About Our AmeriCorps Volunteers...

In addition to our full- and part-time staff, Willow Bend has two full-time AmeriCorps volunteers.

Derek Snyder has a B.S. in Agriculture and a degree from Western Culinary in Portland, Oregon. After working in various restaurants in Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Arizona over the last 16 years, he is now trying his hand at teaching.

Matt Cohen holds a Master in Community Planning degree from the University of Cincinnati. After living abroad for a spell in Quito, Ecuador, Matt is excited about promoting environmental values and sustainability in Northern Arizona.

 


 

Willow Bend’s Staff

Christine L. Newell, Director

Chris has 19 years of experience working in environmental conservation and holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts, an M.S. in Ecology, and secondary education teaching certification in science and English.

Sapna Sopori, Education Program Manager

Sapna has 8 years of teaching experience in environmental education centers and holds a B.S. in Ecology and Evolution and a M.A. in Environmental Education.

Derek Snyder, Americorps Instructor

Derek holds a B.S. in Agriculture and a degree from Western Culinary in Portland, OR. He is now trying his hand at teaching.

Matt Cohen , Americorps Outreach and Development Assistant

Matt holds a Masters in Community Planning degree from the University of Cincinnati, where he specialized in Environmental Planning. Matt's interests include environmental sustainability and green living.

Andy Gould, Volunteer Teacher

Andy is a retired teacher from Flagstaff with many years of experience volunteer teaching in a variety of nature centers around the country. He teaches for Willow Bend in the classroom one day a week.

Kay Encinio, Volunteer Teacher

Kay is a retired college teacher from Phoenix and holds a MA in Education. She teaches for Willow Bend in the classroom one day a week.

Kristin Smith, NAU Work Study (Part-Time)

Kristin Smith is completing a B.S. in Environmental Science at NAU.