[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”c1e424a9-7864-4e06-a88b-5b6b86cb9c39″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”d10c861a-5541-4742-ab43-1320c21df5e4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@” alt=”Photo features a Sandhill Crane, a large bird, standing on one leg with wings open.” title_text=”Sandhill Crane, Patrick Dennen, Audubon Photography Awards” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”src” _module_preset=”e02ea4c6-d835-44d6-aace-1c6805576f21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”4e816006-4dad-44d9-befa-063e096517e9″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=”Brett Eaton (he\/him)” position=”Council Member – Board Liaison” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Brett-Eaton-200×200-headshot.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet <\/span>life altering,<\/span> experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about 10 years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. As a person that thrives on building and existing in community, he began searching for the community of birds, finding Birds Connect Seattle in 2021<\/span>.He<\/span> has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/span>At the beginning of 2022, he joined the NextGen Council and that’s when community building really took off. Between leading Neighborhood Bird Outings, helping to plan Beers for Birds trivia nights, and anything else BCS wanted him to do, Brett quickly found his place in the loving, growing, and joy-bringing community of Birds Connect Seattle.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Casey Herrick (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Casey-Herrick-e1764019411131.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Casey grew up in the pacific northwest and has been on the eastside for about 6 years. While on a walk at the arboretum, she realized that she didn’t know any of the birds around her, and successfully identified her first bird with the help of a birding guide book, the American Robin! From there birds became an obsession, and she decided to go back to school to study conservation to help birds. Casey found Birds Connect Seattle while trying to befriend fellow birders, and focuses a lot on building community, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community which she is very proud to be a part of. Casey\u2019s favorite part of birding is how birds are everywhere, you can be in a parking lot in the city, out in the mountains, or even on your porch at home and find so many cute and fascinating birds! When not birding, she is often found cuddling at home with her senior cat Luna, and playing some PC games or board games with friends.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Molly Hetherwick (they\/them)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Molly-on-da-bird-walk-e1766428974468.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”Molly on da bird walk” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Molly is from Oakland, CA, but lived in Santa Cruz and Sacramento (briefly) before moving to Seattle in 2023. Trips to Lake Merritt (the nation’s first official wildlife refuge!) as a child inspired their appreciation of birds, but their passion crystallized while taking courses in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz. While no scientist, they’ve performed bird surveys of various kinds (point counts, raptor surveys, bird banding) in lots of different habitats (Ponderosa\u00a0forests and coastal steppe of CA, montane forests of WA), and are currently pursuing a career in science journalism and conservation communications. To Molly, birds represent all the best ways nature brings people together, and they are stoked to be part of that connection with the NextGen Council. Come find them on Seattle’s trails, in a kayak, at the movies or seeing a show!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Carolyn Huynh (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Carolyn-Photo-e1713999706502.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Carolyn grew up in\u00a0the Seattle area and has always had an interest connecting herself and others with the natural world. Her interest in birds started when she was sent out to conduct bird surveys for work and was able to observe bird drama during migration\u00a0season…she was hooked. Carolyn enjoys meeting new bird friends, hanging out with her backyard birds, and chatting with others about interesting bird findings and facts. In her spare time, you can find Carolyn hanging out with her senior pup, gardening and finding ways to be cozy.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Ian Jan (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Ian-Photo-e1703183885838.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Born in Taiwan and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ian moved to Seattle to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering at UW. Although his current research mainly involves human cell biology, Ian’s interest in science stems from elementary school field trips to the local wetlands and watching the Planet Earth documentaries. He recently got into birdwatching in the late summer of 2022 after seeing people with binoculars at the Union Bay Natural Area while he was kayaking. Now, Ian is always eager to learn more about birds and meet other birders. When he’s not working in the lab or birding, Ian enjoys cooking in his new wok, commuting by bike, and taking photos\/making videos.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jordan Juranek (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jordan-Juranek-bio-pic-e1747242619118.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Jordan’s interest in birds was sparked several years ago during a family trip to Yellowstone National Park, where she was captivated\u00a0by Yellow-Headed Blackbirds and Sandhill Cranes when seen through binoculars. At the encouragement of her mom, who was already a birder, these were the first birds added to her “Life List” on the Merlin Bird ID app, and she had to find more! This interest in birding continued to grow back home in Seattle, WA, where she started regularly attending BCS Neighborhood Birding Outings at Union Bay Natural Area, and learned of the NextGen Council and found a community to bird with. Jordan’s favorite part of being on the NextGen Council is the opportunity to introduce new people to the joy of birding. When not looking at birds, Jordan works as a Clinical Research Nurse, and enjoys cycling, hosting book clubs, and playing tennis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emi Nye (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Emi-Nye-pic-e1747677820525.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n orn and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Emi has called Seattle home for the past decade. Her love of birds began in childhood, watching backyard feeders with her mom\u2014an early fascination that grew into a passion for bird identification, the thrill of spotting new species, and eventually, a near-constant search for birds wherever she goes. What she loves most about birding is its everyday magic\u2014our feathered friends can appear anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\n It was only somewhat recently that Emi began looking for a sense of community around her love of birds\u2014and BCS turned out to be the perfect place. Over the past three years, she has been an active volunteer, contributing to the Neighborhood Bird Project, Climate Watch, and most recently, serving on the Next Gen Council.<\/p>\n Outside of birding, Emi works as a Clinical Research Coordinator and enjoys crafting, rollerblading, and experimenting in the kitchen.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Anthony Pangelinan (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Anthony-P-Photo-e1732566322953.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Anthony has lived in the Pacific Northwest all his life. His interest in birding began while feeding a small group of hummingbirds over the last few years, and he has been an avid birdwatcher since. He enjoys learning more each day about the local birds and wildlife, and is working on improving his photography skills with the birds he sees on his bird outings.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Pedro Rodriguez (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pedro-Rodriguez-pic-e1747678485408.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Pedro grew up in Idaho, but was born in Puerto Rico. Before settling in Seattle, he lived in Berkeley, Boulder, Santa Monica, College Park, and Zurich while earning undergraduate and PhD degrees in computer science. He has always loved skiing, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and being in the outdoors. After accidentally falling in love with nature photography, bird photography eventually led him to birding. When not outside, he enjoys playing violin and board games.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Morgan Rumsey (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Morgan_Rumsey_BCS_Biopic-e1704920618105.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Originally from southern Louisiana, Morgan earned a degree in conservation biology and a minor in oceanography from Louisiana State University before moving up to the Pacific Northwest. Although her childhood was spent tromping in the swamp with her younger siblings, her true ornithological obsession blossomed after spending a weekend on the coastal marshes banding birds and constructing wood duck boxes for a wildlife management class in college. Morgan is pursuing a career in environmental education, having been a naturalist for the BCS Nature Camp, a nature shop associate, and currently an urban programs educator at Brightwater Treatment Center in Woodinville. She has room in her heart for all birds, but a species that always puts a smile on her face are yellow-rumped warblers – also known as butter butts!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emily Sellinger (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID’ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Gina Simmons (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Gina-Phot-e1703184030157.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Born and raised in Japan, Gina has spent over a decade in Seattle, transitioning from a city girl to someone learning to savor the outdoors. Her recent love for birdwatching since the summer of 2022 encouraged her to start being more mindful of what birds are around in her everyday life. Gina hopes to encourage mindfulness and share with folks how great it is to connect with the natural world! Her favorite bird is the Cedar Waxwing (the first bird she spotted with her binoculars).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jules Stanley (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Jules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Jen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n
