Bloedel Reserve Staff and Board of Trustees
Get To Know Us
Our dedicated staff works collaboratively to ensure that Bloedel Reserve is welcoming and thriving, season after season, year after year. Each day is as different as our constantly changing landscapes. And, with 140 acres of forests, meadows, groomed trails, and gardens, we have the most beautiful “office” in town!
Our Staff
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Evan Meyer joined the Bloedel Reserve in 2024, bringing deep botanical roots and a passion for community building to his new home in the Pacific Northwest. From 2020 through 2024 he served as Executive Director of the Theodore Payne Foundation, a nonprofit native plant nursery and educational center in Los Angeles. Earlier in his career, Evan held positions at UCLA Botanical Garden, California Botanic Garden, Harvard University Herbaria, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, and the Native Plant Trust. Evan finds inspiration in the unexpected intersections between the natural and cultural worlds, seeing gardens as beautifully rich tapestries of history and identity.
Alyson joined Bloedel in April of 2021 and brought a career of Human Resources leadership in several industries most recently health care. She cares deeply about working with folks to ensure a healthy, fun, and effective workplace.
Lee is the Social Media Coordinator here at Bloedel Reserve. As a Puget Sound native having grown up between here and Taiwan, she returns from Los Angeles after a 10-year career in Social Media Marketing bringing her experiences from various fields such as music and fashion to food and production. The Reserve is nostalgic for Lee as she used to walk the grounds on “Daddy/Daughter Dates” as a child and hopes to create and share similar moments within her new role here while creating a community based on hope, connecting with nature, and deepening relationships in an everchanging world. In her personal time as an avid foodie and recipe creator, Lee enjoys learning about her surroundings through food culture and uses those experiences to create spaces for people to feel safe in and to dream big.
Amy manages and plans all Bloedel Reserve’s Creativity and Education programming, along with select horticultural education initiatives. A lifelong working artist, she previously served as Education Director at the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Houston and was a founding board member of BARN on Bainbridge Island where she fostered community engagement through the arts. Amy is passionate about encouraging creativity in others and finds endless inspiration in the natural world.
Jen leads the Reserve’s external communications, crafting and sharing stories that highlight its programs, volunteer efforts, community impact, and visitor experiences. Using her more than 25 years of marketing and communications experience, she strives to help connect audiences with opportunities to engage with nature, creativity, and well-being at Bloedel.
Erin is the Executive Assistant to Evan Meyer, President and CEO of Bloedel Reserve. Before joining Bloedel, she spent many years in Los Angeles as a casting director in film and television. She loves the creativity and collaboration at Bloedel. Erin grew up spending summers swimming at the back of Port Madison on Hidden Cove and feels fortunate to now work near where she grew up, supporting Bloedel’s mission to connect people with nature. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, hiking, skiing, and volunteering with local nonprofits. She lives within walking distance of Frog Rock on Bainbridge Island with her husband and two children.
Tara fosters opportunities and experiences for guests to connect with nature, emphasizing the restorative, healing, and rejuvenating aspects of the garden to support overall health and well-being. With background and training as an elder law attorney and guardian, she is also a passionate community volunteer. In her free time, Tara enjoys tennis, gardening, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
DEVELOPMENT
Madeline brings over 12 years of nonprofit fundraising experience to her role. She leads the small and mighty development team and advocates for all areas of contributed income, including major gifts, grants, annual giving and fundraising events. She gets to collaborate with our board of trustees, staff, and local passionate advocate, to tell stories about our mission driven work. She loves learning from those who have been inspired and impacted by the unique landscapes of Bloedel Reserve.
Rebecca connects Bloedel Reserve with local and national partners through grants and corporate philanthropy. With a background in nature writing and education, Rebecca enjoys the opportunity to advocate for the way these landscapes meet real community needs. In her spare time, you might find her writing poetry, heading to the woods, or studying for the Washington State Naturalist certification. (Or doing all three at once.)
Audrey helps lead the annual Garden Party, crafts thoughtful communications for the Development team, and keeps the donor database running smoothly. Before joining Bloedel, Audrey spent nearly a decade as a zookeeper, where she discovered her passion for connecting with people and inspiring joy in conservation. Outside of work, she enjoys baking for friends, family, and coworkers.
Julie is the Development Coordinator, supporting the team in the production of donor events and recognition. She’s delighted to connect donors with the gardens at the Reserve, a place she has loved visiting for many years. Before coming here, she designed and produced museum exhibits, and still enjoys creative projects in her free time, as well as spending time outside on the water and trails.
