Columbia Springs Staff
Gala Miller
Executive Director
(360) 882-0936 ext. 221
gmiller@columbiasprings.org
Gala began working at Columbia Springs in January of 2007. She is responsible for the development, administration, and implementation of educational programming, policies, and goals. Gala oversees the day to day business and administrative operations of Columbia Springs. Her duties also include promoting public understanding of and support for Columbia Springs through community building and the development of external relations.
Gala is a native of the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Bellevue, Washington. She later earned a B.A in Liberal Arts from the Evergreen State College in Olympia and a Master in Education from Western Washington University in Bellingham. She is a certified teacher with experience teaching in the classroom and in outdoor settings. Following graduate school Gala spent 2+ years in Niger, West Africa, serving as a Peace Corps volunteer.
Prior to coming to Columbia Springs Gala spent 13 years working for the US Forest Service at the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. While there she served multiple roles within both the public service and recreation programs from Environmental Education Coordinator to the Chief of Interpretation.
When not working Gala enjoys playing soccer, venturing out into the woods to hike, x-country ski, or pick mushrooms, wine tasting, reading, and hanging out with her husband Dave and her dog Henry.
Frank Blouin
Hatchery Specialist 2
(360) 892-2581
f.blouin@comcast.net
Frank Blouin joined the Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1995 just after graduating with an associates of applied science in fisheries technology from Mt. Hood Community College.
He joined the hatchery team as a temporary employee working as a fish technician where he assisted with daily operations.
Currently, Frank is still working with the Vancouver Trout Hatchery team as a permanent employee, specializing in pesticide maintenance and utilizing his CDL to help with fish plantings across Clark County.
In Frank's free time he enjoys running, bicycling, backpacking, and maintaining his physical fitness through weight lifting.
Amy Carpenter
Environmental Education Specialist
(360) 882-0936 ext. 223
acarpenter@columbiasprings.org
Amy began with Columbia Springs in January 2007.
Amy is responsible for the Environmental Education Outreach (EEO) program. The main focus of the EEO program is providing area educators (formal and non-formal) with professional development opportunities through teacher workshops that cover a wide range of environmental topics that focus on solid waste reduction, promotion of clean water and overall striving for better stewardship of our natural resources. Additionally, Carpenter assists with the planning and implementation of many student and community events such as the annual Columbia River Watershed Festival, Student Environmental Leadership Forum and Earth Day events.
Previously, Amy lived and worked in southern Indiana as the Environmental Educator and District Coordinator for the Jefferson County Soil & Water Conservation District where she managed the SWCD’s budget, educational and community outreach efforts. During her twelve years there, she built a strong Environmental Education program in two public school districts and one private school as well as hosted and taught a variety of agricultural workshops for area farmers and landowners.
Amy graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana with a BS in Wildlife Biology and minors in Natural Resources and Religious Studies. Although, Amy lived and attended school in Indiana for most of her life, she enjoys traveling both near and far. She also enjoys camping, gardening, reading and walking her dog, Vashya.
Jo Anne Dolan
Sustainability Programs Director
(360) 882-0936 ext. 224
jdolan@columbiasprings.org
Jo Anne Dolan joined the Columbia Springs staff as Sustainability Programs Director in April 2008.
She coordinates the Master Composter Recycler Program. Prior to joining the Columbia Springs team she worked as Director of Outreach and Education for a Pacific Northwest watershed council where she developed community outreach programs engaging community members and volunteers in educational and stewardship activities.
Before working in the world of watershed sustainability she worked with children to elders as an natural and cultural history guide, volunteer program manager, park ranger, interpretive specialist and outdoor science instructor.
Jo Anne received a BA in Zoology and Natural History from the University of Montana. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, bicycling, back country skiing, whitewater boating, writing, and reading.
Lynn Findlay
Finance Director
(360) 882-0936 ext. 229
finance@columbiasprings.org
Lynn joined Columbia Springs in May 2008, filling the newly-created position of Finance Director.
In May 2006, Lynn moved to Washington from Milwaukee, WI, where she lived for 26 years. Most recently, she was Comptroller for the North Shore Fire Department in Brown Deer, WI. Prior to that, Lynn was the Business Manager and then Executive Director for Milwaukee's Humph IMAX Dome Theater.
In fall 2007, Lynn completed the WSU Clark County Master Gardener program. In addition to volunteering for the Master Gardeners, Lynn spends time in her own gardens and raises chickens and guinea fowl. She likes to sew, read and is learning Spanish. On beautiful days, you can find her on the back of a red Harley Davidson.
Brian Harvard
Fish Hatchery Specialist 3
(360) 892-2581
Vancouver1@DFW.WA.GOVBrian Harvard joined the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1991 at the Washougal Salmon Hatchery. He later joined the Vancouver Trout Hatchery in 1995 where he was promoted and now serves as Fish Hatchery Specialist 3.
Brian is charged with management and oversight of fish production, grounds maintenance and hatchery facilities at Columbia Springs. Brian works with the Vancouver Trout Hatchery team in ensuring the fish production is accomplished on schedule and in compliance with state standards. In addition, Brian implements the annual operating budget of the Hatchery and ensures budgetary compliance.
Brian received an Associates Degree in Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management from Bellingham Technical College.
In Brian's free time he enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.
Alison Heimowitz
On-site Education Coordinator
(360) 882-0936 ext. 226
schoolprograms@columbiasprings.org
Bio currently unavailable.
Gary Millhollin
Fish Hatchery Specialist 2
(360) 892-2581
Vancouver1@DFW.WA.GOV
Gary Millhollin joined the Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1988 where he worked for the Bonneville Hatchery in Oregon. He later joined the Vancouver Trout Hatchery team in 1998 where he
currently serves as Fish Hatchery Specialist 2.
Gary is charged with assisting with the hatchery operations. He manually maintains the hatching troughs and the incubation rooms. This includes initial setup of units, watering, filling them with eggs, and cleaning units. Gary also works to ensure the round ponds and raceways are clean and controlled. In addition to his hatchery work, Gary works diligently to maintain the grounds and facilities at Columbia Springs.
Gary received an Associates Degree in Fisheries Technology from Mt. Hood Community College in 1990.
In Gary's free time he enjoys fishing, hunting, mushrooming, and gardening.
Laura Nappi
Environmental Educator
Salmon in the Classroom
(360) 892-0936 ext. 228
sitc@columbiasprings.org
Laura joined the Columbia Springs team in June 2009 as an Environmental Educator and manages the Salmon in the Classroom program, assists with on-site environmental studies field trips, and participates in various other Columbia Springs endeavors.
Laura has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Science Teaching in General Science from Portland State University. Her most recent position was as an Outreach and Education Director at the Clackamas River Basin Council.
Kenneth O'Brien
Sustainability Educator
(360) 882-0936 ext. 225
kobrien@columbiasprings.org
Kenneth O’Brien joined Columbia Springs in August 2008 as the new Sustainability Educator with the Naturally Beautiful Backyards program.
He brings diverse skills and experience in conservation education to the program, as well as an enthusiastic interest in earth-friendly gardening. Kenneth earned a Master of Science degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Education from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point in 1999. He has served as Education Director for conservation programs across the country, including the Olympic Park Institute in Washington, the Hudson Riversloop Clearwater in New York, The Wildbear Science School in Colorado, and YMCA Camp Cosby in Alabama.
Most recently he has been teaching students about the identification and uses of native plants in Portland Parks. Kenneth enjoys gardening, sea-kayaking, backpacking, mountain-biking, and sailing whenever he can.