Our Staff
Executive Director
Forrest Inslee
Dr. Forrest Inslee grew up in Cascadia, and has deep roots in the region. “I’ve lived in lots of places around the world,” he explains, “but the Pacific Northwest is the place I know and love best. I believe that the key to working for the good of the whole planet is to nurture love for the place you’re in.” Before coming to PRI, Forrest served for more than 20 years as a graduate professor of global studies and community development, and he currently hosts the Earthkeepers podcast. He completed his master’s and doctoral studies in communication and ethnography at Northwestern University, and later earned an MA in Theology from Regent College.
Land Steward
Mosa Neis
Mosa, a graduate from South Whidbey High School, grew up on the island but left after graduation to seek schooling and employment opportunities. She has over 15 years of administrative and leadership experience, having worked for a large corporation, a small company and even an animal hospital in Lynnwood. Upon joining PRI in 2015, Mosa stated, “I was glad to be heading out into the bigger world after high school graduation, but am just as glad to be returning to Whidbey now. I am excited about PRI’s mission and am excited to help PRI become even more relevant to our community and beyond.”
Office Manager
Julie Clark
Julie, a graduate of Coupeville High School, moved to Whidbey the summer of 2004. She graduated University of Evansville with a BA in English, and worked in the food service industry along both coasts before returning to Whidbey the winter of 2021. Before joining PRI, Julie worked as an administrative assistant in her home church, the Coupeville United Methodist Church. "My favorite part of working for PRI is learning about the different flowers grown in the Native Plant Center. Before working here, I didn't know anything about native plants, and I don't come from a science background, so it has been a learning experience for me."
Facilities Manager - Part Time
Dawn Meridith
Dawn joined PRI in 2020 and works part time doing habitat restoration. Dawn says, "I always loved plants and this is a perfect place for me. Now I get to learn the Latin names of the native plants, their propagation, capabilities and other interesting details. For example, Castilleja levisecta, the golden paintbrush, thrives when planted near Achillea millefolium - yarrow. Each day I learn something new about native plants and their value and uses."
Bookkeeper - Part Time
Michele Hines
Michele joined PRI in January 2023 and also serves as the Executive Director of SPiN Cafe in Oak Harbor.
Intern
Sam Turner
Sam is from Winona Lake, IN, and is a recent graduate of Olivet Nazarene University, where he studied Environmental Science and Geology. Sam loves the hands-on aspect of the internship, especially when he can help make progress in restoration work. Being from the Midwest, he’s looking forward learning about and enjoying a completely new environment.
Intern
Lana Ramussen
Lana is from Bellingham, WA, and is a recent graduate of Oregon State University, where she majored in Environmental Science and focused on conservation, resources, and sustainability. Lana is excited to expand her ecological restoration knowledge and skills through the internship. She is passionate about faith and science, and is looking forward to learning new ways of integrating the two in her life and work.
Intern
Lillian Robinson
Lillian is from San Diego, CA, and a recent graduate of Westmont College, where she studied Biology and English. She is committed to transforming our broken relationship with land through practical management and creative communication. She is looking forward to learning how to articulate the connections between her faith and vocation in new ways.