About Us

Jill is one of the original founders of the Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN) non-profit based in Ellensburg WA.  Her educational background is in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria in BC. Jill served on the Ellensburg City Council for 9 years and participated in many committee positions for the City and County including the flood control district and lodging tax committee. She worked for 11 years as the Central Washington Director of Forterra, the largest land conservation organization in the state.  She is currently the Streamflow Restoration Planner at the Department of Ecology. Her two loves are her son and daughter who together explore the outdoors and also share their family love of music and dance. Jill serves as Vice President on the Ellensburg Dance Ensemble and you might see her on stage in a production of The Nutcracker Ballet around Christmas time.

Dale is a retired geologist. He grew up on the Olympic Peninsula in Grays Harbor where he initiated his love of the outdoors. He began his many travels and moves to other states and countries after completing his BS, Ms, and PhD degrees in Geosciences at Western Washington University, University of Colorado, and The Pennsylvania State University respectively. Most of his 40+ year professional career was spent in computerised geological earth modelling with significant research and work devoted to paleo climatology. Dale relocated to Ellensburg in September, 2021, to be closer to family in retirement. Geology, geobotany and current and past climates of Washington hold a strong interest for him.

Jason Irwin grew up in western Canada where he often wondered how animals and plants survived the harsh winter. His love of nature led him to study Biology at the University of Victoria (BS with Honours) and Miami University (MS and PhD) with a focus on ecology and physiology, especially as they relate to winter survival. He is now Professor of Biological Sciences at Central Washington University where he gets to share his love of Biology while teaching courses such as Human Anatomy & Physiology, Winter Biology, and Animal Physiology. His current research focuses on the physiological ecology of amphibians, reptiles, and insects, including how animals interact with Interstate-90 in the Snoqualmie Pass area (Washington State).

​Jordan loves enjoying the outdoors while working to restore our shrub-steppe habitats and species. She is a Senior Coordinator for Conservation Northwest, based in Ellensburg, where she develops and implements strategies that protect and restore wildlife habitat, increase habitat connectivity across barriers, coordinates volunteers and assists with wildlife surveys and local projects as part of the Sagelands Heritage Program. She grew up in eastern Washington before moving to Ellensburg over 10 years ago. Jordan received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biology from Central Washington University where she studied small mammals as part of the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project while also working with CWU’s GEAR UP program to create and deliver STEM lessons in schools throughout central WA. Shortly after, she began working for Washington Conservation Corps, helping restore lands near Yakima by planting native vegetation and removing invasive species before joining CNW in 2021. Jordan is excited to join the KEEN community to help share and celebrate the incredibly unique ecosystem and wildlife within the Yakima River Canyon and beyond!

Growing up camping, fishing and playing in the woods, Elise loves the outdoors and nature experiences. As a pediatrician for 32 years in Ellensburg, she always encouraged families in her practice to get their kids outside daily to improve their physical and emotional well-being. She is happy to be part of KEEN and help make outdoor experiences in nature accessible to all, and has especially enjoyed helping with the summer outdoor kids’ camps. 

Now retired, she is thrilled to have more time to hike, backpack, kayak, garden, and ski. She also volunteers at local elementary schools teaching art and coordinating a ballroom dance program for fifth graders.

I grew up in the small town Glenwood, WA, near Mt. Adams hunting, fishing, and camping. In my free time I like to create art using epoxy resin and other media. I also foster kittens and have been doing so for the past 9 years. My first job was walking landings and marking out spotted owl habitats and watersheds, ever since then I knew I wanted to work outdoors. I've worked with the Yakama Nation Fisheries Pacific Lamprey Project since 2011 starting as a temporary seasonal tech. I later attended CWU while working and going to school full time and graduated from CWU with a BA in Science with an Ecology and Evolution Specialization, so now I am currently a Lamprey Biologist with Yakama Nation Fisheries. Current research focuses on Pacific Lamprey restoration, aquaculture, translocation, habitat surveys, traditional ecological knowledge, and educational outreach. I really enjoy the educational outreach I've gotten to do and am excited to be a part of KEEN and be more involved in the community!

Abby Chien (she/her) moved to the pacific northwest four years ago and fell in love with the outdoors. Having grown up in Illinois before wandering through Connecticut, Missouri and Michigan after college, it's safe to say outdoor adventures in Washington have fully captured her heart. She currently works in education policy, advocating for meaningful and equitable policies to ensure students of all ages can access and complete postsecondary education in Washington. Abby has a Bachelor's Degree in Music (oboe) from Western Illinois University and a Master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Connecticut. Abby continues to play the oboe with a local classical trio, and can always be found outdoors hiking, skiing, paddleboarding, and soaking up the sun. 

Shelly Edwards is a passionate promoter and defender of the Yakima River Canyon, the amazing place she calls home with her husband and dog. Having worked in the tech sector for decades, then the fly fishing industry for a few years, Shelly has found her calling in KEEN and will be working towards fulfilling KEEN's fundraising goals to build the Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center at the top of the Canyon (and anything else that needs to be done to fulfill KEEN"s mission!) When not working, Shelly enjoys wildlife photography, fly fishing, rock hounding, and exploring our beautiful lands.