Board member since 2023
Job Title and Company: Director of Planning and Brownfield Development for Niagara County
Hometown: Fulton, NY
What experience led you to where you are today at the land trust?
“I’ve spent most of my career working on brownfields — the kinds of sites people tend to forget about because they’re complicated or contaminated. I love the challenge of turning those places into something safer and more useful. I have always loved being by the water and the idea of protecting natural resources. Conservation and remediation are two sides of the same coin and I want to help protect the land we have while restoring the land we’ve lost.”
What is your interest in the land trust? Why are you here? What do you hope to accomplish?
“The land trust offers a huge opportunity to link brownfield work with land conservation. A lot of the sites I have been involved with have potential for habitat restoration, trails, or community green space but ownership is always an issue because no one wants to own a brownfield site and deal with contamination. The land trust offers that bridge and tackles the waterfront brownfield sites others don't want. I want to help make a difference.”
What’s your favorite part about being on this board?
“I really enjoy being around people who care deeply about the land in our region. It’s nice to bring my brownfield background into the mix and see how it complements the conservation work. We all come at projects from different angles, and that leads to really creative conversations.”
What brings you joy?
“What brings me the most joy is spending time with my kids and being involved in their activities — they keep life busy in the best way. Our dogs add plenty of fun and chaos too. I love being outdoors, especially anywhere near water, and I’m happiest on vacations with my husband where I can unplug and spend time in nature.”
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
“I’m happiest doing the simple things — going for a walk or finding a quiet spot to sit by the water. It’s the perfect way for me to unwind and enjoy being outdoors.”
What is your favorite season?
“I love fall. The vibrant colors in the trees, the crisp air, the way the whole landscape shifts, it’s such a beautiful time to be outside. The changing leaves, pumpkins, apples, and all the colors that make everything feel alive and cozy. And of course, I fully embrace all the pumpkin‑flavored food and drinks that come with the season.”
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
“I’d want to be a healer for both people and the land. In my brownfield work, I see so many places that have been damaged or overlooked, but still have incredible potential. Being able to instantly clean, restore, and bring those sites back to life would be amazing. And the same goes for people, helping them feel supported and whole. A superpower that could heal both communities and the land they depend on feels like the perfect fit for what I care about.”
Any current projects you’re working on or anything else you’d like to promote?
“Right now, I’m really excited about the work at 2020 River Road in Wheatfield. We’re in the planning stages of transforming the waterfront brownfield into a public park. The project brings together habitat restoration, climate‑adaptive design, and nature‑based shoreline improvements, while also creating new recreational, educational, and scenic opportunities for the community.”