Staff
Melinda Chow, Executive Director
Melinda began her executive director position with River Watch in February of 2016. She admits she was drawn to the role because of her “love for science and passion for empowering young people.” Previously, she served as outreach coordinator and manager of Hot Science Cool Talks at The University of Texas Environmental Science Institute. Her nonprofit experience spans nearly 15 years and includes Girls Rock Austin and KUT, as well as the South Memphis Alliance in Tennessee, and the National Multicultural Institute in Washington D.C. She also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in Memphis. Melinda has lived in Austin since 2006, and serves on the boards of Girls Rock Austin and The Dumpster Project. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in biology and anthropology, and a master’s degree in applied anthropology. Email >
Amelia DeVivo, Program Director
Amelia has worked as a bilingual educator for AISD for the past eight years, with a passion and specialty for connecting youth with nature. Her outdoor educational experience includes coordinating and leading the Gulf Coast Expedition, a nature immersion camp for young adults along the Texas Gulf Coast studying conservation and coastal ecology. For her master’s thesis, Amelia designed, implemented, and evaluated an urban school agricultural program in Austin, developing STEM skills, SEL, and health and nutritional outcomes in underprivileged youth. Amelia will graduate from Texas State University in May with her MS in geography. Email >
Jamie Green, Development and Operations Coordinator
Jamie is a trained and licensed social worker who completed her MSW at The University of Texas at Austin, where she also had the opportunity to participate in an exciting internship in India. There, she was able to create a project focused on basic disease prevention and hand-washing to positively impact the health of a small rural village. Jamie’s previous professional experience has been centered around empowering at-risk youth, working with agencies focusing on school-based case management, foster care and adoption, and a residential treatment center. In her spare time, Jamie enjoys creating art, adventuring outdoors and in nature, and playing local sports. Email >
Dylan Carrejo, Program Coordinator
Dylan Carrejo has served as a crew member and a crew leader for Texas Conservation Corps, working with youth and adults on environmental conservation projects and disaster response. He has additional experience working for the National Park Service in Tennessee, and Environmental Survey Consulting in Austin. Dylan earned a bachelor’s degree in geography with emphasis on resource and environmental studies from Texas State University in May 2017. He has the unique distinction of having introduced former President Barack Obama on national television during the National Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony in 2016. Email >
Beth Bennett, Program Coordinator
Beth has been an environmental educator and outreach leader at the Camacho Activity Center, the Austin Nature and Science Center, and the Colorado River Alliance. While at Camacho, she created and implemented Dirt Divas, a program in girls empowerment and sustainability. Additionally, Beth gained experience through various professional and community engagements while earning her bachelor’s degree in environmental science and policy at St. Edward’s University. These include internships in International Water Policy, Global Understanding, and serving as a leader on campus sustainability initiatives. Beth graduated in December 2016 among the top of her class with multiple honors. Email >
Jeremy Revils, Program Coordinator
Jeremy was a STEM educator working with junior high and high school students in Dayton, Texas, for four years prior to being at Austin Youth River Watch. He has empowered students by producing thoughtful and innovative curriculum in both alternative education and regular classroom settings. He holds a BS entomology and biomedical sciences from Texas A&M University, and a Master of Education in science curriculum and instruction from The University of Texas at Arlington. Jeremy is an avid outdoor enthusiast and an experienced scuba diver. Email >
Emma Walsh, Program Assistant
Emma is a senior Environmental Science student at the University of Texas at Austin with an interest in urban sustainability and environmental education. She has gained outdoor educational experience as a nature-based Activity Specialist at Camacho Activity Center and while leading guided snorkel tours of the San Marcos River. She is currently conducting an independent research project focused on sustainable regional planning in the greater Austin-San Antonio metropolitan area. Emma will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in May 2019. Email >
Board
Anna Mackey, Board President
Operations Director, TreeFolks
Jonathan Barona, Board Vice President
Special Projects Manager, Austin Community Foundation
James Tinley, Board Treasurer
Assistant General Counsel, Texas Ethics Commission
Fidel Campuzano
University Leadership Initiative, Lincoln Goldfinch Law
Andy Gerhart
Student, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Chris Gray
Appraiser and Consultant, Sayers Real Estate Advisors, Inc.
David Morris
Engineer & Owner, Erudistic, LLC
Stephanie Kover
Attorney, Scott, Douglass, & McConnico, LLP
Alexis Voudrie
Financial Advisor
Alisa Miller
Freelance Writer and Copy Editor
Tarrah Thompson
AVID District Coordinator, Austin ISD
