Friends of the Forest Preserves

Benjamin Cox, Executive Director, benjamin@fotfp.org

Benjamin Cox became Friends’ first Executive Director in 2004. He graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis with a degree in journalism and minors in Spanish and Environmental Studies. After working as a newspaper reporter and freelance writer and designer, he served in several non-profit roles, including Director of the International Tibet Independence Movement and Facilitator for the Peace Learning Center as an AmeriCorps Member. But conservation is his real passion. As Executive Director, Benjamin leads our advocacy and policy efforts, works to bring resources to the forest preserves in Cook County, and builds partnerships and coalitions to maximize our community’s impact.

Dez Aguilar (they/them), Palos Crew Member

Dez has had a life-long love of nature and the outdoors. They joined Friends in 2024 to pivot to a new career in environmental conservation. Dez hopes to learn as much as they can about all the plants and creatures that can be found in the forest preserves and surrounding areas. Their avid pursuit of knowledge will be incredibly useful out in the field!

Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, sydney@fotfp.org

Sydney was born and raised in Chicago and has been following her passion for environmental science, conservation education, program coordinating, and nature exploration for many years. Her journey began as a high school intern with the Fishin’ Buddies Youth Conservation Conference program. She found her calling soon after and continued her education at Northern Illinois University. After graduating with a Bachelors in Environmental Studies, she worked with several environmental non profits over the years which had a significant impact on her career as an environmentalist. Sydney has a love for developing/planning outdoor programs and helping to bridge the gap between people and nature, with one of her most notable being the Youth Environmental Thinkers program with the Nature Conservancy. She is very excited to be a part of the engagement team and is eager to learn from the entire organization.

Ian Babelonia, North Branch Crew Member

Ian initially started as an Earth and Environmental Scientist, but after spending a summer doing field work he shifted his focus from the science aspect to doing hands-on work. After finishing his environmental sciences degree he invested himself into volunteer work, bouncing between different forest preserves until he was hired by Friends. Although new to conservation work he is excited to do his part to preserve and restore the Illinois ecosystem.

Joy Bailey (she/her), Youth and Engagement Corps Manager, joy@fotfp.org

Joy is an enthusiastic community leader currently serving as the Youth & Engagement Corps Manager at Friends of the Forest Preserves. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles as an antiracism trainer and organizer, where she co-led a program in the Chicago area impacting over 200 organizations. Her teaching background includes high school Spanish in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

In her free time, Joy embraces the rhythm of salsa and bachata dance lessons, assists as the Community Steward for Wooded Island in Jackson Park. Residing on the southside of Chicago, Joy enjoys life with her spouse and two cats. Her favorite plant is yarrow.

Ash Barton, Administrative Assistant

Ash grew up working to befriend all the local tadpoles, squirrels and grasshoppers in their neighborhood. That wonder and admiration for nature is a major guiding force in their life today. They often stop their long-suffering partner on daily walks in order to identify plants or get a good look at a spider in a windowsill. Ash has had a varied career including many years of administrative and data work as well as some roles in which they honed their passion for nature, including working with houseplants and serving as a beekeeper during the honey harvest season in 2019. They felt lucky to get the opportunity to merge their passion for nature and their administrative experience by joining Friends in October of 2024 as an Administrative Assistant.

Jeremy Bender (he/him/his), Calumet Crew Member

Born and raised in the South Suburbs of Chicago, Jeremy developed his life long love of the outdoors while participating in the local Boy Scout organization. “I have fond memories visiting Sandridge Nature Center, and winter hikes at the Indiana Dunes.” Having time during a recent construction slow down in the Chicagoland area, he spent the summer camping, hiking, and amusement park hopping with his son Conner. It was during this time on a road trip through West Virginia to South Carolina and back through the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee on his way home that Jeremy decided to transition towards a career in forestry management and preservation. “It’s a dream come true. I’m very thankful to the Friends of the Forest Preserves organization for giving me this opportunity to begin the next chapter of my new journey.”

Alex Bravo, Development Operations Manager, alex@fotfp.org

Alex joined Friends in 2019 as an Administrative Assistant and became Development Associate in 2020. A graduate of Loyola University Chicago’s Institute of Environmental Sustainability, she began her career in the field of conservation as a restoration intern with Audubon Great Lakes where she discovered her passion for conservation work. She hopes to combine her previous administrative and field experience to help support fundraising, operations, and the growth of Friends.

