Our Team

Sarah Acquah is a Water Resource Analyst with significant interdisciplinary research experience in the areas of water economics, water security, drinking water quality, and social justice issues of water quality. Sarah earned her Ph.D. in Water Science and Management with concentrations in Water Economics and Policy from New Mexico State University. At the Institute of Ecological Civilization, Sarah serves as the Water Research Associate. She has a keen interest in improving water resource management through the integration of analytical research, community engagement, and water policies that seek to address issues of water security. Sarah enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.

Arturo Angeles is the Communications and Marketing Associate at EcoCiv. He has more than ten years of experience in environmental conservation in the non-profit sector, specializing in environmental communications. He is passionate about using multimedia and social media to educate, inspire and empower others to take an active role in natural resources preservation and environmental conservation.

Arturo earned a B.S. in Biology from San Diego State University and a M.S. in Resilient and Sustainable Communities from Prescott College, Arizona. When taking a break from work, you will find him somewhere in San Diego, California, at a park with his son, hiking, or at the beach.

Juliana Arnold is the Communications and Writing Assistant at EcoCiv, where she started as a Social Media Intern. Juliana is from Dallas, TX but is currently based in Honolulu, HI. As an undergraduate student, she studied Social Justice and Sustainability while minoring in French at Franklin University Switzerland. She is currently a Master’s student in Linguistics at the University of Hawai’i at Manōa, focusing on language documentation and conservation. She focuses her studies and research on biocultural diversity, examining the link between biological, cultural and linguistic diversity around the world. She hopes to work for international organizations in the future to promote this interdisciplinary approach to biological, cultural and linguistic conservation.

Outside of her work with us and as a graduate student, Juliana enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite thing to do is travel, and she has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Latin America.

Tom Broad is EcoCiv’s leader of all things technology who enjoys sharing stories with anyone. He is a technology researcher, educator, and is passionate about making technology simple for business. He most enjoys making order out of chaos, with a cup of coffee nearby.

Since working for Apple, Inc (when Steve Jobs was still with us), Tom enjoys keeping up with the latest technology trends and risks. For more than 20 years, Tom has consulted in technology for a variety of different companies, non-profits, and churches.

Tom enjoys anything outdoors and has a deep passion for preserving our globe for many generations to come. He is often found hiking the beautiful Ohio river valley trails or camping with his 4 kids, retired racing greyhound forging ahead, while taking in some relaxation surrounded by the beautiful Earth we call home.

Caisa Charleston is a filmmaker and video editor that wants to use her skills to help educate the people around her. As a video production assistant at Ecological Civilization, she puts her skills to work on EcoCiv project and helps articulate the connection between social and environmental constructs.

Caisa earned her B.A. in Media Arts at the University of North Texas. When she’s not on set or working behind the scenes, you can find her watching movies, playing video games, and playing with her dog.

Lindsey Carpenter is the Executive Assistant to the President, Philip Clayton, at EcoCiv. Lindsey is originally from Connecticut, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English before moving to the West Coast. She currently works part time at a doula agency where she helps to connect families in the area with qualified postpartum doulas. She is also actively involved in the PTA at her local elementary school and has won several grants to help improve the school.

Lindsey loves calling San Diego her home, where she lives with her husband and two kids. She enjoys traveling, good books, and a great cup of coffee.

Philip Clayton is the president of the Institute for Ecological Civilization. As a visionary thinker, Philip leads EcoCiv in expanding and deepening its mission at the intersections of environment and humanity. With several decades of experience in university-based research, teaching, and lecturing, Philip is involved in the conceptual development of all EcoCiv’s projects and ensures mission fit. In particular, he helps project leaders think about intersectional societal changes relevant for their particular projects. Philip holds the PhD from Yale University; has held guest professorships at Harvard, University of Cambridge, and University of Munich; and is the author or editor of several dozen books and some 300 articles on science, ethics, and religion.

Mary Fuschillo is the General and Administrative Assistant at EcoCiv, where she assists with business development and financial business operations. Mary hopes to apply her experience in customer service, office administration and event planning to her current responsibilities as an EcoCiv team member.

