Meet the Summer 2024-2025 Team!

Mia Ryang

President

Hello! My name is Mia and I'm a third year at UCSB. I am currently pursuing an Environmental Studies B.A. with a minor in Anthropology. I love to create art, listen to music, and be outdoors...or do all three at the same time! I am passionate about the future of our Earth and all the efforts being made to enact change. I think that one of the most important things to do is to bridge the disconnect between us and nature, especially within the youth.

Sam Woods

Tree Care Coordinator 

Hi! My name is Sam Woods (she/her) and I am currently a 2nd year Environmental Studies B.S. student! The environment has played a big role in my life, as my parents have always cared deeply for nature and creatures of all kinds. I joined YTC to become more involved in my community and to uphold the environmental consciousness that my family has instilled in me.

Youssef Lawandy 

Social Media Coordinator

Hi! My name is Youssef, and I’m a fourth-year double major in Environmental Studies and Geography at UCSB. I love spending time outdoors whether it’s surfing, camping, or cooking and I also enjoy pressing and framing flowers and plants I find on my adventures. I joined YCT to explore what working outdoors is like and to help share that experience with others through social media!

Danielle Sur

Hello! My name is Danielle. I am a third-year Environmental Studies B.S. major at UCSB and a plant enthusiast who aspires to learn by doing, tell stories using various art media, and make meaningful connections through community engagement. I am inspired by people who act to protect and restore the most vulnerable ecosystems on the planet whilst encouraging others to be the change they wish to see in their respective spheres. It is my wish to help facilitate that change, be it via constructive dialogue, drawings, or the planting of a tree.

Sophie Radigue

Hi, I’m Sophie! I’m a third year Environmental Studies B.S. major and a transfer from Santa Barbara City College. I’m excited to get involved at UCSB and connect with others who are passionate about making a positive impact in our community. After graduation, I hope to attend law school and pursue a career in environmental law. In my free time, I love listening to music, sewing, fashion, and getting outdoors for hikes, walks, and beach days.

Batu Alacam 

Volunteer Coordinator 

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Capi Ganter

Mapping Coord

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Nadia Andresen

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Cameron Curtin

Vice President

Hi! I'm Cammie, and I'm a third year at UCSB double-majoring in History of Public Policy and Law and Sociology. In my free time, I love to do yoga, read books, hike, and attempt to play guitar. I joined YCT because I am passionate about preserving our environment and believe real change comes from grassroots movements like YCT!

Aiden Maestas

Harder GG Coordinator

My name is Aiden Maestas, and I'm a second-year environmental studies major. I joined YCT last year to learn more about restoration practices and urban forestry, and quickly fell in love with tree care. In my free time, I like to tidepool, watch horror movies, and play cello for the Middle East Ensemble. 

Kellen Pierce          

Hi! I'm Kellen, a 5th-year Environmental Studies major. I joined YCT to volunteer for our community and be in nature! My favorite tree is the California Sycamore, and I enjoy being active outside and spending time with friends!

Cacee Tran

Hi I’m Cacee!! I am a second year environmental studies and geography major. In my free time, I love to watch movies, scrapbook, listen to music, and be outside. I am excited to connect and give back to nature and the Santa Barbara area!!

Laura Ramirez

Hi! I'm Laura, and I am a 2nd-year Environmental Studies BS major at UCSB. When I have free time, I love hiking, baking, and reading. Nature has always been important to me, and through YCT I get the chance to be hands-on and give back by planting for future generations. I’m excited to meet people who share the same passion and connect more with the environment in Santa Barbara.

Kathryn Chan

Hi! I’m Kathryn Chan, a second-year biology major. I’m interested in food science, sustainability, and environmental conservation. In my free time, I enjoy writing short stories, playing games, and spending time with loved ones. I joined YCT because I believe taking a step in the right direction starts in your local community. After every tree planting session, I love stepping back to admire our work; it’s very rewarding!

Lauren Tirona

Treasurer/Grants Coordinator

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Ken Knight 

Technical Advisor 

As Technical Advisor, I founded YCT at UCSB in 2014 to provide practical, tree-related science experiences to academic students at UCSB and local schools. YCT at UCSB is an opportunity for students to get their hands dirty, learn about how to work effectively with others, and hopefully pass along their knowledge to others.  When I’m not volunteering as President of the nonprofit side of Your Children’s Trees (www.yourchildrenstrees.org), I work as a Registered Consulting Arborist (www.goletaarborists.com) providing expert advice on trees.  In my 40 years living in Goleta, I’ve planted and cared for 5000+ public trees for future generations.

Jacqueline Rainville

Secretary

Hi! I'm Jacqueline, an Environmental Studies and Geography double major. I love doing yoga, reading, and spending time outside, especially with friends or family. I joined YCT to give back to my community through planting trees and what I enjoy most about YCT is the green-minded community it fosters. 

Amber Miranda

Science Night Coordinator

Hi! I'm Amber, and I'm a first-year Environmental Studies major at UCSB. I like to crochet, bake, and paint when I'm free. I love nature and enjoy the opportunity to not only be surrounded by trees but also to give back and plant trees for future generations through YCT. I love that I get to work hands-on with the environment and talk to passionate people every week. 

Mia Ryang

Hi! My name is Abby and I’m a first-year student pursuing a B.A degree in Environmental Studies at UCSB. I like to run, bake, go on hikes with friends and family, and volunteer in my free time. I am passionate about making a difference in my community while also exploring my interests, and YCT allows me to do so. I’m looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in the field and meeting people who share the same passion as I do. 

Tate Wiese

My name is Tate, and I’m a current sophomore majoring in Environmental Studies here at UCSB. I love being out in nature and have an adventurous spirit, which is part of the reason I decided to become an intern for YCT! Being able to contribute to the greater good of the community through planting trees, educating local youth, and learning more about restoration work with vegetation in the area are all aspects of YCT that resonated with me as an undergraduate student. I’ve already learned so much being a part of YCT this quarter, and I cannot wait to implement the skills being a YCT intern has given me in my future! 

Tania Sanchez

Hi! My name is Tania Sanchez and I am an incoming transfer student. I am a third-year Environmental Studies B.A. major, and I’m super excited to be part of this team! I’ve always enjoyed being involved in my community—previously serving as a peer leader at my church and joining several volunteer clubs during my time at CC. In my free time, I love going to the movies, especially horror and psychological thrillers. One of my favorites is Silence of the Lambs. I look forward to meeting everyone and contributing this year!

Summer Smith

Tree Walk Coordinator 

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Linda Herrera

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