A proud Nevadan, Tara grew up in Las Vegas, but moved to Reno in 2015 to attend UNR. They graduated with a BA in Anthropology and Art and later spent 2 years working as archeological field technician. Inspired by their time spent in nature as a field tech, they’re now enthusiastic to share the beauty of the outdoors with their community through the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. You can often find them enjoying open spaces and making food, art and music with their friends.

Born and raised in Prescott, Arizona, Deanna joins us as our Lead Naturalist Educator. After graduating from Northern Arizona University with a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and a minor in Biology, she made the move to Reno to share her passion for environmental education and community service. She is excited to work in her field of study and most of all, help spread her passion for our environment to our next generations of leaders and community members.

Nyaabila formerly served an AmeriCorps term as a Youth Recreation Leader for the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. He is now a Naturalist Educator Working with kids, which has always been a passion. He is excited to serve for TMPF through AmeriCorps. For around 10 years he has been coaching and refereeing youth basketball. Battle-born Nyaabila graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a double major in Sociology and Psychology. He’s lived in Nevada, Canada, Washington, California, and two years overseas. He highly enjoys traveling, the outdoors, flying drones, and playing basketball in his spare time.

Elyssa Santana, a recent graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno, received a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science. Originally from Lodi, California, her focus during her college career was ecological restoration and conservation biology, with a particular personal interest in native plants of the Great Basin. Over the years she’s had the privilege of overseeing native plant shade houses for habitat restoration purposes, conducting remote sensitive plant surveys, collecting AIM soil and vegetation data with the Great Basin Institute, as well as working in the herbarium located in the Natural History Museum on UNR’s campus. She’s thrilled to be a part of the Student Stewards Program educating the next generation on environmental stewardship! She loves chatting about everything and all things ecology and nature-related. Be sure to say hi if you ever catch her at one of our youth programs.

With a decade of dedicated service industry experience, Hana has diligently worked her way up through all roles, gaining valuable insights and skills. The transformative experience of participating in the 82nd legislative session ignited her passion for civic engagement. Now, as a resident of Nevada, her goals extend from navigating the intricacies of state and local entities to conquering the Rubicon Trail. Additionally, as a Wedding DJ with DJ Funn she brings a unique rhythm to both the political and cultural landscapes, embracing a multifaceted journey in her new Nevada chapter.

Bio coming soon!

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Hailing from Sparks, NV, Charlie is a local to the area and holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. He was drawn to TMPF because he has always been passionate about the outdoors and environmental conservation. Charlie has been a volunteer with TMPF for years and did a half term as a Wetland Technician last summer! His hobbies include hiking, fencing, aviation, and international travel. Charlie's favorite way to get outside is to camp, or go for a hike and look at the birds, plants, bugs, rocks, etc.  He is excited to learn how to do interpretive guiding and connect people with the outdoors. 

Originally from Reno, Chloe grew up camping and hiking in the area. This fostered a desire to protect the environment, leading her to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Conservation from the University of British Columbia. However, her love for the Great Basin desert brought her back to Reno. Previously a Wetland Restoration Technician, Chloe is excited to serve another term with TMPF as an Interpretive Trail Guide. When not at work, you can find Chloe playing board games, roller skating, or reading.

Bio coming soon!

As a recent UNR graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and an emphasis in Restoration and Conservation, Jonah recently served as a Wetland Restoration Technician. Drawing on his GIS experience, he is now helping our trails program as the GIS Specialist! Previously, Jonah has also done post-fire restoration, worked for California State Parks for eight seasons, and was lucky enough to live and work in the redwoods and the ghost town of Bodie. 

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Mara graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with their Masters degree in Hydrology in late 2023. Although they are formally trained primarily in environmental/climate science and geology, they’ve always had a passion for STEAM outreach and education. They are excited to put this into practice as an Education Coordinator at the Rosewood Nature Study Area by using outdoor classroom spaces and interactive lessons that utilize the amazing restored wetlands at Rosewood. Their life goal is to learn something new everyday, and the best way they’ve found to do that is by working interactively with the community. In their free time they love walking in the local parks, biking, and spending time with their partner and cat. 

Bio Coming Soon

Iris graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.A. in Anthropology and a minor in Biology.  She worked in education as a teacher and tutor before switching careers to conservation.  She volunteered and worked for Conserve Southwest Utah in St. George, and is excited to serve her first AmeriCorps term with us as the Rosewood Nature Center Host.  She is going back to school to earn a degree in either forestry or environmental science.  In her free time, she can be found hiking or playing with her two cats. 

Originally from Rochester, New York, Nash brings a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge to Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. A proud graduate of SUNY ESF's The Ranger School, he honed his skills in environmental science and forestry. Nash has spent a field season with the Great Basin Institute in both Nevada and California, where he immersed himself in diverse ecosystems and conservation efforts. As our visitor center host, Nash is excited to share his knowledge and love of the outdoors with all who visit.