About Us

Finance & Operations Senior Associate

Growing up in Mahwah, N.J., Andrew spent much of his youth hiking and running on the trails that the Conference continues to maintain. He received degrees in Accounting and Finance from Boston College. After working for several financial institutions in Boston and NYC, Andrew transitioned into the nonprofit sector. He spent four and half years working for ICAP at Columbia University, a global public health organization focused on improving the health care systems of countries and communities in most need. An accounting and finance professional by day, Andrew also enjoys playing guitar, painting, and a good cup of coffee.

Conservation Dogs Program Coordinator

Arden Blumenthal joined the Trail Conference as a volunteer for the Conservation Dogs Program in Spring 2019.  She graduated with a BS in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech where she worked with various species of wildlife, including the elusive eastern hellbender.  She went on to pursue an MS degree from Purdue University in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.  Arden is passionate about human-wildlife conflict mitigation, animal behavior, and conservation biology, which has led her to start a career as a conservation dog handler.  In her free time, she enjoys all outdoor activities, trying new breweries, playing board games, and baking. 

Community Outreach Coordinator

Ashley joined the Trail Conference in 2022 as the Community Outreach Coordinator. She grew up in the Hudson Valley region of New York, where she discovered her love of the outdoors and has spent much of her time hiking and exploring trails from New York City to the Catskills. Ashley graduated from Marist College with a business degree and has more than a decade of experience working in marketing and communications for nonprofit organizations and small businesses. She is passionate about inspiring and creating impactful change and well-being for humans, nonhuman animals, and the environment. When she isn’t working, you can find Ashley training dogs, planning her next national park trip, or retreating into the woods for quiet hikes with her dog, Luka.

Advancement & Store Associate

Ben joined the Trail Conference in Spring of 2022. Having grown up in the Bergen County area to a family of avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, he has a wide knowledge of local trails and a passionate interest in environmental sustainability. He can typically be found out in the woods trail running, in addition to countless hours cycling, rescuing animals, gardening and cooking foods from the around world. Ben holds a B.A. in Philosophy from University of Hartford.

Senior Trail Builder

Ben Sugar joined the Trail Conference in February 2018 as a Field Manager, bringing with him over a decade and a half of experience building, designing, and managing trails.  A Virginia native, Ben discovered a love of the outdoors while building trail with AmeriCorps in New Hampshire in 2003. Since then, he has led crews and executed projects for Vermont’s Green Mountain Club, Montgomery County, MD’s Parks Department, and the U.S. Forest Service in Utah. Ben holds a B.A. in history from James Madison University, along with graduate studies Recreation Resource Management at Utah State University.

Associate Director of Stewardship

Brent Boscarino joined the Trail Conference in 2019 as the Invasive Species Citizen Science Program Coordinator in association with the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (LH PRISM), a regional alliance of environmental organizations and stakeholders that is coordinated by the Trail Conference. Brent now serves as the Associate Director of Stewardship at the Trail Conference and the Coordinator of the LH PRISM. Brent spent the previous 10 years as a high school science teacher, research scientist and environmental outreach coordinator at the Poughkeepsie Day School and the Harvey School. In his role as Senior Research Associate at Poughkeepsie Day, Brent ran multiple invasive species-based research projects in collaboration with Hobart and William Smith, Ithaca, and Bard Colleges. He holds an undergraduate degree from Middlebury College and a Ph.D. in Natural Resources from Cornell University. Brent is an enthusiastic nature lover who aims to inspire a sense of wonder about the natural world. 

Conservation Dog

Dia is an American Field Labrador from Wisconsin. Starting her career in 2018, she is a founding member of our Conservation Dogs Program.  She first learned how to detect Scotch broom and quickly thereafter learned how to detect the invasive grass slender false brome, and the insect pest spotted lanternfly.  She is known for her happy and gentle demeanor and her unbridled enthusiasm for her ball! In her free time, Dia likes to go for runs with her brothers, and beg for a game of fetch. 

Director of Donor Advising

Don is an author, hike leader, environmental advocate, and Trail Conference Life Member. Don joined the staff in 2011 as development manager for major gift donations; in 2012 he was named Director. Don holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration, a Master's degree in Secondary Education, and speaks fluent German. Don brought more than 20 years of business development experience and an inside perspective on hiking and the Trail Conference to the job. Don has served as a Trail Conference board member, trail maintainer, co-chair of the West Milford Open Space Committee, leader of fundraising and advocacy events for the Trail Conference, and author of West Milford Baker’s Dozen, a local hiking book. His latest book, Circuit Hikes in Harriman, is to be published by the Trail Conference. When not working to build support for the Trail Conference, Don enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, hiking, and running. 

