Our Team

Tammara Van Ryn

APIPP Manager

Tammara joined the APIPP team as Program Manager in early 2020. She coordinates with partners across the Adirondacks to address the impact of invasive species on the economy and ecology of the region. She comes to APIPP with skills and experience gained during her career in land conservation. “Invasive species impact every Adirondack community, and I’m excited to be part of the partnership of government and nonprofit partners that make APIPP so successful in addressing the threats to our communities.

Tammara received a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a Masters in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School.

 

Email: tammara.vanryn@tnc.org

Phone: (518) 576-2082 ext. 118

Zachary Simek

Conservation and GIS Analyst

Zack began working with APIPP in 2015 as Terrestrial Invasive Species Project Coordinator and transitioned to the position of Conservation and GIS Analyst in 2020. In his current role, he coordinates the APIPP and St. Lawrence-Eastern Lake Ontario PRISM remote sensing, GIS, and data analysis activities to inform invasive species survey and management work across northern New York. As a licensed drone pilot, he deploys novel technology to support the programs’ science-driven approach.

Zack received a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management and Policy, with a minor in Geographic Information Systems, from Paul Smith’s College.

 

Email: zachary.simek@tnc.org

Phone: (518) 576-2082 ext. 131

Rebecca "Becca" Bernacki

Terrestrial Invasive Species Project Coordinator

Becca joined APIPP in May 2020. She brings her experience in plant identification, survey techniques, project management, and geospatial analysis to the team. She now coordinates and implements APIPP’s prevention, surveillance, early detection and rapid response programs for terrestrial invasive plants, pests and pathogens.

Becca received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and her Master of Science with a concentration in Terrestrial Ecology from the State University of New York College at Brockport. 

 

Email: rebecca.bernacki@tnc.org

Phone: (518) 576-2082

Brian Greene

Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator

Brian joined APIPP as the Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator in April, 2021. His career has focused on citizen-science monitoring of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. He most recently served as the director of trails and conservation for the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in Pennsylvania. Previously, he established the statewide Utah Water Watch volunteer water quality monitoring program and has a strong research background looking at amphibians, invasive plants, and water resources across the United States. 

Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and a Master of Science in Natural Resources from Cornell University. 

 

Email: brian.greene@tnc.org

Phone: (518) 576-2082 ext. 119

Shaun Kittle

Invasive Species Communications Coordinator

Shaun joined APIPP as the Invasive Species Communications Coordinator in May 2022. In this position, Shaun applies his training in journalism and ecology and experience working in communications for several Adirondack nonprofits to engage community members and the public in efforts to prevent, monitor and manage invasive species. Shaun is an accomplished writer and photographer, and is a former reporter for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and past contributor to Adirondack Life.

Shaun received Bachelor of Science in Magazine Journalism from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

 

Email: shaun.kittle@tnc.org

Phone: (518) 576-2082 ext. 161