Mary earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Delaware. She also works as a freelance floral designer and yoga instructor, with hopes to visit every National Park in her lifetime.

Jessie Green is the Project & Development Associate at EcoCiv. Previously, Jessie worked to support Maasai land rights with Adumu Impact, where she is now a board member. Her interdisciplinary background includes expertise in climate resiliency, community-based conservation, Indigenous land rights, wellbeing economics, and responsible tourism. She earned an MSc Merit from the University of Sussex/Institute for Development Studies. Her dissertation explored the impacts of land tenure on adaptability to climate change for smallholder farmers based on examples from India and Zambia. She completed her undergraduate degree in Environment & Development at McGill University, with minors in International Development and Social Entrepreneurship. In her free time, Jessie enjoys hiking, crocheting, and sewing.

Yunjeong Han is journalist, scholar, and organizer. She had worked as staff writer and cultural desk of the Kyunghyang Daily News in Korea for 25 years. She earned her Ph. D in comparative literature from Yonsei University. Her areas of expertise includes literature, film, cultural studies, postcolonialism, and environmental humanities. She is co-organizer of the Green Transition toward Ecological Civilization: A Korea-US Dialogue(Claremont, 2017) and the International Conference for Ecozoic Culture(Seoul, 2018).

Nesma Hassan is a Program Analyst for the W12+ Program at the Institute for Ecological Civilization. She is a sustainability professional and researcher with a special interest in water and urbanism. She has a diverse professional background, having worked on and led projects in Canada, Kenya, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia in the sustainability, water, construction and design industries. With a Master of Development Practice from the University of Waterloo, Nesma recognizes the importance of systems thinking and a grassroots level approach for successful sustainability interventions, and aspires to bridge the gap between high-level concepts and local, on-the-ground solutions.

Judy Jiang is the Water Communications Associate for Institute for Ecological Civilization. After several years supporting technical water programs for the US Navy and USAID, Judy now focuses on telling stories to better communicate the challenges, solutions, and importance of water to individuals and communities around the world. She is passionate about telling honest stories, listening deeply, and working empathetically.

Judy earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Oregon State University with a minor in humanitarian engineering. She has worked on a variety of projects in the past from stormwater pollution prevention plans in Washington state to conducting key informant interviews with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) stakeholders in Malawi. She is a freelance writer, runner, hiker, and more.

Heeyoung Jung is currently a Ph.D. student in Process Studies at Claremont School of Theology. She received an S.T. M from Union Theological Seminary in New York and an M.Div from Drew University in New Jersey. She also holds a Th.M in systematic theology from Yonsei University and a B.A in Theology from Methodist Theological University in Seoul. Her academic interests and researches in Process studies are eco-theology, eco-feminist theology, feminist studies, religious philosophies, postmodern studies, comparative studies, and educations from a Korean woman perspective. Her research is highly cross-cultural, interreligious, and intersecting Western philosophy, theology, and Asian philosophies and religions, including Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. She is currently an assistant to Ecological Civilization in Korea project and works on researching and translating books, articles, and newspapers to support the Korea project.

Sheri D. Kling serves as the director of the John Cobb Legacy Fund, a planned giving program created by EcoCiv, the Cobb Institute, and the Center for Process Studies. Sheri earned her Ph.D. in Process Studies from Claremont School of Theology. In her work as a writer, teacher, and spiritual mentor, Sheri draws from wisdom and mystical traditions, relational worldviews, depth psychology, and the intersection of spirituality and science to help people transform their lives. She is also a faculty member of the Haden Institute and the director of Process & Faith, a multi-faith network for relational spirituality and the common good, at the Center for Process Studies.

Jesse Knapp leads EcoCiv’s operations in the nation’s capital, connecting with partner organizations, coordinating media strategy with the EcoCiv publicity team, and setting goals and strategies for events around the world. He has a background in politics as well as media. He served as a legislative aide to U.S. Senator Bill Nelson before studying film at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, where he earned a master’s degree. Before joining EcoCiv, he worked as an independent film producer in Los Angeles. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University.

