MEET OUR STAFF

Our dedicated team is committed to fulfilling VLT’s mission to protect and preserve open space for current and future generations.

Staff photos donated by Timothy Teague Photography and Liam Pickhardt Photography

  • MELISSA BAFFA

    Executive Director

  • DAN HULST

    Deputy Director

  • portrait of Chris Chaleunrath

    CHRIS CHALEUNRATH

    Development Director

  • LAURA PAVLISCAK

    Conservation Director

  • BRYAN GONZALES

    Preserve Manager

  • LEEZA PRICE

    Administrative Manager

  • QUILL YATES

    Field Manager

  • SHEENA LINK

    Grant Officer

  • KRISTY TIMPONE

    Bookkeeper

  • KATIE DANIELS

    Conservation Specialist

  • HEATHER BURTON

    Development Coordinator II

  • JEFF YOUNG

    Outreach Coordinator

  • ALLY ALEJO

    Outreach Associate

  • JAISON QUILANTANG

    Land Steward

  • ROBERT RAHM

    Field Technician

  • ERIC REYES

    Field Technician

  • ISABEL RAIGOZA

    Outreach Intern

  • BROOKE ASHWORTH

    Senior Conservation Advisor

  • SARAH “TRUDY” TRUDEAU

    Education Manager

  • AMY DAVIS

    Education Coordinator, Senior Educator

  • DAYANA HUERTA

    Intern Coordinator, Senior Educator

  • JENNY JACOBS

    Bilingual Prgm Coord., Sr. Educator

  • SARA MACCRACKEN

    Senior Educator

  • KAITLYN NEWETT

    Forest Preschool Coord., Sr. Educator

  • SAND POWELL-WEBBER

    Educator

  • MELISSA RUIZ

    Educator

  • ANDY WOLFE

    Assistant Educator

  • LESLIE PENNINGTON

    Assistant Educator

  • NATALIE PIKUS

    Assistant Educator

MEET THE VLT PETS

Get to know the four-legged support staff and fellow furry land stewards.

  • CALVIN

    Say hi to Calvin! He is a 10-year-old Chihuahua Kelpie mix who can often be found under Heather’s desk in the VLT office. He loves relaxing on the couch, hanging out with his VLT friends, and treats.

  • CROUTON

    Meet Crouton! Crouton likes waking Dan up in the early morning, chewing on a nice stick, and howling hello at her neighbors. If you’ve got a treat, Crouton will be your friend for life.

  • DARWIN

    Darwin enjoys sunbaths, thrashing stuffed toys, and aggravating his sister, Luna. He loves going on walks, especially within open space or at the beach. Nicknamed "Very Serious Dog" because of his jowly face, Darwin is easily located in Melissa’s office during nap time because of his booming snores.

  • KIKI

    Kiki loves spending time with Quill exploring Harmon Canyon, going to the beach, eating dinner, playing in water, making friends, and stealing your food!

  • LUNA

    Luna loves cuddling, chewing on squeaky toys, and play wrestling with her brother Darwin. As the newest member of the Baffa clan, Luna is learning how to walk on a leash, chase and fetch, and tell Darwin “no” when she is tired of playing. Interestingly, she is also a booming snorer, making bedtime a raucous event at the Baffa house.

  • SCOTTY

    This floof is 100lbs of joy, love, and play. He is always up for adventure, new friends, dog or human (or cat), and can never receive too much affection. You will find him regularly with Chris at Harmon on hikes, backpacking trips, and at the dog park.

  • SHEP

    This is Shep. Shep is 12 years old and he spent his youth running and hiking through the mountains of Ojai with Sara. He also was always up for a good romp at the beach. Shep loves people and dogs of all ages.

  • SEQUOIA

    Meet Sequoia, Ally’s Catahoula-mix pup! Sequoia is a ball of sunshine and energy, a mixture of puppy-phase excitement and hunting-breed smarts. She enjoys playing ball, being an absolute diva, running wild at the beach, and chasing lizards (we’re working on it!). 

  • KEVIN

    Kevin is an Australian Cattle Dog–German Shepherd mix who joined the Link family in the summer of 2025—after one unforgettable week of nonstop pleading from the family’s youngest member. Kevin quickly made himself at home, claiming hallways (and the occasional coffee table) as his favorite napping spots. Kevin loves early-morning walks, showing off his growing repertoire of tricks in exchange for treats, and greeting every dog and human he meets as a brand-new best friend.

  • TRUE

    True was rescued from an LA County animal shelter on her very last day and shows existential gratitude in every moment with her spark, patience, and deep appreciation for all things. She's a canine diplomat, wise beyond her years, and converts even the unsure into endeared friends. You'll find her at Laura's side, both savoring serendipity.

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