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John Sanderson

Director

John has focused on conservation of Western water, land, and forests for nearly three decades, including at the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and The Nature Conservancy. As director of the Center for Collaborative Conservation, John now strives to equip people and communities with the skills and resources they need to work across differences to address large, complex conservation challenges. John earned a B.S. in engineering from Purdue University, an M.S. in botany from the University of Vermont, and a Ph.D. from the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology at Colorado State University. 

“I am intrigued by science, delighted by nature, and passionate about people and the many ways we think, learn, celebrate, and solve problems. I believe in the importance of listening to the many voices who care about and depend on our precious land and water and look forward to working together to create a future where people and nature can thrive.” – John Sanderson

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Allison Brody

Associate Director of Learning

Allison came to the CCC from Explora Science Center & Children’s Museum of Albuquerque, where she led a staff committed to developing and delivering innovative science education programs, as well as a workforce development center. She has been a passionate informal science educator for more than 24 years, and has worked at the Public Lands Institute, Clark County Wetlands Park, Oklahoma City Zoo, and the Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society. She holds a B.S. in Biology, an M.S. in Ecology, and a D.A. in Biological Education. Allison believes that empowered and engaged communities are the key to conserving nature and protecting the places we live and love.

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Aireona Raschke

Associate Director of Practice

Aireona Bonnie Raschke, Ph.D. comes to the Center for Collaborative Conservation (CCC) from Desert Botanical Garden, where she led the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) as the program director. Through her work with CAZCA, Aireona specialized in collaborative conservation, and led shared work on invasive plant management, ecosystem restoration, and public outreach across central Arizona. Previous to that, she was immersed in studying community-based conservation globally through systematic review and expert consultation, and evaluating the impact of nature-based tourism on the environment and community well-being of Dominica and the Dominican Republic. She’s also an avid hiker, travel blogger, and artist.

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Katie McGrath Novak

Colorado Forest Collaboratives Network Coordinator
Katie McGrath Novak began her role as inaugural Coordinator of the Colorado Forest Collaboratives Network Coordinator (CFCN) in January 2022. Katie’s skills include facilitative leadership rooted in inclusiveness and good listening, making and executing plans effectively, and a pleasant demeanor that makes people want to work together. She has a B.S. in Forestry from Southern Illinois University and an M.S. in Forest Sciences from Colorado State University that included a focus on forest policy (especially prescribed fire policy) in the western US and communications. Katie is excited about connecting people with nature, and embracing the human emotions and community dynamics that make land management difficult and meaningful. Her favorite part of coordinating the CFCN is that she gets to meet so many inspiring and passionate people across Colorado and the west. 
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Lizzy Camp

Office Assistant

Lizzy is a current Colorado State University junior studying Landscape Architecture, as well as our Office Assistant. She was born and raised in Fort Collins, and loves the landscape she grew up in. She is interested in the design of play, specifically nature-based play environments. Outside of the CCC and her studio, she is a DJ at KCSU, the student run radio station. She also loves to read, soak up the sun, cuddle with her dog, doodle silly pictures, and spend time with people she loves. 

Julia Lankisch

North Sand Creek Project Assistant
Julia is currently working toward her Masters of Conservation Leadership with a capstone focusing on restoring wildlife connectivity corridors across I-25. She earned her undergraduate degrees in Environmental Science and Music from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. She has previously been engaged, through a variety of organizations in Cincinnati, with invasive species research, urban agriculture and permaculture, environmental education, and outdoor recreation. Julia most recently created and led the WestRoots Urban Agriculture program to mitigate the effects of food deserts with nonprofit Cincinnati Urban Promise.
 
Julia has way too many hobbies and enjoys everything from hiking and canoeing to embroidery and painting. She spends her free time doing crosswords with her corn snake Sergeant Pepper and daydreaming about her ideal job as leader of a nonprofit that rewilds landbank properties in urban areas. Julia believes first and foremost in the right to quality natural areas and healthy environmental conditions. She looks forward to applying her newfound interest in and knowledge about collaborative conservation to the North Sand Creek restoration project.
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Willoree Ford

Communications Assistant

Willoree Ford is a current freshman here at Colorado State University, studying for a major in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. She is a new face on the communications team who is incredibly excited to reach out and expand the CCC’s impact!

Her passion for the environment extends to her position as the Communications Assistant, and she believes that environmental education and conservation opportunities should be available to anyone who wishes to further the global conservation movement.

Willoree was born and raised in Longmont, Colorado, and found her passion for conserving the outdoors through years of hiking, gardening, and enjoying outdoor spaces near her home. When she graduates from college, Willoree hopes to travel the world and gain an understanding of global conservation efforts. Eventually, she wants to work for a company that expands renewable energy worldwide, continuing to advocate for green policy in her community. 

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