Brendan Norman
Executive Director
As founder and first executive director for the organization, Brendan has twenty years experience operating AmeriCorps programs such as the Northwest Service Academy and “I Have A Dream” Foundation – Oregon and operating youth camps. An educator at heart with dirt in his blood, Brendan loves the outdoors nearly as much as his family.
Contact Brendan at: brendan@mtadamsinstitute.org
Katie Schmidt
Recruitment Coordinator & Programs Support
Katie is responsible for helping applicants find their best fit in our programs. Katie has worked for AmeriCorps programs for 8+ years. Prior to her current role, she was the residential coordinator for an environmentally focused AmeriCorps Program. In her free time, Katie enjoys outings with her family to geocache sites throughout the country.
Contact Katie at: katie@mtadamsinstitute.org
Aaron Stanton
AmeriCorps Program Director
Aaron oversees our three AmeriCorps programs: VetsWork Environment, VetsWork GreenCorps and Public Lands Stewards. He has a background in public education administration in Washington and Oregon. In his free time, he enjoys kayaking, kite boarding, hiking and hanging with his wonderful wife Katie.
Contact Aaron at: aaron@mtadamsinstitute.org
Laura Linn
VetsWork Senior Program Coordinator
Laura provides support to both our VetsWork participants and partners. Laura’s background in nonprofit management and summer camp programs stem from her past employment with the Friends of the National Zoo and the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
In her free time, Laura enjoys volunteering with other community focused organizations and hiking.
Contact Laura at: laura@mtadamsinstitute.org
Marijke Riddering Weaver
VetsWork GreenCorps & Public Lands Stewards Coordinator
Marijke has a degree in natural resource management as well as outdoor education and leadership. She spent over 10 years working in the field as a teacher, outdoor instructor, student affairs manager, and wilderness guide across the United States and abroad. Marijke also spent years working as a social worker in Portland supporting runaway and homeless youth.
Marijke incorporates her love of the natural world and experience supporting people taking on new life challenges into her job at MAI. Marijke enjoys frolicking in the outdoors with her husband Scott, daughter Fern, and 2 rad dogs.
Contact Marijke: at marijke@mtadamsinstitute.org
Mike Gundlach
Education Programs Director
Mike has 15 years of experience working with a variety of outdoor youth education programs and non-profit organizations. He is passionate about engaging youth through transformational experiences in the natural world that provide opportunities to learn and grow.
When not working at MAI, Mike enjoys mountain biking and hiking.
Contact Mike at: mike@mtadamsinstitute.org
Erynne van Zee
Cascade Mountain School Interim Director
Erynne graduated with a degree in environmental engineering at Tufts University. She is passionate about engaging students in creative problem solving that intersects engineering, ecological sciences, and art. She brings experience developing curricula for and teaching 2nd-5th grade STEAM outreach classes and a college-level environmental justice course on land ethics.
A Northwest local, Erynne loves to share experiences while surrounded by beautiful mountains, moss, and towering trees.
Contact Erynne at: erynne@cascademountainschool.org
Erica Bingham
Communications & Outreach Coordinator and Development Specialist
Erica joined the MAI staff after serving three terms as an AmeriCorps member. She got her start with our Public Lands Stewards program as a refuge technician on Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. Last year she had a dual role driving MAI’s social media presence and public outreach while coordinating wilderness projects for the Mt. Adams Ranger District of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Erica enjoys hiking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, and baking.
Contact Erica at: erica@mtadamsinstitute.org
Dana Rivkin
Summer Camp Coordinator
Dana’s passions are fueled by a desire to build connections to ourselves, to others, and to nature. She has been working in the conservation, outdoor education, adventure guiding and teaching field since 2007.
Her free time is filled with yoga, surfing, dance, and cooking food from her garden.
Contact Dana at: dana@mtadamsinstitute.org
Emily Martin
Strategic Projects Consultant
Emily is the founder and former director of Cascade Mountain School. She brings years of environmental policy, science, and foundation experience to her position as a strategic projects consultant focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. She is committed to working at the intersection of youth education, environmental stewardship, and nature. Emily enjoys outdoor outings with her family.
Contact Emily at: emily@cascademountainschool.org