Staff
Roberta Salazar
Executive Director
Her passion for her cultural roots and natural heritage here in New Mexico, combined with her professional understanding of nature, inspired her to found Rivers & Birds. She is a wildlife biologist who worked for 17 years for the federal government with US Fish & Wildlife Service and the BLM. “By celebrating our Earth with others through outdoor experiences in nature, we honor life in a way that is joyful and, meaningful and connects to the spirit of all life. Teaching
the interconnection of all life is key to sustainability.”
Marnie Rose
Administrative Assistant
has a Master’s degree in teaching English as a second language from Western New Mexico University. She has taught third grade students on the Navajo Reservation and second grade students in the Espanola School District. She is the mother of a teenage son, a writer and an avid African Dance student. “I instruct through Rivers & Birds because I enjoy learning and teaching about ways to be helpful to our Earth and environment.”
Claire Cote
Outreach and Program Coordinator
Born and raised in northern New Mexico, Claire returned to her home state in 2009 after receiving her Masters degree in Art and Ecology at Dartington College of Arts in Devon, England. Claire has worked in several nonprofit settings and programs for youth. Upon returning to NM, Claire began working with Rivers & Birds and founded LEAP, an experimental arts initiative. Claire’s commitment to environmental sustainability and social change help her to walk the tightrope of the artist, environmentalist, anthropologist, and educator. "As a former student of Rivers & Birds, I was touched by Roberta's enthusiasm and skill as a environmental educator. Now, as an adult, I am honored to be working with Rivers & Birds' and the next generation of Earth stewards!" See Claire’s artwork at www.clairelongarts.com.
Gale Picard Dorion
Development Director/Curriculum Coordinator
Gale has a B.A. Degree in English Literature, Tufts University. She is a business entrepreneur with 25 years experience in marketing and logistics. Gale is passionate about Rivers & Birds ~ Gale says, "We are emerging a unique way of teaching science. My heart opens when we take our public school children out into nature to see these children totally engaged and excited about learning and filled with wonder. Rivers & Birds education programs are life changing!"
Susan Benton
Education Intructor
is studying for her associate’s degree in early childhood education. In the warm months, she is a professional river guide. She is the mother of three boys whom she home schools. Currently Susan is building a house using sustainable techniques. “I believe that education about our watersheds, our planet and ourselves and how all life interacts is one of the most important gifts that we can give to future generations.”
Sean Meister
Education Instructor
has a BS degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He has spent the last four summers teaching a nature camp for children with visual impairments. He built trails with the Bitterroot National Forest. Sean has volunteered with Teller National Wildlife Refuge to lead school groups on guided trips in nature. He was a substitute teacher in Montana for four years, specializing in working with children with special needs. “I’ve joined with Rivers & Birds to share my passion for teaching children and my love for the natural world.”
Liana Sonne
Education Instructor
bio pending
Judit Barba
Education Instructor
is a native of Mexico. She has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Sociology from the Universidad de Aguascalientes. She homeschools two daughters. She has taught Spanish to school children. She founded a nonprofit organization, Mujeres, which she lead to assist Mexican-immigrant women in adjusting to the US. She most enjoys community organizing projects. “I participate in Rivers & Birds because I believe their programs create a positive change in peoples’ understanding and consciousness of all life that happens around us.”
Denielle Perry
Education Instructor
Denielle Perry cultivated her love for water to become an international river guide and conservation advocate. She founded Amigos del Rio Pacuare in Costa Rica to protect the river and the Cabecar indigenous reserve from dam development. She is currently editing a book and directing/ producing a documentary about dam development in Costa Rica. With a Masters degree in Geography and undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Latin American studies, Denielle combines her interests in culture and conservation with her pursuits as an educator. “I teach with Rivers and Birds because I believe inspiring young minds to care for the Earth will lead to future generations of conscious citizens that protect and preserve our precious water resources. ”