Trees Forever Staff
To reach a helpful staff member, dial 1-800-369-1269 plus the individual extension below
Michelle Beisker
Chief Executive Officer
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Connect with Michelle
Beisker began her role as CEO at Trees Forever on April 29, 2024. She brings extensive not-for-profit and for-profit experience to the role, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Development at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Beisker also served as Chief Operating Officer at Waypoint Services in Cedar Rapids, Program Director at Four Oaks in Cedar Rapids, Assistant Vice President at Mount Mercy University, and Global Sales Manager at PMX Industries. Michelle is a proud graduate of the University of Iowa.
Michelle is an Iowa native and loves to immerse herself in nature. She enjoys reading and writing by her pond, working in her flowerbed, and tending her family’s acreage. Currently she has a menagerie of animals including chickens, cats and two goats. Most importantly, Michelle loves to share her farm fresh eggs.
Dan Washburn
Chief Strategy and Financial Officer
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Connect with Dan
Dan has more than fifteen years of experience in finance and strategic planning. His background includes serving as Chief Financial Officer for nonprofit organizations and holding key leadership roles in finance and strategic planning support.
Dan most recently was the Chief Financial Officer at Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART), a multi-city collaborative serving the greater Des Moines metropolitan area. He has served in various volunteer roles including National Trails Day with Polk County Conservation and member of the Finance Committee with Indian Creek Nature Center.
Heather Cordon-Croskrey
Director of Development
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Connect with Heather
Heather is originally from O’Fallon Illinois, but has called Iowa home since 2000. She has earned Masters degrees from Southern Illinois University and the University of Iowa studying cultural and organizational communication and conversation analysis. Prior to joining Trees Forever, Heather spent over eight years in development for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Her career, spanning over 20 years, has included work with enrollment management, air service development, and marketing. Heather loves new adventures to keep learning, growing, and meeting new people. She spends her down time being an active mom to two teenagers, two grown children, and two grandchildren.
Deanna Derlein
Human Resource Manager
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Connect with Deanna
Deanna has over ten years of experience in human resources in non-profit organizations. Before joining the Trees Forever, Deanna led HR projects aimed at employee engagement, process improvement, and team collaboration. In her free time, Deanna spends time outdoors, runs regularly, and enjoys being with her family, including her first granddaughter.
Angela Funk
Director of Community Programs Illinois
Armington, Illinois
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Connect with Angela
Angela grew up in Park Forest, Illinois, spending her childhood adventuring in the local forest preserves. She studied Environmental Biology and Botany at Eastern Illinois University. Her parents moved to Fish Creek, Wisconsin (Door County) the year she left for college, so she has spent her adult life exploring and enjoying the Northwoods whenever she heads home to visit.
Since early 2023, Angela has served as Executive Director for Friends of the Sangamon Valley, a non-profit land trust in central Illinois. Prior to that she was the Director of Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove for 19 years after a 12-year tenure as the Director of Douglas-Hart Nature Center in Mattoon. Angela has been involved in nature center administration, environmental education, and land acquisition, protection, and stewardship for over thirty-three years. She served for 12 years on the Environmental Education Association of Illinois board and has been involved in various state and national environmental education initiatives and projects. Angela received several awards for her service and contributions to conservation and education and was inducted into the Illinois Conservation Hall of Fame in 2025.
Angela and her husband, Eric, live in rural Armington, Illinois where they have created an 11.5-acre nature sanctuary of their own, called Funky Hollow. Towering oak trees and pollinator habitat along with dozens of species of native shrubs provide a haven for wildlife. When time allows, they hit the road on camping adventures with their canine companion, Sawyer.
Jeff Jensen
Director of Community Programs
Fenton, Iowa
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Connect with Jeff
Jeff is Director of Community Programs at Trees Forever leading field staff in Iowa and Illinois and overseeing all programming outside the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids Metro areas. He has a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and has worked in the field of sustainable agriculture for the past 20 years. He has over eighteen years of experience working with landowners and farmers growing perennial crops and is active with several existing organizations and partners, including the Iowa Nut Growers Association. He grows nuts and berries on his farm, NutHaven, in North-Central Iowa.
Megan Schneider
Director of Programs Des Moines Metro
Des Moines, Iowa
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Connect with Megan
Megan put down roots in Des Moines after earning a B.A. in Writing from Drake University and a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of Washington in Seattle. She embarked on a career in higher education and the nonprofit sector, most recently working in resource and community development roles for Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. Megan joined the Trees Forever team in November of 2022, after serving as a Trees Forever TreeKeeper and community supporter for five years. She is an aspiring backyard berry farmer, self-identified bookworm, and mom to two beloved dogs and a small flock of chickens. Megan is a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and a Master Gardener.
Molly Stuelke
Director of Programs Linn County
Linn County, Iowa
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Connect with Molly
Molly fell in love with Trees Forever when she became a Trees Forever TreeKeeper and is excited to make new connections as the Director of Programs. She has spent a majority of her career working in various Parks and Recreation positions but the best part of all her jobs has been the relationships she’s built with families and volunteers. She enjoys spending her free time getting into trouble with her husband and kids.
