DNDA Team
Staff
Banchiamlak Tirfe
Accountant
Banchi moved to Seattle three years ago, with a bachelor’s degree in Management and Accounting and several years of work experience in Accounting. Banchi loves art, nature, and engaging with youth and community services, so DNDA is the perfect place to work because she gets to do what she loves. DNDA has passionate and knowledgeable staff, and Banchi feels working with the team is like learning something different every day and she has fun doing it. Outside of DNDA, she loves water and spends time by the ocean and going swimming, and also enjoys cooking and spending time with family.
Ben Antonius
Restoration Program Manager
Ben (he/him) joined DNDA first as a volunteer and later restoration crew leader. He once worked as a newspaper reporter until deciding to pursue a career in environmental conservation, eventually attending grad school at UW's College of the Environment where he received a master's degree in environmental horticulture and professional certificate in restoration ecology. Ben oversees DNDA's organization's forest restoration work with the Green Seattle Partnership and continues to use his journalism background to contribute to DNDA's communications team. He believes DNDA's environmental work helps to connect people to their environment and build future stewardship. He loves riding his bike, and he thinks the rain is pretty great.
Brandon Espiritu
Forest Restoration Intern
Brandon Espiritu was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington. His academic journey was complemented by hands-on experiences during a internship with Friends of Lincoln Park, another Green Seattle Partnership community organization, where he gained experience in urban forest restoration. Brandon's passion for ecological restoration and fieldwork is evident through his experience in invasive species removal, native plant identification, site preparation, and restoration techniques. He is committed to contributing to the well-being of local ecosystems and communities through tangible efforts. He thrives in outdoor environments, whether working independently or as part of a team. Brandon values collaboration and community engagement, which are central to his approach in promoting environmental awareness and volunteer development. When Brandon is not working, he enjoys working on his own personal restoration project in his backyard, and learning about his passion for native ecology.
CAROLINE BORSENIK
Environmental Programs Director
Caroline was born and raised in Michigan. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Western Michigan University. She went on to obtain a professional certificate in Wetland Science and Management from the University of Washington and is currently working on a graduate certificate in Forests and Climate Change from Oregon State University. She moved to Washington State in 2013 where she has since been involved in the environmental restoration field, initially serving in the Washington Conservation Corps for King County DNRP for two years where she learned about PNW ecology and restoration practices related to riparian, forested, shoreline and wetland environments. At DNDA, Caroline loves getting to work outside in the parks and appreciates working with DNDA’s other staff that provide programming based in the arts and social justice. When Caroline is not working, she likes to hike with her dog and explore new landscapes.
CHRISTINA MENDOZA
Executive Assistant
Christina (she/her), a Washington native, is passionate about building vibrant communities. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Walla Walla University. When Christina isn't supporting DNDA executives in their mission to revitalize Delridge, she enjoys baking, running, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
Erin Kollar
Art Programs Manager
Erin has been teaching in environmental education for the last decade, focusing on using arts based practices that help build senses of belonging and joy. She believes that through experiential, outdoor, collaborative learning, we can more deeply appreciate the life-giving services often taken for granted. Erin started as a teaching artist with DNDA in 2022, and comes to DNDA now as EcoArts program manager- grateful and eager to continue this community building practice. DNDA bridges together her alignment of values and action, EcoArts program especially resonating with her experience and goals. Erin is building upon knowledge gathered through life and through the Masters of Education from the University of Washington and IslandWood’s Education for Environment and Community program. You can find Erin doing collaborative art, jumping in the ocean, and/or making soup in her free time.
Hennessy Rodriguez
Forest Restoration Intern
Hennessy (she/her) graduated from the University of Washington this spring with a B.A in Community, Environmental, Planning. She is originally from Sunnyside, WA, in the Yakima Valley in Central Washington. She plans to continue to live in Seattle to pursue her career goals of becoming an environmental planner. She is passionate about changing the future of urban planning and learning more about helping the environment. Outside DNDA, Hennessy loves fishing for some walleye on the Columbia River with her family and her dog Apollo.
