Our Staff
Erica Matheny, PhD, Executive Director
([email protected])
Dr. Erica Matheny is a committed environmental scientist and community-focused nonprofit leader with a strong foundation in research and education. As Executive Director of Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners (TCWP) since 2023, she leads efforts to protect and restore the largest tributary of the Cuyahoga River, working to connect people to the places where they live through hands-on programs, local partnerships, and practical watershed solutions.
With more than 20 years of experience across higher education, research, and national STEM and sustainability initiatives, Erica brings both big-picture vision and a grounded, data-informed approach to watershed protection. Her previous work includes developing national STEM programs, researching impact, and leading sustainability efforts that cut single-use plastic consumption by 80 percent among more than 250,000 participants. At TCWP, she guides organizational strategy, oversees operations and programs, and strengthens collaboration across communities, agencies, and regional partners.
Erica holds a PhD in Urban Studies and Public Administration with a focus on environmental issues, an M.S. in Ecology, and a B.S. in Biology. She also earned a certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida, reflecting her commitment to equity and environmental justice in all aspects of watershed work.
She is passionate about building resilient communities and healthy ecosystems, and about grounding science in real-world experience so it’s accessible to everyone. When she’s not working on a project or out in the field, Erica enjoys hiking, kayaking, and traveling with her family and their two dogs.
Matt Siefert, Watershed Coordinator
[email protected]
Matt is the Watershed Coordinator for Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners. He brings a diverse background of experience in both the public and private sectors, including work in lake management, public education as a park naturalist, and invasive fish management, to this role. Matt performs a wide array of duties for TCWP, though he is primarily involved in the development and implementation of educational programming, assisting with the coordination of environmental projects, and stormwater compliance.
Matt has a master’s degree in biology from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in environmental biology from Pennsylvania West University, Clarion. A naturalist both professionally and recreationally, Matt enjoys spending his free time birding, photographing wildlife, and ranting about non-native species to anyone unfortunate enough to be within earshot.
Angela Brodie, Development and Communications Director
([email protected])
Angela is the Development and Communications Director for Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners. She previously served as the NOWCorps AmeriCorps Program Director at TCWP and brings extensive experience in grant writing and management across multiple roles, including work with AmeriCorps, HRSA HCOP, and U.S. DOT grants. Her professional expertise includes grant management, community development, education, training, and strategic communications.
Angela holds both a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from The University of Akron and has served as adjunct faculty at The University of Akron and Kent State University.
Outside of her professional work, Angela enjoys traveling, gardening, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Kylie Kovach, Education and Outreach Coordinator ([email protected])
Kylie is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners. She graduated from Kent State University in May of 2025 with a degree in environmental studies and brings a blend of hands-on field experience and a genuine passion for helping people connect with nature. Before joining TCWP, she spent two years as an education naturalist with Stark Parks, developing programs that made the outdoors feel exciting for learners of all ages!
Kylie is also a content creator on social media, where she shares engaging content about the environment. Her friends lovingly call her a “nature nerd,” and she embraces it wholeheartedly – especially when it comes to birds, native bees, and plants. Her professional goal is to spark curiosity and make environmental education accessible to everyone.
When she is not adding observations to iNaturalist, Kylie can be found behind a camera, painting, or outside doing just about anything! Her favorite ways to spend time outside include climbing, birding, hiking, and stand-up paddle boarding!”
Refka Abroug, IREX Community Engagement Exchange Fellow
Education and Outreach Summer Intern
Coming soon!
Kraken, Chief Mousing Officer
In Memory of Kraken
Kraken, our beloved MVP (most valuable purrer) and proud adoptee from the Cleveland APL, passed away in July 2025. She will always be remembered as a cherished member of the Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners team, serving as the fearless guardian of Creek and Catnip.
Her loyalty to stormwater management and her legendary role as sidekick to the Stormwater Monster made her one of a kind. Off duty, she found joy in mousing around and basking in pools of sunshine. Her furry “commentary” in Kraken’s Corner of our newsletter brought smiles to many, and her spirit will continue to inspire us.
Board of Directors
Ana Burns is the Senior Area Manager of Environmental Services for Davey Resource Group’s northern Ohio office. She received an M.S.E.S. in Applied Ecology degree from Indiana University School of…
Karen Farkas is a retired journalist. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University then spent 39 years as a reporter and editor at The Plain Dealer and…
Liz Myers holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a minor in Environmental and Plant Biology, as well as a Master of Science, from Ohio University. During this time, she worked…
Josh’s commitment to water quality has been a focus of his professional career. He is an LEED Accredited Professional and holds a Bachelors Degree in Construction Engineering. He currently is…
Tony is a professional civil engineer with extensive experience in water resources, stormwater management, and public infrastructure planning throughout Northeast Ohio. Over the course of his career, Tony has worked…
Erin Burke is a Watershed Coordinator at Summit Soil & Water Conservation District, where she works with communities and stakeholders to implement stormwater and watershed management within the Tuscarawas Watershed.…
Christopher Chaney is a Park Biologist in the Conservation Department at Summit Metro Parks where he promotes the Wild Back Yards initiative and manages the organization’s nursery in the Tinker’s…
Mike Cunnington serves as an External Affairs Representative for Enbridge Gas Ohio. Prior to his time with the company, he worked in a variety of public policy roles at the…
Dr. John L. Day has a Doctorate in Education and is a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He was in clinical practice 28 years…
Katherine Holmok is a licensed Landscape Architect in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. She oversees the coordination of a diverse team comprising engineers, planners, scientists, and landscape architects. This team is…
Erik is a practicing attorney with Squire Patton Boggs, where he is a Partner in the firm’s Environmental, Safety and Health practice group and works out of their Cleveland office. Previously, he was a…
Samantha Robbins, CESSWI, Project Environmental Scientist, STONE Environmental Engineering & Science, Inc. Sam Robbins, CESSWI, holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from The Ohio State University and has…
Anne Farley Schoeffler was a sixth, seventh, and eighth grade science teacher for 21 years, building the middle school science program for Seton Catholic School in Hudson. Professional development took…
Alyson is the owner of Cambium and a certified Shinrin Yoku (forest therapy) practitioner. Through her work, she fosters meaningful connections between people and nature by leading intentional gatherings and…
Board Members Emeritus:
Sandy Barbic, Michael Liptak, Justin Czekaj, Stacey Faile, Charlie Uray, Chris Vild