Dedicated to the power of conversation.

Strategic Earth Consulting is a woman-owned, values-driven, certified California small business established in 2008. Our team brings more than 30 years of experience developing and implementing intentional, inclusive, and effective approaches to community outreach and engagement – rooted in our commitment to building and maintaining trust-based relationships.

Our Values

As members of an integrated and interdependent team – both internally and with our partners –  we acknowledge the important role we all play in building and maintaining a culture based on trust and shared values. 

Our team’s intention is to  lean into boldness, connection, intentional pauses, and joyful lighthearted play to support the vitality and infinite expansion of Strategic Earth and ourselves. We come to our desks each day re-committing to the practices that we value. 

We practice behaviors that BUILD TRUST 
with ourselves, our team, and our partners. 

We practice OVER-COMMUNICATION 
to ensure clarity and shared understanding. 

We practice the freedom of a GROWTH MINDSET 
by embracing the learning opportunities with curiosity and grace.

OUR BACKGROUND Our Team Tribal Consultants Partners

WHO WE ARE

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Noelia Aponte-Silva, BS

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Noelia (ella/she/her) joined Strategic Earth in 2022 and plays a key role in advancing community engagement, fostering collaboration on resource management and environmental restoration initiatives, as well as supporting strategic planning efforts to drive project success.

Creating structure and systems to control chaos, seeing the forest through the trees, and cultivating relationships with an open heart and kindness.

Noelia holds a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, and completed graduate-level coursework in Environmental Science at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Noelia lived there until 2014 and is now based in Denver, Colorado. She respectfully acknowledges that she lives and works on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Peoples.

The natural beauty of her homeland, Puerto Rico. Laughs with loved ones, conversations with her grandmother, and playtime with her cat. A cup of coffee, gardening, puzzles, and documentaries.

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Carla Esquivel

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Carla (she/her) joined Strategic Earth in 2023 as our Office Administrator. She is grateful to be supporting such an inspiring group of women and their work.

Carla brings a thoughtful, creative and organizational approach to her daily life, both personally and professionally. She loves to focus on building and nurturing meaningful relationships, and the desire to find and provide information to questions at hand.

Carla participated in Liberal Studies at California State University, Long Beach and Orange Coast College.

Carla resides in Long Beach, California, a few miles from where she grew up in Seal Beach. Carla respectfully acknowledge that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of California, home to nearly 200 Native Nations.

Creative cooking & baking, designing garden arrangements, adventures with her nephews, and daily walks with her pups along the long beach peninsula. She’s a big fan of all things weather-related including dramatic skies, stormy seas, and snapping pics along the way.

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Rachelle Fisher, MAS

SENIOR PRINCIPAL

Rachelle (she/her) joined Strategic Earth in 2010 and has strategically designed and implemented projects to successfully and efficiently achieve client needs and goals. She is a seasoned facilitator who has supported a range of initiatives related to fisheries management, community engagement, policy navigation, and Native Nations engagement.

Extensive experience, science and policy chops, affinity for efficient and holistic processes, and a passion for creating inclusive spaces for difficult conversations. Rachelle is interested in approaching all aspects of her work with kindness, empathy, and through a pragmatic lens.  

Rachelle has a Masters of Applied Studies in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California, San Diego and a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has training in facilitation and conflict management, marine science, and graphic facilitation

Rachelle lives in Santa Barbara, California, which she considers to be one of the most magical places on earth. Rachelle respectfully acknowledges that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of California, home to nearly 200 Native Nations, including the Shmuwich (Barbareño) Chumash.

Authentic connections and relationship building, being in nature (especially solo hikes with her dog), laughing, adventures with her family, knitting, cooking, and enjoying the perfect chocolate chip cookie.

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Sara Gené, PhD

PRINCIPAL

Sara (she/her) joined Strategic Earth in 2016 and has worked on a variety of projects related to collaborative fisheries management, marine spatial planning, and large-scale policy planning.

Eagle-eye attention to detail, strategic yet flexible approach to project design and implementation, interest in supporting efficient and structured conversations that advance shared goals and celebrate collaboration, and seamless translation of scientific and technical information to diverse audiences.

Sara holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, and a B.A. in Marine Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and has training in conflict resolution and negotiation.

Sara lives in Torrance, California, with her beautiful son Lucas and spends a lot of time learning about gemstones and fossils. Sara respectfully acknowledges that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of California, home to nearly 200 Native Nations, including the Gabrielino/Gabrieleño Tongva Nations.

Exploring with her son, drinking margaritas, never cooking a recipe twice, and swimming in the ocean.

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Bri Goodwin

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Bri (she/her) joined Strategic Earth in 2024 and contributes to various initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, community engagement, and innovative project development.

Inclusive and supportive problem-solving, coalition building, celebrating small successes, and developing long-lasting relationships.

Bri holds a Masters of Science in Marine Resource Management from Oregon State University and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Knox College. She completed the Mid-Career Institute for Environmental Leaders at the University of Seattle in 2019.