Hillary Rose
Grants Manager
Hillary was born and raised in Oklahoma City, where she studied the arts throughout primary and secondary school. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in English Studies before teaching abroad in Thailand. Her international work inspired her to return to school and she graduated with her Master’s of Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School in 2018. Since graduation she has devoted herself to environmental justice, housing advocacy, and worker’s rights. She has worked with grassroots nonprofits across the Seattle Metro area in community outreach and grant writing to uplift the voices of underserved communities and promote justice and equity. She was drawn to DNDA through their shared values and diverse, community-centered programming.
Intale Shuba
Art Programs Specialist
Intale was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, but also spent his formative years in Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Florida in 2014. Shortly after, he moved to the Pacific Northwest to pursue new possibilities in life. He later went on to receive a post-baccalaureate degree in American Ethnic Studies from the University of Washington, Bothell. Intale started serving with DNDA in early 2018. He loves DNDA because of the organization’s commitment to justice, equity, and community transformation. He is passionate about grassroots engagement and community-led programming, and his goal is to become an urban educator and work alongside an ever-growing number of East African community leaders in the Seattle area. In his free time, Intale enjoys reading, writing, attending open mics, photography, and the company of friends and family.
Jules Hepp
Environmental Education Coordinator
Jules (they/them/theirs) is a White Queer environmental educator and artist. They are committed to the ongoing work of teaching and connection with anti-racist and social justice practices. Jules’ passion is building and developing awareness of how we can best care for ourselves, other people, and the place/space/Beings around us to strive for individual and collective learning, healing, and growth. Jules has 12 years experience interweaving nature connection, education, and arts together and has been a Teaching Artist with DNDA since 2019. They are excited to be with DNDA full-time, creating, collaborating, and connecting! In and out of work, you can find Jules outside admiring Beings of Land, making art, telling stories, singing, using silly voices, and asking questions about things!
Jules is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides, graduate of IslandWood’s Education for Environment and Community Program, and has a Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Washington.
Kim Tran
Youngstown Facilities
Kim is an American artist who was born in Vietnam. He had the privilege of living in several different areas worldwide, including the Middle East, before his family finally settled in the Puget Sound region of Washington State, where Kim earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting from the University of Washington. Kim has been a part of the DNDA staff for over a decade and credits DNDA's values and service to the community as having a very positive influence on his life and his art.
Louisa Keyani
Environmental Engagement Specialist
Louisa (she/her) was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She earned bachelors degrees in environmental studies and political science from American University, where she discovered the importance of climate justice and urban green space restoration. Louisa is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Associate. She is passionate about climate-resilient city planning, and she is dedicated to improving urban environments for better public health outcomes. After working at the Seattle Aquarium, Louisa joined DNDA as the Environmental Engagement Specialist in October 2023 for a 10.5-month service term to continue pursuing her passion for urban climate justice, as well as work to expand access to healthy green spaces for all communities. DNDA asked Louisa to join the Nature team permanently in 2024. When she’s not working, you can find Louisa in her ceramics studio, baking something complicated, or listening to one of her favorite podcasts.
Mesha Florentino
Executive Director
Mesha was born and raised in Washington State. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Social Sciences from University of Washington, and eventually her Master’s in Business Administration with a focus on leadership from University of Maryland while living in Okinawa, Japan supporting the military. Mesha has 10+ years in the affordable housing industry ranging from assistant property manager to development director. Mesha loves being able to couple her expertise in housing to further strengthen the integration of art, nature, and neighborhood. She’s very passionate about everyone having access to affordable housing as well as understanding and feeling empowered by the process. She spent some time on the board of directors for DNDA getting to work alongside the staff and board, and now brings a unique prospective that can bridge further connection between the two. Outside of DNDA, Mesha is a mother to two beautiful daughters and a rambunctious mini golden doodle and together they love to explore the Delridge neighborhood they live in, attend local events, and go to movie theaters.
