The NWEI Team

Deirdre Donahue:
What I do at NWEI:
As the Curriculum Development Assistant and Earth Club Program Manager, I spend most of my time researching. I look for articles that have potential in our discussion guides. I also dabble in permission requests, organization and design.

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
My favorite thing about not driving to work is having extra time to wake up and get my day started. Public transportation is also fantastic for people watching.

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Somewhere in Northeast Portland.

Why sustainability matters to me:
Sustainability matters to me because it's the key to meeting global warming head on. When I practice sustainability it's more than just about me.

My favorite non-human species:
Frogs.

Jane Turville:

What I do at NWEI:

While my title is Development Director, I seem to have my fingers in many NWEI pies.  I am in charge of donor development, donor events and the NWEI membership program.  Since Mike joined NWEI as Executive Director, he and I share the grant writing responsibilities and often end up working as a tag-team on a proposal.  I identify foundations and donors whose mission/interests reflect our own and lend support to the Board finance committee as they design NWEI’s financial strategy.  EarthMatters, NWEI’s quarterly newsletter is also integrated into my work, including researching, writing and editing articles, taking photos, finding graphics and publishing each edition.   I also serve on the NWEI Teen Earth Club redesign committee which is currently exploring more efficient and meaningful ways of bringing sustainability into the lives of Oregon teens.

My favorite thing about not driving to work:  
Day dreaming.  I ride the bus to and from work and, while I can read or do some writing if I want to, just staring out the window and day dreaming is really a welcome escape.

When not at my desk, I can be found…
In my garden.

Why sustainability matters to me:
At some point in our history, human need took precedence over the threads humanity was responsible for in nature’s woven fabric.  While all other species accept their threads and live lives that weave a timeless pattern, in an effort to alter nature to fit our requirements, we created dropped stitches and breaks in the thread that screw up the entire pattern.  Not just one or two, here or there – but many, many holes that need repair before the whole piece unravels.  We must recognize that picking up the stitch, repairing the rip, and mending the hole is essential if the human thread is to remain an integral part of nature’s pattern and fabric.  If we ignore this responsibility, nature will weave a new fabric with a new pattern – but it won’t include human threads or the threads of many other species whose existence is directly interwoven with our own.

Favorite non-human species:
Only one.  Can’t do it.  Dogs, tulips, bunnies, oak trees, cows, elephants, dragonflies. – love ‘em all.

Holly Meyer:
What I do at NWEI:
I’m privileged to be working here as part of a sabbatical through NW Natural. During my 4-month stint, I’m working on process improvement, implementing a new data management system and other exciting tasks.

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
My favorite thing about not driving to work is looking out the big bus windows. Each morning I’m filled with peace just absorbing the goodness of creation and letting it sooth my spirit; the way home isn’t quite so calming

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Refueling with tea, water and snacks.

Why sustainability matters to me:
It matters because it’s right; it’s the only fair and honorable way to exist. In many ways sustainability redeems the natural order of life and systems.

My favorite non-human species:
Plants.

Meg O'Brien:
What I do at NWEI:
As the Curriculum Coordinator, I revise existing course books and guide the development of new course books.  I work with Deirdre Donahue, the Curriculum Assistant and an amazing group of NWEI volunteers who assist on these projects. I get to read a lot!

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
Cycling across the river-even on the grayest of days, it’s beautiful.

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Playing with my two children, on my bicycle, reading a book, or dancing at a céili.

Why sustainability matters to me:
A deep sense of gratitude and responsibility for this living Earth inspires me to work toward sustainability.   And being a parent stirs some pretty strong instincts around preserving a livable planet for future generations. 

My favorite non-human species:
Birds.

Athena Ehnot:
What I do at NWEI:
I work with an amazing staff to help people in communities all over realize that they can do things in their own lives to help the Earth.  Technically, I am a member of the outreach team, and I specialize in working within government and higher education to bring our programs to places that need resources and tools for integrating sustainability into their operations. I also work with NWEI’s rich volunteer core, these people bring me great inspiration, because of their dedication to the work and for living in alignment with their values.

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
I like riding my bicycle over the Broadway bridge and taking in the sun over the river, I also like drinking my coffee without fear of spilling it all over myself on the bus.  I also never have to worry about traffic!

When not at my desk, I can be found…
In my neighborhood with my friends, camping, playing hacky sack, playing disc golf, relaxing with my kitty, reading, and enjoying local wine and beer.  I can also be found shakin’ it on many local dance floors.

Why sustainability matters to me:
I have nieces who need someone to help create a world that will be as happy and healthy for them as it has been for me, plus I like the smell of fresh air and drinking clean water.

