| Mandi Billinge,
Executive Director
Executive Director Mandi Billinge founded KIDS for
the BAY and has directed program development and
organization expansion for the past fifteen years.
Mandi has a BS Honors Degree in Biology from England,
specializing in freshwater and estuarine ecology,
a Teaching Credential from Leeds University, England
and the Development Director's Certificate from
the University Of San Francisco. |
 |
| Sheela Shankar, Associate
Director
Associate Director Sheela Shankar has a Master’s
Degree in Education from CSU East Bay, specializing
in environmental science education, and a Bachelor’s
Degree in Environmental Studies. Sheela is in her
seventh year with KIDS for the BAY and is responsible
for hiring and supervising program staff, managing
program and staff evaluations, fundraising and government
contract management, and assisting in organizational
and program development. |
 |
Shannon Bowen, Development
Director
Development Director Shannon Bowen has a Degree in
Psychology from Trinity University in San Antonio,
TX. She has previously coordinated fundraising for
the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley, Trinity
University Women's History Month Committee and various
other non-profits. Shannon is responsible for coordinating
development at KftB including donor development and
proposal writing.
|
 |
Shefali Shah, Education Director
Education Director Shefali Shah has a Bilingual Teaching
Credential and a Master’s Degree in Teaching Critical
Environmental and Global Literacy from New College,
California. Shefali is in her eighth year with KIDS
for the BAY and manages our Staff Development and
Educators Training Programs and teaches KftB programs.
She also translates our educational materials into
Spanish. |
 |
Kristina Cervantes-Yoshida,
Education Directorr
Education Director Kristina Cervantes-Yoshida is a
native of the East Bay and has a science and teaching
background. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in
Biology and Marine Science from Smith College. Kristina
is in her fifth year with KIDS for the BAY and is
responsible for curriculum and program development,
training program staff, and teaching KftB programs. |
 |
Leslie Haynes, Program Director
Program Director Leslie Haynes has a Master's Degree
in Urban Planning with a concentration in Urban Management
from the University of Buffalo in New York and experience
working with youth of all ages. Leslie worked as a
Program Director with the San Jose Conservation Corps
& Charter School before joining us at KftB in
September 2006. Leslie is responsible for managing
our Watershed Action Program, managing government
funder contracts, and teaching KftB programs. |
 |
Sayo Costantino, Program Director
Program Director Sayo Costantino is a native of the
East Bay and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental
Studies from UC Santa Barbara. Sayo worked with the
United States Forest Service as a Conservation Education
Coordinator before joining us at KftB in September
2006. Sayo is responsible for teaching our programs
and for managing our Urban Wilderness Classroom program. |
 |
Krista Mendelsohn, Program
Director
Program Director Krista Mendelsohn has a Master’s
Degree in Biological Science Education from San Diego
State University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology
from UC San Diego. She grew up in the East Bay, and
has recently returned after 8 years in the San Diego
science and environmental education community. Krista
is responsible for managing our Four Rs Action Program
and teaching KftB programs. |
 |
Jonah Landor-Yamagata, Program
Coordinator
Program Coordinator Jonah Landor-Yamagata is a native
of the East Bay and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental
Studies with a focus on Agroecology and Community
from UC Santa Cruz. Jonah worked in school garden
programs in Berkeley elementary schools before joining
KftB in September 2007. Jonah is Spanish bilingual
and is responsible for coordinating and teaching KftB
programs. |
 |
Deborah Zierten, Program
Coordinator
Program Coordinator Deborah Zierten is
an East Bay native and has a Master’s Degree in
Environmental Education from Southern Oregon University.
Deborah is Spanish bilingual and became interested
in environmental education and environmental justice
issues through living and working in the rainforests
in Ecuador. Deborah is responsible for coordinating
and teaching KftB programs. |
 |
Patrick Stelmach, Office Assistant
Office Assistant Patrick Stelmach is pursuing an undergraduate
dual degree in Political Science and Society and Environment
from UC Berkeley. He plans to be an environmental
lawyer. Patrick is responsible for helping to maintain
a productive and efficient office environment. |
 |
