OUR TEAM
ECOLOGIK BOArd Of Directors
Samantha Wynns
EcoLogik Institute conservation biologist, IF/THEN Ambassador, researcher, mentor.
As a Queer woman with a non-traditional pathway to STEM, Sam’s passion is to uplift and support youth to follow their curiosity and to never feel limited by other people’s expectations. Sam’s mantra is, “if she can see it, she can be it.” Sam worked for 7 years as a wildlife conservation biologist and science educator for the National Park Service at Cabrillo National Monument, where she led wildlife survey efforts, trained researchers, and educated and informed tens of thousands of youths and visitors to the park. She co-founded the EcoLogik Institute to reach underserved girls and gender-marginalized youth and connect them to the science of the public lands in their backyard. Sam is an advocate for place-based, hands-on learning that allows youth access to science learning and practice that is both culturally relevant and empowering for the youth we serve.
Executive DirectorRachel Mcdonald
Board Treasure
Dr. Earyn McGee
Dr. Earyn McGee is passionate about field research, herpetology, and social justice. In graduate school, she studied how drought affects lizards in arid environments and also how to increase the representation of African American women in natural resources careers. She also created a game, #FindThatLizard, to teach people about lizards and build a greater appreciation for these cool animals. For her efforts, she's been recognized as a Forbes 30 under 30 lister, A Grist Fixer, and an emerging leader by the Wildlife Federation. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her mini poodle, Puca. She is also starting a second career as a ceramic artist. Many of her pieces also feature lizard motifs. As a Queer Black woman in herpetology and ecology, Earyn’s passion is opening the outdoors for Black and Brown girls, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. Earyn brings her mentorship experience, research, and marketing skills to the board. Earyn’s success as a social media influencer for STEM communication is a valuable asset that aids in EcoLogik team in marketing, recruitment, and positively influencing the STEM ecosystem.
Board President With an entrepreneurial mindset cultivated as a small business owner, Rachel McDonald brings valuable expertise to the board. Her practical knowledge of basic human resources administration has been instrumental in assisting EcoLogik Institute with both state and federal personnel compliance and the implementation of efficient payroll systems. This hands-on experience ensures the organization's operational integrity and adherence to regulatory standards, directly contributing to its stability and capacity to achieve its mission.
Board Secretary Ivel Gontan
A first-generation Cuban-American who grew up in Southern Florida and is fluent in Spanish. She brings a deep personal commitment to community, equity, and curiosity to all areas of her work. Outside of professional spaces, Ivel finds joy in nature, curling up with a good book, exploring global cultures through travel and cooking shows, and spending time with her partner and their two beloved pups, Coco and Chubbs.
Professionally, Ivel has spent over a decade working in informal science education with a strong focus on social justice, equity, and access in STEM. She currently serves as the Manager of the REVISE Center at TERC, where she supports equity-focused projects across the STEM education field. Previously, she served as the Director of Empathy Initiatives at the Woodland Park Zoo and was a Civic Science Fellow with the Rita Allen Foundation, where she co-developed a framework for community science in informal learning settings. Ivel holds an M.A. in Museum Studies with a STEM education focus and a B.A. in Philosophy and Anthropology.
As Secretary of the Board for the EcoLogik Institute, Ivel helps guide organizational strategy and leads efforts to deepen its commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Justice (DEIAJ). She developed the organization’s DEIAJ training and brings a long-standing passion for supporting girls and women in STEM—a focus of her thesis and past programming work. Drawn to EcoLogik’s mission and values, she is excited to help build sustainable partnerships, support grant development, and create more inclusive spaces for dialogue and transformation in environmental and STEM education.
Mckenna Pace
Mckenna brings a strong background in science education and a deep commitment to science communication. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Science Communication and has a long-standing history with the EcoLogik Institute.
