About

Joseph Rivera, Conservation Manager

As Conservation Manager, Joseph Rivera coordinates programming while recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers and interns. He manages multiple restoration projects as well as community volunteer planting events throughout the watershed.

Earlier, as a Conservancy intern, Joseph analyzed soil samples from San Dieguito Lagoon for factors limiting the growth of native marsh species. He assisted with restoring habitat and removing invasive plants, managing the wildlife cameras throughout the watershed while volunteering in the geosciences research lab of Assistant Professor Isabel Rivera-Collazo at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He obtained hands on experience in invasive removal throughout Southern California volunteering for American Conservation Experience Americorp.

Joseph earned a Bachelor’s in Science degree in Environmental Systems – Ecology Behavior and Evolution from UC San Diego and an associate’s degree in earth science and natural science from Los Angeles Valley College.

Kim Rogers, Community Engagement Manager

With a degree in Environmental Science Technology and Policy, specializing in Environmental Education from Cal State University Monterey Bay, Kim Rogers brings 11 years of expertise in environmental science, education, and community outreach to her role as Community Engagement Manager. Passionate about connecting people to nature and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship, Kim coordinates events, programming, trainings, supervises volunteers and interns, and engages with the community to raise awareness about the environment. Her diverse background includes valuable experience gained at a popular Southern California aquarium. Here, Kim not only designed and delivered impactful educational programs but also managed animal care, creating meaningful connections between visitors and marine life. Furthermore, her dedication to making a positive impact extended beyond her role, as she volunteered and coordinated events for various charity organizations, serving on their committees and contributing to their missions.

Debbie Croft, Administrative Assistant

Debbie is a versatile professional who brings a background steeped in corporate roles that blended her copyediting skills with human resources management and a variety of administrative functions. While she recently spent more than a decade at a digital marketing agency in the hybrid role of in-house copyeditor and employment lifecycle orchestrator, she dreamed of transitioning to the world of nonprofits where she could contribute her knowledge and abilities to causes that more directly benefit people and the natural world.

Today, she enjoys using her organizational prowess to assist the management and staff of the Conservancy by wrangling day-to-day details of the office. Collaboration and embracing change are core values that guide her work, every day of the week.

Beyond the professional stage, she finds delight in the written word, exploring the nuances of language and communication. When she is not voraciously reading and growing her knowledge, she spends her creative energy on improv cooking experiments and keeping up with family and friends.