Ellie Leaning is EcoCiv’s Programs Director. She ensures that all EcoCiv projects are following EcoCiv’s approach and methodology so that they can work cohesively to achieve our mission. Specifically, Ellie developed and leads EcoCiv’s signature water project, W12+ Programs, and she also oversees emerging programs in other areas, including Conservation Economies and Agrifood Systems. She is also in charge of the Learning for Impact project within the IDEAS program, which prompts inter- and intra-organizational knowledge growth and application.

Ellie has a BA in Environmental Studies from Franklin University Switzerland and a MSc in Environmental Science, with a specialization in Advocacy for Social Justice and Sustainability, from Antioch University. She has lived in Switzerland and South Africa, has traveled extensively and has research and management experience in a variety of sectors, including water security, international affordable housing, wildlife conservation, food systems, fisheries, and non-profit development. She is an avid equestrian and lives on Cape Cod, MA.

Dongwoo Lee is a founder and the Executive Director of EcoCiv Korea. Dongwoo also directs the Korea Project at the Center for Process Studies. He is an author of several books. His latest book, Imagining Post-Pandemic Meta-Church published in South Korea in September, 2021, became the number one bestselling E-book in the Religion section at Ridibooks’ store. He earned the PhD degree at Claremont School of Theology. His major areas of expertise are comparative religion and philosophy, process thoughts, postcolonialism, poststructuralism, contextual studies, economics and ecological studies. He is currently located in Los Angeles, CA. He enjoys hiking trails, cycling and watching movies with his wife.

Lesley Lichko is the Major Gifts Officer at EcoCiv, working closely with the President and Board to raise support for the organization’s work. With a background in both philanthropy and conservation, Lesley is passionate about EcoCiv’s mission. She has worked in major gift fundraising for Bates College, the University of Delaware, the Environmental Learning Center (Florida), and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts (Maine), among others.

Lesley earned a M.S. in Ecology and a M.S. in Forest Resources at the University of Maine, conducting research in wetland mitigation and conservation economics. She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Delaware. Living in Maine near Acadia National Park, she makes the most of its beautiful lakes, mountains, and coast.

Jessica Mardock is the Director of Finance and Human Resources at EcoCiv, where she spearheads the operational functions of finance, compliance, and human resources. Jessica has 5 years of experience in finance and operations and more than 10 years of experience in research and data analysis. 

Jessica earned a BA in Political Science from Franklin College and a MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. She is also a candidate for CFP® certification. As a dedicated steward of the environment, she spends time recharging in nature whenever she can. She is an avid baker and loves hiking and hugging trees with her family.

Austin Roberts holds a PhD from Drew University in the Graduate Division of Religion. His dissertation was on political theology, process thought, and the Anthropocene. After joining EcoCiv as a project manager in 2018, he collaborated with other team members to produce the EcoCiv Podcast. He now lives in Northern California where he teaches college courses in religion and philosophy.

Wm. Andrew Schwartz is Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of EcoCiv. He is a scholar, organizer, and non-profit administrator. Andrew is also the Executive Director of the Center for Process Studies and Assistant Professor of Process and Comparative Theology at Claremont School of Theology. His recent work involves the role of “big ideas” in the transition toward ecological civilization.

Dacotah-Victoria Splichalova is the water program’s assistant project manager at EcoCiv, where she oversees the W12+ Blueprint, our database for water solutions, and works closely with our on-the-ground partners to coordinate projects. With a decade of experience working as a community-based researcher, facilitator, and science journalist, Dacotah has contributed to diverse community-led water projects focused on international transboundary water cooperation, collaborative water governance, water insecurity, and river basin management development in Central America, North America, Southern Africa, and Western Europe.

Dacotah is presently a doctoral candidate and researcher at the University of British Columbia. She earned her Master’s degree in water resources, policy, and management and her Bachelor’s degree in philosophy, journalism, and peace studies at Oregon State University. A dedicated surfer, she enjoys exploring underground rivers, “Cenotes,” surrounding her home of Mérida, Yucatán, México.