![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Brett-Eaton-200×200-headshot.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet <\/span>life altering,<\/span> experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about 10 years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. As a person that thrives on building and existing in community, he began searching for the community of birds, finding Birds Connect Seattle in 2021<\/span>.He<\/span> has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/span>At the beginning of 2022, he joined the NextGen Council and that’s when community building really took off. Between leading Neighborhood Bird Outings, helping to plan Beers for Birds trivia nights, and anything else BCS wanted him to do, Brett quickly found his place in the loving, growing, and joy-bringing community of Birds Connect Seattle.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Casey Herrick (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Casey-Herrick-e1764019411131.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nCasey grew up in the pacific northwest and has been on the eastside for about 6 years. While on a walk at the arboretum, she realized that she didn’t know any of the birds around her, and successfully identified her first bird with the help of a birding guide book, the American Robin! From there birds became an obsession, and she decided to go back to school to study conservation to help birds. Casey found Birds Connect Seattle while trying to befriend fellow birders, and focuses a lot on building community, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community which she is very proud to be a part of. Casey\u2019s favorite part of birding is how birds are everywhere, you can be in a parking lot in the city, out in the mountains, or even on your porch at home and find so many cute and fascinating birds! When not birding, she is often found cuddling at home with her senior cat Luna, and playing some PC games or board games with friends.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Molly Hetherwick (they\/them)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Molly-on-da-bird-walk-e1766428974468.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”Molly on da bird walk” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMolly is from Oakland, CA, but lived in Santa Cruz and Sacramento (briefly) before moving to Seattle in 2023. Trips to Lake Merritt (the nation’s first official wildlife refuge!) as a child inspired their appreciation of birds, but their passion crystallized while taking courses in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz. While no scientist, they’ve performed bird surveys of various kinds (point counts, raptor surveys, bird banding) in lots of different habitats (Ponderosa\u00a0forests and coastal steppe of CA, montane forests of WA), and are currently pursuing a career in science journalism and conservation communications. To Molly, birds represent all the best ways nature brings people together, and they are stoked to be part of that connection with the NextGen Council. Come find them on Seattle’s trails, in a kayak, at the movies or seeing a show!<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Carolyn Huynh (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Carolyn-Photo-e1713999706502.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nCarolyn grew up in\u00a0the Seattle area and has always had an interest connecting herself and others with the natural world. Her interest in birds started when she was sent out to conduct bird surveys for work and was able to observe bird drama during migration\u00a0season…she was hooked. Carolyn enjoys meeting new bird friends, hanging out with her backyard birds, and chatting with others about interesting bird findings and facts. In her spare time, you can find Carolyn hanging out with her senior pup, gardening and finding ways to be cozy.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Ian Jan (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Ian-Photo-e1703183885838.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn in Taiwan and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ian moved to Seattle to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering at UW. Although his current research mainly involves human cell biology, Ian’s interest in science stems from elementary school field trips to the local wetlands and watching the Planet Earth documentaries. He recently got into birdwatching in the late summer of 2022 after seeing people with binoculars at the Union Bay Natural Area while he was kayaking. Now, Ian is always eager to learn more about birds and meet other birders. When he’s not working in the lab or birding, Ian enjoys cooking in his new wok, commuting by bike, and taking photos\/making videos.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jordan Juranek (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jordan-Juranek-bio-pic-e1747242619118.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJordan’s interest in birds was sparked several years ago during a family trip to Yellowstone National Park, where she was captivated\u00a0by Yellow-Headed Blackbirds and Sandhill Cranes when seen through binoculars. At the encouragement of her mom, who was already a birder, these were the first birds added to her “Life List” on the Merlin Bird ID app, and she had to find more! This interest in birding continued to grow back home in Seattle, WA, where she started regularly attending BCS Neighborhood Birding Outings at Union Bay Natural Area, and learned of the NextGen Council and found a community to bird with. Jordan’s favorite part of being on the NextGen Council is the opportunity to introduce new people to the joy of birding. When not looking at birds, Jordan works as a Clinical Research Nurse, and enjoys cycling, hosting book clubs, and playing tennis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emi Nye (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Emi-Nye-pic-e1747677820525.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\norn and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Emi has called Seattle home for the past decade. Her love of birds began in childhood, watching backyard feeders with her mom\u2014an early fascination that grew into a passion for bird identification, the thrill of spotting new species, and eventually, a near-constant search for birds wherever she goes. What she loves most about birding is its everyday magic\u2014our feathered friends can appear anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\nIt was only somewhat recently that Emi began looking for a sense of community around her love of birds\u2014and BCS turned out to be the perfect place. Over the past three years, she has been an active volunteer, contributing to the Neighborhood Bird Project, Climate Watch, and most recently, serving on the Next Gen Council.<\/p>\nOutside of birding, Emi works as a Clinical Research Coordinator and enjoys crafting, rollerblading, and experimenting in the kitchen.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Anthony Pangelinan (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Anthony-P-Photo-e1732566322953.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAnthony has lived in the Pacific Northwest all his life. His interest in birding began while feeding a small group of hummingbirds over the last few years, and he has been an avid birdwatcher since. He enjoys learning more each day about the local birds and wildlife, and is working on improving his photography skills with the birds he sees on his bird outings.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Pedro Rodriguez (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pedro-Rodriguez-pic-e1747678485408.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPedro grew up in Idaho, but was born in Puerto Rico. Before settling in Seattle, he lived in Berkeley, Boulder, Santa Monica, College Park, and Zurich while earning undergraduate and PhD degrees in computer science. He has always loved skiing, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and being in the outdoors. After accidentally falling in love with nature photography, bird photography eventually led him to birding. When not outside, he enjoys playing violin and board games.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Morgan Rumsey (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Morgan_Rumsey_BCS_Biopic-e1704920618105.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nOriginally from southern Louisiana, Morgan earned a degree in conservation biology and a minor in oceanography from Louisiana State University before moving up to the Pacific Northwest. Although her childhood was spent tromping in the swamp with her younger siblings, her true ornithological obsession blossomed after spending a weekend on the coastal marshes banding birds and constructing wood duck boxes for a wildlife management class in college. Morgan is pursuing a career in environmental education, having been a naturalist for the BCS Nature Camp, a nature shop associate, and currently an urban programs educator at Brightwater Treatment Center in Woodinville. She has room in her heart for all birds, but a species that always puts a smile on her face are yellow-rumped warblers – also known as butter butts!<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emily Sellinger (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nEmily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID’ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Gina Simmons (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Gina-Phot-e1703184030157.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn and raised in Japan, Gina has spent over a decade in Seattle, transitioning from a city girl to someone learning to savor the outdoors. Her recent love for birdwatching since the summer of 2022 encouraged her to start being more mindful of what birds are around in her everyday life. Gina hopes to encourage mindfulness and share with folks how great it is to connect with the natural world! Her favorite bird is the Cedar Waxwing (the first bird she spotted with her binoculars).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jules Stanley (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Casey-Herrick-e1764019411131.