Raena gained a deep appreciation for nature while growing up on the beaches in Hawai’i, in the deserts of Arizona, and forests of Washington. Seeing the detrimental impacts development and land use changes have had on wildlife habitat and sacred spaces, she is driven to protect and steward the land and waterways. Raena has a background in restoration project management. Prior to joining NMLC, Raena restored salmon habitat for Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups in Washington and coordinated invasive species prevention and control on a multi-watershed scale.
Raena holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Western Washington University and is currently studying at Colorado State University to earn a Master’s of Natural Resource Stewardship degree. She is also a licensed drone pilot, trail runner, and dog lover. Raena works at the Santa Fe office and has fallen in love with the New Mexico high desert and communities that call this enchanting state home.