About Us » Our Philosophy : Staff : Trip Leaders
Staff Bios
Kate Watters, Volunteer Program Director
The coauthor of River and Desert Plants of the Grand Canyon, Kate found her way to science and conservation work by way of the shovel. Her western migration from Vermont after college soon landed her in the Grand Canyon, where she worked for the trail crew for several seasons. An avid gardener from early in life, she fell in love with the desert flora and soon fell in with the botany crowd. Kate set the shovel aside and earned a M.A. in Botany, Conservation Biology, and Creative Writing through the Sustainable Communities Program from Northern Arizona University (NAU). Spare moments are devoted to her husband, Dan, and a small textile design business, as well as outdoor pursuits, traveling, and playing guitar around the campfire.
Andrew Mount, Volunteer Program Associate
Andrew joined the trust in November 2009. He earned his M.S. in Forestry from NAU in 2008, in addition to his B.S. in Parks and Recreation Management. Andrew’s interests include wilderness advocacy, outdoor recreation and leadership, natural sciences, ecological restoration, human health, and volunteerism. He has worked as a park ranger, backpacking guide, research technician, and in municipal water conservation. He enjoys collaborative and adaptive land management, and sharing his passion for nature with others through outdoor experiences and adventures. Outside of work, look for Andrew at live music events, attempting to keep up his yoga practice, or on local trails.
Emily Thompson, Volunteer Program Associate
After receiving her M.S. in Environmental Studies with a focus on Watershed Ecology, Emily returned home to northern Arizona and joined the Trust in February 2011. She is currently Project Coordinator for an AmeriCorps crew that is living and working on the Paria Plateau. Emily worked on the Colorado River as a Research Technician for over 5 years doing native fish research and sediment work, studying the ecological and geomorphic impacts of Glen Canyon Dam on the downstream environment. She has experience in outdoor and environmental education teaching both children and college students. When not working, you may find her hiking in the Canyon, boating down a river, skiing on the sacred San Francisco Peaks, exploring the hidden treasures of Colorado Plateau, or spending time in her vegetable garden.
Deon Ben, Native America Volunteer Program Associate
Deon joined the Grand Canyon Trust volunteer program from the community of Tohatchi, NM. Growing up on Navajo land he has witnessed the need for environmental education across indigenous nations. For these reasons he directed his education toward environmental studies focusing on the southwest environment. Deon soon found that his traditional knowledge and environmental science complemented one another. This led him toward conservation and volunteer work at Grand Canyon National Park with native vegetation restoration, propagation, and invasive removal projects and to his present position with Grand Canyon Trust. Deon enjoys the isolation and natural beauty of his traditional homeland and looks forward to positive environmental changes.
Verlena Tso, Native America Program Intern
Verlena Tso is from the community of the Many Farms, Arizona, and member of the Navajo Nation. She is currently enrolled at Northern Arizona University and will graduate in May 2011, with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. She has studied environmental justice issues (such as uranium and coal mining) within Indian country and how they affect Native American communities. Her passion for these issues are what inspire her to work in this field.
