Program Director / tara@thecrew.org

Tara graduated from CSU Channel Islands with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management. She is passionate about environmental restoration, education, and empowering future leaders. Tara began her career developing programs for teens and young adults at the Boys and Girls Club and later served as a Residential Advisor at CSU Channel Islands, gaining hands-on experience in youth engagement and leadership. For the past five years, Tara has led programs for the Green Valley Project in Ojai and was promoted to Program Director in 2022. In this role, she has expanded her expertise in workforce development, grant management, fundraising, and community outreach. Tara has successfully cultivated partnerships across Ventura County to support environmental and educational initiatives. She loves the creativity and adaptability this position has provided and finds deep fulfillment in helping shape the next generation of changemakers.
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Program Assistant / melissa@thecrew.org

Melissa will hold a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science and Resource Management with a minor in Spanish from CSU Channel Islands. She set in motion her stewardship of public lands when she began volunteering with various conservation organizations aimed to rehabilitate habitats, clean degraded trails, foster nature connections, and aid in environmental justice matters. More recently, she has worked as an outdoor educator, mentoring children using their innate enthusiasm for the natural world as a context to engage them in the learning process. She is excited to be a part of the Green Valley Project, assisting with programs and projects while witnessing the next generation of leaders rehabilitate the Ojai Valley.

Program Assistant / justin@thecrew.org

Justin graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Biology. While at the University of Montana he volunteered in multiple conservation labs working with professors and grad students conducting research. Additionally he was heavily involved with the Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society, later serving as the education outreach officer. Coordinating with after school programs and volunteers to bring wildlife focused education to classrooms. After college he gained experience as a research technician studying deer in North America, and a few years later aiding the nest monitoring efforts of locally threatened shorebirds during their nesting season. Beyond science, his interest in educating has remained strong, substitute teaching in the local school district and collaborating with a 3rd grade teacher to teach her class about California wildlife with a multi day lesson/activities. Now he is excited to be a part of the Green Valley Project, hoping to inspire the next generation of conservation scientists. Teaching them about the natural world around them and the many species that call our planet home.