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nCasey grew up in the pacific northwest and has been on the eastside for about 6 years. While on a walk at the arboretum, she realized that she didn’t know any of the birds around her, and successfully identified her first bird with the help of a birding guide book, the American Robin! From there birds became an obsession, and she decided to go back to school to study conservation to help birds. Casey found Birds Connect Seattle while trying to befriend fellow birders, and focuses a lot on building community, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community which she is very proud to be a part of. Casey\u2019s favorite part of birding is how birds are everywhere, you can be in a parking lot in the city, out in the mountains, or even on your porch at home and find so many cute and fascinating birds! When not birding, she is often found cuddling at home with her senior cat Luna, and playing some PC games or board games with friends.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Molly Hetherwick (they\/them)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Molly-on-da-bird-walk-e1766428974468.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”Molly on da bird walk” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMolly is from Oakland, CA, but lived in Santa Cruz and Sacramento (briefly) before moving to Seattle in 2023. Trips to Lake Merritt (the nation’s first official wildlife refuge!) as a child inspired their appreciation of birds, but their passion crystallized while taking courses in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz. While no scientist, they’ve performed bird surveys of various kinds (point counts, raptor surveys, bird banding) in lots of different habitats (Ponderosa\u00a0forests and coastal steppe of CA, montane forests of WA), and are currently pursuing a career in science journalism and conservation communications. To Molly, birds represent all the best ways nature brings people together, and they are stoked to be part of that connection with the NextGen Council. Come find them on Seattle’s trails, in a kayak, at the movies or seeing a show!<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Carolyn Huynh (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Carolyn-Photo-e1713999706502.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nCarolyn grew up in\u00a0the Seattle area and has always had an interest connecting herself and others with the natural world. Her interest in birds started when she was sent out to conduct bird surveys for work and was able to observe bird drama during migration\u00a0season…she was hooked. Carolyn enjoys meeting new bird friends, hanging out with her backyard birds, and chatting with others about interesting bird findings and facts. In her spare time, you can find Carolyn hanging out with her senior pup, gardening and finding ways to be cozy.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Ian Jan (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Ian-Photo-e1703183885838.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn in Taiwan and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ian moved to Seattle to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering at UW. Although his current research mainly involves human cell biology, Ian’s interest in science stems from elementary school field trips to the local wetlands and watching the Planet Earth documentaries. He recently got into birdwatching in the late summer of 2022 after seeing people with binoculars at the Union Bay Natural Area while he was kayaking. Now, Ian is always eager to learn more about birds and meet other birders. When he’s not working in the lab or birding, Ian enjoys cooking in his new wok, commuting by bike, and taking photos\/making videos.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jordan Juranek (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jordan-Juranek-bio-pic-e1747242619118.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJordan’s interest in birds was sparked several years ago during a family trip to Yellowstone National Park, where she was captivated\u00a0by Yellow-Headed Blackbirds and Sandhill Cranes when seen through binoculars. At the encouragement of her mom, who was already a birder, these were the first birds added to her “Life List” on the Merlin Bird ID app, and she had to find more! This interest in birding continued to grow back home in Seattle, WA, where she started regularly attending BCS Neighborhood Birding Outings at Union Bay Natural Area, and learned of the NextGen Council and found a community to bird with. Jordan’s favorite part of being on the NextGen Council is the opportunity to introduce new people to the joy of birding. When not looking at birds, Jordan works as a Clinical Research Nurse, and enjoys cycling, hosting book clubs, and playing tennis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emi Nye (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Emi-Nye-pic-e1747677820525.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\norn and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Emi has called Seattle home for the past decade. Her love of birds began in childhood, watching backyard feeders with her mom\u2014an early fascination that grew into a passion for bird identification, the thrill of spotting new species, and eventually, a near-constant search for birds wherever she goes. What she loves most about birding is its everyday magic\u2014our feathered friends can appear anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\nIt was only somewhat recently that Emi began looking for a sense of community around her love of birds\u2014and BCS turned out to be the perfect place. Over the past three years, she has been an active volunteer, contributing to the Neighborhood Bird Project, Climate Watch, and most recently, serving on the Next Gen Council.<\/p>\nOutside of birding, Emi works as a Clinical Research Coordinator and enjoys crafting, rollerblading, and experimenting in the kitchen.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Anthony Pangelinan (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Anthony-P-Photo-e1732566322953.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAnthony has lived in the Pacific Northwest all his life. His interest in birding began while feeding a small group of hummingbirds over the last few years, and he has been an avid birdwatcher since. He enjoys learning more each day about the local birds and wildlife, and is working on improving his photography skills with the birds he sees on his bird outings.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Pedro Rodriguez (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pedro-Rodriguez-pic-e1747678485408.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPedro grew up in Idaho, but was born in Puerto Rico. Before settling in Seattle, he lived in Berkeley, Boulder, Santa Monica, College Park, and Zurich while earning undergraduate and PhD degrees in computer science. He has always loved skiing, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and being in the outdoors. After accidentally falling in love with nature photography, bird photography eventually led him to birding. When not outside, he enjoys playing violin and board games.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Morgan Rumsey (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Morgan_Rumsey_BCS_Biopic-e1704920618105.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nOriginally from southern Louisiana, Morgan earned a degree in conservation biology and a minor in oceanography from Louisiana State University before moving up to the Pacific Northwest. Although her childhood was spent tromping in the swamp with her younger siblings, her true ornithological obsession blossomed after spending a weekend on the coastal marshes banding birds and constructing wood duck boxes for a wildlife management class in college. Morgan is pursuing a career in environmental education, having been a naturalist for the BCS Nature Camp, a nature shop associate, and currently an urban programs educator at Brightwater Treatment Center in Woodinville. She has room in her heart for all birds, but a species that always puts a smile on her face are yellow-rumped warblers – also known as butter butts!<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emily Sellinger (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nEmily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID’ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Gina Simmons (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Gina-Phot-e1703184030157.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn and raised in Japan, Gina has spent over a decade in Seattle, transitioning from a city girl to someone learning to savor the outdoors. Her recent love for birdwatching since the summer of 2022 encouraged her to start being more mindful of what birds are around in her everyday life. Gina hopes to encourage mindfulness and share with folks how great it is to connect with the natural world! Her favorite bird is the Cedar Waxwing (the first bird she spotted with her binoculars).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jules Stanley (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Molly-on-da-bird-walk-e1766428974468.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”Molly on da bird walk” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMolly is from Oakland, CA, but lived in Santa Cruz and Sacramento (briefly) before moving to Seattle in 2023. Trips to Lake Merritt (the nation’s first official wildlife refuge!) as a child inspired their appreciation of birds, but their passion crystallized while taking courses in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz. While no scientist, they’ve performed bird surveys of various kinds (point counts, raptor surveys, bird banding) in lots of different habitats (Ponderosa\u00a0forests and coastal steppe of CA, montane forests of WA), and are currently pursuing a career in science journalism and conservation communications. To Molly, birds represent all the best ways nature brings people together, and they are stoked to be part of that connection with the NextGen Council. Come find them on Seattle’s trails, in a kayak, at the movies or seeing a show!<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Carolyn Huynh (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Carolyn-Photo-e1713999706502.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nCarolyn grew up in\u00a0the Seattle area and has always had an interest connecting herself and others with the natural world. Her interest in birds started when she was sent out to conduct bird surveys for work and was able to observe bird drama during migration\u00a0season…she was hooked. Carolyn enjoys meeting new bird friends, hanging out with her backyard birds, and chatting with others about interesting bird findings and facts. In her spare time, you can find Carolyn hanging out with her senior pup, gardening and finding ways to be cozy.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Ian Jan (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Ian-Photo-e1703183885838.