Kari is a dedicated environmental educator and advocate with a strong background in conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and community engagement. A lifelong resident of Astoria she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a Minor in Geography from the University of Oregon.

With years of experience in environmental interpretation, citizen science, nonprofit administration, and public outreach, Kari has worked extensively to connect people with the natural world. She previously served as Communications Coordinator and Lead Environmental Interpreter for the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, where she managed public education initiatives, coordinated citizen science projects, and represented the program at regional conservation conferences. Before taking on the Executive Director role in 2023, she worked as the Administrative Coordinator at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, overseeing donor relations, financial processing, and outreach efforts to support wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education.

Kari has participated in multiple citizen science programs, including MARINe Seastar Surveys, COASST Dead Bird Surveys, and NOAA Marine Debris Surveys. She has also volunteered for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, assisting with conservation efforts at the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

In addition to her environmental work, Kari has extensive experience in marketing, social media management, event planning, and nonprofit operations. She is passionate about fostering environmental stewardship and inspiring communities to take action in protecting wildlife and their habitats. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with family and friends.