Hannah Loope, An experienced designer, Hannah has worked on a wide range of project types - ranging from urban riverfronts to riparian restoration projects. Her recent work has focused on creating vibrant outdoor civic and learning spaces and improving recreational access and infrastructure. She is dedicated to designing for ecological and community resiliency, and making sites accessible to all. Hannah holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Bachelor of Science in Geology from University of Nebraska. In her free time, you can find her paddling on the Winooski River, biking, and camping with her family.

Michael Nahmias, Michael Nahmias is Groton’s Planning Commission Chairperson and Selectman. Michael led a group of Groton residents including a member of the Town’s Recreation Committee and the Trailmaster of the local VAST snowmobile club, as well as the director of the Cross Vermont Trail Association (CVTA), in applying for and implementing a Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) grant. Michael works as a Project Manager with Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources’ Dam Safety Program. He is a member of CVTA’s Board of Directors. In his free time, Michael can be found in the woods during all four seasons with his dog Pebbles.

Porter Knight Porter Knight is a dynamic and popular presenter, life-changing consultant, and published author of two books: Organized to Last: 5 Simple Steps to Staying Organized and Get Paid to Win Clients: Public Speaking as a Marketing Tool. After years of creating order out of chaos at the request of friends and family, Porter started the company in 1996. She has taught thousands of clients and workshop participants to dig out from under piles and create systems to improve the flow of ideas, paper, and the “stuff” we accumulate in our lives so that we can focus, get more done, and feel better about it all. Porter was one of the first in the nation to achieve the credential of Certified Professional Organizer®. An active member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), she has been one of NAPO’s most popular conference presenters and has twice been nominated for the prestigious “Founders Award.” Porter is an avid hiker, creator of the Bristol Trail Network, and a Vermont Long Trail End-to-Ender. Porter lives in Bristol, Vermont where she founded and facilitates a monthly Social Justice Discussion group. She also founded the giving circle 100+ Women Who Care, Addison County. Porter is a graduate of Middlebury College (Middlebury, Vermont)

Kelly Veins Kelly has worked part time in Aquatics since 1974 as WSI & LG for St. Albans Recreation Dept. She moved to a full time position in 1999 as St. Albans City Pool Manager and then into the position of Recreation Director in 2005. During that time she worked to keep the St. Albans City Pool afloat while funds and votes were acquired to build the year round Hard'ack Pool in St. Albans.

Jenna O'Donnell Jenna O’Donnell is Director of Engagement for South Hero Land Trust. Originally from Massachusetts, Jenna enjoyed working in different fields and states before settling in Vermont in 2013, where she got her Masters from UVM’s Community Development and Applied Economics program. Jenna joined the SHLT team in 2023, and helps manage the nonprofit’s communications and fundraising. One of SHLT’s main priorities is connecting people with the land, and Jenna has helped spearhead the focus on outdoor accessibility for people with mobility challenges. Jenna is grateful for all of the people helping this work and honored to be part of this conference.