OPERATIONS
Dan joined Bloedel Reserve in early 2022 and brings more than 15 years of nonprofit management experience in the Greater Yellowstone region, where he worked across a range of mission-driven organizations focused on public engagement, land stewardship, and organizational strategy. At Bloedel, Dan oversees admissions, guest experience, membership, events, and volunteer programs, supporting thoughtful growth and effective day-to-day operations in service of the Reserve’s mission.
Clara works across events and guest services, contributing her warmth and attentiveness to the lasting impressions and sense of community the Reserve is known for. She enjoys creating an experience that feels meaningful, rooted in the belief that stepping outside the noise and letting nature in is essential. Clara’s favorite part is the people, and the endlessly diverse mix of faces and stories gives a constant curiosity for the unexpected that keeps her energized. Outside of work, you’d most likely find her experimenting in the kitchen or exploring the outdoors with good company.
Sally leads the planning and execution of memorable events that honor Bloedel landscapes, mission, and community. She specializes in creating thoughtful, seamless experiences that connect people to nature and to one another. With nearly two decades of experience in luxury hospitality and guest experience leadership across the U.S., Canada, and internationally, Sally brings a refined, people-centered approach to her work. Her career includes senior leadership roles with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, where she held director-level positions overseeing large-scale banquet operations, guest experience, and business and leisure sales within iconic, high-profile properties.
Kate first connected with Bloedel as a volunteer and is committed to creating the same warm, welcoming environment that made her feel at home from the start. Each day at the Reserve brings her inspiration, connection, and a deeper appreciation for this beautiful, ever-changing garden. She is incredibly honored to support volunteers in creating the magic that makes Bloedel so special.
GUEST SERVICES
David enjoys introducing guests to nature. After spending 33 years in big-box retail, he was ready for a change and found that Bloedel Reserve offered the perfect balance as he began the next chapter of his life. Outside of work, David enjoys concerts, theatre, and sporting events, as well as traveling and spending time with family and friends. Most importantly, he loves spending time with his husband, Ted, and their dog, Charli.
Jorby works alongside the Gatehouse team to ensure the guest experience starts off well before they begin their stroll through the grounds. With over 7 years of retail experience, Jorby found Bloedel to be a fresh, new, and relaxing space to utilize his customer service skills. In his free time, Jorby enjoys drawing, reading books and comics, and spending all of his money on his spoiled cat.
Andrea is the Retail Buyer for all the items in the gift shop.
Brynn works in the gift shop, where she enjoys helping guests and supporting daily operations. She has a strong interest in technology and often helps with troubleshooting computer issues, creating an online knowledge base, and finding ways to make processes more efficient. She began working at Bloedel Reserve after moving to the area to be closer to family and was drawn to the organization’s non-profit mission. In her free time, Brynn enjoys arts and crafts, video games, and spending time with loved ones.
Laura assists with guest relations and curates the displays in the shop. Her interest in non-profits, gardens, and connecting with people from around the world led her to Bloedel Reserve. Outside of work, she enjoys creating art and homeschooling her children.Jane welcomes visitors to Bloedel Reserve and helps ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience from arrival through the gift shop. She’s currently a rising senior at Whitman College in Walla Walla, and as an Environmental Studies major is passionate about public gardens and accessibility to nature. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and baking.
Abner specializes in making his colleagues laugh and creating a welcoming experience for visitors. Originally from California, he first discovered Bloedel Reserve as a guest. After his visit, he thought to himself, “This wouldn’t be a bad place to work.” And now, he’s part of the team helping others enjoy the beauty and peace that first drew him in.
Steven was born and raised in the Northwest and has over 30 years of experience as a Washington State Parks recreation planner and manager of the Statewide Scenic River Conservation Program, plus six years as a Kitsap County parks planner. His attraction and loyalty to Bloedel Reserve come from his respect for its superb garden landscapes and thoughtful integration of public access and enjoyment.
Gayl welcomes visitors to Bloedel Reserve and helps ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience from arrival through the gift shop. With 40 years of experience in education as a teacher and administrator, Gayl brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to guest interactions. A lifelong lover of the outdoors and a published poet, she finds inspiration in nature and enjoy sharing its beauty through both words and experience, believing that “breathing in the forest is like Mother Nature touching your soul”.
Audrey welcomes visitors to Bloedel Reserve and helps ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience from arrival through the gift shop.