Her involvement spans several EcoLogik programs, including the development of Science Explorers Club at Cabrillo National Monument that teaches the public about the resources and science of the National Park Service through bite-sized science activities and helps project volunteers to develop their science communication skills, participating in Mentorship Mondays to reach participants virtually, and our Summer Camp experiences, where she has supported youth learning through hands-on, engaging, and inclusive approaches. Mckenna’s work reflects her passion for giving back to the programs and projects she cares deeply about, and we are thrilled to have her continue that work on our board.
Board MemberRita Mae Nuevo
With a bachelor’s degree in media studies from UC Berkeley and brings over a decade of production experience across the tech and gaming industries, including roles at Gap Inc., Glu Mobile, Electronic Arts, and more. During her time at UC Berkeley, she was an active member of Alpha Phi Omega, a community service fraternity, where she served as Class President and Historian—experiences that strengthened her passion for service and leadership. With over five years in leadership positions, she is dedicated to fostering productive, healthy, and inclusive environments where people can grow and thrive. Coming from a low-income, immigrant family, Rita Mae is a strong advocate for mentorship and expanding access to opportunities. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, wrestling, and exploring topics in psychology, leadership, communication, and spirituality—interests that continue to inform her people-centered approach to leadership and community building.
Board MemberBoard Member Anna Korody
Anna has a love for exploring and volunteer work, which took her to Costa Rica to research toucans in the rainforest. She has worked throughout the United States as a wildlife biologist, including conducting threatened and endangered species surveys. Her favorite field memories include mist netting bats and songbirds. She has spent a lot of time hiking in remote areas and wants to share that same joy she has for nature and science with others.
Anna brings her background in wildlife biology and passion for access to the outdoors for all to the Board. She hopes to help mentor youth in finding their voice and following their dreams.
Program Staff
Brooke Wilder
Program ManagerProgram manager, large carnivore biologist, conservation researcher, and youth mentor.
A lack of math confidence almost caused Brooke to forgo a STEM degree, but in the community college environment Brooke found the support she needed to nurture her love for science, build confidence, and incorporate her neurodivergent identity into her work. Brooke’s goal is to demonstrate to youth that they are capable and belong in STEM. Brooke studied Environmental Systems at Scripps Institution of Oceanography with an emphasis in ecology, behavior, and evolution. She conducts research on large carnivore movement through ecosystems, how people are interacting with carnivores such as mountain lions and coyotes, and how people can coexist with these species. Additionally, she worked for almost 10 years from high school through college in the San Diego Zoo’s education department, working in every corner of San Diego to connect youth to wildlife and conservation. Brooke brings with her a robust background in field methods in marine science, conservation and ecological principles, and best practices in environmental education and engaging diverse communities.
Apprentice ManagerKaelynn Opalec
Youth Program Manager, plant-pollinator biologist by trade, zoologist, and mentor.
Kaelynn brings the values of community, empathy, and resilience inspired by her Filipino roots to all aspects of her work. As a Filipino woman in STEM, her passion is to advance representation and create welcoming environments where youth feel safe to use their voices. Kaelynn is an expert in coastal ecosystems from plant life to intertidal ecology and is enthusiastic about involving youth in her research. Kaelynn works at the insertion of youth engagement and conservation, demonstrating to every camper, apprentice, or intern that they can contribute to meaningful science research and stewardship action that resonates throughout their communities.
ADVISORY & DESIGN
Dr. Claire Meaders
Program Advisor
Marty Lorenzo
Program Advisor
Dr. Lisa Lundgren
Program Advisor
Dr. Lubi Lenaburg
Program Advisor
Paul Wynns
Program Advisor
Isabella Miller
Program Advisor
Lucinda
Youth Advisor
Maya
Youth Advisor
Mayumi
Youth Advisor
Dr. Jaye Gardiner
Program Advisor
Nicole Revelo
Program Advisor
Rachel Gershwin
Program Advisor
Dr. Ana Maria Porras
Program Advisor
MEET OUR COMMunITY OF PARTNERS
To provide a dynamic and accessible experience for EcoLogik participants it takes an association of dedicated and visionary partners. Thank you to the organizations who have had a critical role in the success of this program and will help to expand it in the future.