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
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
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
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Dave Tharp, Board Member
Dave has over 25 years of experience in the Firefighting and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Industry in Arizona – holding the ranks of Reserve Firefighter through Battalion Chief and is a certified Paramedic. He is currently the Assistant Chief of Administration for the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority and has overseen the “business part” of fire agencies (Human Resources, Finance and Administration) for the past 8 years. He managed the transition of the Central Yavapai and Chino Valley Fire Districts to create the first Joint Powers Authority in Arizona in 2016. He sits on the Board of Directors for Securis – a worker’s compensation risk pool for fire districts, and Kairos – a health insurance risk pool for town, cities, school districts and fire districts in Arizona. He is finalizing his degree in Fire Administration through Columbia Southern University, has 6 kids, loves to golf, was born in Hawaii and is fluent in Italian. 

GEM For STEM and GEM CORPS
​Employees
​Ashley McDonough, HR and Accounting Clerk
Ashley is a native Arizonan and has resided in the Northern Arizona area for over a decade. Graduating from the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School, she then went on to Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University. She comes from many years in the restaurant industry, helping to facilitate company growth on multiple different levels. Ashley has always had a strong interest in all things science and is so excited to be part of the team. She whole-heartedly believes in G.E.M. and looks forward to contributing to the mission and our beautiful community.
Contact her at: ashley@gemenvironmental.org
Marlena Willoughby, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator             
Marlena was raised in Kingman, Arizona and has had the pleasure of calling Prescott home for the past 5 years. She has three amazing sons and enjoys spending as much time with them as possible. When she isn't working at her full time job, you can find her in the kitchen cooking up amazing meals for her friends and family. Marlena has worked with GEM in many different aspects since 2018. She has volunteered on different service projects and educational programs, updated and managed the social media platforms and website, worked as camp cook in the field on AML projects, organized and assisted with multiple fundraising events, and worked on the remodel and maintenance of the GEM Environmental office suites.
Contact her at: marlena@gemenvironmental.org
Rena Kolikant, GIS Specialist
​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
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​Annette Sunda, Staff Geologist
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
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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.
Kassie Henrikson, AmeriCorps VISTA and Volunteer Program Coordinator
Kassie grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and has always been passionate about nature and environmental protection. She is especially interested in science communication, biodiversity, ecological restoration, and phenology. Her hobbies include hiking, cycling, birding, and anything outdoors.
Contact her at: khenrikson@gemenvironmental.org

GEM Corps AmeriCorps Service Members

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. 
Patrick Willoughby
Patrick lives in Prescott, AZ with his parents, two brothers, and his big puppy Nate. He is              currently a senior 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.
Colleen Nodal
Colleen was born and raised in Prescott, Arizona and is currently a senior at Prescott High School. She lives with her wonderful mother Josie and new baby cat Frankie. When she isn't at school or work, she likes to spend time with her family and friends. Colleen plans to attend Yavapai College after graduation where she will study Criminal Justice and hopes to become a Social Worker.
Troy Gamble, GEM Corps AML Researcher's Assistant
Troy is originally from Los Angeles and currently lives in Flagstaff, AZ where he attends Northern Arizona University. He enjoys hiking in the beautiful pines and camping whenever he has free time. Troy values STEM education because he feels that it provides individuals with a wide range of opportunities and education that will help in long term decision making and life skills.
                                                     
Elliot Hoy, GEM Corps AML Researcher's Assistant
Elliot Hoy is our new GEM CORPS AML Geographer’s Assistant. Elliot has spent several years working in IT and traveling before deciding to go back to school. He is now a senior at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. He enjoys spending as much time as possible in the great outdoors. During a long back packing trip, Elliot met fellow travelers who were geologists and learned about the exciting lifestyle they led. This encouraged him to take geology courses at Yavapai College and pursue this field of study.