Meet The Crew

Amanda grew up on a small farm in Akron, IN and attended Tippecanoe Valley Schools. She received her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Purdue University where she majored in Wildlife. Amanda began her career with a focus on birds and has worked in the Midwest and northern Great Plains on projects related to breeding birds, migration monitoring, and reintroduction efforts.

Amanda has always had a passion for conservation education, in college she was the president of a student chapter of The Wildlife Society where she coordinated educational opportunities for students. She is excited to use her talents to serve the people of Kosciusko County as the Education Coordinator for SWCD! Outside of work, Amanda enjoys cooking, camping, and spending time with her husband and their two cats.

Nathaniel is a lifelong resident of Warsaw. He completed a degree in environmental science and two field seasons of bird surveys in and around agriculturally productive areas of Iowa, Minnesota, and Montana before bringing his educational background and professional experience back home to Kosciusko County.

Relishing time spent birding or squelching through a marsh – all the better if it’s both at the same time – he remains enthralled by nature beyond work. Additionally, Nathaniel plays cello and is an avid aquarium-keeper. Above all, he cherishes time spent with his partner Sydney and is grateful to live close to family.

Jamie Perry is a Soil Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kosciusko County. His previous positions have included market farmer, greenhouse manager, college instructor, soil health specialist, and mentor farmer for the Burmese community. He holds multiple degrees in agriculture with an emphasis in small farm intensive vegetable production. Jamie enjoys discussing small farm production and has presented on the subject throughout the state.

Tashina grew up tending gardens, working in the fields, and caring for animals on her family’s horse farm in Allen County. She thrived in the rural atmosphere where she was free to fully enjoy the outdoors. Tashina’s upbringing inspired her to achieve her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Manchester University. Her education took her to many places like the west coast in the Forest Service and to Wisconsin where she worked as a naturalist and recreational guide. We are happy Tashina found us here at Soil and Water.

Outside of work Tashina enjoys life on her hobby farm with her husband and daughter. Their farm includes bird dogs, chickens, horses, cats, honey bees and a turtle. In addition to their critters, they also have a large garden and fruit trees. Her family also enjoys boating and swimming in Chapman Lake on weekends.

Dawn is a lifelong resident of Warsaw and has enjoyed raising her family with her husband Doug.

Most days when she is not at work, you can find her in a jeep or outdoors, taking walks in the trails, doing yoga in the park, or playing with her grandchildren-- picking flowers, blowing bubbles and embarking on adventures. 

She looks forward to collaborating with the people in our area on conserving and enhancing the soil, water and natural resources of our land. If you are ever in the area, stop by the office and say hi! 

Originally from southern Indiana, Chad has been working in Kosciusko County since the spring of 2014.  He first visited the area with Huntington tech team while he was a student in training through NRCS and was impressed with the diversity of practices, rolling topography, and natural lakes that Kosciusko County has. Chad plays a vital role working with the district by promoting our mission of conserving soil and water. One of his favorite responsibilities is working directly with the landowners and educating them on new conservation practices. Chad stays busy after work helping his triplet’s get to and from their sporting events. On the weekends you might find him kayaking down Tippecanoe River with his wife or hunting with his kids.