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn in Taiwan and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ian moved to Seattle to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering at UW. Although his current research mainly involves human cell biology, Ian’s interest in science stems from elementary school field trips to the local wetlands and watching the Planet Earth documentaries. He recently got into birdwatching in the late summer of 2022 after seeing people with binoculars at the Union Bay Natural Area while he was kayaking. Now, Ian is always eager to learn more about birds and meet other birders. When he’s not working in the lab or birding, Ian enjoys cooking in his new wok, commuting by bike, and taking photos\/making videos.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jordan Juranek (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jordan-Juranek-bio-pic-e1747242619118.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJordan’s interest in birds was sparked several years ago during a family trip to Yellowstone National Park, where she was captivated\u00a0by Yellow-Headed Blackbirds and Sandhill Cranes when seen through binoculars. At the encouragement of her mom, who was already a birder, these were the first birds added to her “Life List” on the Merlin Bird ID app, and she had to find more! This interest in birding continued to grow back home in Seattle, WA, where she started regularly attending BCS Neighborhood Birding Outings at Union Bay Natural Area, and learned of the NextGen Council and found a community to bird with. Jordan’s favorite part of being on the NextGen Council is the opportunity to introduce new people to the joy of birding. When not looking at birds, Jordan works as a Clinical Research Nurse, and enjoys cycling, hosting book clubs, and playing tennis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emi Nye (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Emi-Nye-pic-e1747677820525.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\norn and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Emi has called Seattle home for the past decade. Her love of birds began in childhood, watching backyard feeders with her mom\u2014an early fascination that grew into a passion for bird identification, the thrill of spotting new species, and eventually, a near-constant search for birds wherever she goes. What she loves most about birding is its everyday magic\u2014our feathered friends can appear anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\nIt was only somewhat recently that Emi began looking for a sense of community around her love of birds\u2014and BCS turned out to be the perfect place. Over the past three years, she has been an active volunteer, contributing to the Neighborhood Bird Project, Climate Watch, and most recently, serving on the Next Gen Council.<\/p>\nOutside of birding, Emi works as a Clinical Research Coordinator and enjoys crafting, rollerblading, and experimenting in the kitchen.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Anthony Pangelinan (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Anthony-P-Photo-e1732566322953.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAnthony has lived in the Pacific Northwest all his life. His interest in birding began while feeding a small group of hummingbirds over the last few years, and he has been an avid birdwatcher since. He enjoys learning more each day about the local birds and wildlife, and is working on improving his photography skills with the birds he sees on his bird outings.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Pedro Rodriguez (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pedro-Rodriguez-pic-e1747678485408.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPedro grew up in Idaho, but was born in Puerto Rico. Before settling in Seattle, he lived in Berkeley, Boulder, Santa Monica, College Park, and Zurich while earning undergraduate and PhD degrees in computer science. He has always loved skiing, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and being in the outdoors. After accidentally falling in love with nature photography, bird photography eventually led him to birding. When not outside, he enjoys playing violin and board games.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Morgan Rumsey (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Morgan_Rumsey_BCS_Biopic-e1704920618105.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nOriginally from southern Louisiana, Morgan earned a degree in conservation biology and a minor in oceanography from Louisiana State University before moving up to the Pacific Northwest. Although her childhood was spent tromping in the swamp with her younger siblings, her true ornithological obsession blossomed after spending a weekend on the coastal marshes banding birds and constructing wood duck boxes for a wildlife management class in college. Morgan is pursuing a career in environmental education, having been a naturalist for the BCS Nature Camp, a nature shop associate, and currently an urban programs educator at Brightwater Treatment Center in Woodinville. She has room in her heart for all birds, but a species that always puts a smile on her face are yellow-rumped warblers – also known as butter butts!<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emily Sellinger (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nEmily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID’ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Gina Simmons (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Gina-Phot-e1703184030157.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn and raised in Japan, Gina has spent over a decade in Seattle, transitioning from a city girl to someone learning to savor the outdoors. Her recent love for birdwatching since the summer of 2022 encouraged her to start being more mindful of what birds are around in her everyday life. Gina hopes to encourage mindfulness and share with folks how great it is to connect with the natural world! Her favorite bird is the Cedar Waxwing (the first bird she spotted with her binoculars).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jules Stanley (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Carolyn-Photo-e1713999706502.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nCarolyn grew up in\u00a0the Seattle area and has always had an interest connecting herself and others with the natural world. Her interest in birds started when she was sent out to conduct bird surveys for work and was able to observe bird drama during migration\u00a0season…she was hooked. Carolyn enjoys meeting new bird friends, hanging out with her backyard birds, and chatting with others about interesting bird findings and facts. In her spare time, you can find Carolyn hanging out with her senior pup, gardening and finding ways to be cozy.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Ian Jan (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Ian-Photo-e1703183885838.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn in Taiwan and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ian moved to Seattle to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering at UW. Although his current research mainly involves human cell biology, Ian’s interest in science stems from elementary school field trips to the local wetlands and watching the Planet Earth documentaries. He recently got into birdwatching in the late summer of 2022 after seeing people with binoculars at the Union Bay Natural Area while he was kayaking. Now, Ian is always eager to learn more about birds and meet other birders. When he’s not working in the lab or birding, Ian enjoys cooking in his new wok, commuting by bike, and taking photos\/making videos.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jordan Juranek (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jordan-Juranek-bio-pic-e1747242619118.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJordan’s interest in birds was sparked several years ago during a family trip to Yellowstone National Park, where she was captivated\u00a0by Yellow-Headed Blackbirds and Sandhill Cranes when seen through binoculars. At the encouragement of her mom, who was already a birder, these were the first birds added to her “Life List” on the Merlin Bird ID app, and she had to find more! This interest in birding continued to grow back home in Seattle, WA, where she started regularly attending BCS Neighborhood Birding Outings at Union Bay Natural Area, and learned of the NextGen Council and found a community to bird with. Jordan’s favorite part of being on the NextGen Council is the opportunity to introduce new people to the joy of birding. When not looking at birds, Jordan works as a Clinical Research Nurse, and enjoys cycling, hosting book clubs, and playing tennis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emi Nye (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Emi-Nye-pic-e1747677820525.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\norn and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Emi has called Seattle home for the past decade. Her love of birds began in childhood, watching backyard feeders with her mom\u2014an early fascination that grew into a passion for bird identification, the thrill of spotting new species, and eventually, a near-constant search for birds wherever she goes. What she loves most about birding is its everyday magic\u2014our feathered friends can appear anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\nIt was only somewhat recently that Emi began looking for a sense of community around her love of birds\u2014and BCS turned out to be the perfect place. Over the past three years, she has been an active volunteer, contributing to the Neighborhood Bird Project, Climate Watch, and most recently, serving on the Next Gen Council.<\/p>\nOutside of birding, Emi works as a Clinical Research Coordinator and enjoys crafting, rollerblading, and experimenting in the kitchen.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Anthony Pangelinan (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Anthony-P-Photo-e1732566322953.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAnthony has lived in the Pacific Northwest all his life. His interest in birding began while feeding a small group of hummingbirds over the last few years, and he has been an avid birdwatcher since. He enjoys learning more each day about the local birds and wildlife, and is working on improving his photography skills with the birds he sees on his bird outings.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Pedro Rodriguez (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pedro-Rodriguez-pic-e1747678485408.