My favorite non-human species:
While I love all animals, (except for nutrias…yuck, orange nails!) my favorite is my kitty Ari, who loves to hang out and play, even though sometimes he thinks it is fun to bite and scratch me.

Deb McNamara:
What I do at NWEI:
As the Director of Business Partnerships, I work with the business community in catalyzing NWEI discussions about sustainability both for the benefit of individual employees and organizational development.  I also support NWEI’s partner organizations in the Northern United States.
 
My favorite thing about not driving to work:
My favorite thing about not driving to work is slowing down enough to notice the details of the changing seasons while biking or on the bus, especially the magnolias in Spring!

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Teaching yoga at Root Whole Body Wellness Center, cooking or taking walks in Oregon’s beautiful forests.

Why sustainability matters to me:
Sustainability matters to me because I care deeply about the more than human world, and also about the well-being of future generations.

My favorite non-human species:
Red Cedars, Ponderosa Pines, Palmetto Pines, Doug Firs, and Hemlock.

Mike Mercer:
What I do at NWEI:
As Executive Director my role is to: learn, ask, help and do for the betterment of NWEI and most importantly, Earth.

 My favorite thing about not driving to work:
“Sorry, just can’t keep it to one thing.  Riding my bike to and from work each day eliminates the need for coffee in the AM and provides a great transition for leaving the stresses of the workday at work, or at least somewhere on the road.  What traffic jam?  And, what better way to experience this special place we live – sun, rain, post rain smells, spring flowers, sunrises, Mt. Hood alpenglow, etc.”

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Engaging others in what is on my desk.  If not that, I am either hanging out with my family and friends enjoying a hike, kayak, micro brew, conversation or catching up on reading and sleep.

Why sustainability matters to me:
Sustainability matters to me because it provides a framework for us to better understand and live up to the reality of our interconnectedness with all things – “what’s good for the goose, is good for the gander.”   Sustainability also helps us see beyond the immediate gratification that I and most of my fellow citizens have become accustomed to.

My favorite non-human species:
So as to not reveal too much about the inner me, I’m moving up a couple classifications to the Class of birds.  Who among us wouldn’t want to fly?

Allison Hartlage:

What I do at NWEI:
As the Director of Small Business Partnerships and Community Development I spend each day talking with small businesses and individuals about the importance and power of individual and collective action.

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
Aside from the obvious lack of traffic, I am thankful to have extra time to read and observe the life that surrounds me.  On a sunny day, there is nothing better than riding your bike across the bridge!

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Snowboarding, reading, swimming, climbing or with my animals or those at the Oregon Humane Society.

Why sustainability matters to me:
Sustainability matters to me because the health of planet Earth and all of its inhabitants depends on it.

My favorite non-human species:
Well all of them really.  I have a special place in my heart for dogs and cats, especially those that share my home with me.

MartinTull:
What I do at NWEI:
As Director of Organizational and Government partnerships, my focus is on exploring synergies between NWEI programs and existing sustainability initiatives at a municipal or organizational level.   Nourishing existing relationships and striving to build new alliances is meaningful, creative and strategic work, and it consistently brings me great joy.

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
On the bus, I have a chance to relax and enjoy a healthy dose of reading each day.  On the bike, I recharge my spirit and soak up all the sights and smells along the way.   Either option makes driving to work seem like such an unpleasant idea, I don’t see myself driving anytime soon.

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Playing in the forest, working on regional climate change issues, sampling local microbrews, cooking for friends and family, and even more generally, continually expanding my horizons.

Why sustainability matters to me:
It’s pretty simple.  If you love life and you love others, it creates an imperative to strive for a sustainable world.  But even more than just sustaining life, I am even more motivated by regenerative work, and exploring how to create an “abundant” future.  Perhaps, we can contribute to the system rather than just doing less harm?

My favorite non-human species:
Curiously, I like rocks.  Some say they are not a species, but having spent most of my life climbing amongst them, I feel a deep connection.  They are incredibly fun to climb on, they listen deeply and of all the ones that I have met, none have passed away.  It makes for a good kinship.

Monica Pham:
What I do at NWEI:
As the Office Manager and Bookkeeper at NWEI, I prepare the financial statement and manage accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.  I also support the office to purchase and maintain supplies and office equipment.

My favorite thing about not driving to work:
My favorite thing about not driving to work is looking out the windows and enjoying the weather each season.

When not at my desk, I can be found…
Playing with my daughter (Vy) and hanging out with my family and friends.

Why sustainability matters to me:
Sustainability matters to me because I love my life and I would like my kids to have a happy and healthy world to live in.

My favorite non-human species:
Plants.