Meet The Team

​Board of Directors

Eric M. Welsh, Founder and Executive Director
Born and raised in Northern Arizona, Eric has always been fascinated with the beauty and intrigue offered through National Forests and Public Lands. His interest in Geology grew after taking an introductory class at Yavapai College while working on AA in Business Administration  this inspired him to continue his education and enroll in the Geology Program at Northern Arizona University where he earned a BS in Geology. Upon graduating from NAU, he formed a consulting agency and began working as a geologic consultant with individuals and small companies looking to claim mineral rights or expand operations on existing claims by completing basic survey, mapping, and safety assessments on a contractual basis. After working with small miners in the Nevada desert, he was awarded a GeoCorps Internship with the BLM which lead to his being contracted as a liaison with the Bureau of Land Management in the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program in New Mexico assisting in their inventory and remediation project work as a geologic consultant. It is through this experience that Eric decided to change his consulting agency into a non-profit organization benefiting geoscience students struggling to find jobs due to lack of experience or contacts within the industry. It is Eric's dream to create an environment through GEM's programming where students can apply the knowledge they have acquired in school to the practical industry applications used by many leading geologic and mining companies before they graduate, giving those students a higher chance at landing a job in their area of study, post graduation.
Contact him at Ericwelsh@gemenvironmental.org 
Jessica R. Cook, Chairman of the Board and Business Manager
Jessica was born and raised in Arizona and currently resides in Prescott with her husband Brandon, puppy Winslow, and two cats Damien and Pablo. She studied Business Administration at Yavapai College after working in the construction industry along side her grandfather. It was through the experiences she gained working after high school that she decided to start her career in Construction Management. Currently, Jessica is working as an Office Manager for a local paving and construction company. Jessica benefits our organization with her experience in bookkeeping, accounts receivable, accounts payable, contract writing, policy enforcement, and her ability to stay current on state and federal policy changes. She is passionate, loves helping those in need, and is excited to take on her new role in environmental conservation while assisting the development of GEM. As Chairman of the Board, Jessica takes pride in creating new partnerships between our organization and local businesses who share our passion and drive in creating new opportunities and experiences for those involved in our project work.
Contact her at: jessica@gemenvironmental.org

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Mona L. Welsh, Treasurer and Secretary
Mona Welsh has lived in Prescott with her husband Gary for over 30 years where they raised two children. Her mission with the organization is to help develop and raise awareness for the scholarship program which will enable STEM students to help in funding their college education costs. She is enthusiastic about getting the community involved in fundraising. Throughout her life, Mona has worked with several nonprofit organizations in the Prescott Community where she has served as a board member for the YMCA to build a new pool and fitness center, as a board member on the Diamond Valley Water District special committee, and as a secretary for our local chapter of ABATE. Aside from work, Mona loves traveling in her motor-home with her husband where they visit National Parks and attend the Ranger programs. She believes that educational opportunities provided by programs such as the National Parks Ranger Program provide enjoyment, education and inspiration; all of which she hopes to foster in her continued work with G.E.M. Environmental. During her time off,
she hopes to visit every National Park in the United States.
Contact her at: Monawelsh@gemenvironmental.org
Alejandro "Chino" Martinez, Diversity Officer
As a native Arizonian, Chino has always felt a certain responsibility and commitment towards the community that raised him. This sense of responsibility inspired him to begin taking psychology classes at Yavapai College. While attending his first semester, Chino quickly developed a deep passion for charitable work. He fell in love with the rewarding feeling gained through nonprofit work while attending community college. This resolve stuck with him through the rest of his collegiate years, leading him to complete a Bachelors in Social Work at Northern Arizona University. After 5 years working with several different behavioral health nonprofit companies, Chino decided to continue his dream and further his education. Now working towards a MS in Professional Counseling, Chino hopes to continue his support for our local community and is happy spending his days keeping Arizona and Prescott an amazing place to live, one program at a time.
Contact him at: Chino@gemenvironmental.org
Robert Briggs, Operations and Program Technician - Member at Large
Robert, a 21-year resident of the Prescott area, moved to Yavapai County from Sacramento when he was 25 years old. After working as a reputable auto mechanic for 20 plus years, he elected to change his career path and made the decision to return to college life as an older student at the age of 42. With persistence and dedication, he graduated in the spring of 2015 from Northern Arizona University with a BS in Geology. During his work in the auto industry, he attained ASE Master Tech certifications and developed the ability to fix just about anything. This has led to a unique opportunity for Robert to join GEM as our fleet supervisor and as a contract geologist working with our Abandoned Mine Lands Inventory team. He thoroughly enjoys being outside with his eyes constantly on the terrain. His experiences working in the automotive field and his renewed zest for geology offer GEM a unique ability to visit remote field locations without fear of being stranded.
Contact him at: robertbriggs@gemenvironmental.org
Emily Petersen, Director of Scholarships
Emily grew up in Maryland and traded the museums for mountains when she moved to Colorado    after earning her Art History Degree. This summer she moved to Arizona after teaching middle        school science in Washington State. Before teaching, Emily worked with a variety of                      environmental education non-profits and explored the forests, rivers, and estuaries of Washington and Colorado. She loves teaching science and connecting students with nature. Emily believes that STEM education can inspire curiosity and unlock countless opportunities for students. Her passion is playing outside and she loves planning hiking trips to backcountry huts, rock climbing during daylight hours, and attempting bike-packing adventures.
Contact her at: emily@gemenvironmental.org