Bri lives with her husband, Travis, and their dog, Sukie, in Port Orford, Oregon. Bri respectfully acknowledges that she lives on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of the Tolowa Dee-ni’, Tututni, and Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

Being in nature (especially Oregon’s temperate rainforest), exploring new places, removing invasive plants to make room for native plants, and winning the race with her dog to eat ripe wild berries.

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Rebekah Grmela

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Rebekah (she/her) joined Strategic Earth in 2023 to build and support communications, engagement, and thought leadership strategies for clients and the Strategic Earth team.

Meeting people where they are at. Pushing boulders up big mountains. No matter the subject matter or challenge, pausing to listen, assess, and create an efficient and strategic plan of implementation that everyone is on board with. 

Rebekah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Texas A&M University, with a focus in Psychology and Tourism, as well as several Post-Graduate certificates focused on Public Policy, Leadership, Community Engagement, and Public Participation from Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy, The American Heart Association’s Fellowship Program, City of Austin CityWorks Academy and Leadership Austin.

Rebekah is based in State College, Pennsylvania, current home to The Pennsylvania State University and The Happy Valley, with her husband, son, and sibling cats. Rebekah grew up in small-town Texas and has explored and lived in cities and nature around the Lone Star State, southern California, and Central PA. Rebekah respectfully acknowledge that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of Pennsylvania.

Sipping and tasting just about anything al fresco. Learning someone’s origin story. Successfully using up the very last of an ingredient. Listening to podcasts at 1.25x speed. Exploring PA with her family.

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Pamela Nears

INTERNAL COORDINATOR

Pamela (she/her) joined Strategic Earth in 2025 as an Internal Coordinator, bringing her passion for organization, efficiency, and team support. She thrives behind the scenes and fostering collaboration across the team.

Pamela’s magic is her ability to bring structure, warmth, and a deep sense of care to everything that she approaches. Pamelas heart-centered approach—whether it’s organizing, managing, or simply being present for others is infused in her work and relationships with authenticity, kindness, and intention.

Pamela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Journalism from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Communications, graduating in May 2005. She has also earned a Permaculture Design & Teacher Certification from the TAGARI Permaculture Institute in Melbourne, Australia, as well as a Holistic Health Coach Certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, accredited by the New York State Department of Education. Additionally, she holds a Culinary Arts Certification from the Epicurean School of Los Angeles and the Southern California School of Culinary Arts.

Pamela lives in Los Angeles, California with her hilarious cat Colin Feral. She’s was born in SoCal and respectfully acknowledges that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of California, home to nearly 200 Native Nations, including the Gabrielino/Gabrieleño Tongva Nations.

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Sadie Prestridge

EXECUTIVE MAGIC MAKER

Sadie (she/her) joined Strategic Earth in 2025. She is dedicated to working along side Kelly to help her stay in her zone of genius and step out of the day to day.

Sadie’s magic is in her ability to partner alongside high level team leaders, helping them focus their attention, protect their time, and free up their energy and in doing so empowering them to step into their divine calling and out of the admin work.

Sadie brings almost a decade of Executive Assistant skills and system’s organization to our team, both in person and virtually.

Sadie lives in West Texas, with her two daughters, 5 cats, and her high school sweetheart Jon. She loves to read, bake, spend time with family playing games, and go dig for treasures at thrift stores. She respectfully acknowledges that she lives and works on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the Lipan Apache and Comanche peoples.

Helping executives go from drowning and overwhelmed to seeing their passion come back for their business when they finally have space to dream and vision plan again. Sitting quietly in the early mornings drinking my coffee (while it’s hot) and reading a book, and hearing the sweet giggles of my girls throughout our home.

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Teresa Romero

DIRECTOR OF NATIVE NATIONS ENGAGEMENT

Teresa (ella/her) has been working with Strategic Earth since 2020 and leads the team’s relationship-building and collaboration with Native Nations in California and worldwide.

Understanding and humility. Ability to see holistically to create trust and build good relationships.

Teresa holds a Bachelor of Arts, Oregon State University in Cultural Anthropology.

Teresa is from the Santa Barbara, California area, the home of her ancestors. Teresa lived and worked in Tribal community in Michigan for a number of years and returned home to California in 2007 to work and serve Tribal community on the West Coast. Teresa lives in the Lompoc Valley with her husband and their wonderful cat.

Walks on the beach, being in or and on the ocean, with family and community to share time and joy, gathering on her traditional landscape, sewing and needlework, cooking, sipping good coffee and being in her garden.

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Kelly Sayce, MAS

FOUNDER & HEAD EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Kelly (she/her) has grown Strategic Earth from the ground up since its inception in 2010. Over the last decade, she has had the privilege and honor to partner and collaborate with diverse and inclusive voices throughout North America, from Tribal Leaders and fishermen to resource managers and researchers. As the keeper of Strategic Earth’s culture, Kelly has designed a holistic, team-based approach to internal operations that celebrates team members’ strengths and inspires a growth mindset.

