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Geauga SWCD Staff
Carmella Shale, PE
Director/ Engineer (Ext. 1767)
Carmella is responsible for overseeing office operations and the Urban Program. She is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Ohio. Carmella graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Cleveland State University, then moved on to earn her Master's degree in Hydrology. Carmella's work experience includes working for a private engineering consultant, general contractor, and County Engineer's office.
Colleen Lair
Administrative Assistant (Ext. 1763)
Colleen provides administrative support and customer service, as well as heading up many special projects. Colleen is a native Geauga County resident of Newbury. She is a graduate of Newbury High School and attended Kent State University's Geauga Branch in Burton. Colleen has nineteen years of experience as an administrative assistant.
Colleen Sharp
Natural Resource Technician (Ext. 1766)
Colleen assists with many natural resource projects, construction site inspections, the stream quality monitoring program (MYC: Millennium Youth Conservations), grants, and manages the GIS storm sewer outfall database for the County. Beginning her career as a court reporter, she soon heeded her call to natural resources protection and returned to school for a Bachelor of Science degree from Cleveland State University in Environmental Science and then earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Akron in Biology. Colleen's past experiences include environmental education, amphibian and water quality research, stream evaluations, wetland assessments, and conservation easement inspections.
Lisa Berkheimer
Conservation Technician (Ext. 1768)
Lisa conducts construction site inspections, post-construction stormwater basin inspections, assists with the Agricultural Pollution Abatement program and evaluates timber harvests. She also authors the Farming for the Future newsletter, as well as provides technical assistance for residents. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lake Erie College, then moved on to earn her Master of Business Administration. Lisa’s background experience includes working in retail agriculture and advising growers with crop, nutrient, soil, water, and pest management. She continues to be a part of her family’s farming operation in Ashtabula County.
Gail Prunty
Education/Communication Specialist (Ext. 1764)
Gail provides presentations for all ages, workshops for adults, assists with public outreach and information, and offers assistance with managing and sustaining our natural resources. Previously she has worked in environmental education for the Tuscarawas County Park Department, Athens SWCD, Burr Oak State Park, and the Nature’s Classroom Program. Gail has an Associate's Degree in Natural & Cultural History Interpretation from Hocking College.
Katie Nainiger
Conservation Education Coordinator (Ext. 1765)
Katie assists with education programming and coordinates special projects including the Envirothon, Watershed Ripples newsletter, conservation poster contests, and the Ohio Historic Family Farms program. She provides public outreach and aligns District programs to Ohio's current science standards. Katie received her degree in Wildlife Management and Interpretive Services from Hocking College. She previously worked at Lake Metroparks Wildlife Center for 12 years as the Wildlife Education Coordinator.
Sarah Rowen
Technician (Ext. 1769)
Sarah conducts construction site inspections, post-construction stormwater basin inspections, evaluates timber harvests, and assists with the Agricultural Pollution Abatement program. She also provides technical assistance for residents. Sarah is a Geauga County native and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geography from Ohio University. After working within the air quality regulation sector, she returned to school to earn a Master of Science from the University of Denver in Environmental Policy & Management with a concentration in Natural Resource Management. In addition to monitoring emissions and conducting inspections of various types of facilities, Sarah also worked in sustainable gardening, which highlights a more natural approach to landscaping.