GEM For STEM and GEM CORPS
​Employees

Brandon White, Program Manager
Brandon grew up in a small town in Southern Michigan and has lived in Prescott for the past year. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a specialization in Health Promotions. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, attending live music, playing music, reading, and rock climbing. Brandon has always loved science and is excited to help foster a passion for STEM programs in students.
Contact him at: brandon@gemenvironmental.org
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Madison Link, Program Coordinator
Madison was raised in Georgia with a loving, close family. She graduated summa cum laude from Georgia College & State University in three years with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Minor in Mathematics. She worked as a mathematics tutor at the college and as a legal assistant at a law firm while attending GCSU. She knew that she wanted to serve her country after college and joined AmeriCorps VISTA to help fight poverty through indirect service. After being raised by a science teacher mom and a data scientist dad, she realized that one of the best ways to help combat poverty is by creating STEM educational opportunities for children while collecting data that confirms those opportunities are working as intended. She is very excited to be part of GEM and has already fallen in love with the beautiful city of Prescott. During her off time, she can often be found working on other charitable projects, kayaking on Watson Lake, or rock climbing in the Dells.
Contact her at: madison@gemenvironmental.org
Jennifer Warren, Human Resources and Accounting Clerk
Jennifer is from Texas, she loves horses, music and dancing.  She values science greatly because it is part of every living thing on this planet. Jennifer earned Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management from Texas Tech and worked for Texas Parks and Wildlife after graduating. She also has a great appreciation for technology, as it is fun to learn all the changes that are occurring every day. Her love for STEM propelled her to change her direction later in life and return to her passion of serving the community. She is excited to be apart of the team and is looking forward to making an impact on our local STEM students.
​Contact her at: jennifer@gemenvironmental.org
Rena Kolikant, GIS Analyst 
​Rena is from Southern New Mexico and after a brief stint on the East Coast, where she received a B.S. in Mathematics, she returned to the area and land that she loves. Through her experience doing contract project work for the Bureau of Land Management she developed an interest in applying GIS and satellite technology to problem solving land management issues. She believes STEM education can help individuals and organizations reach their potential through teaching an open and curious problem-solving approach that creatively adapts to the technological and other tools at hand. 
​Contact her at: rena@gemenvironmental.org
​ Annette Sunda, AML Monitoring Technician
Annette currently calls the Land of Enchantment (aka New Mexico) home, but she has also lived in Arizona, California, and Washington State. She feels that most people who know her will tell you that her main interests are playing with sand and swimming, however, she would like to think that her interests are much more diverse. Annette enjoys exploring, paddle boarding, camping and hiking, along with gardening, quilting, and experimenting with recipes. She has always been fascinated with science.  Growing up in the outdoors, she was extremely curious about everything around her. This led to her firm belief that “an education steeped in STEM gives us the tools to understand the natural and not so natural world around us: Math is the language that connects us, Engineering gives us the reason to solves our problems, Technology is ubiquitous in our everyday life and Science teaches us to focus and harness curiosity”.
Contact her at: annette@gemenvironmental.org
Jake Morris, GEM CORPS Crew Leader
Originally from Colorado, Jake moved to Arizona to pursue his life goals. He is interested in the outdoors, arts and crafts, and anything JRR Tolkien.
Contact him at: jmorris@gemenvironmental.org

