Staff & Interns
Mary Ciesinski,
Interim Executive Director
Mary grew up in San Jose, California and moved to San Luis Obispo directly after college. After a brief move back to the Bay Area (always with the intention of moving back to SLO) she returned to the Central Coast in 2015 with her husband. While Mary’s degree is in Business Management and Marketing, beginning her career in tech, she has volunteered with nonprofits for nearly 20 years, gaining experience with managing volunteers and coordinating events. When not working at ECOSLO, Mary can be found enjoying nature - relaxing at the beach, sharing a backyard bonfire with friends, or caring for her gardens of veggies, roses, and succulents.
Grant Helete,
Program Coordinator
Grant is a lifelong resident of San Luis Obispo County and is excited to lead ECOSLO's advocacy efforts. He spent much of his youth exploring his native See Canyon and developed a love for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for the natural landscapes of San Luis Obispo County. Grant graduated from Cal Poly in 2017 with a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Management & Protection and a minor in Geographic Information Systems. When not working at ECOSLO, he can usually be found engaging in local political activism, playing board games with friends, hiking, or at a concert for one of his favorite artists.
Ellie Howell,
Volunteer Coordinator
Ellie grew up in San Diego and decided to come to the Central Coast for college. After graduating from Cal Poly in 2022 with a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Management and Protection, she fell in love with the beauty of San Luis Obispo and decided to stay. When not working, she enjoys beachcombing, hiking with her friends, and baking. Ellie is excited to be a part of ECOSLO's team and ready to support the community and environment she loves!
Allie Wright,
Volunteer Services
Allie is a graduate from Cal Poly with a major in Environmental Management. She loves to run, bike, swim, surf, and enjoy all of the great places SLO has to offer. She is excited to be serving with ECOSLO!
Interns
Leila Zavala,
Creeks to Coast Cleanup Intern
Leila is a dedicated and passionate high school student attending Central Coast New Tech, with a strong aspiration to major in environmental science in college. She possesses a deep love for the natural world and a genuine concern for its conservation and protection. She grew up on the central coast going to the beach and spending time at her family ranch near Tepusquet Canyon. She also enjoys hikes, paddle boarding, and cooking outside of school and work.
Kacie Gio,
Urban Trees Intern
Kacie is a second year Environmental Earth and Soil Science Major at Cal Poly from Los Osos, CA. She is passionate about nature and enjoys hiking, gardening, biking, exploring and spending time with family and friends. She's very excited to be a part of ECOSLO’s team and help the environment and community together.
Emily Staats,
Urban Trees Intern
Emily is a fourth-year at Cal Poly majoring in Biology with a minor in Land Rehabilitation and Restoration Ecology! She grew up in the Santa Cruz Mountains which fostered her love of the outdoors, which she has always wanted to help protect in any way she can. In her free time she loves to hike, camp, bake, read, paint, and play guitar. She is so excited to work with ECOSLO and get to serve such a wonderful community!
Jeremy Miyake,
Urban Trees Intern
Jeremy will be completing his last quarter at Cal Poly SLO with a degree in Environmental Management and Protection. He loves rock climbing, hiking, and exploring the central coast. He is excited to be interning with ECOSLO.
Aidan Wells,
Urban Trees Intern
Aidan is a recent graduate of Cal Poly with a major in Environmental Management and Protection and a minor in Indigenous Studies in Natural Resources and the Environment. He has an extensive, ever-growing indoor plant collection and enjoys spending his free time hiking, at the beach, or spending time with his friends. Aidan is beyond excited to be working with ECOSLO and their Urban Trees Program.
Grace Bender,
Marketing Intern
Grace is a third year Journalism student with a minor in Environmental Studies at Cal Poly. In her free time she enjoys camping, playing her guitar, crafting, and spending time in the ocean! Grace is excited to work alongside ECOSLO and share her love for the environment with the SLO community.