Our Staff & Partners
Our Staff
Lisa Ciecko
Plant Ecologist, Seattle Parks and Recreation
Lisa started work as a Plant Ecologist with the Green Seattle Partnership (GSP) in 2014, but she first got involved with the Partnership as a graduate student researching methods to improve seedling survivorship in Seattle Parks. Prior to Parks, she worked with Forterra on regional forest assessment and Green Cities programming, at the Arboretum doing native plant propagation, and as a program manager with Student Conservation Association. Lisa coordinates work with GSP partner organizations all around the city. When she’s not roaming Seattle Parks, you can find her adventuring around Washington with her family and friends.
Eric Sterner
Plant Ecologist, Seattle Parks and Recreation
Eric started working with the Green Seattle Partnership in 2014. He was previously a Gardener at Seattle Center and also has worked with Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Natural Resource Unit doing restoration work. Eric currently supports the Green Seattle Partnership Forest Stewards all around the city. Eric is very passionate about the outdoors and enjoys getting out with his wife, hiking and backpacking.
Michael Yadrick
Plant Ecologist, Seattle Parks and Recreation
Michael joined the Green Seattle Partnership team (GSP) in 2011. He is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Bolivia ’02-’04) and former AmeriCorps volunteer. He also worked with several land trusts before returning home to Seattle. Michael currently supports professional crew work happening across GSP sites. Professional tree-hugging during the week, you can also find Michael running in the local mountains and frequenting park playgrounds with his son.
Emilene Castillo
Green Cities Stewardship Coordinator, Forterra
Emilene first joined the Green Seattle as an AmeriCorps member in 2021. Now she helps to coordinate the program in her position at Forterra. Emilene was born in the Philippines but has lived in various cities throughout the Western Coast of the United States. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Emilene has experience coordinating sustainability and environmental justice initiatives and has led outdoor education programs. In her free-time she enjoys exploring new places, going on foodie adventures, and creating art.
Chris Baines
Natural Areas Crew Lead, Seattle Parks and Recreation
Chris joined the Green Seattle Partnership team in July 2018 as the Natural Area Crew Lead. He graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management. Chris has worked at Seattle Parks for 8 years including a stint on the Natural Area Crew. Chris enjoys playing soccer and losing his voice at Husky football & Seattle Sounders games in his free time.
Jordan Ng
GIS Support Analyst, Seattle Parks and Recreation
Jordan joined the Green Seattle Partnership (GSP) team in 2016, having worked in GIS and information technology services for Seattle Parks and Recreation since 2013. He graduated from the University of Washington with a GIS degree from the Dept. of Geography, and had become involved in forestry and environmental science while taking joint courses from the UW American Indian Studies Dept. and College of the Environment. In addition to working with other city departments, Jordan regularly collaborates with Seattle Information Technology to provide GIS web and mobile application support for the GSP. He continues to support the team with geospatial analyses and data management. Outside of work, Jordan enjoys music, drawing and painting, jogging, and the outdoors.
Patti Bakker
Planning and Development Supervisor, Seattle Parks and Recreation
Patti joined the Green Seattle Partnership team in July 2016 as the Planning and Development Supervisor, and has been working toward protection and restoration of habitats and species for more than 24 years. She has worked with local, state and federal agencies as well as large and small non-profit organizations, including seven years as a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Forest Service and seven years managing the Truckee River Restoration Program for The Nature Conservancy in Nevada. Patti also enjoys cooking up new culinary experiments from local market finds or dancing at events of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.
Our Partners
The work of the Green Seattle Partnership is only possible because of the contributions of our incredible partners. If you would like to suggest an addition to this list, contact info@greenseattle.org
Thank you to our incredible volunteers and community partners who roll up their sleeves every week to keep our forested parks healthy. You rock.