Julie Fisher

Julie, a lifelong Austinite, is shaping the future of Austin’s beloved Hike-and-Bike Trail. Passionate about accessibility, education, and sustainability, she brings corporate expertise and deep community ties to her role. Whether forging partnerships, advocating for green space, or inspiring future TrailHeads, Julie is dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and connecting the Butler Trail for all.

Rikki Hardy

A Central Texas native with a heart for Austin and a deep appreciation for its culture, Rikki has always found purpose in connecting people to the causes they care about most. Rikki brings more than a decade of experience building lasting relationships, championing community impact, and stewarding transformational giving in Austin. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Donor Relations & Community Engagement at HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians), where she led major giving programs, corporate partnerships, and fundraising efforts for signature events that have become staples in Austin’s music community.

Mandi Thomas

Mandi brings over 25 years of marketing and event experience to The Trail Conservancy, having worked in both corporate and non-profit sectors. She has extensive experience in building and promoting brands and curating experiences through creative placemaking, programming, and events. Mandi is passionate about bringing the community together and believes that the Trail is one of Austin’s most important (and loved) public spaces – a place everyone uses for either emotional reprieve, to recharge through activity, or as a shortcut for getting from one place to the next. When she isn’t enjoying the Trail with her dogs, Mandi is most likely on the lake paddle boarding with her husband, singing and dancing with friends at a concert, or cheering on her teenage daughter.

Charlotte Tonsor

Charlotte is a native Texan with over 19 years of experience in landscape architecture and project management in Austin and across Texas. She has led and designed projects ranging from parks to corporate campuses and sports venues to children’s gardens. A country girl at heart, she is passionate about outdoor spaces in the city for everyone to use and enjoy. She believes that The Trail and Lady Bird Lake are the crown jewels of our city and that experiencing nature can change people’s lives, as it did hers when she started walking The Trail in 2000. She spends her free time pretending to be a Food Network Star, singing in her car, searching for perfect plant combinations, and road-tripping with her husband and two kids across the country (lots of times in a travel trailer).

Grady Reed

Andrew P. Cortez

Andrew comes to The Trail Conservancy with over 30 years of experience in the government, private, and nonprofit sectors. His extensive experience as a CPA includes roles such as Director of Accounting, Internal Audit Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Business Manager, and Controller. Andrew has contributed to his community by volunteering and serving on various Boards of Trustees. Andrew is an avid runner, cyclist, boxer, and qigong practitioner and has been enjoying the Butler Trail since the late 1970s. He considers the Trail his favorite outdoor spot to ‘recharge’.

Nick Blok

Nick joined The Trail Conservancy with four years of experience in both public and private development in Central Texas. His greatest passion lies in creating public spaces where people can have experiences that help them to write their own stories and create memories. With a background as a landscape architect, Nick has a strong understanding and appreciation for the urban and natural environments along the Trail and the value that each brings. In his spare time, Nick is an avid birdwatcher and photographer.

Lila Weatherly Rivera

Kayla Brown

Kayla joins The Trail Conservancy with a background in events, membership management, and donor relations. She is passionate about preserving Austin’s outdoor havens and leverages her experience to support conservation efforts and community engagement. Kayla holds a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School at the University of Texas and a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. When she’s not working, you might find her cooking a Bon Appétit recipe, singing car karaoke, or road-tripping with her husband and pup.

Deena Estrada Salinas

Nicholas “Teddy” Tedder

Teddy earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Parks Management from East Carolina University and brings over 15 years of experience in both landscaping and construction to The Trail Conservancy. Teddy’s experience includes maintaining collegiate-level ballfields and building custom outdoor living spaces. Before moving to Texas from North Carolina in the spring of 2023, he managed nature preserves, where he planned, designed, and implemented new trail systems. Working on the trail has always brought him the most joy because it creates a space for all to enjoy the outdoors. While it is nice to enjoy the Trail, Teddy enjoys time with his family, woodworking, boardgames, and playing billiards.

Jonatan Salinas

Jonatan comes to The Trail Conservancy with experience in ecology, restoration, and community engagement. He is passionate about creating inclusive green spaces for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. As a fellow Austinite, he enjoys walking the Greenbelt, exploring neighborhood parks, and eating breakfast tacos.