Conservation Dog

Fagen is a Belgian Malinois from Connecticut who began his working dog career as a certified live find search and rescue dog for New Jersey Task Force One and FEMA!  Fagen joined the Conservation Dogs Program in 2019 to help protect against the looming threat of spotted lanternfly.  We at the Trail Conference agree that Fagen is the most handsome doggo in the Northeast. He is known for his intense eye contact and willingness to accept pets from just about anyone.  In his free time, Fagen likes to do anything his handler Josh is doing, especially engaging in a good game of tug. 

Director of Programs

Hank Osborn is an avid outdoor educator and advocate.  He joined the Trail Conference staff in 2013 as East Hudson Program Coordinator.  In 2020, Hank became the Trail Conference's Director of Programs. Hank has a long history and a deep passion for the outdoors. He began maintaining trails as a boy in Garrison, N.Y. and later, as an adult, chaired the Garrison School Forest Committee; was appointed to the Philipstown Greenway Committee, and became a Hudson Highlands Land Trust hike leader.  Hank has taught geology, environmental science and ecology at the high school level and served as associate professor of physical education and rowing coach at Columbia University and Dartmouth College.  Hank graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Sociology and Geology and did graduate work at Dartmouth College with a focus in environmental studies.  He has completed two National Outdoor Leadership School courses and currently serves on the Beacon Greenway Committee.  Hank is President of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Fahnestock and Hudson Highlands State Parks.  He lives in the Hudson Highlands where he and his wife enjoy hiking the trails with their children.

Grant & Contract Manager

Jackie joined the Trail Conference’s Advancement Team as Grant & Contract Manager in 2022. She cultivated a passion for exceptional visitor environments and experiences during her lengthy career as a public sector Architect. Jackie graduated from the Cooper Union School of Architecture and is a LEED-certified professional with the U.S. Green Building Council. As a resident of Rockland County, she finds inspiration in the beauty and bounty of the Lower Hudson Valley. Jackie is thrilled to apply her appreciation of public lands, outdoor recreation volunteering, skills in accessible and sustainable design, project management practice, and love of collaboration to her role at the Trail Conference. During time away from Advancement, she enjoys hiking with her well-used NYNJTC guide and map collection, spontaneous adventure, yoga, art, and outdoor exploration with family.

Charitable Gifts and Events Manager

Joined the Trail Conference in 2012 as Darlington Schoolhouse Campaign Assistant. Jennifer came to the organization after two years as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Greater Philadelphia and a crew leader with the Student Conservation Association. Before joining the Trail Conference team, she worked as a field manager at New Jersey Environmental Federation, which works on environmental campaigns. Jennifer earned her B.A. in anthropology and sociology at Stockton University in 2009. She resides in Highland Lakes, N.J. where she loves exploring the Appalachian Trail from her backyard with her husband and adventurous son. On her family’s bucket list is to visit a different National Park each year.

Cartographer

Jeremy joined the Trail Conference in 2007. He produces a variety of maps, including published trail maps of the NY-NJ area as well as maps to aid with trail-building efforts, open-space acquisition, and various advocacy and stewardship initiatives. Prior to joining the Trail Conference, Jeremy received his Master’s degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Lehigh University. While obtaining his Master’s degree, he published his research findings that utilized GIS, remote sensing imagery, and fieldwork in the Yukon Territory, Canada to learn about climate change in the Arctic. Jeremy fondly remembers his experiences exploring the trails of northwest New Jersey as a kid and currently resides in the woods of Andover, N.J., with his wife and two kids.

New Jersey Program Coordinator

Jesse Merbler joined the Trail Conference in February 2023 as the New Jersey Program Coordinator. He grew up in Milford, PA where he discovered his love for the outdoors. After graduating from East Stroudsburg University with a degree in Outdoor Recreation Management, he joined the Student Conservation Association and ventured to Southeast Alaska for four months. He gained his first trail work experience working alongside the backcountry trail crews of Glacier Bay National Park and Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. From there, he took a job in his hometown working on the Trail Crew at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area for four wonderful years. He then moved with his fiancé and pug to Northwestern Washington, where he worked on backcountry trails at Mount Rainier National Park for two action-packed seasons. After exploring the Cascades for a few years, he is now back home. Expect to see him on trail anywhere in the tri-state area or floating down the river!

