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Watershed Action Program
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Staff Members
  Board Members
 

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.
 ©2007 KIDS for the BAY  KIDS for the BAY is a project of Earth Island Institute