About Us:

A) ELP Members (Eugene, Oregon)

Renee Gabriel, Environmental Educator

Renee is currently is studying environmental studies at the University of Oregon. She started at Western Oregon University with the intention of becoming a teacher, however 3 courses in Earth Science changed her mind. Now with her childhood memories of exploring the natural world fueling her passion for the outdoors, she is considering learning to share her passion with others in the form of environmental education in the future. Renee grew up 30 minutes east of Portland, Oregon in the foothills of Mt. Hood. She enjoys skiing, hiking, reading, playing music, and lying in the sun on warm summer days.

Kate Cornwall, Environmental Educator

Kate is a fourth year student in the Environmental Studies program at the University of Oregon. After finishing her last few quarters on her bachelor's degree, she plans on attending graduate school in environmental studies and urban sustainability. Born and raised in Spokane, WA, Kate's love of the outdoors came from lakes, mountains, parks, and family trips throughout the Northwest. Spokane is where Kate plans to eventually settle, since her family is centered in that area. Until then, she will enjoy learning, traveling, yoga, dance, art, sailing, kayaking, hiking, and her various other interests.

Sydney Wight, Environmental Educator

Sydney is currently a Junior at the University of Oregon. She is an Environmental Science major with a minor in Anthropology. She hopes to one day go to graduate school in South America. Her dream job is to become a zoologist and focus on the conservation and rehabilitation of endangered species. Sydney was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. Ever since she can remember, Sydney has loved the outdoors, finding any excuse to be outside. She loves hiking, camping, rock climbing, canoeing, and especially SCUBA diving. Her passions in life are her family, friends, art, cartoons, animals, SCUBA, the outdoors, cooking, cultures and traveling. She is full of imagination, and is willing to seize everyday!

Cody Evers, Team Mananger

Cody Evers is very excited to be the program manager for the Macaw Project in Eugene, Oregon. Cody is a graduate student and masters canidate within the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Oregon. His research interests include environmental education, geograpic information systems, and conservation planning. Cody will be researching the efficacy of the work done in the Macaw Project, investigating how peer-groups in international setting can aid in the sense of connection to international environmental issues. He orginally hails from Park City, Utah in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. He is an avid outdoor adventurer including skiing, mountain biking and kayaking. He also paints when his graduate studies permits the time.

Kirsten Rudestam, Program Coordinator

B) The CREES Family Members (Salvacion, Peru)

Quinn Meyer

A British/American anthropologist with over 3 years experience in the Manu Biosphere Reserve and the Peruvian Andes specialising his skills in eco-tourism, natural resource development, team building and education. Quinn formed CREES back in 2003 and has developed the organisation bringing onboard a host of like-minded professionals. Quinn is responsible for driving forward the vision of CREES Expeditions (partner to The CREES Foundation) and brings the structure and backbone required for the team to function at maximum strength.

Armando Valdes-Velasquez, PhD

A Peruvian conservationist with over 10 years experience in the Peruvian Rainforests specializing his skills in biology, biogeography, eco-tourism, natural resource development, capacity building and education. Armando joined the CREES Foundation in 2007 and has developed the program and vision of the organisation. Armando is responsible for the visionary and dynamic approach of the CREES Foundation, focusing on the generation of alternatives for a sustainable future.