John Bright
Director of Marketing and Communications
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Connect with John
John comes from a long background of non-profit communications work with the Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity and AmeriCorps. He got his first taste of working alongside Trees Forever during tree plantings in partnership with the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. John works out of the Marion, Iowa office and is responsible for much of the social media and communications you see coming from Trees Forever. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and enjoys sharing the accomplishments of Trees Forever and its supporters.
Tracy Feldmann
Systems Director
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Connect with Tracy
Tracy’s extensive experience in database and systems management keeps the Trees Forever digital infrastructure running smoothly. Her favorite part of the job is thinking creatively to solve pinch points with automations. In her spare time she enjoys creating her 100% handmade wardrobe, designing sweater patterns, and building an off-grid home with her family.
Seth Adamson
Des Moines Growing Futures Program Coordinator
Des Moines, Iowa
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Connect with Seth
Seth joined the Trees Forever team after completing an 11-month service term with Trees Forever as an AmeriCorps member. Before that, he graduated from Colorado State University-Pueblo with a B.S. in Sociology and has previous experience working in human services at Springs Rescue Mission in Colorado Springs, CO. Originally from Des Moines, he moved back to Iowa in 2022 and has been in love with the Trees Forever mission ever since. In his free time, he enjoys being outside, watching and playing sports, and spending quality time with his family.
Erin Carpenter
Northwest Iowa Field Coordinator
Marshalltown, Iowa
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Connect with Erin
Erin’s background spans AmeriCorps service, municipal partnerships, nonprofit leadership, and community-based planning. She holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University and previously ran a small ceramics studio specializing in carved porcelain. Erin lives in Marshalltown with her family and two outrageously spoiled cats, and spends her spare time coaching taekwondo and hunting for mushrooms.
Shaila Claibourn
Urban Forestry Project Manager
Des Moines, Iowa
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Connect with Shaila
A transplant from Kansas, Shaila is a passionate advocate for community and nature. She graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Anthropology and Environmental Studies. When she’s not paddling, or making art, Shaila oversees annual tree distributions across Iowa.
Bianca Cook
Des Moines Volunteer & Community Education Coordinator
Des Moines, Iowa
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Connect with Bianca
Bianca (she/her) first got involved with Trees Forever while serving a term with Green Iowa AmeriCorps in 2022. There she became a TreeKeeper to assist her as she organized tree plantings and focused on getting community members involved in the process. Here at Trees Forever, she works with volunteers to create fun events planting and caring for trees in the Des Moines metro. At the University of Northern Iowa, she earned a degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology. When she’s not digging in the dirt at work, you can find her hiking with her dog, Remy, or cuddling up on the couch with a book and her cats.
Connie Cowan
Illinois Program Manager
Abingdon, Illinois
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Connect with Connie
Connie has worked in the environmental field for a majority of her career. She has experience in horticulture, agriculture, and natural resources. She looks forward to sharing her passion for plants, nature, and ecology with Illinois communities in an effort to improve the natural surroundings. She recently returned home to the family farm in Illinois, where she enjoys spending time with family, pets and exploring the outdoors.
Anu Dokun
ReLeaf Program Coordinator
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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Connect with Anu
Anu graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Environmental Science. He previously served a summer AmeriCorps term with Trees Forever, where he continued to develop a strong passion for community-based environmental work. His hobbies include reading, building Legos, gaming, lifting, fishing, and golfing. As the ReLeaf Program Coordinator, Anu is excited to connect with the community and help plant trees for a greener, better tomorrow.
Callie Gardemann
Marketing and Board Relations Coordinator
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Connect with Callie
Callie (she/her) previously joined Trees Forever as a Growing Futures Leader back in 2020. After some time in the financial world, she is excited to return in a new role. She received a Bachelor of Studio Arts from Central College and later obtained a Certificate of Graphic Design from Kirkwood Community College. When Callie is not at work she enjoys outdoor walks, video games, and selling art at local markets.
Dina Haveric
Outreach, Volunteer & Community Education Coordinator Linn County, Iowa
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Connect with Dina
Dina graduated from Purdue University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources & Environmental Science and a minor in Environmental & Ecological Engineering. After graduating, she crossed the Mississippi and headed west to Cedar Rapids where she completed an AmeriCorps service term with Green Iowa AmeriCorps Land and Water Stewards. Following her AmeriCorps service, Dina joined the Trees Forever team full time as ReLeaf Outreach and Communications Manager. In her free time, Dina enjoys foraging for mushrooms, playing pickleball, and serving the community through her role as Vice President of the Cedar Rapids Parks Foundation.
Bri Hull
Illinois Field Coordinator
Rockford, Illinois
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Connect with Bri
Bri graduated from Wartburg College in 2021 with a degree in Biology with minors in Environmental Science and Leadership. In the following two years she completed two 11-month service terms with Green Iowa AmeriCorps as a Land and Water Steward. In her free time she enjoys reading, exploring prairies and woodlands, and testing new foraging recipes.