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPedro grew up in Idaho, but was born in Puerto Rico. Before settling in Seattle, he lived in Berkeley, Boulder, Santa Monica, College Park, and Zurich while earning undergraduate and PhD degrees in computer science. He has always loved skiing, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and being in the outdoors. After accidentally falling in love with nature photography, bird photography eventually led him to birding. When not outside, he enjoys playing violin and board games.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Morgan Rumsey (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Morgan_Rumsey_BCS_Biopic-e1704920618105.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nOriginally from southern Louisiana, Morgan earned a degree in conservation biology and a minor in oceanography from Louisiana State University before moving up to the Pacific Northwest. Although her childhood was spent tromping in the swamp with her younger siblings, her true ornithological obsession blossomed after spending a weekend on the coastal marshes banding birds and constructing wood duck boxes for a wildlife management class in college. Morgan is pursuing a career in environmental education, having been a naturalist for the BCS Nature Camp, a nature shop associate, and currently an urban programs educator at Brightwater Treatment Center in Woodinville. She has room in her heart for all birds, but a species that always puts a smile on her face are yellow-rumped warblers – also known as butter butts!<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emily Sellinger (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nEmily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID’ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Gina Simmons (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Gina-Phot-e1703184030157.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn and raised in Japan, Gina has spent over a decade in Seattle, transitioning from a city girl to someone learning to savor the outdoors. Her recent love for birdwatching since the summer of 2022 encouraged her to start being more mindful of what birds are around in her everyday life. Gina hopes to encourage mindfulness and share with folks how great it is to connect with the natural world! Her favorite bird is the Cedar Waxwing (the first bird she spotted with her binoculars).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jules Stanley (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Ian-Photo-e1703183885838.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn in Taiwan and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ian moved to Seattle to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering at UW. Although his current research mainly involves human cell biology, Ian’s interest in science stems from elementary school field trips to the local wetlands and watching the Planet Earth documentaries. He recently got into birdwatching in the late summer of 2022 after seeing people with binoculars at the Union Bay Natural Area while he was kayaking. Now, Ian is always eager to learn more about birds and meet other birders. When he’s not working in the lab or birding, Ian enjoys cooking in his new wok, commuting by bike, and taking photos\/making videos.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jordan Juranek (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jordan-Juranek-bio-pic-e1747242619118.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJordan’s interest in birds was sparked several years ago during a family trip to Yellowstone National Park, where she was captivated\u00a0by Yellow-Headed Blackbirds and Sandhill Cranes when seen through binoculars. At the encouragement of her mom, who was already a birder, these were the first birds added to her “Life List” on the Merlin Bird ID app, and she had to find more! This interest in birding continued to grow back home in Seattle, WA, where she started regularly attending BCS Neighborhood Birding Outings at Union Bay Natural Area, and learned of the NextGen Council and found a community to bird with. Jordan’s favorite part of being on the NextGen Council is the opportunity to introduce new people to the joy of birding. When not looking at birds, Jordan works as a Clinical Research Nurse, and enjoys cycling, hosting book clubs, and playing tennis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emi Nye (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Emi-Nye-pic-e1747677820525.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\norn and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Emi has called Seattle home for the past decade. Her love of birds began in childhood, watching backyard feeders with her mom\u2014an early fascination that grew into a passion for bird identification, the thrill of spotting new species, and eventually, a near-constant search for birds wherever she goes. What she loves most about birding is its everyday magic\u2014our feathered friends can appear anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\nIt was only somewhat recently that Emi began looking for a sense of community around her love of birds\u2014and BCS turned out to be the perfect place. Over the past three years, she has been an active volunteer, contributing to the Neighborhood Bird Project, Climate Watch, and most recently, serving on the Next Gen Council.<\/p>\nOutside of birding, Emi works as a Clinical Research Coordinator and enjoys crafting, rollerblading, and experimenting in the kitchen.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Anthony Pangelinan (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Anthony-P-Photo-e1732566322953.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAnthony has lived in the Pacific Northwest all his life. His interest in birding began while feeding a small group of hummingbirds over the last few years, and he has been an avid birdwatcher since. He enjoys learning more each day about the local birds and wildlife, and is working on improving his photography skills with the birds he sees on his bird outings.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Pedro Rodriguez (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pedro-Rodriguez-pic-e1747678485408.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPedro grew up in Idaho, but was born in Puerto Rico. Before settling in Seattle, he lived in Berkeley, Boulder, Santa Monica, College Park, and Zurich while earning undergraduate and PhD degrees in computer science. He has always loved skiing, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and being in the outdoors. After accidentally falling in love with nature photography, bird photography eventually led him to birding. When not outside, he enjoys playing violin and board games.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Morgan Rumsey (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Morgan_Rumsey_BCS_Biopic-e1704920618105.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nOriginally from southern Louisiana, Morgan earned a degree in conservation biology and a minor in oceanography from Louisiana State University before moving up to the Pacific Northwest. Although her childhood was spent tromping in the swamp with her younger siblings, her true ornithological obsession blossomed after spending a weekend on the coastal marshes banding birds and constructing wood duck boxes for a wildlife management class in college. Morgan is pursuing a career in environmental education, having been a naturalist for the BCS Nature Camp, a nature shop associate, and currently an urban programs educator at Brightwater Treatment Center in Woodinville. She has room in her heart for all birds, but a species that always puts a smile on her face are yellow-rumped warblers – also known as butter butts!<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emily Sellinger (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nEmily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID’ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Gina Simmons (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Gina-Phot-e1703184030157.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn and raised in Japan, Gina has spent over a decade in Seattle, transitioning from a city girl to someone learning to savor the outdoors. Her recent love for birdwatching since the summer of 2022 encouraged her to start being more mindful of what birds are around in her everyday life. Gina hopes to encourage mindfulness and share with folks how great it is to connect with the natural world! Her favorite bird is the Cedar Waxwing (the first bird she spotted with her binoculars).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jules Stanley (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jordan-Juranek-bio-pic-e1747242619118.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJordan’s interest in birds was sparked several years ago during a family trip to Yellowstone National Park, where she was captivated\u00a0by Yellow-Headed Blackbirds and Sandhill Cranes when seen through binoculars. At the encouragement of her mom, who was already a birder, these were the first birds added to her “Life List” on the Merlin Bird ID app, and she had to find more! This interest in birding continued to grow back home in Seattle, WA, where she started regularly attending BCS Neighborhood Birding Outings at Union Bay Natural Area, and learned of the NextGen Council and found a community to bird with. Jordan’s favorite part of being on the NextGen Council is the opportunity to introduce new people to the joy of birding. When not looking at birds, Jordan works as a Clinical Research Nurse, and enjoys cycling, hosting book clubs, and playing tennis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emi Nye (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Emi-Nye-pic-e1747677820525.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\norn and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Emi has called Seattle home for the past decade. Her love of birds began in childhood, watching backyard feeders with her mom\u2014an early fascination that grew into a passion for bird identification, the thrill of spotting new species, and eventually, a near-constant search for birds wherever she goes. What she loves most about birding is its everyday magic\u2014our feathered friends can appear anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\nIt was only somewhat recently that Emi began looking for a sense of community around her love of birds\u2014and BCS turned out to be the perfect place. Over the past three years, she has been an active volunteer, contributing to the Neighborhood Bird Project, Climate Watch, and most recently, serving on the Next Gen Council.<\/p>\nOutside of birding, Emi works as a Clinical Research Coordinator and enjoys crafting, rollerblading, and experimenting in the kitchen.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Anthony Pangelinan (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Anthony-P-Photo-e1732566322953.