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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 including the district's tree and fish sales and annual meeting. 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 over 25 years of experience as an administrative assistant.
Katie Nainiger
Conservation Education Coordinator (Ext. 1765)
Katie Nainiger assists with education programming for the district and coordinates special projects including the Envirothon, conservation poster contests, Planting the Seed to Read, the Watershed Ripples newsletter, agricultural education, and the Ohio Historic Farms program. She oversees the education publications and ensures the district's classroom programs are aligned to Ohio's Academic 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.
Gail Prunty
Education/Communications 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 and over 35 years of experience in environmental education. She loves birding, hiking, camping, bats, and bad puns.
Colleen Sharp
Natural Resource Technician (Ext. 1766)
Colleen assists with many natural resource projects, construction site inspections, the Geauga Stream Team stream quality monitoring program (formerly MYC: Millennium Youth Conservations), grants, and manages the GIS storm sewer outfall database for the County. Colleen is a StormwaterONE-certified Qualified Preparer of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans and a Qualified Compliance Inspector of Storm Water. 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. Lisa is a StormwaterONE-certified Qualified Preparer of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans and a Qualified Compliance Inspector of Storm Water. She also coordinates the H2Ohio program, 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, advising growers with crop, nutrient, soil, water, and pest management. She continues to be a part of her family’s farming operation.
Gerard Ligotti
District Technician (Ext. 1769)
Gerard conducts residential and construction site inspections, and assists with implementing the Geauga County Water Management and Sediment Control Regulations. In addition, Gerard provides technical assistance to residents and landowners on erosion and drainage concerns, as well as on timber harvest plans for compliance with Silvicultural Best Management Practices. Gerard first discovered his passion for natural resources as a whitewater rafting guide in Colorado, where time spent on the river sparked his commitment to watershed protection and environmental stewardship. He went on to work as an Access Resource Specialist for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, supporting recreation management, conservation access, and resource protection. He earned a Bachelor of Letters, Arts, and Sciences in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado, along with a minor in Sustainable Development. Gerard is dedicated to protecting local land and water resources and serving Geauga County’s residents.