Our People
Ryan Martin
Landon "Skip" Knittweis
Lauren Kircheis
Executive Director
ryan.martin@vilesarboretum.org
A former classroom horticultural science teacher (grades 6-12) and adjunct professor of Sustainable Agriculture at Kennebec County Community College, Ryan's career stems from a belief that every child deserves access to Maine's Great Outdoors. A "Source Sustainability Award" recipient (201
Executive Director
ryan.martin@vilesarboretum.org
A former classroom horticultural science teacher (grades 6-12) and adjunct professor of Sustainable Agriculture at Kennebec County Community College, Ryan's career stems from a belief that every child deserves access to Maine's Great Outdoors. A "Source Sustainability Award" recipient (2018), Ryan has held leadership roles with California-based green media company 'The Lexicon of Sustainability', UMaine Cooperative Extension, MaineShare, and most recently developing international programs with New Hampshire based 'The Tilton School'. Ryan holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and a Master's degree in Sustainable Food Systems. Ryan lives in Hallowell with his wife and two young children..
Lauren Kircheis
Landon "Skip" Knittweis
Lauren Kircheis
Programs Manager
Lauren is a Unity College graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Biology. She spent a summer conducting wood turtle research in Central Maine and has worked for Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife as an Island Steward. Her passions include painting, bird watching and fishing.
Landon "Skip" Knittweis
Landon "Skip" Knittweis
Landon "Skip" Knittweis
Facilities Manager
Landon is citizen in good standing of the state of Maine, and an eager student of its natural beauty. His professional background includes (but is not limited to), conservative and habitat maintenance, outdoor recreation programming, and most recently as an educator in both the lakes region school district and at The New
Facilities Manager
Landon is citizen in good standing of the state of Maine, and an eager student of its natural beauty. His professional background includes (but is not limited to), conservative and habitat maintenance, outdoor recreation programming, and most recently as an educator in both the lakes region school district and at The New School in Kennebunk. He is eager to come on as a year round member of the arboretum staff and looks forward to continue working in and with the Fabulous communities of the kennebec valley!
Marcelle Malinky
Board of Directors
Landon "Skip" Knittweis
Fingerprint Specialist
Retired Maine State Employee with 40 years of service. Former ASPIRE Case Manager (Welfare to Work). Five years employed at Maine DEP, Water Bureau, Office of Engineering and Technical Assistance. Small Community Grants program. Provided financial assistance to low income homeowners needing leach field upgrades.
Bethany Drouin
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Office Manager
Bethany is passionate about the Kennebec Valley community. She has spent her career working for local nonprofit organizations and companies where she has experience in office management, development, and marketing. She currently serves on the Board of Director’s for the Augusta Food Bank and is the loc
Office Manager
Bethany is passionate about the Kennebec Valley community. She has spent her career working for local nonprofit organizations and companies where she has experience in office management, development, and marketing. She currently serves on the Board of Director’s for the Augusta Food Bank and is the local chairperson for the Fresh Air Fund. A Maine native, Bethany has spent much of her life exploring all this great state has to offer. You can find her hiking a local trail, kayaking down a river, or camping with her family.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
- Sammee Quong, President
- Jen Smith, Treasurer
- Hillary Schultz, Secretary
- Ellen Gibson
- Tracy Weber
- Ted Haskell
- Bernie Slofer