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAnthony has lived in the Pacific Northwest all his life. His interest in birding began while feeding a small group of hummingbirds over the last few years, and he has been an avid birdwatcher since. He enjoys learning more each day about the local birds and wildlife, and is working on improving his photography skills with the birds he sees on his bird outings.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Pedro Rodriguez (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pedro-Rodriguez-pic-e1747678485408.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPedro grew up in Idaho, but was born in Puerto Rico. Before settling in Seattle, he lived in Berkeley, Boulder, Santa Monica, College Park, and Zurich while earning undergraduate and PhD degrees in computer science. He has always loved skiing, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and being in the outdoors. After accidentally falling in love with nature photography, bird photography eventually led him to birding. When not outside, he enjoys playing violin and board games.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Morgan Rumsey (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Morgan_Rumsey_BCS_Biopic-e1704920618105.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nOriginally from southern Louisiana, Morgan earned a degree in conservation biology and a minor in oceanography from Louisiana State University before moving up to the Pacific Northwest. Although her childhood was spent tromping in the swamp with her younger siblings, her true ornithological obsession blossomed after spending a weekend on the coastal marshes banding birds and constructing wood duck boxes for a wildlife management class in college. Morgan is pursuing a career in environmental education, having been a naturalist for the BCS Nature Camp, a nature shop associate, and currently an urban programs educator at Brightwater Treatment Center in Woodinville. She has room in her heart for all birds, but a species that always puts a smile on her face are yellow-rumped warblers – also known as butter butts!<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emily Sellinger (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nEmily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID’ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Gina Simmons (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Gina-Phot-e1703184030157.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn and raised in Japan, Gina has spent over a decade in Seattle, transitioning from a city girl to someone learning to savor the outdoors. Her recent love for birdwatching since the summer of 2022 encouraged her to start being more mindful of what birds are around in her everyday life. Gina hopes to encourage mindfulness and share with folks how great it is to connect with the natural world! Her favorite bird is the Cedar Waxwing (the first bird she spotted with her binoculars).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jules Stanley (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Emi-Nye-pic-e1747677820525.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\norn and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Emi has called Seattle home for the past decade. Her love of birds began in childhood, watching backyard feeders with her mom\u2014an early fascination that grew into a passion for bird identification, the thrill of spotting new species, and eventually, a near-constant search for birds wherever she goes. What she loves most about birding is its everyday magic\u2014our feathered friends can appear anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\nIt was only somewhat recently that Emi began looking for a sense of community around her love of birds\u2014and BCS turned out to be the perfect place. Over the past three years, she has been an active volunteer, contributing to the Neighborhood Bird Project, Climate Watch, and most recently, serving on the Next Gen Council.<\/p>\nOutside of birding, Emi works as a Clinical Research Coordinator and enjoys crafting, rollerblading, and experimenting in the kitchen.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Anthony Pangelinan (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Anthony-P-Photo-e1732566322953.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAnthony has lived in the Pacific Northwest all his life. His interest in birding began while feeding a small group of hummingbirds over the last few years, and he has been an avid birdwatcher since. He enjoys learning more each day about the local birds and wildlife, and is working on improving his photography skills with the birds he sees on his bird outings.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Pedro Rodriguez (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pedro-Rodriguez-pic-e1747678485408.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPedro grew up in Idaho, but was born in Puerto Rico. Before settling in Seattle, he lived in Berkeley, Boulder, Santa Monica, College Park, and Zurich while earning undergraduate and PhD degrees in computer science. He has always loved skiing, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and being in the outdoors. After accidentally falling in love with nature photography, bird photography eventually led him to birding. When not outside, he enjoys playing violin and board games.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Morgan Rumsey (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Morgan_Rumsey_BCS_Biopic-e1704920618105.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nOriginally from southern Louisiana, Morgan earned a degree in conservation biology and a minor in oceanography from Louisiana State University before moving up to the Pacific Northwest. Although her childhood was spent tromping in the swamp with her younger siblings, her true ornithological obsession blossomed after spending a weekend on the coastal marshes banding birds and constructing wood duck boxes for a wildlife management class in college. Morgan is pursuing a career in environmental education, having been a naturalist for the BCS Nature Camp, a nature shop associate, and currently an urban programs educator at Brightwater Treatment Center in Woodinville. She has room in her heart for all birds, but a species that always puts a smile on her face are yellow-rumped warblers – also known as butter butts!<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emily Sellinger (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nEmily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID’ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Gina Simmons (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Gina-Phot-e1703184030157.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn and raised in Japan, Gina has spent over a decade in Seattle, transitioning from a city girl to someone learning to savor the outdoors. Her recent love for birdwatching since the summer of 2022 encouraged her to start being more mindful of what birds are around in her everyday life. Gina hopes to encourage mindfulness and share with folks how great it is to connect with the natural world! Her favorite bird is the Cedar Waxwing (the first bird she spotted with her binoculars).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jules Stanley (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Anthony-P-Photo-e1732566322953.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAnthony has lived in the Pacific Northwest all his life. His interest in birding began while feeding a small group of hummingbirds over the last few years, and he has been an avid birdwatcher since. He enjoys learning more each day about the local birds and wildlife, and is working on improving his photography skills with the birds he sees on his bird outings.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Pedro Rodriguez (he\/him)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pedro-Rodriguez-pic-e1747678485408.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPedro grew up in Idaho, but was born in Puerto Rico. Before settling in Seattle, he lived in Berkeley, Boulder, Santa Monica, College Park, and Zurich while earning undergraduate and PhD degrees in computer science. He has always loved skiing, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and being in the outdoors. After accidentally falling in love with nature photography, bird photography eventually led him to birding. When not outside, he enjoys playing violin and board games.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Morgan Rumsey (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Morgan_Rumsey_BCS_Biopic-e1704920618105.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nOriginally from southern Louisiana, Morgan earned a degree in conservation biology and a minor in oceanography from Louisiana State University before moving up to the Pacific Northwest. Although her childhood was spent tromping in the swamp with her younger siblings, her true ornithological obsession blossomed after spending a weekend on the coastal marshes banding birds and constructing wood duck boxes for a wildlife management class in college. Morgan is pursuing a career in environmental education, having been a naturalist for the BCS Nature Camp, a nature shop associate, and currently an urban programs educator at Brightwater Treatment Center in Woodinville. She has room in her heart for all birds, but a species that always puts a smile on her face are yellow-rumped warblers – also known as butter butts!<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emily Sellinger (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nEmily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID’ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Gina Simmons (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Gina-Phot-e1703184030157.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn and raised in Japan, Gina has spent over a decade in Seattle, transitioning from a city girl to someone learning to savor the outdoors. Her recent love for birdwatching since the summer of 2022 encouraged her to start being more mindful of what birds are around in her everyday life. Gina hopes to encourage mindfulness and share with folks how great it is to connect with the natural world! Her favorite bird is the Cedar Waxwing (the first bird she spotted with her binoculars).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jules Stanley (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pedro-Rodriguez-pic-e1747678485408.