Our Team

Melanie Winter
Executive Director & Founder
Melanie has been involved in water and land use policy for over 20 years, bringing significant funding for and national attention to the Los Angeles River. She is a water warrior. She organized the Coalition for a State Park at Taylor Yard, led stakeholders through the development of the Tujunga/Pacoima Watershed Plan, and established the innovative urban acupuncture program, Water LA.
Email: winter@theriverproject.org

Johnathan Perisho
Design & Policy Director
Johnathan focuses on nature-based solutions that promote the regeneration of healthy environments and systems. His work concerns regional planning, research, strategy development, and landscape management practices. He has a Bachelor’s of Landscape Architecture from Ball State University, and a Master’s of Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona.
Email: john@theriverproject.org

McClees Stephens
Operations Director
McClees brings over a decade of experience in organizational structuring, strategic implementations, and cultural and resource preservation in developing countries. She believes in the power of natural solutions. She holds a Bachelor’s of Environmental Design and a Master’s of Science in Information and Communication Technology for Development from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Email: mcclees@theriverproject.org

Nicki Sherman
Implementation Manager
Nicki has spent the past 10 years working to bridge the gap between urban environments and the natural world through experiential education and community work. She is passionate about finding ways to build urban communities and restore environmental practices using green spaces, green roofs, agriculture, and native plants. Nicki studied Environmental Policy at Fordham University.
Email: nicki@theriverproject.org

Zoe Axelrod
Environmental Designer
Zoe is a designer, artist, planner, and Northeast LA native. She is passionate about working with communities to restore ecosystems and create vibrant public spaces. Zoe studied Environmental Design at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, and holds a Masters of City Planning and a Landscape Studies certificate from the University of Pennsylvania.
Email: zoe@theriverproject.org
Martin White
Esteemed Bookkeeper
Coming soon...
Honorary Team Members

Maisie Lu Butterbean
Empress of Office Morale
Maisie is a mystery-poo, with keen senses. She loves walks and healthy snacks and giving love to team members. She has an excellent vocabulary and might just pick up on something when you least expect it.