Conservation Dogs Program Trainer and Handler

Joshua grew up in the suburbs of Chicago spending his childhood hiking with dogs through the local woods and swamps and helping to maintain the trees, flowers, and vegetable garden at his grandparents’ house. An interest in other cultures led him to pursue studies and work in several states throughout the U.S., as well as Brazil and England. Even though he has enjoyed all of the locations he has lived, the Hudson Valley is the place he loves the most. Joshua is the owner of Painted Dogz training in New York City and is a canine search specialist with New Jersey Task Force 1 and FEMA. He is excited about the opportunity to combine his great respect for dogs and environmental conservation in an effort to help manage the forests and other natural places of the Lower Hudson Valley.

Executive Director

Josh joined the Trail Conference in 2002 (as Josh Erdsneker) in the position of Volunteer Projects Director. He went on to serve as Director of Membership & Development before being named Deputy Executive Director in 2008. He was appointed COO in March 2019, and Executive Director in October the same year. Josh graduated in 2000 from the University of Miami with an MBA and concentrations in international business and leadership. He spent five years working for the University of Miami as a computer trainer and help desk administrator. The highlight of Josh’s outdoor adventures began on July 14, 2001, when, from atop Mount Katahdin in Maine, Josh embarked on a five-month and five-day southbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. During his 2,168-mile odyssey, he rediscovered his passion for the outdoors. His experiences along the A.T. motivated him to become more involved in protecting and maintaining the trails and trail lands he had just hiked through. These days, Josh can be found enjoying hiking and trail running with his family.

Operations & Human Resource Specialist

Kathleen Bezik joined the Trail Conference in October 2019. Prior to this position, Kathleen was an AmeriCorps member in 2019 with the Trail Conference Conservation Corps where she served as a crew member on the Aquatic Invasive Strike Force team. She graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and has five years of research experience studying a variety of subjects from Neuroscience to Marine Ecology. She has also worked in medical administration and as a Private Events Supervisor at a fine dining restaurant in Center City Philadelphia. Kathleen is fascinated with nature and values an adventurous and curious approach to outdoor conservation. From diving with sharks throughout the year as a dive volunteer at a local aquarium to hiking trails in the area, Kathleen is passionate about sharing the outdoors with others.

Volunteer Engagement Manager

Katie joined the Trail Conference in 2022 as the Volunteer Engagement Manager. She came to the organization with 7 years of experience as a Director of Recreation and Volunteer Services at a large facility for veterans. She also has several years of experience coordinating and developing programs in the fields of human services and the arts. Katie’s interest and appreciation for the outdoors started from when she was young and went on her first hike on the Appalachian Trail while at sleepaway camp.  While pursuing her BA in Archaeology from George Washington University, she began to take her interest in the outdoors more seriously and joined a hiking group with fellow students and undertook a nearly 50-mile section of the Appalachian Trail in 24 hours. Katie continued her studies at Seton Hall University, graduating with a MA in Museum Education, while simultaneously working in healthcare and interning at local museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, coordinating staff and volunteer led programs in both work and internships. After graduating she joined the National Park Service in Denali National Park as an Interpretive Park Ranger. She now resides in the Hudson Valley where she enjoys taking advantage of the local trails, breweries, drive ins, and historical sites.

Stewardship Communications Coordinator

Krysti is a photographer/videographer and all-around communications specialist with over ten years of experience working with non-profits and small businesses. Through visual storytelling and digital marketing campaigns, she has helped promote and establish individual brands, missions, and messaging. After graduating from Syracuse University with a B.S. in Photojournalism, Krysti pursued her personal passion for environmental conservation, sustainability, and social/environmental justice. She began her career at a tiny environmental non-profit in Edison, NJ, where she worked out of a trailer - in a swamp - as their Multimedia Producer…and it’s only been up from there!

Chief Financial Officer

Mary Perro, joined the Trail Conference in 2015. She is a CPA who majored in accounting and economics at Manhattan College. After graduating college, Mary was an AmeriCorps member through Colorado Vincentian Volunteers, where she fell in love with the outdoors. Mary returned to New Jersey as an auditor and then as an accountant in the pharmaceutical industry. She enjoys hiking, spreadsheets, traveling, and exploring Morristown, N.J. with her husband and son.