Jose Celorio, Barrington Greenway Initiative Crew Member

Jose Celorio earned his BS in Zoology and Conservation from Bangor University in 2021. His love for nature began early, with one of his first jobs involving the rescue of sea turtles and flamingos on the Yucatán Peninsula. After graduating, Jose entered the field of education, working for a nonprofit where he taught science and conservation to elementary school students across Boston and Cambridge. He then transitioned to Cambridge Public Schools, where he served as a teacher’s aide, supporting students with disabilities. Although he enjoyed working with the students, his passion for nature and conservation inspired him to return to working outdoors, where he feels most driven and fulfilled.

Mary Charalab, Barrington Greenway Initiative Crew Manager, mary@fotfp.org

Since childhood, Mary always had an interest in nature. Growing up and exploring many of the local forest preserves led to a passion for the outdoors, which opened the door to a career after she stumbled upon volunteering opportunities. In 2016, She started volunteering with the Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards, and then decided to take an internship with the Student Conservation Association and Friends during the summer of 2017. She continued to follow her passion by working as a restoration technician for two summers before finally achieving her dream job of working as a crew member for the Conservation Corps during the summer of 2020. Outside of work, Mary got an associates degree at Harper College after taking every environmental and biological class they had to offer. She is thrilled to be involved with the Barrington Greenway Initiative Crew at Friends.

Charlie Corwin, Palos Crew Member

Charlie grew up in rural Missouri and spent much of his time playing in the woods as a kid. He moved to Chicago in 2011 after receiving his Master’s degree in Regional and Community Planning from Kansas State University. He spent a few summers working at a small vegetable farm near Elburn, Illinois, before entering a PhD program in urban planning at University of Illinois at Chicago. His dissertation explored the relationship between row crop farmers and conservation practice adoption in north central Illinois. After completing his PhD, he taught sociology and environmental studies at North Central College and School of the Art Institute of Chicago for five years. While Charlie has a love of teaching, he felt called to work outside and learn environmental stewardship firsthand. He is thrilled at the opportunity to join Friends as a Palos Crew Member.

Max Davis, Data and Evaluation Analyst, max@fotfp.org

Max joined Friends in August 2023 to help strengthen programs using data and evaluation. He grew up in Minnesota and developed an early love for diverse midwestern ecosystems, from remote parts of the northern boreal forests to the regional and state parks in and around the Twin Cities. He studied Urban and Environmental Policy in Los Angeles, becoming particularly interested in movements for regional equity and environmental justice. He went on to work as an evaluation consultant on projects for nonprofits, tribes, and state and local governments throughout the Midwest. He is excited to bring his data and evaluation background to help Friends of the Forest Preserves understand and grow its impact.

Jillian DiCarlo, Finance and Administration Director, jillian@fotfp.org

Jillian joined Friends as Administrative Manager in 2017. Her previous position as Data Manager for the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund helped her discover her love for conservation non-profit work, which she was thrilled to be able to continue with Friends. She became Finance and Administration Director in 2018, and is excited to help guide the organization’s continued growth through management of Friends’ finances, human resources, and general administration.

Brenda Elmore, Associate Director of Conservation Corps, brenda@fotfp.org

Brenda Elmore was raised on the South Side of Chicago. Brenda was introduced to native plants and trees by taking a horticultural class which sparked her interest and eagerness to learn more. After volunteering at various FPCC sites she was offered a job with Green Corps Calumet and worked as Crew Supervisor for 2 years. Next Brenda worked for The SCA and finally moved on to FOTFP where she was a Crew Manager for over 5 years. She has been with Friends since 2011 – one of the longest and most beloved employees! Many have grown to know Brenda for her love and passion for the environment, her exceptional hard work in and out of the field, conversing with numerous volunteers, and speaking on various panels. Brenda truly believes that you never know where life will lead you because life has led Brenda to a spiritual connection with nature.

Jen Gordus, Barrington Greenway Initiative Crew Member

Jen grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago spending her time outside. Whether it was climbing by trees, catching fireflies, or collecting rocks, she knew outside was where she was meant to be. She recently graduated from Saint Louis University in 2023 with a degree in Environmental Science. Jen is grateful to be a part of Friends to further her knowledge and experience with restoration and to become a better advocate for conservation efforts.

DeAngelo Hall, Calumet Crew Manager, deangelo@fotfp.org

DeAngelo has a passion for ecology and a growing interest in mycology.  He balanced his role as a restoration technician at the Chicago Botanic Garden while attending school part-time. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2024. During his studies, DeAngelo researched small mammal mycophagy in mixed hardwood-coniferous forests. He is excited to further explore natural areas management in his new role at Friends of the Forest Preserves.

