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

  • LAURA PAVLISCAK

    Conservation Director

  • portrait of Chris Chaleunrath

    CHRIS CHALEUNRATH

    Development Director

  • BRYAN GONZALES

    Preserve Manager

  • Leeza Price

    Administrative Manager

  • EMILY HOLLAND

    Grant Officer

  • KATIE DANIELS

    Conservation Specialist

  • HEATHER BURTON

    Development Coordinator II

  • QUILL YATES

    Field Technician

  • JAISON QUILANTANG

    Land Steward

  • Robert Rahm

    Field Technician

  • DOM MADERAL

    Community Relations Assistant

  • BROOKE ASHWORTH

    Senior Conservation Advisor

  • SARAH “TRUDY” TRUDEAU

    Education Manager

  • AMY DAVIS

    Education Coordinator, Senior Educator

  • JENNY JACOBS

    Bilingual Prgm Coordinator, Senior Educator

  • SARA MACCRACKEN

    Senior Educator

  • DAYANA HUERTA

    Intern Coordinator, Senior Educator

  • LESLIE PENNINGTON

    Educator

  • KAITLYN NEWETT

    Forest Preschool Coordinator

  • DAVID PARZIALE

    Educator

  • MELISSA RUIZ

    Educator

  • ANDREW WOLFE

    Assistant Educator

  • SAND POWELL-WEBBER

    Assistant Educator

MEET THE VLT DOGS

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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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