About Us

Staff

• As a kid in rural West Virginia, Tiffany cared for her herd of goats and enjoyed the outdoors. These experiences led to a lifelong devotion to conservation, including land conservancy work, where Tiffany developed her GIS mapping skills. After receiving an MS in Environmental Studies with a GIS certification from Ohio University, Tiffany was hired as the GIS Analyst for Groundwork ORV where she uses her GIS skills to improve people's lives and the environment. Tiffany is guided by the belief that everyone has a right to a clean and enjoyable environment and that past environmental injustices must be rectified.

  

• Hannah started as a Youth Leader and worked her way up to become Groundwork ORV’s Green Team Coordinator. She graduated from Northern Kentucky University with her bachelor's in Biology and Environmental Education. She has researched ecology and nature’s impact on community engagement in both Belize and Costa Rica. Her fondest memories include fishing and hiking with family as a child and her time spent exploring America’s National Parks. Being able to help youth of diverse backgrounds feel at home in the outdoors is her favorite part about working with Groundwork. She loves being able to learn from working alongside the communities and youth and cannot wait to see our Green Team program progress!

  

• Kelsey combines her love of the natural world with writing and advocacy. As a Cincinnati native, she has been involved with climate advocacy at both the local, national, and international scale. Before joining Groundwork, Kelsey led program development and outreach of energy efficiency programs as a Sustainability Fellow with the City of Cincinnati and conducted research as a Climate Policy Intern and later Fellow for the Institute for Policy Studies. As the Climate Safe Neighborhoods Director, Kelsey leads community-driven climate resilience and engagement efforts. Kelsey holds a B.A. in Anthropology from Eastern Michigan University with minors in International Affairs and Literature and is pursuing a facilitation certification through the National Association of Climate Resilience Planners. Her favorite hobbies include hiking, enjoying the arts scene in the city, reading, and dancing.

  

• Nancy has 20+ years of experience in non-profit finance and accounting, including stints at Civic Garden Center, Planned Parenthood, Drop Inn Center, and Council on Aging. She has undergraduate degrees in Landscape Horticulture and Workforce Diversity Management and a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry. Before her accounting career, she worked in several retail and commercial greenhouses in Cincinnati and North Carolina and also started a retail operation for a local wholesale perennial plant nursery. Besides just being outside enjoying nature, her interests include gardening, embroidery, weaving, fiber arts, pastel painting, jazz and classical music, and two lovable Shelties.

  

• Jaeydah has always had a passion for the environment, causing her to pursue a career in the environmental field. As a Cincinnati native, she is proud to work in the city she grew up in, connecting Cincinnati communities to their local environments through various programs and community engagement events. During her time at Groundwork, she has helped with youth programming, citizen science, and resident engagement. As a 2023 NAEE CEE-Change Fellow, she is excited to continue sharing her passions with a wider audience. She has a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Environmental Studies from Northern Kentucky University. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, nature walks, and visiting local thrift stores with her sister.

  

• Raynell started as a Youth Leader, eventually transitioning into Groundwork ORV’s Climate Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator. Being a Cincinnati native, she is very passionate about restoring balance to the disadvantaged neighborhoods within the city and teaching residents in the neighborhoods she grew up in how to advocate for themselves and their communities. She views her purpose as an educator, teaching the residents of neglected communities about the history of their environment. Raynell aims to identify the direct correlation between mental health and the environment where individuals are raised to the forefront of onward thinking to inspire a better future.

  

• A member of the South Cumminsville climate safe neighborhoods, Anthony enjoys hiking and helping to make a difference in the community. Anthony also takes interest in learning about the environment and teaching the youth why it’s important that we take care of it.

  

• Lilly began working at Groundwork to partake in field work that directly impacts the local ecology and residents, allowing them to enhance the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Passionate about community growth to enhance quality of life and facilitate access to resources. Lilly has been focused on pursuing a career focused on environmental restoration, sustainable agriculture, and community building. Consistently active in various community programs and small scale farming operations utilizing permaculture design.

  

• Cath serves as our Americorps VISTA, specializing in capacity building and environmental stewardship. A New Orleans native with roots in Southwestern Ohio and Appalachian ancestry, her landscaping background sparked a keen interest in green infrastructure and led her to pursue Environmental Engineering studies. Additionally, Cath has extensive experience as the Community Coordinator for Dig Easy Compost, a New Orleans nonprofit. In this role, she successfully planned and facilitated fundraising efforts and volunteer events. Cath's diverse background and expertise make her a valuable asset in advancing sustainability initiatives and community engagement.

  

• Tory's upbringing on a dairy goat farm ignited her passion for nature. She graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a major in Environmental Science and a micro-credential in Environmental Education. Joining Groundwork as a Youth Leader intern, Tory's dedication propelled her to the role of Operations Director, spearheading impactful environmental initiatives at the organizational level. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds solace and excitement in outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. However, her true fulfillment comes from educating young minds about the environment. For her, teaching isn't merely about imparting knowledge but fostering a profound connection to nature's wonders, ensuring a brighter, greener future for all.

  

• Daniel was born and raised in Cincinnati spending much of his youth in Bond HIll. Growing up, he attended online school which led him to have a desire to be outdoors and in nature. Daniel’s curiosity about his surrounding environment led him to joining Groundwork’s Green Team in 2020. He has gained lots of knowledge and had a lot of experience through associating himself with Groundwork which eventually led him to joining full time as a member of the Groundwork’s Green Corp after graduation, where he continues to grow and exceed his own expectations.

  

• Brad’s love for the outdoors started at a young age when he joined cub scouts and has since found a passion for the outdoors. Brad has a degree in History from Northern Kentucky University but his passion rests with environmental restoration, protection and justice. Prior to joining Groundwork Brad worked for the Center of Environmental Restoration for several years gaining valuable knowledge and experience about native plants, invasive species management, streambank restoration and heavy machinery operating. Brad joined Groundwork ORV in 2022 as a Green Team Leader but quickly advanced to becoming a member of the Green Corp where he continues to grow as a professional.

  

• Micah pursued Geology at NKU, complemented by a minor in environmental science, as a non-traditional student. It was during this time that he discovered his love for environmental restoration. Recognizing the human impact on the environment, he aimed to counterbalance negative effects. Micah, empathizing with young adults seeking a second chance in life and lacking a conventional vocational background, believes in unlocking the potential within each individual. His dedication lies in providing education and workforce development training that positively transforms their self-perception. Despite diverse beginnings, Micah believes that everyone holds value and a place in the environmental sector. Nature serves as Micah's sanctuary, a source of peace, beauty, and solace. Proficient in using heavy machinery, invasive species management, stream restoration, and native plant propagation, Micah brings his specialized skills to the forefront of environmental stewardship.

  

• Abby was born and raised in Cincinnati and after college at Xavier University she began transversing the country via various jobs in the conservation field. From Maine to California, she loved being a part of and learning from each ecosystem and community. She is passionate about working at Groundwork ORV because she realizes her privilege and her dream is to be a part of a team that’s working towards climate justice and breaking down barriers to make the outdoors safe and accessible for all.