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Christopher Spinner
Christopher Spinner
Executive Director
Since taking the helm as Executive Director of CREEC in 2024, Chris has brought an infectious enthusiasm to our mission. With credentials as a Board Certified Master Arborist and a certified Project Management Professional, he expertly combines his passion for our vision with a strategic approach to achieving our goals. Currently, he is channeling his energy into an exciting pet project focused on collecting and documenting bryophytes in our region, blending science with a touch of adventure!
Nancy Hawthorne
Nancy Hawthorne
Board Vice Chair
Her history with CREEC goes back to the beginning of the organization when she volunteered at the Scene on the Strait art show fundraiser. She is a retired educator who worked with students in grades K-8. She loves the idea of educating children in ways that encourage them to become actively committed to improving their local environment. Nancy also volunteers for the Red Cross and raises puppies for Guide Dogs of America.
Dean Kelch
Dean Kelch
Board Chair, Docent
He is a long-term resident of Crockett who has been involved with CREEC for 20 years. In his varied career, he has always worked with plants, both wild and cultivated. As a researcher and lecturer at U.C. Berkeley, he co-authored the paper Flora of the Carquinez Strait Region, Contra Costa and Solano Counties, California. Dean has served as Director of the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, State Noxious Weed Coordinator, Primary State Botanist, and President of the California Botanical Society. Currently, he is a Program Manager with the California Department of Food & Agriculture. .
Ami Cooper
Ami Cooper
Board Member, Docent
A lifelong biophile from the East Bay, Ami brings a unique blend of expertise in permaculture and mental health to their role at CREEC. Deeply rooted in the landscapes along the Carquinez Strait, they are passionate about connecting people with nature and each other. Whether building community through hands-on ecological work or engaging with the public at local events, Ami is dedicated to nurturing a more sustainable, resilient, and connected world.
Adam Webster
Adam Webster
Board Secretary, Docent
Adam is one of our newer Board Members, he brings years of outdoor education experience. He is currently serving as the Chair of our Education Commitee.
AnaMarie Avila Farias
AnaMarie Avila Farias
Board Member
Proud to be a lifelong, third-generation Contra Costa County resident. She is a State of California Assembly member. Anamarie is a dedicated public servant who has worked in several local government housing agencies administering Affordable Housing and Community Development programs. Anamarie is actively involved with youth programs and is a current Board Member for the Juvenile Hall Auxiliary of Contra Costa Count
Joe Boyden
Joe Boyden
Board Treasurer, Docent
Joe is an environmental educator, certified UC Climate Steward, and native plant enthusiast. Joe combines his Forest and Fire Ecology background with years of community engagement experience to inspire others to explore and connect with our natural environment.
Indy Rishi Singh
Indy Rishi Singh
Docent
Indy is the executive director of a healthcare nonprofit, www.CultivatingSelf.org , chief pollinator with California Doughnut Economics Coalition, and the cofounder of www.CosmicLabyrinth.world . As a docent, he is excited to share cultural intelligence and make volunteering fun and regenerative to all.
Kathy Kearns
Kathy Kearns
Docent
Kathy is a professional artist, educator, and long-time CREEC volunteer who combines her knowledge of the natural world with her passion for art, creating engaging and interactive experiences for both kids and adults.
Bill Concannon
Bill Concannon
Docent
Bill is a lifelong learner and Artist. He sees the world from a view of beauty and astonishment.
Bonnie Parnell
Bonnie Parnell
Docent
Bonnie has been involved with CREEC since it's inception. She has an interest in personal health and the power of being in nature. Seeing her in the garden brings joy to all.
susana Van Greunen
susana Van Greunen
Board Member
Susanna came to CREEC in 2017 and served as the president of the board until 2025.
Judy
Judy
Board Member
Judy has been with CREEC since she was a vender at our legacy fundraising event scene on the strait.
Join Our Team!
Join Our Team!
Are you passionate about making a difference in the environment? We're on the lookout for dynamic, qualified board members and enthusiastic volunteers to help us create a positive impact! Dive into our mission and bring your unique talents to our team.
Check out our board member application form below, and don’t forget to join our email list for exciting volunteer opportunities. Together, we can inspire change and protect our beautiful region!
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