Who We Are
The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) is a member-supported nonprofit organization seeking to advance the natural history, conservation, and ecosystem knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach. Since 2010, TINS has promoted stewardship of the Tahoe region, bringing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s natural resources to children, adults, and land managers.
All TINS programming and operations are handled by our staff (including seasonal staff), along with the efforts of our Board and other volunteers. Occasionally, we may have employment opportunities and volunteers. Please check back regularly if you'd like to get involved, or just contact us.
Staff
T. Will Richardson, Ph.D.
Co-Founder + Executive Director
Will has lived in the Tahoe area since 1994. Originally a seasonal Tahoe resident (spending summers running crews for the Point Reyes Bird Observatory elsewhere in California, and falls working for PRBO on the Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco), Will finally settled in Truckee in 2001, and has been intensively studying the region's natural history and ecosystems ever since. He is slowly chipping away at a status and distribution guide for the birds of the Lake Tahoe basin, but his interests span all taxa: he has authored papers on chipmunks, butterflies, tiger beetles, dragonflies, and the discovery of a second species of salamander occurring in the Tahoe basin.
Will received his Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno, studying bird communities in Sierra Nevada aspen habitats. He's never not birding, but he also attempts to squeeze in backcountry skiing, climbing, sea-kayaking, Ulitmate Frisbee, and the occasional music gig.
Outreach Director
Sarah leads a very active life but always makes time to pause and listen to birdsong. A Northern California native, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from California State University, Chico.
After working for several government agencies in the environmental field, Sarah eventually stopped “migrating” and found a home at the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science. Over the past 11 years, she has served as Outreach Director, helping bridge science and community through research, storytelling, and nature education. Her work has included projects on nesting songbirds and falcons, as well as leading bird and nature tours throughout the Tahoe region and beyond.
Sarah loves helping people discover the wonder of the natural world and believes that curiosity and connection can inspire stewardship of Lake Tahoe’s remarkable environment.
Outside of science, she coaches track, plays pickleball, fishes, and loves to play outside.
Education Manager
Having grown up in Truckee, the mountains, lakes, and forests were what Heather always knew as “home” and instilled a deep care for the natural world. She attended Chico State on a track and field scholarship in the heptathlon, but discovered her true passion in Environmental Science - a field that combined her curiosity, values, and love of exploration.
She has worked for both private and nonprofit organizations in the environmental field, gaining experience in land stewardship, environmental consulting, and education. No matter the role, she has always been drawn to the same goal: facilitating meaningful nature exploration, education, and connection.
For Heather, nothing has ever felt more rewarding than witnessing curiosity click. That moment when someone makes a new discovery or begins to see the natural world differently than before.
Outside of her work as Education Manager, she enjoys all the sports and activities Tahoe has to offer, as well as playing soccer, reading, listening to live music, and spending time with her beloved kitty, Willow (Willy).
Membership Manager
Jennie had two goals growing up, to work in conservation and live in Lake Tahoe. In pursuit of these goals, she began volunteering at a local nature center at 10 years old and pursued any opportunity that brought her closer to nature. She earned her B.A. in Environmental Biology from the University of Colorado Boulder, then spent a number of years doing environmental education in the Bay Area, followed by almost a decade with the California Condor Recovery Program at Pinnacles National Park. After leaving the park service, she studied Mountain Beavers and received a Masters in Wildlife from Humboldt State University.
She and her husband Scott were finally able to make the move to Tahoe in 2017. Jennie worked as the Executive Director of Lahontan Audubon Society and after welcoming their son Samson in May of 2021, was excited for the opportunity to join TINS part-time and continue working to support conservation and education while raising Sam in the place she loves. In her free time, she can be found exploring Tahoe by splitboard, snowshoe, paddleboard, or kayak, usually with Scott, Sam, and their dog, Copper in tow.
Board
Vice Chair
As a 3rd generation Tahoe resident, Kristine is passionate about her community and sharing all things Lake Tahoe with others. Most recently, she served as VP Trail Use for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and a volunteer guide on the 165-mile trail. She earned her degree in Mass Communications: Business and Marketing from the University of California, Berkeley. Previously, she served as a youth program leader in local schools, and with Marin Community Food Bank and United way of the Bay Area. Currently, Kristine specializes in Lake Tahoe-Sierra real estate, as a Nevada and California Realtor.
She enthusiastically supports the work of TINS to help connect our children and communities to nature, through field research and hands-on science education, so we can better understand the importance of preserving Lake Tahoe wildlife and natural resources for generations to come.
Kristine Mitchell
Treasurer
Markham is excited to be part of TINS because of the research, education, and outreach efforts which help advance knowledge and conservation of the Tahoe region. Markham originally arrived in Tahoe by luck in the spring of 2000 from Central Florida when an action sports equipment business he had founded was acquired by a company then located in Truckee, CA. After responsibilities with the merger were complete, Markham decided to call Tahoe his home. He has lived along the North Shore areas of Tahoe between 2000–2006, and was grateful to return in 2013 as a full time resident, making Incline Village his home. Markham is a Futures Trader, and is Founder and Principle of an emerging Commodity Trading Advisory firm. Markham is passionate about the Tahoe region, and all it has to offer. He enjoys skiing, hiking, cycling, running, and swimming around the area.