New York Program Coordinator

Melissa Cascini joined the Trail Conference in March 2020 as the New York Program Coordinator. She grew up in northern New Jersey exploring the trails in Norvin Green State Forest, Ringwood State Park, and the Delaware Water Gap where she found her passion for hiking and the outdoors. After graduating from Ramapo College in 2017 with a degree in sociology, Melissa joined the Trail Conference Conservation Corps in 2019 as the Crew Leader for the Trail Steward Outreach and Education Program. She spent the entirety of the program educating hikers and assisting volunteers with trail maintenance in the Hudson Highlands and Catskill Park. These experiences, as well as the volunteers that she was able to engage with, further prompted Melissa’s passion for the environment and drove her to seek a career with the Trail Conference. When she’s not out hiking, Melissa enjoys gardening, baking, kayaking, and continuing her exploration of local trails.  

Volunteer Engagement Associate

Mike Morris joined the Trail Conference in 2022 as the Volunteer Engagement Associate. Mike is a familiar face to many at the organization, having served two terms with the Trail Conference Conservation Corps. During his time as a Corps member, Mike functioned as the Harriman Trail Crew Leader, working regularly with volunteers, other Corps members, and members of the public, and leading several successful workshops. Prior to joining the Conservation Corps, Mike earned a degree in marketing and worked at Eastern Mountain Sports, gaining essential customer service skills while applying his passion for and knowledge of the outdoors. Mike is an Eagle Scout, and in his free time he can be found hiking and backpacking all seasons of the year.

Trail Steward Program Coordinator

Myra Romano joined the Trail Conference in 2022 as Trail Steward Program Coordinator. She came to the organization after two seasons as an AmeriCorps member with the Trail Conference Conservation Corps, first serving as a Trail Steward in the Hudson Valley and Catskills in 2020 and returning in 2021 as Trail Steward Crew Leader in the Catskills. Before her engagements with the Trail Conference, Myra worked as a visual designer in various industries, including parks and recreation, education technology, finance, and advertising. Her love of nature first developed while growing up in the Lower Hudson Valley region of New York State, frequently going on day hikes in the Hudson Highlands and exploring the forest behind her childhood home. She now resides in New Hampton, NY, and enjoys hiking in the Hudson Valley, Catskills, Adirondacks, and beyond.

Conservation Corps Program Coordinator

Nancy Krause became the Conservation Corps Assistant in October of 2019.  She first joined the Trail Conference staff in March 2018 as an Executive Assistant. Nancy is dedicated to the restoration of the Welch Trail Education Center camp and enjoys organizing and participating in workdays there.  Prior to moving to New Jersey, Nancy worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and for the National Park Service. She has a B.A. in economics and a M.A. in environmental science. Nancy is a very active volunteer in her community, currently serving on the Shade Tree Commission and her church council. She is an avid cook and outdoors person who is most at home when she is camping.

Advancement Director 

Pat Gallagher joined the Trail Conference in December 2022 as the Advancement Director. He brings more than a decade of nonprofit experience to the role, having spent his career in development and fundraising supporting organizations that are working to provide access to life's necessities. During his time at Pathways Vermont, Pat implemented a communications and fundraising system that developed a start-up organization into a statewide leader in housing and mental health services. At Family Reach, he expanded the organization’s national footprint by leading a team of fundraisers providing financial lifelines to families experiencing the hardships of a cancer diagnosis; and most recently, Pat lead the development team at Jazz House Kids, providing music education to underprivileged youth. When he’s not helping to raise necessary funds for the Trail Conference, Pat enjoys hiking, skiing, and partaking in the occasional karaoke night. 

Paula Sandusky, Finance & Operations Associate

Paula joined the finance team in the spring of 2021. She enjoyed a long career in hospitality with roles in Information Technology and Operations and more recently as General Manager at the Stony Point Center. Stony Point Center is part of a wider association of Presbyterian Camps and Conference Centers with a focus on Outdoor Ministry. During her tenure there, she oversaw daily operations and managed some much-needed capital improvements. As a transplant from Boston, Paula has enjoyed exploring Hudson Valley rail trails on her bike, beaches from Long Island to the Jersey Shore, and the hiking paths from Norvin Green to the Catskills. She is a proud North Rockland community member, having raised three (now young adult) children there. She works to stay grounded in the practice of yoga and practices escapism as an avid baseball fan.