Anna Long
Systems Coordinator
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Connect with Anna
Anna graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa with a major in Communications and a minor in English in 2021. She has always had a passion for engaging with nonprofits and her time at Central only reinforced that goal. At Trees Forever, Anna is excited to have the opportunity to keep learning while she analyzes, designs, and optimizes processes using Trees Forever’s CRM system and other online tools. In her leisure time, she loves to read and relax outdoors with her dog, Boji, or cozy up for a movie night with her cat, Whiskey.
Enzo Nagao
Development and Volunteer Coordinator
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Connect with Enzo
Originally from Naperville, Illinois, Enzo Nagao (he/him) graduated from Coe College in the summer of 2020 with degrees in English and Music. After spending a year in the Naperville Department of Public Works, Enzo developed an interest in urban forestry, which brought him to Trees Forever in September 2021. Enzo led the Growing Futures program in Cedar Rapids for 2 years before transitioning to the role of ReLeaf Volunteer Coordinator, where he managed volunteers from the Cedar Rapids metro area on a multitude of projects.
In December 2024, Enzo joined the Development Team and is working both on strengthening volunteer engagement throughout Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin and finding new funding opportunities to support the Trees Forever mission. He is in the process of getting a Grant Writing Certificate through Spark the Fire Grant Writing. In his free time, Enzo enjoys writing science fiction and fantasy stories.
James Partridge
Corridor Growing Futures Program Coordinator
Linn County, Iowa
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Connect with James
James graduated from Iowa State University with a B.A. in Political Science. He has completed three service terms with the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa as the Trails and Driftless crew lead. His hobbies include kayaking, hiking, and battling the weeds in his garden. As the Growing Futures program coordinator, he is excited to work with and inspire a new generation of community leaders.
Lisa Renfer
Administrative Coordinator
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Connect with Lisa
Lisa updates and maintains Trees Forever’s member and partner database. Prior to her time at Trees Forever, she worked nine years at Orchestra Iowa as a Patron Associate and also did the billing and payments for the Orchestra Iowa School. She has two daughters and enjoys taking walks.
Brad Riphagen
Iowa Program Manager
Jefferson, Iowa
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Connect with Brad
Brad has a B.A. in Biology and an M.S. in Land Resources with a focus on prairie restoration and soils. He has been a Trees Forever Field Coordinator since 1995 and worked in almost all the program areas, including community tree plantings, Visioning, and buffer/watershed work. He has a strong interest in reduction of stormwater runoff especially in urban areas through the use of infiltration practices such as rain gardens and bio-retention basins. Brad is also a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture.
Deb Roman
Program Support Coordinator
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Connect with Deb
Deb is best known as the voice of Trees Forever, as she is most often the person answering telephone at our main office in Marion. Deb supports all the necessary administrative processes for hundreds of grant applications, awards and reports. Deb grew up on a farm west of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and graduated from Kirkwood Community College. She has a special place in her heart for her pets, the outdoors, and she thrives on hard work and helping others.
Ben Vaughan
Urban Forestry Project Manager
Linn County Iowa
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Connect with Ben
Ben graduated from the University of Iowa In December 2021 with a degree in environmental policy and a minor in economics. He served as an AmeriCorps member at Trees Forever before coming on full time as a project leader. Ben largely works on the watering and planting of Re-Leaf plan trees. Outside of work, Ben enjoys cooking, spending time in nature, and playing guitar.
Dina Wachendorf
Finance Assistant
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Connect with Dina
Dina comes to the Trees Forever Finance team with a strong background of Accounting and Business office management. She is eager to share her vast expertise and experience with the TF team and its operations and goals. Dina grew up in NE Iowa, is a Kirkwood Community graduate, and has over 28+ years of experience in accounting, payroll, HR & office management. On her time off, you can find her spending time with family, friends, and pets, as well as being outdoors, and enjoying Hawkeye sports.
Kelly Waters
Southeast Iowa Field Coordinator
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
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Connect with Kelly
Kelly is a proud Iowa native and graduate of Iowa State University, where she earned a B.S. in Animal Ecology. After spending several years working in environmental education around the country, Iowa called her home, and she’s spent the last 10 years in community programming and higher education. She’s excited to return to her roots in environmental stewardship and thrilled to share her passion for nature and community engagement with Trees Forever and SE Iowa. Kelly lives on a cattle farm with her husband, two kids, and their dog. And because there wasn’t enough chaos, they recently added chickens and ducks to the mix. In her free time, you’ll find Kelly outdoors—biking, kayaking, fishing, reading, crafting, or working around the farm.
Trees Forever and Iowa DNR Partnership Staff
Ellie Jones
Connect with Ellie
Originally from Kansas, Ellie graduated from Coe College with a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science in 2023. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, bird-watching and working with animals! Following internships with Indian Creek Nature Center, and Lakeside Labs in Northwestern Iowa, she is excited to collaborate with Iowa communities and the Iowa DNR to aid in storm and pest recovery as the Community Disaster Recovery Coordinator.
Laurie Dams
Connect with Laurie
Laurie graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Science from Drake University in 2019. She joined Trees Forever in August of 2024 after serving two terms as a member of Green Iowa Americorps. In her free time she enjoys skiing and spending time with her dog. She is excited to continue her work with trees and build connections with communities across Iowa.
