Our Staff

With an impressive background in fisheries management and aquatic habitat restoration, Trent brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization. Trent has been an engaged community member and professional in the field since 2001, making significant contributions to various organizations in Alaska like Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association, Cook Inlet Regional Citizen Advisory Council, and the Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association. Expressing his enthusiasm for returning full time to the Central Kenai Peninsula, Trent is eager to leverage his skills and expertise to advance KWF’s initiatives.

Candace brings to the Kenai Watershed Forum over thirty years of experience in the operations of non-profits, working internationally and in the US. She began her love affair with the Kenai Peninsula in 1999, when she and her sister decided to visit Alaska for their first annual sisters’ fishing trip. From the first few weeks here, Candace knew she would eventually call the Kenai Peninsula her home.

Now more than a few decades strong, the tradition remains that she and her sister find time to get out on the Kenai and the surrounding waters for their annual trip. And, she officially calls the Peninsula her home.

Ben grew up in Wasilla, Alaska and holds an M.S. in Fisheries from University of Alaska Fairbanks. Benjamin has worked throughout Alaska in diverse natural resource management professions including wildland firefighting, science consulting, and tourism. Outside of Kenai Watershed Forum you can find him working on converting an old bus into an RV, coaching Junior Nordic at Tsalteshi Trails, or watching his dog chase squirrels. He loves reading and hearing about Alaska history.

You can check out some of Ben’s recent projects on our Water Research News section, or his research portfolio at www.benjamin-meyer.net.

Alie is an Inupiaq Alaskan Native and proud Salamatof Tribal member, raised and residing in Nikiski, Alaska. She completed her M.S. in Environmental Science with a Certificate in Indigenous Research and Education from the University of Idaho. She brings experience in archaeology and environmental research science, as well as community adaptation research surrounding waterways on the Yukon-Kuskokwim River Delta.

Outside of work, she enjoys time with friends and family, travels whenever possible, and works on lapidary projects in her home studio. For Alie, the Kenai Peninsula has always been home, and she is thrilled to work on the land that has provided for her family since time immemorial.

As an angler and outdoor enthusiast, Christopher looks forward to collaborating with the many people that value Alaska’s wealth of natural beauty. With a background in natural resources and personnel management, Christopher brings a unique and practical approach to his work.

Christopher was quick to fall in love with the Kenai Peninsula. After a stint of seasonal work on the peninsula, he couldn’t deny the magic of this place and was eager to continue working to conserve it. In his spare time you will likely find him on the water chasing after trout, or catching a little bit of solitude in the woods.

With over a decade of experience and a Master’s degree in Education, this third generation Alaskan has worked with youth all over the world. Having served as an Environmental Educator in the Peace Corps, Brandon knows first hand that the best way to protect an environment is to help people fall in love with it. Much like a salmon, Brandon has found his way back to the Kenai, and is proud to be educating the next generation of environmentally literate Alaskans.

Born and raised in Soldotna, Cierra has always felt a strong connection to the Kenai Peninsula and the community that surrounds it. In her role with the Kenai Watershed Forum, she looks forward to building relationships and creating opportunities for people to engage with the organization’s mission.

With a background in communications, fundraising, and event coordination, Cierra brings a creative approach to sharing KWF’s work and building its impact.

Outside of the office, you’ll often find her kayaking nearby lakes, walking with one of her dogs, or exploring and supporting the local businesses that make this community so special.

Haley grew up in Soldotna, Alaska, where she enjoys hiking, camping, and fishing on the Kenai Peninsula. She graduated with a BS in Environmental Science from Montana State University and her background includes environmental consulting, field research, and trail maintenance. Haley is a curious and adventurous individual with a passion for the outdoors, collaborative work, and making a positive impact. She is so excited to encourage the next generation of stewards while inspiring a passion for the outdoors in the local youth.

Outside of work, Haley enjoys hiking with her dogs, line dancing with friends, movie nights with her family, and traveling to new places.

Caitlyn was born and raised in Soldotna, Alaska and is currently a senior at KCHS. She loves volunteering for local organizations, going to the Wednesday Market, and traveling even if it is for work. Caitlyn’s plan for the future is to choose a major in Education or Business. Whichever it is, she hopes her time at the Kenai Watershed Forum will continue to inspire her. This is Caitlyn’s second year as Summer Camp Assistant.

Sam Trussell is a student at the University Washington, originally from Grantham, New Hampshire, and is very excited to intern a second summer with the Stream Watch program!

Sam spent last summer falling in love with Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula, backpacking, fishing, and exploring the communities of this special region of the country. Sam loves Salmon; their unique life cycle, their beautiful color, and how they taste after a day of fishing.

Katherine is a sophomore at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, majoring in Environmental Biology. She is from Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Katherine is a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams at Saint Mary’s. She enjoys running, hiking, and being outdoors in general.

As a recent graduate from the University of San Francisco, Lauren is excited to transform her knowledge into action in a place as beautiful as the Kenai Peninsula. Lauren is passionate about restoration, conservation, and stewardship, and fly fishing has been on her bucket list for forever. She is looking forward to immersing herself into the city of Soldotna and taking advantage of the hiking and biking opportunities as well as the chance to give back to a community and their beloved ecosystem.