Green Schools Team

Staff

We are dedicated to assisting all public and private schools in Clark County. Contact us for guidance in waste reduction, composting, recycling and sustainability efforts in your schools. We're here to help!

  • Michelle Sanow
  • Ellen Ives
  • Sami Springs
  • Kaley McLachlan-Burton
  • Michelle Sanow

    Michelle Sanow

    Michelle Sanow is your Clark County Green Schools partner, encouraging green practices and sustainability in all of our schools, public and private. She is passionate about waste reduction and recycling, especially growing and inspiring young environmental leaders to make a difference for future generations.

    Michelle has lived in Clark County for 21 years and has four children in local schools. She is amazed by the passion she sees from students, teachers and staff and is excited to be a part of lasting change in the Clark County educational community.

    564.397.7338

  • Ellen Ives

    Ellen Ives

    Ellen Ives is a Waste Connections educator in Sustainability and Waste Reduction. She spends much of her time in schools inspiring them to foster a school-wide green culture. Ellen teaches lessons and leads activities to provide each person with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, attitude, commitment and skills needed to “rethink waste” and change behaviors to protect and improve our environment.

    Ellen has been a motivating member of our community for many years. Prior to working for Waste Connections, she was a teacher in Clark County schools. Ellen is well known for her dedication and work educating future environmental leaders and their green team’s successful projects throughout the school district.

    In April 2018, Ellen was honored as a Green Medalist by Washington Green Schools for her individual contributions to the environment and making a lasting impact with youth.

    360.449.8396

  • Sami Springs

    Sami Springs

    Sami Springs is Clark County Green Schools' newest team member. After graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in Environmental Sciences and a minor in Spanish, Sami moved to Portland to pursue a career in sustainability education and programs. She served as an AmeriCorps member with Portland Public Schools, teaching students about sustainability and implementing resource conservation strategies. Sami has also worked as the Education Coordinator with SCRAP, a nonprofit focused on creative reuse. She is very passionate about educating others about climate change, advocating for social justice and volunteering in her local community. When Sami's off the clock, she enjoys seeing live music, hanging out with friends, petting dogs and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

    564.397.7331

  • Kaley McLachlan-Burton

    Kaley McLachlan-Burton

    Kaley McLachlan-Burton is the Communications Coordinator for Clark County Solid Waste and Environmental Outreach, which includes the Clark County Green Schools program. You'll see her out in schools filming, photographing and documenting the amazing work done by local school green teams, to help share their stories. She also manages our website, social media, newsletter, fliers and other communications materials. After receiving degrees in environmental studies and biology from the University of Washington, Kaley worked in environmental education and outreach in both the public and nonprofit sectors. When she's not at work she most enjoys reading, crafting and exploring with her husband and two rescue dogs.

    564.397.7329