Joshua Harris, Calumet Crew Member

Joshua was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, and has been visiting forest preserves in Cook County since he was a child. He was first introduced to conservation in 2019, while working on a conservation crew with the SCA (Student Conservation Association) over the summer. This experience has ignited a passion for working in the outdoors, and he has since returned for two additional summers with the SCA. Since graduating high school, Joshua has volunteered at various preserves throughout the region, including Kickapoo Woods, Beaubien Woods, Whistler Woods, Sauk Trail Woods, and last but not least, Sand Ridge Nature Center, his favorite site. He has also found interest in the Friends Trailblazer Hiking Program, and has led multiple themed walks in some of his favorite preserves. Since becoming a Trailblazer, Joshua has joined Friends’ as a Crew Leader with FPE (Forest Preserve Experience), and is now a member of the Calumet Adult Crew. Joshua has goals of bringing awareness to the natural beauty of the preserves, and encouraging others to take advantage of the green space around them. In his free time, Joshua enjoys going on hikes, roller skating, and reading fiction novels.

Antonio Johnson, Calumet Crew Member

Antonio was born on the south side of Chicago and now lives in the south suburbs, where he graduated early from high school. His love for the outdoors began while he was in high school playing football. By spending more time outside, his curiosity for nature began to flourish and he chose to join Friends in June of 2023 as a Crew Member with the Forest Preserve Experience program for teens. He worked at Midlothian Meadows to gain more insight about the living things around him. In June 2024, he returned to Friends, more educated on nature, and worked as an Assistant Crew Leader at North Creek, where he helped mentor high school students. Antonio’s love for nature has only grown since the beginning and has carried him into being the youngest Calumet Adult Crew Member. Antonio hopes to continue working with nature in the future and hopefully start his own business related to taking care of and restoring nature.

Frances Kane, Grants Manager, frances@fotfp.org

Frances joined Friends in December of 2022 to oversee all aspects of the grants process for the organization. After graduating from DePaul University with a degree in Environmental Studies & Sustainability, she began her career working in environmental grantmaking, where she helped fund conservation-oriented projects across the state. As someone passionate about environmental stewardship and connecting people to nature, Frances is excited to support Friends in their mission to protect, promote and care for the county’s forest preserves.

Beth Klacko, North Branch Crew Member

Beth grew up in Lockport, Illinois where she was able to run free and roam the prairies and canals. And while her path eventually led her to live a city life, she always found a way to keep communicating with nature. While having an unfulfilling day job, she began volunteering with Openlands, becoming a certified Treekeeper. This experience opened her eyes to the importance of taking care of green spaces and connecting communities to these special places. She then began volunteering with FPCC, growing an interest in ecological restoration and combating Climate Change. Not having a formal education in forestry or any environmental field, and comparing her age to others who were just starting out in the profession, made it feel intimidating at first, but it has not stopped her. Beth took the leap and is now a full time North Branch Crew Member. It is never too late to change your life and do what you love!

Ian Kocher, Palos Assistant Crew Manager

Ian grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago, with fond memories of time spent within forest preserves in the Calumet region. Always driven to understand his environment, he developed interests in topics such as the natural sciences, philosophy, geography, and history. He recently graduated with a BS degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While attending, he was able to travel to natural sites around IL to learn about land management practices and their restoration initiatives. He also spent some time at NGRREC near St. Louis, studying large river ecology and helping with floristic surveys and water quality sampling. Between semesters in 2023, Ian joined Friends as a Calumet crew member and was thrilled to make an impact within his local community. After seeing the positive influence that a motivated non-profit can have, he decided to rejoin Friends in 2024 as a south-side floater.

Shirley Konwent, Associate Director of Human Resources, shirley@fotfp.org

Shirley was born and raised in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. She enjoyed the outdoors with her family while riding the toboggan slides at Deer Grove Forest Preserve, hiking at Starved Rock and other recreational activities in the forest preserves of Lake County, Cook County and in surrounding Midwest states. Shirley was always driven to solve problems and help others to be the best they can be. She studied Human Resources/Personnel Psychology and received her BS from the University of Illinois, Champaign. Early in her Human Resources career, she completed her MBA with a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources at Keller Graduate School. After more than 20 years of experience in industrial and corporate settings, Shirley chose to continue her education by obtaining her Senior Certified Professional certification from the Society for Human Resources management in 2021. Shirley is excited about leveraging her experience in employee development and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to foster a positive work environment for all members of the Friends team.

