Chris Sheffield – Program Director
csheffield@americanyouthworks.org
Chris was working at Guadalupe Mountains National Park in west Texas in 1998 when he found an Austin newspaper lying around that beckoned him to come to central Texas and build “green” houses with AYW’s Casa Verde program. He’s been at American YouthWorks ever since. Chris grew up on a dairy farm near Oberlin, Ohio and came to Texas after graduating from the Ohio State University with a degree in communication and natural resource management. He has worked with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, Cincinnati Park Board, Student Conservation Association, National Park Service, and, with his wife Amy, operated their own vegetable farm. Each year Chris is excited to introduce a new group of young people to the design and implementation of conservation projects. When he’s not a work, he’ll be with his wife and two boys on the Barton Creek Greenbelt or tending his garlic patch in the backyard.
Morgan Colbert – Project Tracking Specialist
mcolbert@americanyouthworks.org
Morgan grew up in Ohio, graduating from Wright State University and worked for several years within the public library system before deciding she was ready for a bit more adventure. In 2008, she joined E-Corps, working in Austin for a year and then spending her second year on the Trails Across Texas Crew. Once Morgan graduated E-Corps she worked within American YouthWorks before landing back home in E-Corps, as the Project Tracking Specialist. Most weekends you’ll find Morgan either at the movies, with friends (watching terribly awesome movies), or reminiscing about her earlier days in Texas packed in a van and hanging out with chainsaws.
Erick Hetzel – Field Coordinator, Trails Across Texas Program
ehetzel@americanyouthworks.org
Erick joined us as a crew member in 2007. Since then he served as a crew leader before assuming his Current role as Field Coordinator for the Trails Across Texas crew. Growing up he spent most of his time in Southeast Massachusetts, frequently making the trek to New Mexico. He attended the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and earned a degree in Political Science. His interests include cycling, collecting records, and watching MacGyver and MTV’s The State.
Erin Allen – Field Coordinator, Educational Aide
eallen@americanyouthworks.org
Erin moved to Austin from Florida three years ago to join Environmental Corps as an AmeriCorps member. In 2009 she became a crew leader, and in 2010 she joined the staff as the crew supervisor for E-Corps high school crews. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2007 and hopes to return to school at UT for her masters in public administration. Outside of work she enjoys playing and watching soccer, dominating the Monopoly board, and cooking. So far her favorite memory since joining E-Corps was a 72 mile canoeing trip down the Rio Grande.
Paul Stuffel – Field Coordinator, Local Crews
pstuffel@americanyouthworks.org
Paul came to us with a cobbled together list of experiences and abilities. Everything from forestry, tree felling, wildfire, and work with at risk youth in wilderness settings has helped shape his love for people and the outdoors. His five years with E-corps have helped him hone his skills in conservation and his passion for trees. Paul is an ISA Certified Arborist and on any given weekend if he is not spending time with his family you will probably find him climbing trees.
Seth Van Horn – Field Coordinator / Recruiter
svanhorn@americanyouthworks.org
Seth has been at American YouthWorks for the past two years, but has been working in the field of conservation since graduating from Ohio University in 2004. He started his career as a crew member with the SCA Desert Restoration Corps in Southern California before moving on to Alaska to serve as a Team Leader and Field Coordinator for the Southeast Alaska Guidance Association (SAGA). Over the years he has developed a passion for wild places and outdoor pursuits, and when he’s not working you may find him climbing, cycling, or just enjoying life in Austin.
