Meet Our Board of Directors
Alisha Gaskins
Board memeber Treasurer
Ive worked at the Northcoast Environmental Center many years ago and have kept in touch ever since. I lived in Humboldt County for 23 years and recently moved to Roanoke, VA to be closer to family and to start a little homestead with my partner and our two kids. I’m a medical anthropologist and herbalist, so I’m very interested in health and well-being, and will forever be in awe learning about nature’s interconnectedness. I earned a Masters degree from HSU’s Environment and Community Program and was a lecturer in Anthropology at HSU for 5 years. I taught classes on human biocultural evolution, diversity, health, and social justice. I was also the Office Admin at Laurel Tree Charter School, a forest/permaculture/intentional community school in Arcata, for many years. I have loads of experience managing nonprofits, evolving organizational systems, organizing with a team, and keeping a detail-oriented eye on financials.
I’m looking forward to learning if I can fit into the Torchbearr team and help forward your mission and vision.
Vacant Board Memeber Seat
Leaf Hillman
Board Member
Leaf Hillman has been at the center of Karuk tribal efforts to revitalize cultural resources and peoples for decades. He is a respected tribal leader and cultural practitioner who knows the role of intentional fire and supports efforts to bring it back to our landscapes.
Desiree Walker
Board Secretary
Desiree Walker is from the Chukchansi tribe and is familiar with the practical and cultural importance of intentional burning. She is eager to help facilitate the use of fire and the knowledge thereof for ecological and cultural stewardship.
Tom Fielden
Board Member Chair
Tom Fielden has spent his entire career working in and championing prescribed burning as a critical tool in fire management. Tom now works for the National Parks Service in their fire program and sits on a National Cohesive Strategy on Wildfire Management Committee.
Scot Steinbring
Board Member Operations has been working in fire for more than 30 years, putting in time at state and federal agencies including Tribes. He recognizes the importance of overcoming our fear of fire and using fire on much larger scales.