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
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MELISSA BAFFA
Executive Director
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DAN HULST
Deputy Director
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CHRIS CHALEUNRATH
Development Director
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LAURA PAVLISCAK
Conservation Director
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BRYAN GONZALES
Preserve Manager
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LEEZA PRICE
Administrative Manager
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QUILL YATES
Field Manager
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KATIE DANIELS
Conservation Specialist
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EMILY HOLLAND
Grant Officer
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HEATHER BURTON
Development Coordinator II
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ALLY ALEJO
Outreach Associate
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JAISON QUILANTANG
Land Steward
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ROBERT RAHM
Field Technician
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ERIC REYES
Field Technician
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BROOKE ASHWORTH
Senior Conservation Advisor
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SARAH “TRUDY” TRUDEAU
Education Manager
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AMY DAVIS
Education Coordinator, Senior Educator
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DAYANA HUERTA
Intern Coordinator, Senior Educator
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JENNY JACOBS
Bilingual Prgm Coordinator, Senior Educator
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SARA MACCRACKEN
Senior Educator
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LESLIE PENNINGTON
Educator
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KAITLYN NEWETT
Forest Preschool Coordinator
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DAVID PARZIALE
Educator
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MELISSA RUIZ
Educator
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ANDREW WOLFE
Assistant Educator
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SAND POWELL-WEBBER
Assistant Educator
MEET THE VLT PETS
Get to know the four-legged support staff and fellow furry land stewards.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!).
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WINNIE
Meet Winnie, Emily’s Frenchie who can almost always be found in the development office. She loves playing with her VLT friends, fetching, and napping and will sit for a treat any day. Whether she's exploring Harmon Canyon, making new friends, or simply enjoying a cozy nap, she brings all the puppy energy to everyone she meets!

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