Keith Lesniak, North Branch Crew Member

Keith comes to us after a career change. He spent the last ten years working in education helping students with intellectual disabilities, but a passion for nature and working outside led him to FOTFP. He studied music theory and instrumental performance at Columbia College Chicago and still enjoys playing guitar in his free time. Biking, hiking, and cooking are among his favorite things as well. Being a huge Bears fan, you won’t see him do anything on Sundays in the fall except watch football, and eat. Keith plans on learning and experiencing all the field of conservation has to offer through FOTFP, and is excited to move forward in his new career in conservation.

Robert McDonald, South Side Floating Crew Member

Rob grew up on the Far South Side of Chicago learning about nature from his Grandmother- a beekeeper and gardener who frequently volunteered her time to community gardens and green spaces. Fascinated throughout his childhood by National Geographic magazines, he grew into an avid camper and has found a passion for traveling to and being a part of our country’s natural and cultural wonders. His first professional experience in ecology came working with Friends in 2022 as a Crew Leader for the Forest Preserve Experience program, after which he went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Political Science at Arizona State University. Moved by this experience before graduating, he excitedly returned in 2024 as a Crew Member to follow in his family’s footsteps of natural stewardship and lend a hand to ecosystems in his native Cook County.

Radhika Miraglia, Program Director, radhika@fotfp.org

Radhika has been engaging people in conservation efforts ever since she led the environmental committee at her high school. She has been working in the Chicagoland environmental community for more than 20 years, and holds a master’s degree in Conservation Biology, with a focus on community-based conservation efforts. Radhika started working with Friends as a volunteer, cutting buckthorn with her two young children at LaBagh Woods. She now leads our Conservation Corps and Engagement programs, which unite people to protect, promote, and care for the forest preserves in Cook County.

Natalie Mojica, Palos Crew Member

Natalie grew up on the Southwest Side of Chicago, where her passion for environmental sustainability began. In high school, she was an active member of her school’s eco-club, participating in park cleanups and volunteering at Willow Springs Woods to remove invasive plant species. Her dedication to the environment led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Earth Society and Environmental Sustainability, which she earned from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May of 2024. Throughout her academic journey, she remained committed to environmental conservation. She is now excited to be a part of Friends and to kick start her career in conservation and restoration work.

Ty Murdo, Training and Safety Manager, ty@fotfp.org

Ty found the passion for conservation in 2010. He started out as a crew member in the Conservation Corps and worked his way to managing natural areas and people throughout the years. Ty found his way back to FOTFP after years restoring the natural areas throughout the Forest Preserves and the city parks. Ty’s passion is training and teaching the skills he learned throughout the years to others.

Lucas Ochoa, Calumet Assistant Crew Manager, lucas@fotfp.org

Lucas has been involved with Friends since 2020. Some of his past work includes helping Friends members facilitate community outreach efforts in the Calumet region. After graduating Loyola University Chicago, Lucas felt motivated to apply his education in a hands-on way.

Gloria Orozco, Community-based Conservation Manager, gloria@fotfp.org

Gloria has been part of the Friends family since the summer of 2010 when she joined the Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps, a youth summer program. After that experience, she came back for three more summers! In October 2013, she joined the Conservation Corps full-time. During her four years on the Roving Crew, she worked her way up to Assistant Manager. After taking a small hiatus for motherhood, Gloria came back into the field in March 2019, working for the Chicago Park District in the Calumet Region. Although her love and passion for restoration work is deep rooted, she knew her calling was to work in community engagement. She enjoys exploring ways to help people connect with nature and help shape different aspects of our community engagement strategy.

Hannah O’Sullivan, Palos Crew Manager, hannaho@fotfp.org

Having grown up with an intense love of nature, gardening, and camping, Hannah began volunteering pulling invasive plant species at Deer Grove in 2016. She quickly fell in love with ecological restoration, and developed a strong desire to learn everything she could about our local ecosystem. Hannah’s first experience in the Conservation Corps was as a Crew Leader with the Student Conservation Association in the Summer of 2017, an experience which sparked a great passion for leadership. After graduating from Northeastern Illinois University with her BA in Environmental Studies in 2017, she started as a Crew Member with Friends of the Forest Preserves in March 2018, and became an Assistant Crew Manager. Hannah has volunteered at Crabtree and River Trail Nature Centers assisting with leading educational workshops for a wide variety of groups. In March of 2024, Hannah was beyond thrilled to become Crew Manager of the FOTFP Palos Crew. When not outside working with and enjoying nature, Hannah loves spending time with her two cats.