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPedro grew up in Idaho, but was born in Puerto Rico. Before settling in Seattle, he lived in Berkeley, Boulder, Santa Monica, College Park, and Zurich while earning undergraduate and PhD degrees in computer science. He has always loved skiing, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and being in the outdoors. After accidentally falling in love with nature photography, bird photography eventually led him to birding. When not outside, he enjoys playing violin and board games.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Morgan Rumsey (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Morgan_Rumsey_BCS_Biopic-e1704920618105.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nOriginally from southern Louisiana, Morgan earned a degree in conservation biology and a minor in oceanography from Louisiana State University before moving up to the Pacific Northwest. Although her childhood was spent tromping in the swamp with her younger siblings, her true ornithological obsession blossomed after spending a weekend on the coastal marshes banding birds and constructing wood duck boxes for a wildlife management class in college. Morgan is pursuing a career in environmental education, having been a naturalist for the BCS Nature Camp, a nature shop associate, and currently an urban programs educator at Brightwater Treatment Center in Woodinville. She has room in her heart for all birds, but a species that always puts a smile on her face are yellow-rumped warblers – also known as butter butts!<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emily Sellinger (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nEmily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID’ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Gina Simmons (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Gina-Phot-e1703184030157.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn and raised in Japan, Gina has spent over a decade in Seattle, transitioning from a city girl to someone learning to savor the outdoors. Her recent love for birdwatching since the summer of 2022 encouraged her to start being more mindful of what birds are around in her everyday life. Gina hopes to encourage mindfulness and share with folks how great it is to connect with the natural world! Her favorite bird is the Cedar Waxwing (the first bird she spotted with her binoculars).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jules Stanley (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-22T18:44:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard-1024x683.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"683\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\",\"name\":\"NextGen Members - 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Morgan_Rumsey_BCS_Biopic-e1704920618105.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nOriginally from southern Louisiana, Morgan earned a degree in conservation biology and a minor in oceanography from Louisiana State University before moving up to the Pacific Northwest. Although her childhood was spent tromping in the swamp with her younger siblings, her true ornithological obsession blossomed after spending a weekend on the coastal marshes banding birds and constructing wood duck boxes for a wildlife management class in college. Morgan is pursuing a career in environmental education, having been a naturalist for the BCS Nature Camp, a nature shop associate, and currently an urban programs educator at Brightwater Treatment Center in Woodinville. She has room in her heart for all birds, but a species that always puts a smile on her face are yellow-rumped warblers – also known as butter butts!<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Emily Sellinger (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nEmily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID’ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Gina Simmons (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Gina-Phot-e1703184030157.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn and raised in Japan, Gina has spent over a decade in Seattle, transitioning from a city girl to someone learning to savor the outdoors. Her recent love for birdwatching since the summer of 2022 encouraged her to start being more mindful of what birds are around in her everyday life. Gina hopes to encourage mindfulness and share with folks how great it is to connect with the natural world! Her favorite bird is the Cedar Waxwing (the first bird she spotted with her binoculars).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jules Stanley (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-22T18:44:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard-1024x683.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"683\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\",\"name\":\"NextGen Members - 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nEmily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID’ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Gina Simmons (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Gina-Phot-e1703184030157.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn and raised in Japan, Gina has spent over a decade in Seattle, transitioning from a city girl to someone learning to savor the outdoors. Her recent love for birdwatching since the summer of 2022 encouraged her to start being more mindful of what birds are around in her everyday life. Gina hopes to encourage mindfulness and share with folks how great it is to connect with the natural world! Her favorite bird is the Cedar Waxwing (the first bird she spotted with her binoculars).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jules Stanley (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-22T18:44:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard-1024x683.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"683\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\",\"name\":\"NextGen Members - 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Gina-Phot-e1703184030157.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBorn and raised in Japan, Gina has spent over a decade in Seattle, transitioning from a city girl to someone learning to savor the outdoors. Her recent love for birdwatching since the summer of 2022 encouraged her to start being more mindful of what birds are around in her everyday life. Gina hopes to encourage mindfulness and share with folks how great it is to connect with the natural world! Her favorite bird is the Cedar Waxwing (the first bird she spotted with her binoculars).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jules Stanley (she\/her)” position=”Council Member ” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-22T18:44:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard-1024x683.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"683\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\",\"name\":\"NextGen Members - 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JulesStanleyPic3-e1764019390461.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJules (she\/her) grew up in Pennsylvania in a small house with large windows, watching birds dance through her mother’s garden. After moving to Colorado then New Hampshire then New York, she is now in Seattle, where she birds with her friends at the Washington Park Arboretum and Discovery Park, among other places. She is currently in graduate school with Johns Hopkins studying to become a science writer. Her dream is to publish with Orion Magazine, and her favorite birds are the Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, and the Black-capped Chickadee because they remind her of home no matter where she is.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky (she\/her)” position=”Council Chair” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-22T18:44:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard-1024x683.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"683\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\",\"name\":\"NextGen Members - 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nVirb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she’s not looking at birds, she’s probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Wren Wagenbach (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-22T18:44:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard-1024x683.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"683\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\",\"name\":\"NextGen Members - 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Wren-Bio-Pic-e1764093812400.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGrowing up, Wren (she\/her) spent lots of time casually watching the Seattle backyard birds enjoy her family’s heavily seed-strewn front yard. It wasn’t until moving to Montr\u00e9al for school and working in a large ornithology lab that her interest in birding was solidified. Since then, she has spent three years working in Washington’s National Parks as a backcountry point count technician, identifying montane birdsong for the park’s long-term monitoring program. She is passionate about birding-by-ear, wildlife conservation and land stewardship, and encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with the plant and animal communities that they share space with. Her favorite bird is the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch, Washington’s most beautiful bird!<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jen Yu (she\/her)” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jen-Photo-e1678902151879.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nJen was born and raised in Seattle, where she grew up exploring and observing the natural world with her childhood dog. Along the way, she developed a strong fascination and deep empathy for all animals. Her interest in birding specifically began after she completed the Applied Animal Behavior program at UW in 2019. The program fueled her passion for humane and ethical treatment of animals, conservation, and making nature inclusive to all. She is committed to practicing thoughtful stewardship of the land and fostering compassionate, humane relationships between humans and other living creatures. In her spare time, she loves gardening, running, reading books on ethology and psychology, hiking, and feeding her backyard crows.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Suzannah Yu” position=”Council Member” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nSuzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” border_color_all=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1380,1369,1378″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#79736C” header_font_size=”1.2em” meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306″ border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwings | Ron Gard, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>NextGen Members\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Current NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":2256,"parent":2383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"NextGen Advisory Council\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Cedar-Waxwing_A1-7184-3_TS_Photo-Ron-Gard.