Becky Gajewski​, Stewardship Specialist

I am very excited to join the team at NAP as a Stewardship Specialist! I've always had a strong interest in learning about nature and ecological restoration, and that naturally led me to Ann Arbor to pursue my bachelor's and master's degrees from U of M's School of Natural Resources and Environment. After graduating, I spent three years completing natural resource management and restoration projects for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. Now I am glad to return to Ann Arbor and give back to the city that has given me so much over the years.   

Phone: 734.794.6627 x43476​

Dana Novak, Outreach Assistant

Dana studied Environmental Science and Wildlife at The Ohio State University, and then wandered around the states from the east coast to the Rockies as a semi-professional volunteer before settling in Boise, Idaho, working in the realms of storm water and environmental consulting. The births of their two beautiful boys in 2008 gave them a new definition of "tired" and a renewed sense of their collective ability to make a positive impact. Dana can be found leading workdays, but is no longer in the NAP office. She says, "I challenge you all to get out there and join us at a workday, if you haven't before - or attend one more workday than usual! If you're like me, it will invigorate your body and refresh your spirit." 

Renee Hytinen, Communications and Special Events

After a six-year pause, I'm coming back to my old position editing the newsletter and helping get the word out about NAP's good works. NAP is a unique workplace—as is the NAP community at large—and I am grateful to be back working with all you great people, and excited to start this new chapter. Both of my kids were born during my previous time with NAP, and I now I am returning with a first grader and a third grader! I'm looking forward to bringing them along to workdays and other NAP events once we are all able to gather safely again.​

Phone: 734.794.6627 x43479​

Matthew Spoor, Park Steward Coordinator

Since moving to Ann Arbor in 2019, I have been in awe of what NAP provides for the citizens of this great city. Now, I get to be a part of this amazing team and could not be happier. I was born and raised in North Dakota, attended the University of North Dakota and worked in the renewable fuels industry for fifteen years. I am currently a student at Eastern Michigan University pursuing a mid-life degree in biology. I love birding, leading bird walks, removing invasive species from Ann Arbor nature areas, learning, teaching, and spending time with my kids.

Phone: 734.794.6627 x43474

Field Crew

 

Ashley Keesling, Conservation Worker

I recently graduated with a Master's degree from Ohio State where I studied systematics and host specificity in a species of parasitic plant, Ghost pipes (Monotropa uniflora). I was also secretary of my university's chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration where we managed a site along the Olentangy River and organized efforts to remove invasive Callery pear and Honeysuckle. In my spare time, I like to explore parks and take photos of plants, insects, mushrooms, and anything else that I find. What excites me most about working with NAP is the opportunity to learn more about methods in invasive species management and how to apply these methods to different species.  

Ethan Glassman, Conservation Worker

Hi everyone, I'm really excited to be part of the NAP crew! I'm originally from Cincinnati and I went to BGSU and studied Ecology and Conservation Biology. I love spending time outside, looking for and photographing rare wildflowers. I'm new to the Ann Arbor area and I'm really excited to get to know everyone and all the natural areas!

Kathleen Gosselin, Conservation Worker

I am incredibly excited to be joining the NAP team! I received my bachelor's degree in ecology from Northern Michigan University where I worked with the Marquette/Alger County conservation districts throughout my college career. After I graduated, I spent a few years in Montana working in forestry. I am excited to be back in Michigan working in the field I love. In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my two dogs and riding horses.

Michael (Max) Miley, Conservation Worker

I recently graduated with an Environment degree from the University of Michigan where I filled much of my course load with field classes about plants. Spending time outside and seeing the natural world change with the seasons has filled my free time since I was a kid, and I'm excited that working for NAP will let me continue those activities into my professional life. Outside of school and work, I enjoy photography, hiking, and identifying plants (usually all at once). I'm honored to be working for a local government whose residents so enthusiastically support its natural areas, and I can't wait to get out in the field!

Brady Friss, Conservation Worker

Hi all! I am a recent graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in Fisheries and Wildlife. Within my degree I concentrated on Conservation Biology so I am extremely excited to join the conservation crew here at NAP. In my free time I enjoy getting out on the water for some fishing or wakeboarding, taking photos of wildlife, and really any activity that involves the outdoors. I am grateful to be joining such a wonderful organization and having the opportunity to continue learning about many aspects of natural resource management! 

 Chloe Hernandez, Conservation Worker