AmeriCorps Members through AZ Serve

We are pleased to have partnered with AmeriCorps through Arizona Serve to provide several exciting service positions.
​Scroll down to learn more about our AmeriCorps team members.
Abby Ruby, AmeriCorps VISTA Member and STEM Outreach Specialist
Abby is from Bel Air, Maryland. She went to school at the University of Alabama where she majored in Mechanical Engineering. She loves anything outside, whether it be hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing! Abby also played Ultimate Frisbee for four years at school and during summers. Her love for science and math has helped her reach her goals and has furthered her education. This is why she wants to use her passion and get other students excited about STEM and show them all the possibilities they can have for their future education. 
Contact her at: abbyruby@gemenvironmental.org

 
Annie Warner, AmeriCorps State Member and GEM Marketing and Outreach Coordinator
 Annie is originally from New Jersey but spent the last four years living in Florida while attending       college. In her free time, she enjoys dance, yoga, hiking, spending time outside, photography, and   experimenting in photoshop.
 Contact her at: awarner@gemenvironmental.org



​Jessica Certain, AmeriCorps State Member
Jessica grew up in the Prescott area and has loved exploring the local community. She loves to go hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and has grown up with the outdoors being a large part of her life. Jessica is currently in school and wishes to become a Geologist. Along the way, she hopes to inspire young people to be more excited and want to study the sciences.
​Contact her at: jcertain@gemenvironmental.org



Ellen Snyder, AmeriCorps State Member
Ellen grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, but after graduating from Monmouth College with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science she lived in several different states. She loves being outdoors, especially hiking and camping (and identifying plants along the way), baking, gardening, and playing board games. Ellen believes ecology, sustainability, and all parts of STEM are essential for the future leaders to appreciate and grow to love. ​


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Jacob Mull, AmeriCorps State Member High School Ambassador
​Jacob is from Prescott, and he is currently a senior at Prescott High School. Jacob highly values academic integrity and environmental conservation, which he applies to his work and studying. His hobbies and current activities include National Honor Society, Math Club, and Band. 

GEM Corps AmeriCorps Service Members and YCEL Field Interns

G.E.M. Environmental, in partnership with The Corps Network  and The Bureau of Land Management in Arizona and New Mexico, created the Youth Conservation and Experiential Learning (YCEL) program where service members work on a variety of science based projects under the ​mentorship of BLM Staff Scientists in and around Arizona and New Mexico. 
Dallas Willoughby
Dallas grew up in Arizona and Utah with two younger brothers. He is a scout and has taken classes and programs on land navigation and management and feels this internship will help him in the field to identify mines and other things. He has always had a knack and love for science and feels that through the G.E.M Environmental internship he will be able to expand his horizons of science-related work. During his first internship in 2019, Dallas was an AmeriCorps State Member through Arizona Serve. Dallas is currently participating in our AML Monitoring and Mapping program. 
Patrick Willoughby     
Patrick lives in Prescott, AZ with his parents, two brothers, and his big puppy Nate. He is currently a junior at Prescott High School, where he is a starting varsity football player for the Prescott High Badgers. He enjoys sports, riding his dirt bike and many other outdoor activities. After high school, Patrick plans on continuing his education at Yavapai College, working on a degree in Computer Programming and Information Technology. Welcome to the team, Patrick!