Staff
Jonathan Kusel, Executive Director
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Jonathan is the founder and executive director of Sierra Institute for Community and Environment. He received a Ph.D. in natural resource sociology and policy from the University of California, Berkeley where he was a visiting scholar and instructor before launching the Sierra Institute. Jonathan's research focuses on social indicator use and evaluation, community well-being and assessment, and community-based group processes.
Emily Creely, Watershed Coordinator
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Emily grew up in Southern California and has spent nearly 15 years as an environmental scientist, community organizer, or journalist. Water has been her passion and motivating force since working on an urban creek project in Santa Barbara, California. In addition to wetlands biology and other field work, she has worked in watershed management in state and federal agencies and non-profits. Although Emily lived in Alaska for 13 years, she is a fifth generation Californian and is thrilled to once again be a Californian and be involved in the future of the state and the protection of its resources.
 Kyle Rodgers, Research Assistant
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After graduating from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources in May 2011, Kyle made the journey west from South Carolina to Sierra Institute. He is excited to be able to put his education into action by working to promote healthy communities and environments in the Sierra Nevada. Kyle is currently working on the Lake Almanor watershed project, ecosystem services, and other areas as the opportunity arises.
Louise Steenkamp, Health Care Program Coordinator
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Louise Steenkamp brings a wealth of experience in the health field and in Plumas County to the Institute's efforts to improve health care access. "I'm not just excited about working with some of the dedicated and hard-working partners from the past, but also developing new relationships with service and health care providers for young and old," she says. "Plumas County is a dynamic place that is impacted by new services, technology changes, and people moving in and out." For the past 3-years Steenkamp has coordinated a Division of Prevention and Wellness project for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and prior to that worked for SRI International, Center for Education and Human Service Policy. Louise's experience includes a Master's Degree and a four-year position as health education coordinator for Plumas County Public Health Agency. Additionally, she served as an advisory member of Sierra Institute's Proyecto Salud project that promoted Latino health care. We're excited to have Louise join our team.
 Lauri Rawlins-Betta, Administration
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Originally from Santa Barbara, California, Lauri is thrilled to be living in Greenville / Indian Valley and to be working with The Sierra Institute as the Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, and Property Overseer. She brings over 20-years of experience in the non-profit administration. Lauri spends her off-time taking photographs of local wildlife, foliage, and the beauty of the Sierra Nevada. "The Sierra Institute is a perfect place to foster my passion for stewardship of this great planet." Additionally, Lauri is a volunteer and member of the Activities Advisory Committee for the Indian Valley Recreation & Parks Department in Greenville and works with others in developing teen programs for Indian Valley.
Amy Hafsrud, Financial Manager
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Amy has been the financial manager for Sierra Institute since 1998,with a short break in 2008. She also is a substitute teacher in the Plumas School District (K through 12th grade). She coordinates the 4-H garden, which is located in the "fenced" back yard at the Institute, helping provide garden space, experience and instruction to local members. Amy also is on the Activities Advisory Committee for the Community Recreation Center in Greenville and as such is the Friday Night for Teens Activity Director. Amy also is working with Lousie Steenkamp and the Networked Health Access program bringing YEAH to the children of Indian Valley. YEAH stands for Youth Empowerment for Access to Health, a program which will promote preventative measures for good health in teens.
2012 Interns
Rachel McDowell - Health Program Intern
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As an Indian Valley native, Rachel recently graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she studied Animal Science and Spanish. Rachel began her career at Cal Poly in pursuit of Veterinary Medicine, but soon realized her passion for improving the lives of people which then motivated her to pursue a career in the field of Public Health. Rachel feels blessed to be able to return to beautiful Indian Valley and be directly involved in projects that benefit her home community while simultaneously gaining invaluable experience. "I have had the opportunity to observe the health care systems in the county from the perspective of a community member and am looking forward to learning more from a professional view." In a direct partnership agreement with the Plumas County Department of Public Health, Rachel will be working on the community-wide health assessment, assisting with the Health Summit focusing on adolescent health, and compiling local resources for local youth. She is also involved in the Friday Night for Teens at the Greenville Community Recreation Center.
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