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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SHEENA LINK
Grant Officer
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KRISTY TIMPONE
Bookkeeper
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KATIE DANIELS
Conservation Specialist
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HEATHER BURTON
Development Coordinator II
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JEFF YOUNG
Outreach Coordinator
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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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ISABEL RAIGOZA
Outreach Intern
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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 Coord., Sr. Educator
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SARA MACCRACKEN
Senior Educator
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KAITLYN NEWETT
Forest Preschool Coord., Sr. Educator
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SAND POWELL-WEBBER
Educator
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MELISSA RUIZ
Educator
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ANDY WOLFE
Assistant Educator
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LESLIE PENNINGTON
Assistant Educator
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NATALIE PIKUS
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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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.
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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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