Markham Gross
Secretary
Trevor Cornwell is the founder of Guesthouse, opening in May 2025 in Truckee. A seasoned entrepreneur, Cornwell’s leadership in creating Guesthouse – designed to define a new category of hospitality for personalized group stays – reflects his innovative nature and deep understanding of business and hospitality. Cornwell also serves as President of Government Affairs for Merit, an Andreesen Horowitz portfolio company. Cornwell has maintained a residence in Truckee for many years. He has served on the Board of Maryland Public Television and is the founder of Forum280 a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. He is deeply committed to the mission of TINS and wants to further the Lake Tahoe region as an area committed to its rich heritage of scientific exploration and environmental education.
Trevor Cornwell
Director
Joy is inspired by everything that has to do with nature, and loves to share that passion with others, especially young people. She majored in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from University of California at Davis and worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 31 years in forestry, nature interpretation and finally in her dream job as a Conservation Education Program Specialist in Lake Tahoe. Her work with the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit included managing educational programs for pre-K through high school youth, and supervising the Taylor Creek Visitor Center and the Tallac Historic Site. She built the Generation Green program of Lake Tahoe, connecting high school youth with the outdoors and environmental careers through a summer employment program.
Health reasons caused Joy and her family to move to a lower elevation and leave her beloved Tahoe. Now retired and living in the Sacramento area, she continues to be passionate about connecting people to the outdoors and is excited stay connected with Tahoe by supporting TINS with all of their wonderful programs!
Joy Barney
Director
Tim grew up in South Dakota with an emphasis on outdoor activities, which fostered his active commitment to the environment and conservation as an adult. Marrying into a Bay Area family that spent a lifetime enjoying the Tahoe region gave him annual opportunities to absorb the beauty of the Lake Tahoe basin. Those experiences inspired him and his wife Betsy to move permanently from the Midwest to Carson City in 2009, one of his best decisions ever.
During his 35+ career, Tim developed and directed services for people with developmental disabilities. He now puts his Master of Education degree to use volunteering, with a particular emphasis on children's programs. A love of science and Tahoe lead him to being a docent and advisory board member at UC Davis' Tahoe Environmental Research Center. In addition to making time for hiking, snowshoeing and kayaking, he nurtures kids' curiosity in science as a volunteer for TINS summer "Bug Camps," Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships and the US Forest Service. During the school year, Tim is a 1st grade classroom volunteer and on weekends he hangs out with his 11-year-old "Little Brother" through the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.
Tim Kosier
Director
Martin spent his past life working in the world of for-profit marketing, PR and event management. Experience includes a start-up airline in Austria, the American Chamber of Commerce, importing Australian aboriginal art, and 10 + years working in event marketing and public relations.
It is unclear exactly when he got hooked on the outdoors – it may have happened standing knee deep in the Truckee River, staring at a dry-fly and waiting for a trout to rise. Or it may have been while swimming in Marlette Lake after getting there on a mountain bike. His passion for nature pours over into helping nature-based non profits like TINS utilize and understand new and relevant approaches to outreach, marketing, and PR.
Martin Swinehart
Director
Brian and his wife Lydia moved to Truckee in 2013. A Southern California native, Brian has enjoyed a 28-year career in water utility construction, operations and management, with a focus on providing community service, leadership and a commitment to core values. This journey has led to his current role with the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) as General Manager. His professional career path offers a rare if not unique perspective for executive leadership, in that he has worked hands-on in nearly every level of public utility operations. One of the most rewarding aspects of Brian’s work in utilities has been the joy of public service, and his interest in water and energy resources.
Through his work in water and energy resources, Brian has developed a strong appreciation for education and the natural resources around us. The value brought to our communities by the exciting education, research and outreach programs developed by the team at TINS inspired Brian to join the Board. A lifelong outdoorsman and an appreciation for the natural resources around us, Brian looks forward to expanding the opportunities TINS can offer for the future.
Brian Wright
Director
Hannah brings a breadth of business and investment expertise to the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, along with a deep love of the outdoors and a lifelong commitment to caring for animals and wild places. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Hannah grew up in a lively household filled with dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, and horses—an early foundation for her enduring connection to the natural world.
She holds a B.A. in Spanish Literature from Cornell University, an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®). After graduate school, Hannah built a successful career in the investment industry in the Bay Area before relocating to Tahoe City in 2001. She is now co-founder and partner of Emerald Bay Wealth Management LLC, a registered investment advisory firm.
Hannah has held numerous leadership roles, including serving on the board of several local non-profits. Known for her keen attention to detail and generous spirit, Hannah brings thoughtful leadership and a deep sense of purpose to advancing environmental education and stewardship in the Tahoe region. When she’s not working, her two dogs, Wallace and Gromit, can be found at her side, doing their best to keep office snoring to a minimum.
Hannah Sullivan