Co-President
Deeply impacted by the effects of climate change on her hometown, Sophie, a current Senior at Justin-Siena High School, felt compelled to make a change in her community. Joining the NS4CA team has given her the platform to help preserve the legacy of the beautiful Napa Valley through educating her community on the part they can play in climate justice and climate restoration. Outside of NS4CA, Sophie has played an important role in providing STEM education through her leadership in her school’s Robotics Club and Girls Who Code Chapter. Her initial interest in climate advocacy came from learning about the necessary technologies for saving the planet, like solar cells and carbon sequestration systems. Following her interest in climate-related technologies, she hopes she can continue to spread science education on how climate change impacts our communities, nature, and well-being as a leader of NS4CA.
Co-President
Katherine is a current Junior at American Canyon High School! Having the privilege of growing up around the lively outdoor preserves of her city, she quickly realized the urgency needed to save our planet during a crucial time of increasing Climate Crisis. Within school, Katherine is involved in student government and is a member of the environmental club on her campus. Outside of school, she’s interned with the Napa Sierra Club and is currently continuing her second year with them. In the past year, she’s sought value in the youth voice and has previously played a vital role in her community to raise awareness, educate the rising generations, and initiate emergent change.
Co-Vice President
My name is Arya, and I am a junior at vintage High school. I got involved with NS4CA because I care deeply about the environment and believe it is so important to create change to help our planet. Napa Schools for climate action has helped me so that and made me feel empowered by the change we are making. Additionally, I have an internship with the Napa Sierra Club, where I’ve helped educated children on the environment as well as written an article. One of my hobbies are music; I have been involved in my school’s choir since my freshman year, and I also play piano with the Napa Valley Youth Symphony. In the future, I hope to major in environmental science and get involved in environmental research to make a difference in our world.
Co-Vice President
Claire Mulligan is a Junior at Vintage High School (class of 2026) with a deep passion for environmental science and policy. Her concern over the ongoing climate crisis motivated her to join Napa Schools for Climate Action, where she has found purpose and community in advocating for climate justice and policy change. Beyond NS4CA, she plays soccer for both Vintage High School and Napa United, works at a local café, and interns with the Napa Sierra Club. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, going to the gym, and hiking. Claire aspires to carry her climate activism into her future career, where she hopes to make environmental advocacy a lifelong pursuit.
Media Coordinator (she/her)
Maia Medalle is currently a Junior at American Canyon High School! She is extremely passionate about the environment, her education, and her community. Maia is currently extremely active in both her school's choir and athletics programs. Through the education she recieved in American Canyon, she was able to realize the urgency of the Climate Crisis on our planet. She recognized that we must take immediate action to improve the conditions of our environment. To create the impact that we need in this world, she has taken advantage of the many opportunities available to her in her community. Starting by joining NS4CA to further her climate literacy and education, she was also able to find opportunities with her school's Environmental Club, and as an intern with the Napa Sierra Club. Outside of the environmental field she also works with fellow Napa Valley high school students on a mental-health awareness podcast named SHINEcast. In the future, she hopes to continue her education within the environmental field and use these resources to spread awareness among her peers and her community.
Gemma Roberts
Student Member
Bio coming soon!
(he/him)
Jim Wilson, a retired lab manager and risk analyst and father of 3, has been active in the climate justice movement for over 30 years. He is a diligent citizen of Napa County, advocating for climate action through various organizations such as 350 Bay Area, Napa Climate NOW!, etc. As an original cofounder of the Napa S4CA chapter, Jim works to provide guidance for students interested in getting involved.
Liliana Karesh is an incoming Freshman at Stanford University. Initially joining NS4CA after recognizing that we need to act NOW about the Climate Emergency to save our planet, Liliana has taken on various leadership roles and internships to gain experience and knowledge within the field. Liliana participated in Sonoma's enviroleaders summer program, completed an internship for Napa Resource Conservation District, and participated for a whole school year in Jameson Humane's LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and Planet) program. Currently, Liliana is an intern for the Napa Sierra Club and Congressman Thompson's office. She is also the co-president of her school's Environmental Club and participated in the Climate Youth Policy Program to initiate climate literacy change at NVUSD. In addition, Liliana is working in as a Fellowship Candidate for the Institute for Youth In Policy, and has recently attended the Yale Young Global Scholars Program for the Politics, Law, and Economics academic track. Liliana is also organizing the Youth Civic Leaders program, where she is helping raise awareness around voter registration in her community. Liliana contributes greatly to keeping NS4CA afloat! She aspires to major in Environmental Policy and Economics in college, and then attend Law School!
(she/her)
Ms. Wolf is a mother of 3 and teacher of 13 years (currently teaching Environmental Science and Biology at New Tech High). She has been the official staff advisor of Napa Schools for Climate Action since it's establishment in 2018, working to provide structured and detailed meetings. She gives students all across our county opportunities to make a change.
(he/him)
Although raised in Napa, Nick has lived in many places around the world, including Paris, Tokyo, London, and New York City. He returned to Napa, becoming a teacher at Silverado Middle where he taught 6th Grade Math and Science, as well as a multi-grade Drama Class. He retired in 2019. Because of his concern for the environment, he joined Napa S4CA as an advisor. He is also a member of the Executive Committee with the Napa Sierra Club. Nick still loves to travel (on hold because of Covid-19) as well as hike, bike, read, and garden.
(she/her)
Madeline (Maddie) Chiu is currently a Freshman at the University of Chicago and a proud climate activist! Ever since learning about global warming in elementary school, she has felt immense concern for the fragile state of our climate caused by human-driven and human-preventable warming. Joining Napa Schools for Climate Action has been an incredibly eye-opening and empowering experience, and she loves working with the NS4CA team in creating tangible community change. Outside of NS4CA, Maddie can be found practicing the violin with her school orchestra or local youth symphony, in the Vintage High School greenhouse with her fellow VHS Teens 4 Change club members, or reading in her backyard among the cosmos plants. Through her continued activism, she hopes to educate and empower the surrounding community for many years to come.
(she/her)
Ms. Schillaci has been a teacher for 17 years, (currently working at Silverado Middle) teaching Math, Science, and Leadership. She has joined Napa S4CA as an advisor to ensure future generations (including her two children) have the opportunity to lead the safe and healthy lives they deserve.
(she/her)
Ms. Watter, a resident of Napa for over 30 years, is a retired English teacher from Napa High. She now holds a seat on the Napa Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees, advocating for climate education and the students of our county. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering for the UC Masters Gardeners program, where she teaches various compost workshops.
(he/him)
Eric McKee coordinates environmental education programs in Napa County for the Resource Conservation District, and has made it his life’s work to empower students through environmental awareness and action. Eric is originally from CT but has lived in NY, AK, WY, and CA and credits all his adventures to a love and passion for healthy environments and communities. Please contact Eric if you are interested in environmental service opportunities in Napa County.
(she/her)
Ms. Lovie has been a teacher for 27 years, currently sharing her expertise at Valley Oak High as a Science and Math 1 teacher. She works hard to provide her students with experiences in environmental restoration and conservation, receiving multiple grants from local organizations who support her cause (the most recent being the Bay Area Air Management District). On campus, Ms. Lovie can be found in the school garden where she and her students have created an edible orchard and learned about carbon farming.
(he/him)
Mr. Kohl is a longtime Biology and AP Environmental Science teacher at Napa High School. All throughout his life, he's been fascinated by nature and science. As climate change has worsened over the years, Mr. Kohl has become increasingly motivated to join the climate action movement and encourages his students to do the same.