Kailee is often one of the first faces guests interact with during their visit, supporting front-end customer service in the gatehouse. Her background in museum studies, customer service experience, and knowledge of non-profit practices led her to Bloedel Reserve. She enjoys reading and photography.
FINANCE
Renee has been part of the organization since 2016. With over 27 years of experience in nonprofit finance and leadership, she enjoys creating structure, solving problems, and helping teams succeed. Renee is passionate about advancing Bloedel’s mission, expanding its vision, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Sara discovered Bloedel during her first days on Bainbridge Island after relocating from Minnesota and quickly became a regular visitor, member, and volunteer. Over time, a position opened in Finance that aligned with her professional background and allowed her to bring both her experience and passion for the Reserve into her work. Outside of the office, Sara enjoys being outdoors hiking and biking, and spending time walking through Bloedel’s gardens in every season, where the beauty continues to inspire her.
Kristin has been at Bloedel since February 2012 working in several supportive administrative roles. She is responsible for the daily coordination of the various deposits created from the website, gift shop, back-office entry, event database, online shop, and mail. In her free time, she enjoys camping, adventures, and Disney trips with her husband and daughter. She values our mission here at Bloedel and loves inviting our community to this beautiful corner of Kitsap County.
HORTICULTURE & DESIGN
Kaslin works alongside the Horticulture & Design team to help guide the overall vision for the gardens at Bloedel Reserve. Her role brings together planning, daily operations, partnerships, and the visitor experience in close collaboration with the team. Her background includes work at gardens and parks around the world, including Central Park, the New York City Parks Department, Longwood Gardens, and Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. These experiences shaped her passion for ecological, community-focused horticulture and her interest in landscapes that support both people and the environment. Outside of work, Kaslin enjoys cuddling her cats and tackling challenging hikes.
Philip manages the plant collections and maintains the plant accession database, which tracks each plant’s scientific name and location within the garden. His interest in horticulture began in the 1990s after watching Canadian Gardener, a show filmed in British Columbia that inspired his desire to live in the Pacific Northwest. That passion eventually led him to work at Heronswood Nursery before joining Bloedel Reserve. Outside of work, Philip enjoys building his home in Poulsbo and caring for the land around it.
Bob cares for and maintains the Japanese Garden, providing security and ongoing support for the grounds as its caretaker. While working for the Seattle Parks Department, he apprenticed under a Japanese garden horticulturist who inspired his interest in learning about all aspects of Japanese garden design and care. In his free time, Bob enjoys traveling to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as tending to his vegetable garden at home.
Marcus works with us as an Horticulture Assistant after volunteering here with the Adult Living Program through Bainbridge Island School District.
Sawyer started at the Reserve in February 2026.
Ken is responsible for maintaining and repairing equipment at Bloedel Reserve and managing trees across the property to ensure health and safety. He brings decades of experience in arboriculture, equipment maintenance, and home remodeling, with skills in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing work. His arborist background was developed in Colorado with Swingle Tree Company, specializing in pruning, removals, and rigging. Outside of work, Ken enjoys staying active outside, working on hands-on projects, and spending time with friends.
Ann’s passion for plants and the natural world shines through her work. She is dedicated to helping visitors build meaningful, positive connections with the outdoors. Outside of the garden, Ann enjoys spending her time creating arts and crafts.
Christine studied Botany at Humboldt State University and worked for many years with the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service on botany crews. She has always loved the outdoors and plants, making Bloedel Reserve a perfect place to expand her horticulture knowledge and support this beautiful landscape. She enjoys transforming spaces and encouraging others to see nature in new ways. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, birding, foraging, and crafting.
Henry works with us as a Trail Raker.
Andy manages the Gardens East area at Bloedel Reserve, covering everything from the mid-pond bridge to the Residence and through the Rhododendron Glen. His work includes pruning, weeding, mulching, and irrigation, and he teams up with horticulturist Sonja to create the potted displays around the residence. He began gardening professionally in the mid-1980s and joined the Reserve in 2004 after a career change. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing with his grandkids and spending time in his woodshop.Sonja tends to our nursery and cut flower garden operations and is devoted to our plants growth and health. She has a background in nursery operations, organic farming, and creating planted based art decor. In her free time, Sonja enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as her trustworthy canine companion, Mavis Jean.
