Meet the Team

Born and raised in Oregon, Olivia grew up admiring the state’s natural beauty across the Willamette Valley and coast. She was inspired to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies and minors in Earth Science and Creative Writing to promote environmental stewardship and combat the threats of climate change. She is interested in sharing the human dimensions of the environment through natural disaster preparedness, cultural resilience, and community engagement. As an avid educator, Olivia is passionate about making learning spaces accessible and has spent the last 5 years working with students across a spectrum of ages and abilities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). She has experience as a robotics mentor, museum educator, and teaching assistant. She joined the Aves Compartidas program for the unique opportunity to empower students to have ecological and cultural relationships with the environment. 

Sam grew up in Silverton, Oregon, a small town in the Willamette Valley surrounded by forests and waterfalls. Majoring in Global Studies with a focus in Environmental Justice, and minors in Spanish, Business Administration, and Global Service, Sam brings a wide variety of skills and knowledge to the team. He is passionate about environmentalism and protecting the natural world where he was raised, which includes investing in the future generations through environmental education. Sam joined the Aves Compartidas team to apply what he learned in the classroom, work in a bilingual and multicultural environment, and contribute to a meaningful program.

A California native, Rachel grew up in the rolling hills of the San Francisco Bay Area, which created an appreciation for nature at a young age. After taking AP Environmental Science in high school, she was inspired to pursue a degree in environmental studies at the University of Oregon. More specifically, she wanted to combine her two passions to create a career in design and sustainability. Rachel found her passion for design through having the opportunity to travel in Europe, exposing her to different styles of architecture at a young age. Rachel is passionate about creating beautiful spaces that are both inspiring and beneficial to the planet. She hopes to use design as a pathway to accessible sustainability for all people. Furthermore, she had past experiences as a mentor for elementary students, which led to a strong connection to education. Rachel chose to join the Aves Compartidas project to promote the accessibility of environmental education at all age levels as she strives to empower environmentalism. 

Born in Washington and raised between there and California, Pazi grew up spending every free moment tidepooling, birding, or camping with her family. From an early age, she found joy in turning over rocks on the coast and identifying seabirds on long car rides. Guided by a passion for ocean conservation, sustainable agriculture, and land practices rooted in reciprocity, she pursued a degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Food Studies from the University of Oregon. Pazi brings over five years of experience working with youth ages 5 to 18, a growing repertoire of Pacific Northwest bird knowledge, and field research experience studying endemic species in New Zealand. She is especially passionate about place-based learning and creating opportunities for young people to connect with the natural world in meaningful and embodied ways. Whether splashing in the Pacific Ocean or wading into the Coast Fork of the Willamette River, she feels most at home outdoors, feet in the water, learning alongside her students. Pazi joined the Aves Compartidas program to deepen her work as an environmental educator at the intersection of birds, community, and equitable access to nature.

Jimena's appreciation for nature began from her childhood in Salem, Oregon. Her parents' love for plants and her dad's landscaping business. Learning at a young age about gardening, planting and taking care of the environment she enjoyed the connection to our food, our environment and animals. She decided to major in Environmental studies with a minor in Food studies to continue her passion for human relationship to the environment and our food. Through her work at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, her experience with Oregon history and communities continues to grow. She decided to join Aves Compartidas due to her experience of learning English at school to contribute to similar students' experiences. Along with showing support for students facing similar challenges. Through Aves Compartidas program she is able to share her love for nature to students forming a positive empowering space for students to learn and grow. 

Born and raised in Florida, Gabi learned from a young age the joys of exploring and appreciating nature in the woods and lakes surrounding her home. When she moved to Oregon as a teenager, this only increased her awe of the environment and its diverse features, leading her to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies. With her major in Environmental Studies and minor in Education, Gabi hopes to help increase access for environmental education in rural environments and share her passion for exploration with her community.  With over 4 years of experience in diverse childcare environments, she has built on her skills of creative thinking, communication, and improvisation. Joining the Aves Compartidas project, she has gained more experience writing inclusive environmental education curriculum and built on her confidence teaching bilingually. 

Alice was born and raised in San Francisco, California, where she developed a deep appreciation for sustainability and environmental protection from a young age. Her passion for the natural world led her to pursue a degree in Environmental Science, driven by the belief that everyone shares a responsibility to protect the Earth for future generations. Through her studies at the University of Oregon, she has gained experience in tree identification, ecology, and evolution, and is currently expanding her skills by learning to identify birds. Alice joined the Aves Compartidas team to combine her love for nature with her enthusiasm for educating young students by fostering meaningful connections with the environment.

Born in Arizona, Jayda has lived across the United States and in parts of Germany, gaining a broad appreciation for diverse cultures and natural environments. Through these experiences, she developed a strong passion for environmental stewardship and cultural understanding, which led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies at the University of Oregon. Jayda discovered her enthusiasm for teaching early on while working as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the YMCA. With over five years of experience, she is committed to creating inclusive learning environments where students of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities feel supported and empowered. At the University of Oregon, Jayda deepened her passion for environmental education through the Environmental Leadership Program, where she taught third-grade students at River Road Elementary about birds and their vital relationships with ecosystems. 

Born and raised in the heart of the Vail Valley in Colorado, Julia is passionate about nature and curiosity was ingrained in her. Julia majored in Educational Foundations with a minor in creative writing, public speaking, and critical thinking at the University of Oregon to fuel her desire for knowledge and education in hopes of becoming a teacher. She has spent over 500 hours working with students K-8 in both school and summer camp settings. Through this work she has gained a knowledge base of safety skills, professional interface, and inspiring learning through exploration. Joining the Aves Compartidas project has allowed her to bring back her love for environmental education, immerse herself in bilingual education, and promote an enthusiasm for protecting the environment.