Maddy Kelly

Maddy earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration from Texas State University. While at Texas State, she helped orchestrate the school’s annual Bobcat Build event each year – the largest service project on campus where students volunteer through projects such as landscaping, planting, or clean-ups at local schools, parks, and neighborhoods.  Maddy is passionate about the mission of The Trail Conservancy and actively builds community along the Trail through programming and community engagement.

Justin Hayes

Justin has been in the landscaping industry for 28 years. He got his start running his own lawn care company in Lubbock, Texas, and then, in 2008, moved to the Austin area where he worked as a gardener, crew leader, and eventually Supervisor for Landscape Services at U.T. Austin. For 7 years, he helped build and manage the Dell Seton Health District Landscape, a SITES Gold status landscape which also achieved Re:wild Platinum status. He has worked and specializes in native meadows, rooftop gardens, riparian restoration, pervious pavement systems, bioswales, electric equipment, compost and compost tea, non-chemical invasive management, and organic soil and care practices. He is also an Accredited Landcare Professional through NOFA and is certified as Level 4 with the Native Plant Society of Texas. He achieved Best Turf in Texas with the Texas Turf Association in 2012 for his work on the entrance to the University of Texas. He has a passion for caring for soil and plants and enjoys microscopy to see all the living critters in the soil.

Bailey Armosky

Bailey earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from St. Edward’s University in 2024. She brings experience in social media management and graphic design to the team. Her passion for serving communities started while working for a Texas public education policy and advocacy non-profit. Now, she hopes to continue positively impacting lives at The Trail Conservancy. Outside work, Bailey loves trying new coffee spots in town, going antiquing, and exploring museums and aquariums.

Thomas Minucci

Thomas is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Environmental Science (CES) and a minor in Ecology.  He has experience in environmental regulation, sustainable landscaping, and invasive species management and his goal is to help enhance and protect the green spaces shared and loved by everyone!  When he’s not working, Thomas likes to explore Austin’s great live music, stand-up comedy, and food scenes.  He also enjoys watching football (go Packers!) in the fall, and enjoying the wildflowers in the spring.

Traci Stone

Traci joined TTC in 2023, bringing her experience in grant administration from her previous work in human services. She has been a resident of Austin since 1996 and loves the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. Traci has been using the Trail for years, starting with walking her children in strollers and now enjoying family walks, bike rides, and runs. She considers it an honor to be able to contribute to the Trail and Austin through her role as a Grants Associate for The Trail Conservancy.

Holly Thoden

Holly has spent her career in the relationship business, and putting a smile on people’s faces is something she takes quite seriously! As TTC’s Stewardship Associate, she is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with donors and supporters, ensuring proper acknowledgment and recognition, providing project updates, and helping with events. The Trail is a place that Holly and her family have loved since they moved to Austin 20 years ago.

Collin McMichael

Collin holds a Master’s degree from Wesleyan University in Biology and an arborist certification through ISA.  He comes to the Trail Conservancy with 5 years of Central Texas tree-care experience and 13 years of experience working in the field of ecology.  Collin is a major enthusiast of the healing aspects of nature and positive outdoor experiences and aims to make these more accessible to all Austinites.  Outside of conservation and land stewardship, he can usually be found gardening, painting, or reading sci-fi.

John Scott

John graduated from St. Edward’s University in 2023 with a degree in Environmental Science and Policy. He comes to The Trail Conservancy with a background in grassland ecology and skills in park maintenance. Together he aims to improve humans’ connection to the environment and the state of the environment. When not working, he’s often watching bad tv, exploring or listening to music.

Marycarmen Hernandez

Marycarmen is a University of Texas at Austin senior majoring in marketing. She has experience working with different non-profits and is passionate about creating change within her community. As an Austinite, she enjoys walks along the Butler Trail.

Leo Carreto

David Guzman

David Guzman was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and is currently a senior at St. Edward’s University, set to graduate in May 2025 with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Psychology. David is passionate about advocating for those who need a voice and ensuring their concerns are heard. In his free time, he enjoys reading, spending time with friends, exploring the outdoors, and watching good movies. Excited for the future, David looks forward to the opportunities and experiences he has yet to imagine.