Our Staff

Brittney grew up in a little farm town in Southwest Michigan. She spent most of her free time building forts in the woods, catching frogs and fish, climbing trees and playing sports. Shoes were mostly optional and sunscreen was mandatory. Not much has changed, except for the understanding and commitment she has developed to protecting the wild spaces and farms that are so important to our wellbeing. She earned a degree in education, with a science and literacy focus. She spent most of her career advancing in administrative leadership within the environmental education sector, which led her to Thrive. She looks forward to working with neighbors and community members to create policies and land-use decisions that continue to preserve our valley.

Tara grew up creating the best memories of her life on her grandma’s farm in Parkdale. She made applesauce with apples straight from the orchard, rode horses through the woods, and observed the incredible wildlife that passed through. Even as a kid, she understood how unique and precious our valley is. She followed the passion for this land into college where she created her thesis based on environmental education in Hood River and Wasco counties to see if outdoor education for children impacted their decisions as adults to care for their lived environment. Later, she taught environmental education across the US on farms, wild spaces, nature centers and in urban areas. She is grateful to call Hood River County home and is committed to protecting Hood River County’s farmland, forests, wild places and the livability of its cities and rural communities.