Columbia Springs
Meet The Team
We are passionate and committed individuals working hard to foster an ethic of stewardship in our community through education programming for all ages.
Apryl Corey
Education Program Coordinator
apryl@columbiasprings.org
360-882-0936 ext. 222
(she/her)
Apryl started at Columbia Springs as an Environmental Educator, teaching field trips and running summer programming. She now organizes fun nature activities for our families and community! Apryl went to OSU for Fish and Wildlife Sciences, with an emphasis in Wetland Ecology. Apryl is an active member in the community, most recently working with a Douglas Squirrel rescue in Vancouver! She enjoys reading, hand-lettering, and spending time at the water with her family.
Katherine Cory
Executive Director
katherine@columbiasprings.org
360-882-0936 ext. 221
(she/her)
Katherine enjoys supporting the excellent staff and volunteers at Columbia Springs, while managing day-to-day operations. She graduated from Mt Hood Community College, focusing on Forestry and Wildlife Management and brings a dynamic background in fundraising, community relations, environmental stewardship and advocacy. She fosters a deep understanding of the mission of Columbia Springs, a cause close to her heart. When she’s not working, she is enjoying her farm and her family.
Katy Daane
Environmental Educator
katy@columbiasprings.org
(she/her)
Katy is part of the education team and helps coordinate the Emerging Environmental Leaders (EEL) Internship Program. She is passionate about science and outdoor education. She earned her bachelor’s in biology from Oregon State University and a M.A. in Teaching from Pacific University. She is an active member of her community – volunteering with youth and recreation groups. When she is not working, Katy enjoys spending time with her family, recreating near the water, and working in her garden.
Sarah Ells Fish
Part-time environmental Educator
Hayes Guay
Education Program Coordinator
hayes@columbiasprings.org
(they/them)
Hayes coordinates the field trip education programming here at Columbia Springs! Hayes received a B.S. degree from Pacific University where they studied environmental biology and theatre arts with focuses in community ecology and mycorestoration. In their spare time, you’ll find Hayes enjoying live music and theatre around Portland, writing, spoiling their cat, or spending time by the water.
Kristine Jacobs
Community Engagement Specialist
kristine@columbiasprings.org
360-882-0936 ext. 230
(she/her)
Kristine coordinates our marketing and event programs. She is responsible for engaging with the community and telling Columbia Springs’ story through digital media and outreach events. Kristine earned her master’s degree in environmental policy from Bard College and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from UC Davis. She has a passion for working in small, dynamic environmental nonprofits where every day brings something new. When she’s not working, you can find Kristine cooking, reading, and exploring the outdoors with her family.
Grace Peterman
Salmon in the Classroom Coordinator
sitc@columbiasprings.org
360-882-0936 ext. 228
(they/them)
Grace bridges human and wildlife communities by bringing the joy of fish fostering to classrooms across Clark County. They hold a graduate certificate in wildlife management from Oregon State University and a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Wheaton College. Grace is passionate about nourishing reciprocal relationships that ensure human and more-than-human creatures thrive in our changing world. In their free time, Grace practices yoga, drawing, and aerial acrobatics.
Shelly Skolfield
Education Program Coordinator
learn@columbiasprings.org
360-882-0936 ext. 225
(she/her)
Shelly provides hands-on, info-taining experiences to students and administrative support to Columbia Spring’s onsite education and Salmon in the Classroom programs. As a 5th generation Portlander, Shelly’s roots grow deep in the Pacific Northwest. After earning her degree in biology from Reed College, she continued her senior thesis work exploring a genetic mechanism that allows parasitoid wasps to drive evolution in their insect hosts, ultimately contributing to a publication in Science. Shelly loves her tent, her former home while teaching several seasons of marine science summer camps and outdoor school. Shelly enjoys dip pen calligraphy, swing dancing and you may have seen her in costume at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Adam Sullivan
Hatchery manager
Adam.Sullivan@dfw.wa.gov
360-882-0936 ext. 227
(he/him)
Adam came to Vancouver Hatchery after working at large salmon hatcheries in Alaska. He holds an Associate of Applied Science in Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology from Garrett College and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries from Frostburg State University. He appreciates the science, planning, and labor that goes into aquaculture. Adam enjoys how closely the hatchery is tied to the community and is glad to talk with visitors. When he’s not caring for trout and salmon, he likes to camp, fish, snowboard, and catch live music in Portland.
Steven Walter
Fish Hatchery specialist
Steven.Walter@dfw.wa.gov
360-882-0936 ext. 227
(he/him)
Steve is a seasoned Hatchery Technician with over 15 years of experience in fish culture. He transitioned to Vancouver Hatchery from one of the largest hatcheries in Oregon where he helped raise salmon, steelhead, and trout. He was actively involved with the Oregon Outdoor School Program where youth had the opportunity to learn and explore different aspects of the natural world. Steve finds the day to day process of keeping fish alive and healthy throughout their life cycle very rewarding. He particularly loves that his job allows him to be out in nature. He enjoys all that it takes to keep a hatchery well maintained and welcoming for the public.On days off, Steve can be found discovering a new running or mountain biking trail followed by time lying in the sunshine listening to good music. His dog and two cats help him survive the rainy days. Longer breaks are spent traveling anywhere from the mountains to the tropics with his wife, Carey.