Morgan Fey
Communications Coordinator
Morgan (she/her) is a Colorado native, but moved to Seattle in summer 2024 for a new adventure and love of rain. She earned her bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in sociology from the University of Colorado Boulder. Morgan has been working at nonprofits since she was 15, starting with the Boys and Girls Club of Steamboat Springs. She chose DNDA for their mission to bring together the community through art, nature, and neighborhood to create and maintain a positive community. Morgan joined DNDA through the United Way of King County AmeriCorps VISTA program. Outside DNDA, Morgan loves to ski and hike big mountains, try new foods and restaurants with her friends and family, and catch a movie at the local theater.
Natalie Harris
Environmental Justice Program Summer Assistant
Natalie (she/her) was born and raised in Seattle and joined DNDA’s nature team as a summer intern for the environmental justice program. She is an alumni of West Seattle’s very own Chief Sealth High School. She graduated from Western Washington University in 2023 with a degree in Environmental Justice & Community Resilience and a minor in geology. In her free time, she likes to practice yoga, play bass, and read sci-fi and fantasy books.
Phoenix Robbins
Community Giving Director
Phoenix (she/they) is originally from San Diego and moved to Seattle in 2022. They have worked in the intersection of tech and community development for 9 years. Phoenix is committed to persistent activism and has a passion for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work. Hired in 2023, they felt excited to join DNDA to develop new, innovative ways to foster a thriving local community. Outside of work, Phoenix enjoys weightlifting, gaming, baking, and spending time with family.
Ranny Nguyen
Community Resource Development Coordinator
Ranny (she/they) was born and raised in South Seattle, where they thrived in many youth programs through the years, including at Southwest Boys & Girls Club, Summer Search Seattle, Girl Scouts, and DNDA's Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. These experiences fueled their strong sense of community, inspiring Ranny to earn their bachelor's degree in ethnic, gender, and labor studies with a minor in nonprofit management from the University of Washington Tacoma in 2020. Hired in 2024, Ranny is enthusiastic about growing their nonprofit career at DNDA. Their background is in finance and fundraising. In Ranny's free time, they are planning their next camping trip with their Husky-Pitbull dog named Mando, cooking delicious Southeastern Asian food, and making way too many folders on Pinterest.
Reneeka Massey-Jones
Events Manager
Reneeka (she/her) was born in Memphis and raised in Washington, and she proudly calls the PNW home. Reneeka attended a few different colleges before graduating from Central Washington University with a bachelor's in English, specifically professional and creative writing. In her free time, you can find Reneeka reading fantasy novels, creative writing, binge-watching the best shows, and spending time with friends and family. Hired in early 2024, Reneeka is excited to support DNDA with events and Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
Vanessa Walker
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center Manager
Vanessa (she/her) moved to Seattle about six years ago and joined DNDA in early 2024. She has worked in construction for more than 10 years, and spent three of those years working for a low-income housing construction company. Vanessa attended college on a full-ride basketball scholarship and studied communications. Before moving from Portland, OR, she was a basketball coach for 11 years for inner-city high school girls. She is very passionate about her work and working with youth. When she isn’t working, Vanessa enjoys watching sports, discovering good music, and game nights with friends.
Yeggy Michael
Art Programs Director
Yeggy is an award-winning visual public artist whose work can be seen throughout the Seattle area. Armed with metal, stone, glass and a green approach to his work, Yeggy often uses mosaic to illustrate unity and diversity. His vision is to provoke questions about natural cycles, provide a sense of place and to reflect on the movement of time. Yeggy believes that public art needs to reflect the community, the culture and the people who live in it, especially in communities that are underserved. It’s not just about beauty – it’s an expression of the moment and the people. Yeggy's inspiration comes from what has stayed close to his heart. At DNDA, Yeggy creates and leads arts programs for youth in West Seattle and South Seattle communities. He also works as co-director of the Arts in Nature Festival at Camp Long, a unique annual outdoor festival.