Staff 

Erica Slotkin, (She/Her)

Executive Director

Erica has a Master of Infrastructure Planning and Management (MIPM) degree from the University of Washington and has lived in Seattle for the past 25 years. She has a passion for SHADOW’s mission and vision to preserve critical habitat and biodiversity around Shadow Lake. She is excited to collaborate with local communities and partners to inspire stewardship and connection to the land.

Olivia Cavalluzzi, (She/Her)

Education Coordinator

Olivia is a published wildlife biologist, environmental educator, and multimedia artist. She received her B.S. in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Washington where she continues to conduct research. Olivia is passionate about exploring the intersection
between science and art, including through her business, Color of Creative, where she sells everything from forest-inspired ball gowns to jewelry made from owl pellet (regurgitation) bones. Olivia lives in Bellevue with her beautiful fiancée, Rebecca, and
their two cats, Finn and Rowan. She cannot wait to share her favorite wildlife fun facts with you and learn more about the unique peat bog ecosystem!

Interns

Current Interns

Interested In An Internship at SHADOW?

We offer year round internships at SHADOW in various areas of focus:  Habitat Restoration and Preservation, Biodiversity Monitoring, Community Education and Outreach, Social Media and Marketing, Event Planning and more!   At SHADOW, we are proud of our partnership with Teens In Public Service, and are interested in partnering with more organizations that place interns at host sites.

Please submit your information below, including your area of interest,  and a staff member will reach out to you regarding our internship opportunities and intern partnership program!

Get Involved Now!

Volunteers

Current Volunteers

Volunteers are the heart and soul of SHADOW’s restoration and education programs. We are so grateful to all of the volunteers past and present who have made such a lasting impact on bringing SHADOW’s mission to life!

Sara Parker

Native Plant Garden Attendant

A lawyer turned ecological designer with a passion for empowering people to respond to climate change with hope and concrete actions. Through her global climate policy research on women’s and indigenous land rights she gained a deep respect for those making the largest impact: the individuals coming together to make good choices for the land, natural resources, families, and communities. This led to a transition toward direct action on local landscapes. Sara is a proud nerd, fiber arts crafter, and avid fantasy reader. She spends her time puttering around the garden, baking, and running half marathons around the country.

Essie Muñoz

Community Class Volunteer

Essie Muñoz is  a retired polar scientist and high school science educator from the Kent school district.
“I love volunteering at Shadow Lake Nature Preserve because it is a special place where I can find the beauty and tranquility offered by nature without driving a long distance. I enjoy removing invasive weeds while surrounded by trees with birdsong in the background. It allows me to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds during our educational events. I also enjoy the constant learning I am doing in this natural classroom.”

Ryan Balkcom

Education Volunteer

Born in Arizona but raised in Eastern Washington, Ryan discovered a passion for the natural world in the Okanogan Highlands and North Cascades. While earning his Bachelor of Arts and Science in Botany and Ecology at The Evergreen State College, he became enamored with the tiny world of lichens and bryophytes. Over the last 5 years, he’s participated in the Forest Service Air Quality Monitoring Program as a Lichen Monitoring Technician, surveying wilderness plots around Oregon and Washington. He spends his free time playing music, backpacking, and gardening.

The Haywood Family

Restoration Volunteers

Danielle, Asher, Elliot, and Eilah joined SHADOW this spring as restoration volunteers!  With interests in trail running, geology, computer gaming, and animal care, this busy family makes time each week to come to SHADOW, roll up their sleeves and steward the grounds around the Richter Education Center and entrance to the bog.  

 

Join Our Volunteer Team

 

Are you passionate about nature and conservation? Join the dedicated team of volunteers at SHADOW! As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the restoration and education programs that are the heart and soul of our organization. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, community outreach, education, or restoration work, we have a role for you. Click the button below to sign up and become a part of our volunteer community today!

Sign Up Now!