An expansive spirit committed to team-based daring leadership, unparalleled drive to supporting empathetic communication, an openness to trying new things and making big (brave) decisions, a creative eye, and a love of spreadsheets and good thesaurus.

Kelly holds a Master of Applied Studies degree in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California, San Diego and a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science from Trent University. Kelly is a certified mediator with the City of Los Angeles and has received a professional certification in “Negotiating Effective Environmental Agreements.” She is an alumna of Leadership California, Class of 2018, and was a recipient of the 2010 Innovation in Technology Award from the US Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution.

Kelly lives with her incredible husband and semi-feral cat in Los Angeles, California, and relies on the wonders of Idyllwild to retreat and recharge. Kelly respectfully acknowledges that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of California, home to nearly 200 Native Nations, including the Gabrielino/Gabrieleño Tongva Nations.

Meaningful conversations that build lasting connections, ‘follow her nose’ walks in the woods, creating things with her hands — knitting and sewing are favs (in honour of Grandma McGee), spending time with her nephew and nieces, delightful cups of tea with a really good book, donkeys, cuddles from reluctant cats, green juice, mindfulness meditation, and flowing through a vinyasa.

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Scarlett Schroeder, BS

ASSOCIATE

Scarlett (she/her) joined Strategic Earth in 2022. She focuses on connecting science, policy, and community engagement within the natural resource management space. Her expertise focuses on strategic planning, elevating and incorporating community voices, project management, and facilitation .

Scarlett takes a trust-centered, heart-forward approach to project management and facilitation. She works with a diverse set of clients and stakeholders within the natural resource management realm to develop strategies, incorporate marginalized voices, and advance project goals and initiatives.

Scarlett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marine Science from the University of California Berkeley. She has participated in a variety of trainings, including Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, which is aimed to build empathy and cultivate authentic and innovative teams, as well as Fundamentals of Public Participation training through the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2).

Scarlett has received the IAP2 USA Greater Good Emerging Leader for 2024 Award for her work with the IAP2 USA Young Professional Network.

Scarlett lives with her partner, Kiefer, and their various plants in San Francisco, California. Scarlett respectfully acknowledges that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of California, home to nearly 200 Native Nations, including the Muwekma, Ohlone, and Ramaytush.

Exploring tide pools, skiing, long hikes through national parks, traveling the world to visit and experience new cultures, and any opportunity to get outside with friends and family.

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Priya Shukla, PhD

ASSOCIATE

Priya (she/her) joined Strategic Earth in 2024 to foster thoughtful conversations and conceptualize holistic solutions around natural resources. As a part of her work, she provides relationship-building, communications, and project coordination support.

Building bridges and throwing ropes to cross chasms. Holding space for cultural understanding and creative thinking. Generative and generous relationship-building.

Priya holds a Ph.D in Ecology from the University of California, Davis, a M.S. in Ecology from San Diego State University, and a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of California, Davis. Priya also has training in providing expert witness testimony and extensive science communication experience.

Priya lives with her husband and two cats  in Oakland, CA. Priya respectfully acknowledges that she works throughout the traditional, ancestral, and unceded occupied territories of California, home to nearly 200 Native Nations, including the Ohlone people, the Muwekma Tribe, and Confederated Villages of Lisjan.

The salty smell that tells you the ocean is nearby before you can see it. The crisp feeling of air in the morning. The joy of spotting a snow-capped mountain in the distance. The taste of sharp cheddar and stone ground mustard. And, the levity that only puns and cat memes can bring.

OUR TRIBAL CONSULTANTS

Strategic Earth partners with Regional Tribal Consultants who bring deep connections to Native Nations along California’s coast. Their expertise supports meaningful dialogue, ensuring Tribal perspectives are centered in coastal and marine resource decision-making.

Covering Northern, North Central, Central, and Southern California, these consultants work closely with Tribal leadership to facilitate listening sessions, engage in one-on-one conversations, and develop culturally relevant guidance for state and local agencies. Their collaboration strengthens efforts to integrate Indigenous knowledge into resource management, fostering more inclusive and informed approaches.

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Aolani Sanchez, Long Beach, CA

Isaac Michael Ybarra

Isaac Michael Ybarra, Montebello, CA

Merry Kate Droz

Merry Kate Droz, Trinidad, CA

Ruthie Maloney

Ruthie Maloney, Eureka, CA

OUR PARTNERS

Strategic Earth is at its best when surrounded by experts from a range of backgrounds and disciplines who work together to arrive at creative approaches that might otherwise not have been considered.

Our team actively collaborates with other contractors and experts depending on the needs of each project.

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Tanya Bluford

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Miranda Mackay

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Aleksandra Grzywaczewska

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Dacoda Maddalone

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Carolyn Kraft

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Chris Meyer

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Marc Purchin, MBA

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Christine Springer, MSc

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Connie Winterstein, MSc