About
Nature Collective

Academic +  Financial Services Executive, retired

Michael is a retired academic and financial services executive. He taught at Cornell University, San Diego State University, UC San Diego, and the Wharton International Housing Finance Program at the University of Pennsylvania. His recent position was senior lecturer in Finance at San Diego State University. Michael has traveled to more than 60 countries for business and cultural exploration. He earned a PhD in Economics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Michael and his wife, Teresa, enjoy hiking and cycling. Michael is Chair of the Lands Committee.

Dudek, retired

Anita has focused on birds, biology, and conservation her entire life. She recently retired from the senior biologist and principal position at Dudek, where she served as habitat manager for several open space preserves in San Diego County. Anita earned her PhD in Ecology from UC Davis and taught ornithology at UC Davis. She is currently the San Diego County coordinator for the Tricolored Blackbird Statewide Survey and collaborates with other investigators on this species. Anita is Chair of the Habitat Management Committee and assists with various bird surveys at the Lagoon.

Partner at Schingler Law, APC 

Jason is a partner at Schingler Law, APC, located in Carlsbad, focusing on estate planning, trust administration, probate, and business and real estate law. He is familiar with the legal side of the nonprofit sector. His law firm has a history of supporting land trusts and conservancies. He has experience in various business matters, including entity formation, contract preparation, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance and compliance. Jason earned an LLM in Taxation from the University of San Diego and a JD from California Western School of Law. He and his wife, Kristan, have two young children.

Tax Associate, Massey, Wehr & Company, LLP

Abigail is an avid hiker who is passionate about the outdoors. She understands that creating opportunities for people to connect to nature is vital for protecting our planet.  Abigail is a Tax Associate at Massey, Wehr & Company, LLP and earned her BS in Accounting from Point Loma Nazarene University.

School Relations & Diversity Outreach Specialist at MiraCosta College

Gaby provides academic support, social services and leadership opportunities for students and their families. She worked at the San Diego County Office of Education for almost 20 years and is also on the Board of Directors at the Mexican-American Educational Guidance Association, La Colonia Community Foundation, and the Los Angelitos De Encinitas. She earned a BS in Healthcare Administration from CSU Long Beach and is currently working on an MA in Education from National University. Gaby is passionate about ensuring that the Latinx community is represented in all aspects of North County, including access to open space.

Associate Professor in Science Education at California State University San Marcos

Dr. Ingrid Flores is Program Co-Coordinator of the Multiple Subject Credential Program at CSU San Marcos. She previously taught developmental mathematics at University of Texas El Paso, where she worked with underprepared students in mathematics for readiness to enter university-level science coursework. Ingrid has significant teaching experience in higher education and working with K–5 public school classroom teachers and diverse student populations in exploratory and investigative science. Her published research and international conference presentations focus on developing and increasing pre- service teachers’ self-efficacy for science teaching through site-based science mentoring of fifth-grade students.

Founder of NBDH Law

Nathalie founded NBDH, a family and business law firm. She was born in Israel and grew up in Paris and Milan. She is fluent in five languages: English, French, Hebrew, Spanish, and Italian. Nathalie has a strong ability to think outside the box and deliver fresh solutions and ideas when tackling problems and issues. She graduated with honors from the University of Washington and Seattle University School of Law. She and her husband, Scott, are long-time supporters of open space preservation.

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Owner + Principal, Quercus Land Use Planning

John is a land conservation advocate, practitioner, and urban and community planner. He served as President of The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County and on other nonprofit boards. John is the owner and principal of Quercus Land Use Planning, a consulting firm in Encinitas. He attended UC Santa Barbara, majoring in Geography, and was active in environmental and political activities. He also attended graduate school at California State University Chico. John and his wife, Jane, enjoy many outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and traveling.

Founder, Kevin K. Johnson APLC

Kevin specializes in land use, environmental law, and legislative advocacy. He graduated from UC Davis School of Law and holds the coveted Martindale-Hubbell “AV” Lawyer rating. He was a founding Board member of Nature Collective (formerly the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy) in 1987 and served as the Board President from 1991 to 2001.

Disability Rights California

Kendra is a disabled, queer attorney employed at Disability Rights California. As a part of the Civil Rights Practice Group, Kendra challenges violations with impact litigation, direct services, and intersectional legal analysis and investigation. Kendra advises on feasible methods for accessibility for built environment projects, including outdoor trails and recreation. Kendra’s scholarly research synthesizes public policy, science, and law to find solutions for disability justice, public health, and human rights. Kendra is passionate about ensuring outdoor areas are equitable, accessible, and inclusive for all.

Director of External Affairs AT&T, retired

John is a past Chairman of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, and the San Diego North Economic Development Council. He has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Coastal Community Foundation, the Mottino Family YMCA, the Encinitas Rotary Club, and the San Diego Regional Technology Alliance. John earned a BA in Economics from UC San Diego and an MBA from San Diego State University. John is the Chair of the Nominations and Advancement Committee. He’s an avid golfer and outdoor enthusiast.

Realtor, Compass 

Paul has been a REALTOR® for 40 years, specializing in North San Diego County, where he was raised. He has devoted his life to service through leadership in his profession and in the community. Paul was Board Treasurer from 2010 to 2014 and has co-directed three biennial galas by securing corporate and foundation sponsorship, as well as community engagement. He enjoys running and hiking, and he often has binoculars in hand for birding at San Elijo Lagoon. Paul is the Chair of the Philanthropy Committee.