Conservation Dog

Peat is an American Field Labrador born on Christmas Day, 2020. He started working on his first species, Scotch broom, at only 9 months old! This goofy, hardworking, and ultra-motivated guy has a long career ahead of him. Peat is still a veritable puppy who loves giving sloppy kisses and doesn't quite know where his limbs are just yet. In his free time, Peat likes to solicit belly rubs, steal socks, lick the countertops, and of course, play, play play!

Trail Program Manager

Peter Dolan joined the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference staff in 2013 and serves as Trail Program Manager, where he heads the organization’s team of Program Coordinators and professional Trail Builders. This team executes programs and projects across over 200 land management units and 2,150 trail miles, including long-distance trails such as the Appalachian Trail, Long Path, and Highlands Trail. One of his particular focus areas is the creation of comprehensive trail plans and network overhauls. In addition, he is a sitting member of NJDEP’s New Jersey Trails Council, the Chief Consulting Trail Designer for the Blue Mountains Trails Project in Jamaica, and regular speaker at events such as the International Trails Symposium, NJ Land Conservation Rally, and NJ Trails Summit. In his free time, Peter volunteers as an active team member with local wilderness Search & Rescue.   

Field Trail Builder

Robert joined the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference in 2022 as Field Trail Builder. A native Long Islander, long-time New York City resident and library worker, Bob shook things way up in April 2018 and thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail. Arriving home in Brooklyn that September, he missed the trees, rocks and camaraderie of the trail, so eventually found his way to the Trail Conference Conservation Corps Trail Crew in 2020 and 2021. Bob worked two winters on the Trail Crew of the Palisades Park in New Jersey and squeezed in a few shifts with Tahawus Trails LLC, before getting the call to the big leagues by the Trail Conference. Bob has a Masters of Science in Forest Resource Management from Paul Smith's College, and in his free time can be found in the woods and mountains around his home of Beacon, NY.

Terrestrial Invasive Species Project Manager

Ryan’s love for nature was fostered at a young age through years of outdoor activities with the Boy Scouts. In an effort to better understand what he loved, he received his B.S. in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies from The College of New Jersey in 2017. He got involved with invasive species by spending time in a research lab that focused on how invasive species and deer interact with the native forest plant communities. After three years in the lab, including two summer experiences, he completed his capstone project researching interactions between invasive plants and invasive earthworms. Since graduating, he spent two years serving with AmeriCorps. His service included managing invasive plants with the Invasives Strike Force, building trails in Sterling Forest, and restoring and protecting aquatic resources in Montana. Ryan spent 2019 as the Trail Conference's Conservation Corps Invasives Strike Force Crew Leader before transitioning to the position of Terrestrial Invasive Species Project Manager. When he’s not waging war against invasive plants, you can find him looking for interesting bugs and fungi, cooking for friends and family, and unwinding through gaming.

Conservation Corps Manager

Victoria (“Tori”) Finn joined the Trail Conference in August 2019 as our new Conservation Corps Manager. After graduating from Rutgers University with a degree in sociology and women's & gender studies, Tori joined AmeriCorps Vista with NJ LEEP, a Newark-based non-profit that helps high school students attain higher education and careers. After completing a year as an AmeriCorps member, she joined NJ LEEP full time as a manager of their volunteer program. Tori's experience in nonprofits, her passion for service, and her love for the outdoors make her right at home in the position of Corps Manager. When she's not convincing people to join the absolutely amazing and wonderful Corps, you can find her cooking way too ambitious meals and attempting to garden.

Information Systems Director

Brings 40 years of computer engineering and management experience to the position. He has previously held computer design, engineering, and software management positions for several engineering firms. He has a BSEE degree from Rutgers College of Engineering and an MSEE from NJIT. Will’s love of the outdoors began as a boy while spending summers with his grandfather in Phoenicia, N.Y., in the Catskills.

Long-Distance Trails Program Coordinator

Zac joined the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference in 2022 as the Long-Distance Trails Program Coordinator. Zac grew up in northern Italy with plenty of opportunity to camp and hike in the Alps. These experiences and his interest in environmental conservation set him on the path to a career advocating for the natural environments we all love to recreate in. Prior to joining the Trail Conference, Zac was Outreach & Education Program Director at the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, and before that, Zac held several positions in the UK and Austria working on projects related to urban sustainability and corporate environmental and social responsibility. Since moving to New Jersey, Zac has devoted his time to exploring our local trails and cycling throughout the region. Zac holds a BA in English Literature and an MSc in Environment & Sustainable Development.