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

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

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

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

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

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.  

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.