Maya Petersen, Barrington Greenway Initiative Crew Member

Maya was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa and recently graduated from Drake University with an Environmental Science degree. Now living in Chicago, Maya is thrilled to start her career in conservation through working with Friends! She’s especially excited about the native seed collecting opportunities the BGI crew offers and strengthening her plant ID skills in the field.

Grace Reilly, North Branch Assistant Crew Manager, grace@fotfp.org

Grace grew up exploring the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Her time spent playing in the woods with her family and volunteering throughout high school helped guide her to pursue Environmental Studies at Lewis & Clark College. Prior experience includes working as a restoration technician, a naturalist aide at a nature center, and working with FOTFP as a Forest Preserves Experience Crew Leader. Expanding and restoring natural areas for all is her passion, and she hopes to continue that work as an Assistant Crew Manager.

David Schill, North Branch Crew Manager, david@fotfp.org

David was born and raised in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina where an outdoor lifestyle was the norm, and appreciation for the natural world was a guiding principle. After running around in the woods as a child, David obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and got to work. As a Natural Resource Assistant for the Army Corps of Engineers in Peoria, working in parks, reservoirs and waterways, David began to learn about and appreciate the Illinois landscape. Next he returned south to Kentucky and performed land management on nature preserves throughout the state as a Natural Areas Technician for the Office of Kentucky Nature preserves. This work spoke to his soul and lit a fire in David that has driven him to pursue a career in conservation and take the opportunity to make a difference here at Friends.

Jeff Shelden, Development Director, jeff@fotfp.org

Jeff joined Friends in September, 2024. He believes enhancing Friends’ financial stability through a comprehensive fundraising strategy built with the support of individuals and institutions will enable Friends’ short and long term success. Prior to joining Friends, he worked at the Illinois Environmental Council and the Museum of Contemporary Art in fundraising roles after a first career in the beverage industry. He is an active volunteer with a number of environmental organizations in the Chicago area.

Jessica Spector, Conservation Corps Operations Manager, jessica@fotfp.org

Jessica was born and raised in Northwest Indiana and has spent most of her life in and around Chicagoland soaking up all things nature. She graduated with her bachelor’s in Marine Biology from Florida Institute of Technology, and later went on to pursue her Master’s degree in Biology from Purdue University Northwest. Her passion for native habitats started in her undergraduate program where she worked at a county park nature center in Florida. There she helped lead public programs and assisted with cataloging native species seen in the park. Starting in 2019, after graduating with her M.S., Jessica worked for the National Park Service as a seasonal biological science technician focusing on wetland restoration at Indiana Dunes.

Isabella Stocke, Northwest Field Organizer

Isabella graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a major in Earth Society and Environmental Sustainability. During her time in school, she continued to develop her love for the outdoors in and out of class. In the summers Isabella worked as the Naturalist Aide at Knoch Knolls Nature Center for the Naperville Park District. While volunteering with Fermilab and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County she continued to engage in more learning to become a better ecological conservation steward.

Morgan Williams, Calumet Field Organizer, morgan@fotfp.org

After getting involved with the environment through volunteer work in her hometown of Toledo, Ohio, Morgan pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Public Administration from the University of Toledo. She has dedicated most of her career to performing restoration and conservation work throughout Ohio and Illinois. Through this, she gained a passion for environmental justice and bridging the gap between communities and nature. Morgan has permanently returned to the Greater Chicago area to continue her environmental efforts with Friends of the Forest Preserves.

Carly Zoladz, Barrington Greenway Initiative Assistant Crew Manager, carly@fotfp.org

Carly’s passion for the natural world began as a child growing up on the Iroquois River, where they were exposed at a young age to the complexity and vital importance of our ecosystems. This love of nature followed them to Chicago, where Carly obtained a degree in Environmental Studies, as well as minors in Geography and Public Policy, at DePaul University. Since 2019, Carly has spent their free time in the woods volunteering with the North Branch Restoration Project, gaining hands on experience in ecological restoration, as well as volunteer coordination. This jump started their excitement to join the Friends of the Forest Preserves as the Assistant Crew Manager at BGI.