in the art of small business, marketing and adult education Averie made the drastic change to international development. Averie worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in both Cape Verde (Western Africa) and Namibia (Southern Africa). When Averie’s not working with the Youth Art Program she enjoys snowboarding, bouldering, sailing, Zumba and Coffee! Averie’s excited to be part of the NC team, and looks forward to exploring art and the environment with the youth at the Yesler Community Center.
	Lizzie Jackson, Restoration and Education Coordinator Lizzie grew up freely exploring the woods in her childhood neighborhood and enjoying every minute she could be outside. Growing up in the Seattle area she has since expanded her explorations to include all of the Pacific Northwest. Lizzie has been teaching environmental education on an island and on the mainland for the past few years. She has recently finished a Masters in Education from the University of Washington along with a certificate in Education, Environment and Community from Islandwood. During any spare time you can find Lizzie either hiking or knitting, depending on the weather. Lizzie is excited to be working in restoration at Nature Consortium and taking part in keeping Seattle’s forests healthy for everyone and everything.
	Carla Moreno, Arts Education Director Born in New Orleans and raised in Houston, Carla relocated to Seattle in 2007. After receiving her Master’s degree from the University of North Texas she’s worked as a public school music educator, radio DJ, vocal coach, social media consultant, and even led eco-hikes for elementary youth. She is an avid world traveler having traversed 4 continents and several countries. Her passion for social justice and teaching youth about music, art, and outdoor conservation runs deep in her veins. Exploration comes naturally for Carla and when not at work, you’ll most likely find her camping, kayaking, or trekking the woods in search of bigfoot. She is excited to work for Nature Consortium and be a part of such a creative and talented staff.
	Oleana Perry, Volunteer Coordinator Oleana Perry is an artist and teacher residing in West Seattle. After receiving a Bachelor Degree in Visual Communications from NWCA she found herself stepping away from classical painting and discovering her passion for community building through the arts. Oleana was asked to teach a workshop in 2005 and hasn’t stopped, she currently teaches parade art, luminaries, mixed media and basic fundamentals for painting. Oleana grew up on a rescue farm surrounded by forests; spending time in the woods was a daily activity. Her paintings reflect her passion for nature and the spirituality she feels in the Pacific Northwest forests. Oleana is proud to be a part of the NC team, connecting people, arts and nature is the roots of her beliefs.
	Grace Scarella, Site Coordinator At four years old, Grace discovered her love of the arts when she took her first piano lesson. Since then, she has immersed herself in the performing arts and has studied classical and jazz piano, voice, musical theater, and dance. Sharing her passion for the arts, Grace regularly volunteers with youth in cultural-art programs throughout Seattle. Grace recently graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in History and French from Gonzaga University. Raised on Seattle’s Eastside, Grace loves to explore all the Pacific Northwest has to offer while spending as much time as she can with family and friends. She is thrilled to be a new member of the Nature Consortium team and looks forward to working and learning with all the kids at Rainier Vista.
	Monica Thomas, Outreach & Media Coordinator Monica is a spirited artist, writer, and sci-fi lover. At Nature Consortium, she combines her three passions – art, nature, and community - to promote the NC brand in the media, online, and in the Seattle area. She is also a lifelong musician who enjoys feminist dialogue, activism, hiking, and vegan treats.
	Lindsay von Marbod, Development Coordinator Lindsay is a Seattle area native with a background in art and a passion for youth development. She has experience working with several local nonprofits, including the Henry Art Gallery, the Frye Art Museum, the Pacific Science Center, SOS Outreach, and Treehouse. She holds both a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Visual Art and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Washington, and is so pleased to combine her love of art and nature with the work of Nature Consortium. When not building relationships with Nature C supporters, you can find her battling bindweed in her yard, geeking out at plant nurseries, dreaming of international travel, making art, wakesurfing, snowboarding, hiking, and hanging out with her husband and two “girls” (dog-children) in their West Seattle home.
	Nancy Whitlock, Executive Director Nancy is the founder and Executive Director of the Nature Consortium. She founded the organization back in 1998 from a desire to connect with neighbors and the idea that everyone has the ability to create and explore the arts and improve the environment. When she’s not at work she’s trying to keep up with her biking-inspired husband and her 15 year old son.