About us
Refugia Marin sprouted its roots in 2021 with a vision: to revive an area of Corte Madera's Town Park by eradicating invasive plant species and cultivating a haven for local pollinators.
As a nonprofit, our mission extends beyond conservation; we strive to educate the community about the myriad benefits of native plants while creating thriving wildlife habitats.
By forging strong partnerships with schools, community leaders, and like-minded organizations, we work together towards our shared goal of enhancing the natural beauty of our community and creating spaces for people to enjoy.
Our Team
Dana, a 20-year educator in the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District, has transformed the Neil Cummins Elementary School Hawks' Garden into a thriving native plant habitat.
Named Marin County’s Teacher of the Year for the 2025–26 school year, she is recognized for her creative approach to environmental education, which also earned her the prestigious Presidential Innovation Award in 2022.
Her work inspires a connection to nature through hands-on learning and community partnerships.
Our Staff
Staff - Deputy Director
Helen Jenkins
Helen combines her expertise in geography, marketing, and communication to champion environmental protection and build meaningful community connections.
Staff - Project Manager
Catherine Wolfers
Catherine is an educator, school and community garden champion, and certified Master Gardener dedicated to conscious living and environmental stewardship.
Staff - Intern
Sophie Kishimoto
A recent USF Environmental Studies graduate, Sophie is passionate about ecology, urban agriculture, and inspiring children to connect with nature outdoors.
Our Board
Board President
Jill Rea
Jill is a wealth manager with expertise in financial planning, skilled at guiding clients in wealth growth and preservation, and devoted to fostering California’s native tree canopy.
Board Vice President
Kristina Wilson
Kristina is a biotech leader, a certified Master Gardener and sustainability advocate, promoting California native gardens for a thriving ecosystem.
Board Secretary
Sarah D'Alexander
Sarah is a sustainability professional and community engagement specialist dedicated to developing place-based solutions through impactful collaborations that benefit both people and the planet.
Board Treasurer
Kristen Gregoriev
Kristen has an extensive background of 40+ years in nature-centric small businesses, and revels in transforming her own backyard into a pollinator paradise.
Board Director
Dawniele Pasha
Dawniele is an experienced garden education specialist, certified Master Gardener and native and pollinator habitat enthusiast.
Board Director
July Johnson
July, an environmental scientist, promotes environmental education, passionately championing California native plants, gardens, and habitats for a greener, sustainable future.
Our Advisory Board
Advisory Board
Gretchen LeBuhn
Gretchen is professor of Biology at SFSU. Her research and publications span the fields of ecology, biodiversity and conservation biology.
Advisory Board
Paul da Silva
Paul is a local biologist, environmentalist, and educator with degrees in ecology and entomology. He is also the co-founder of the Marin Biodiversity Corridor Initiative.
Advisory Board
Mia Monroe
Mia has dedicated over 40 years to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, with a special passion for connecting people with nature, and protecting monarch butterflies.
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Advisory Board
Tim Walch
Tim, a former finance professional, serves on cultural and conservation boards, advises on governance and passionately plants trees to support urban and rural forests.
Real impact happens together
As a conservation and environmental education nonprofit, we partner with local organizations, cities, schools, and volunteers to create lasting change.
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