INSTITUTE STAFF

Jamie Sheahan, CGEI Executive Director
 ~ Jamie@gorgeecology.org
Jamie Sheahan joined the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute in June 2007, bringing professional experience in office and grant management, watershed restoration and environmental education.  Prior to joining CGEI, Sheahan served as the Coordinator for of the Yamhill Basin Watershed Council and two years as an AmeriCorps Member with the Northwest Service Academy in the Portland Area.  Sheahan earned a B.S. degree in Applied Ecology and Environmental Science from Michigan Technological University in 2001.   During her more than ample spare time in the Gorge, Jamie enjoys wildflower wanderings, telemark skiing adventures with her ladies, and huckleberry hording with her freckled dog, Chetco.

AMERICORPS MEMBERS

Deborah Castorina, Forest Educator
 ~ Deborah@gorgeecology.org
Originally hailing from Dallas, Texas as an Interior Designer, Deborah is kick-starting her new life as an outdoor educator in the Pacific Northwest.  Deborah came to CGEI in January after working as a Natural History Interpreter at Oregon Caves National Monument.

Tori Newburn, Forest Educator
 ~ Tori@gorgeecology.org
Tori Newburn is a natural born camp counselor, who has now focused his energy on environmental education here at the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute.  Originally from Southern California, he has been following the scent of the pines and moving further and further north with every move he makes.  Currently sun-tanless, you can find him out fishing, hiking, biking, and skipping along the streets of the gorge.

Kelly Nokes, Conservation Education Coordinator
 ~ Kelly@gorgeecology.org
Kelly joined the CGEI AmeriCorps team in January. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, she has recently graduated from Northern Michigan University with degrees in Environmental Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management. An avid mountain biker and outdoor adventure seeker, Kelly and her adorable dog, Kiara, can often be found out on the trails when not hard at work for CGEI.

Valerie Johnson, Forest Educator
 ~ Valerie@gorgeecology.org
Valerie claims herself as CGEI’s resident biology nerd and office pen thief.  Originally from Minnesota, Valerie spent the last four years in Walla Walla, Washington.  She came to CGEI after interning at the Oregon Zoo and deciding that the “big city” of Portland was far too big for her. 

Melissa Sandoz, Education Programs Coordinator
 ~ Melissa@gorgeecology.org
Melissa comes to CGEI with some environmental education experience, but more importantly, a passion for theatre and working with kids.  Her other loves include organization, fun events, and playing with other people’s dogs.  She moved 74 miles from her hometown of Beaverton, OR to her new home in Hood River.