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" custom_padding=\"0px||3px|||\"]Cedar Waxwing \/ Ron Gard \/ Audubon Photography Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Seattle Audubon established the NextGen Advisory Council in the fall of 2018.\u00a0The council elevates the perspectives and expertise of young professionals and student activists in progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming organization that engages diverse audiences with our focus on birds and nature in the city.\u00a0<\/span> As a 100-year-old organization, Seattle Audubon has a rich history of conservation achievements, but our programs have not been sufficiently\u00a0informed by or served diverse audiences. This is not the Seattle Audubon of the future. The strategic plan that will guide our work over the next three years includes an increased commitment to\u00a0intentional collaboration with communities that have been excluded or sidelined by the mainstream environmental movements of the past. The NextGen Advisory Council is one part of these efforts.<\/p>\nFor general questions, please contact Education Manager, Hanae Bettencourt via email<\/a> or phone at (206) 523-8243 ext. 108 (messages only).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=\"Hannah Bleecker\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Heather-Bleeker-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Hannah is originally from Indiana, where she learned to love birds by identifying the species that came to the bird feeder using the guide her parents kept on the counter next to the window. Since then, she studied biology at the University of Chicago and worked with birds as a zookeeper all around the United States. (Her favorites were hornbills!) After receiving her Master's degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, she moved to Seattle with her partner and loves to watch crows, ravens, and jays bounce around outside her window. She believes strongly in making sure that the wonders of animals and nature are accessible to all.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Patrick Claussen\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Patrick-Claussen-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Patrick is a Seattle native, currently residing in South Seattle\u2019s Columbia City neighborhood. He grew up in Renton, studied mathematics & played baseball at WSU, and spent several years in West Seattle upon moving back to the west side. His favorite spots to bird are along Lake Washington Boulevard, in West Seattle along Beach Drive, and nowadays from his home office. He is excited to be on the NextGen Advisory Council and eager to engage new audiences on the beauty of birds and the importance of the outdoors at large. Outside of bird related activities, Patrick is an avid sports fan, enjoys running & hiking with his partner and their puppy, and exploring the great PNW craft beer scene.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Brett Eaton \" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Brett-Eaton-Webpage-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last nine years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about six years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation. Professionally, he has managed teams in a variety of different industries but hasn\u2019t had the joy of working in the conservation space quite yet. He hopes to one day be able to provide 100% of his time in helping out conservation efforts\u2026 and finding new and unique species of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Julie Henling\" position=\"Council Member \" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" border_radii_image_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Bio coming soon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Emily Sellinger\" position=\"Council Member \" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Emily-Sellinger-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Emily is a recent transplant to the Seattle area, moving to attend an ecology graduate program at the University of Washington. Her interest in birding began when she ID'ed a gray catbird on her undergraduate campus. She is passionate about conservation, science communication, and community engagement. With the council, Emily hopes to share her love of ornithology with her new home. When not birding, you can find Emily lifting at the gym, cooking, or knitting.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Anna Vallery \" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Anna-Vallery-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Anna is brand new to the Seattle area and excited to be a part of Seattle Audubon\u2019s NextGen Advisory Council! After growing up overseas, Anna came back to the U.S. for school, studying animal behavior in Florida. In 2015 Anna accepted a biological science internship at Midway Atoll NWR working with the seabirds that nest there, and got hooked on birds! From there, Anna moved to Houston, Texas where she studied colonial waterbirds for her master\u2019s and then began working at Houston Audubon with the organization\u2019s Bird-Friendly Communities program, waterbird research, and native plant nursery. Anna is also an enthusiastic member of the Pacific Seabird Group and the Waterbird Society. In her free time, Anna loves hiking and exploring with her partner and their two rescue mutts!<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Amanda (Virb) Virbitsky\" position=\"Council President\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Virb-Amanda-Virbistky-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Virb is originally from Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the 2019 Seattle Audubon Master Birder class. She is excited about conservation, and thinks that birds are a great way to get more people outside and to connect them to the natural world. In her work life, she has focused on sustainability as well as the outdoor industry. In addition to serving on the NextGen Council, she is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee, and has volunteered for the Neighborhood Bird Project and the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. When she's not looking at birds, she's probably hiking, cooking, or making art.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Tammy VuPham\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tammy-VuPham-NextGen-Advisory-Council-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Tammy grew up in Georgia, where her first experience birding was observing the raptor nesting season through local conservation groups. She has a background in design with a focus on behavior change, but also leads outdoor trips throughout Washington as a guide. With the council, Tammy hopes to increase species awareness and encourage responsible recreation. Her other interests include learning history and the scientific illustration of birds.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=\"Suzannah Yu\" position=\"Council Member\" image_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Suzannah-Yu-Website-Headshot-200x200-1.png\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Suzannah\u2019s admiration of birds began in her youth when, with binoculars in hand, she was delighted to discover that the \u201clittle brown birds\u201d in her backyard were not a single species, but instead a great multitude of them. She brought her passion for wildlife with her to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in Biology, and works towards protecting birds and other organisms through education. She believes in and strives toward a world where all organisms \u2013 feather, fur, scales, of all shapes and colors, are respected and diversity is celebrated. With the council, she works to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to inclusive programming, with a focus on introducing and welcoming a broader audience to the wonder and delight of birding.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_menu menu_id=\"1385\" dropdown_menu_active_link_color=\"#000000\" module_id=\".sidebar_nav\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" menu_line_height=\"1.2em\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_css_main_element=\"border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;\" custom_css_menu_link=\"margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||\" custom_css_active_menu_link=\"font-weight:bold;\t\" custom_css_dropdown_container=\"width:100%;\t\" border_color_all=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}\" custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=\"on|desktop\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"20px||0px|10px|false|false\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/\" border_color_all=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" border_width_top=\"3px\" border_color_top=\"gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%93,%22gcid-1f763fac-8e83-42c6-b4fd-8dd7e7c947e0%22:%91%93,%22gcid-9d5e0c6c-0842-4e22-8ff9-bdd8aee4548d%22:%91%93,%22gcid-c7113f06-fa36-42b8-a13e-9cf2867a4f8f%22:%91%93,%22gcid-b1dce0f9-6726-44d3-a013-e7ac9369377c%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93,%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%93,%22gcid-5db2a3a8-120e-4532-b28a-2df216f2e15c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}\"]Related Articles<\/span><\/a><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"1380,1369,1378\" excerpt_length=\"50 \" show_author=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_excerpt=\"off\" use_overlay=\"on\" module_class=\"related-articles\" _builder_version=\"4.9.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h3\" header_text_color=\"#79736C\" header_font_size=\"1.2em\" meta_text_align=\"left\" meta_line_height=\"0.5em\" pagination_font=\"|700||on|||||\" pagination_text_color=\"#000000\" background_color=\"rgba(164,158,151,0.1)\" text_orientation=\"left\" width=\"100%\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false\" border_color_bottom_fullwidth=\"gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306\" border_radii_image=\"on|20px|20px|20px|20px\" border_color_all_image=\"RGBA(0,0,0,0)\" global_colors_info=\"{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16515","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/people\/nextgen-council\/nextgen-members\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NextGen Members - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NextGen MembersCurrent NextGen Council MembersBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. 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