Sean has worked at the Reserve since 2011 and manages Gardens North, the Compost Facility, and the Horticulture and Design Internship Program here at Bloedel Reserve. In his tenure, he has a proven track record leading multiyear renovation projects including in the Japanese Garden, Rhododendron Glen and Arrival Garden. Sean completed an associate of science with a focus in horticulture from South Seattle Community College and has drawn additional experience from the Portland Japanese Garden, Center for Urban Horticulture and the University of Washington’s Arboretum.
Darren oversees horticulture in the Moss Garden, Japanese Garden, Camellia Trail, Old Boardwalk Trail, and nearby areas at Bloedel Reserve. The Moss Garden is his favorite space to care for, reflecting his lifelong passion for plants and natural beauty. His love of horticulture began through childhood experiences backpacking and gardening with his family, which eventually led him to this role. Outside of work, Darren enjoys vegetable gardening and growing unique crops like sunchokes and skirret.
Tobin wears many hats including supporting turf care, integrated pest management (IPM), and the broader grounds and horticulture team. From assisting with arborist projects to tending the Arrival Garden, Tobin plays a hands-on role in caring for the landscape. Drawn to the work by a passion for being outdoors and working with his hands, Tobin began his career in conservation through riparian restoration projects with Forterra as part of the Washington Conservation Corps AmeriCorps program. Outside of work, Tobin enjoys camping, walks and hikes in nature with his family and dog, Sully, as well as spending time playing board and card games with friends.
Haley started at the Reserve in January 2019. With a background in botany, ecological restoration, and forest ecology, Haley thoroughly enjoys managing Bloedel’s natural areas, including Gardens South and roughly 80 acres of forest, by building community partnerships and working to improve wildlife habitat quality, ecosystem function, and climate resiliency.
FACILITIES
Ben is the Director of Facilities.
Mel has been part of Bloedel since early 2018 and has truly turned her “dream job” into an art form—transforming clutter into calm with the same creativity she brings to painting, landscaping, and interior décor. A proud mom of four sons and one daughter, Mel finds her sanctuary in the natural world and in the company of her two Shiba Inus and a cat.
Shawn helps care for the landscape through trail building and maintenance, plant care and pruning, irrigation, carpentry, and general grounds upkeep. His background in ecology, wetland science, horticulture, and field survey work informs his approach to stewarding the Reserve. His lifelong interest in the outdoors, mountaineering, wildlife, and botany led him to this role. Outside of Bloedel, Shawn enjoys woodworking, blacksmithing, and creative work in art and music.
Don is responsible for maintaining the trails, roads, waterways, and buildings throughout the Reserve. He also assists with event setup and occasionally supports the Horticulture crew. Don first joined Bloedel as a temporary employee but found a lasting role with the team. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, attending live music shows, biking, playing video games, and spending time hiking and camping.
Trevor helps maintain trails, assists with event setup and takedown, makes irrigation repairs, and supports storm cleanup efforts. His background in riparian restoration and trail building with the Washington Conservation Corps, along with his passion for plants, led him to this role at Bloedel. He enjoys working outdoors and contributing to the care and upkeep of the Reserve’s natural spaces. Outside of work, Trevor enjoys hiking, reading, running, and photography.
Our Board of Trustees
BOARD OFFICERS
Deborah Schenk – Board Chair
Carol Adelson – Vice Chair
Todd Adams – Treasurer
Sandra McIver – Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS
Ted Andrews
Greg Atkinson
Erin Banasik
Jim Clune
Bob Jakubik
Jim Kelly
John Milberg
Becky Miller
Andrea Pickett
Martha Rogers
Vanathi Siddaiah
Linda Waterman
Rolfe Watson
Bagley Wright
Robin Wright
SENIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL
Barbara Anderson
Debbi Brainerd *+
Stacie Crooks
Steve Davis *
Molly Hogger
Judy Karr
Suzanne Kelly *
Paul Kundtz *
Mark Levine
David Lewis
Chuck Little *+
Richard Mahoney
Andy Maron *
Justine Milberg
John Morris
Sue Nevler
Fred Pakis
Cassie Picha
Suzanne Ragen
Alice Shorett *
Robert Skotheim
Hope Stroble
Alice Tawresey
Karen Thomas
Sarah Wallace
Karla Waterman
VOLUNTEER ADVISORY BOARD
Susan Beecham
Johanna Caslander
Wendy Seanor
Tom Strid
Necie Toohey
IN MEMORIAM
Connie Albrecht
Johnna Kleisner
* Former Board Chair
+ Emeritus Trustee
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