Our Staff
Get to know Our Board.
Kristina Ciari
Strategic Advisor
Kristina "KC" Ciari
Strategic Advisor
KC joined the Arboretum Foundation as Interim Communications Director in January 2025 to help support communications as the Foundation developed a new partnership model with the UW Botanic Gardens. She transitioned to Strategic Advisor in spring 2026. Prior to joining the Arboretum, KC worked as the Director of Membership & Communications at The Mountaineers, where she focused on growing and nurturing a vibrant, engaged community of outdoor enthusiasts. She holds a degree in Business from UW and was a proud member of Husky Marching Band. She’s a backcountry skier and has been known to ski every month of the year, often in a pink tutu. Today, KC enjoys exploring Seattle’s parks with her two young boys.
Molly Dalessandro
Grants Manager
Molly Dalessandro
Grants Manager
Molly joined the Arboretum Foundation in August 2024. As part of the Advancement team, she manages the Foundation’s grant funding portfolio. Prior to joining the Arboretum, she worked in advancement and outreach at University of Washington, as a technical writer for international development organizations, and as a museum educator. She holds degrees from UW and Hope College in Holland, Michigan. When not at work, Molly loves to travel near and far, to walk through beautiful parks, and to relax with her latest knitting project – all of the above with a cup of coffee in hand. She lives in Beacon Hill with her husband, Scott, and two wonderful daughters, Penny and Mona.
Troy Donovan
Operations Manager
Troy Donovan
Operations Manager
Troy has been with the Arboretum Foundation since March of 2026. As our Operations Manager, he manages general office operations and assists with new shop merchandise, event preparation, facilities management, and more. Troy studied Environmental and Outdoor Education at the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining the Arboretum Foundation, he worked with a variety of outdoor education programs across the country in roles ranging from naturalist to operations manager. In his free time, Troy enjoys running, backpacking, cycling, and gardening.
Niall Dunne
Comms Mgr./Bulletin Editor
Niall Dunne
Communications Manager & Bulletin Editor
Niall has been at the Arboretum since June 2007. He manages publications and public relations for the Foundation and edits our norticultural magazine, the Washington Park Arboretum Bulletin. He has an MA in English from University College Dublin and an MS is Ecology & Evolution from Rutgers University. His books include "Easy Compost" (2013), "A Native Plants Reader" (2012), and "Healthy Soils for Sustainable Gardens" (2009), all published by Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG). A former publications editor at BBG, Niall is passionate about plants, conservation, open spaces, and public gardens—including the beautiful Washington Park Arboretum.
Erica Fong
Garden Stewards Assistant
Erica Fong
Garden Stewards Assistant
Erica joined the Arboretum Foundation in March 2026. She works alongside the Arboretum gardeners to host and support the volunteer Garden Stewards, who help weed and care for the plant collections. Erica is a third-generation San Franciscan and attended nearby UC Santa Cruz, studying Computer Science and Education. After a few years as a software engineer in the tech industry, Erica decided to pursue outdoor and community work. Most recently, they worked as the Education, Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator at the University of Washington Farm, developing the farm's programs, farming, and teaching urban agriculture. Outside of work, Erica loves to learn about the Pacific Northwest through its natural and urban places, grow and cook food, and work on art projects.
Alicia Hamilton
Volunteer Programs Manager
Alicia Hamilton
Volunteer Programs Manager
Alicia joined the Arboretum Foundation in early 2025 as the Volunteer Programs Manager, supporting and expanding volunteer programs throughout the Arboretum. She brings over a decade of experience in community engagement, training, and environmental education, including roles at the Sierra Club, where she worked in community organizing and training, and as an interpretive animal keeper at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. She has also developed STEM curricula to inspire curiosity and wonder about the natural world. Alicia studied recreation management at the University of Montana, focusing on public lands and human-nature interactions. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, ocean kayaking, and chasing the dream of discovering Washington’s most elusive treasure—a perfect sandy beach.
Sarah Hilbert
Communications Director
Sarah Hilbert
Communications Director
Sarah Hilbert joined the Arboretum Foundation as Communications Director in April 2026. A University of Washington alum, she brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit and foundation communications, most recently serving as Director of Marketing & Communications at the Pasadena Community Foundation. Sarah’s work spans digital media, content strategy, community engagement, marketing, and event execution, with a focus on clear storytelling and mission-driven impact. After many years in the Los Angeles area, Sarah returned to Seattle in early 2026 with her husband and rejoined their two young adult children, who have also settled in the region. A lifelong learner, she enjoys taking long urban walks, getting lost in a good book, and embracing the outdoors through hiking, gardening, and birdwatching.
Chie Iida
Japanese Garden Programs Mgr.
Chie Iida
Japanese Garden Programs Manager
Chie joined the Foundation in May 2017. She manages the cultural programs and events at the Seattle Japanese Garden. Chie has a B.A. in art from Western Washington University and a degree in restoration horticulture from Edmonds Community College. She is also a certified Master Native Plant Steward and enjoys spending time with other plant enthusiasts. Chie moved to the U.S. from Japan as an exchange student and fell in love with the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She enjoys connecting with people in the community through plants, art, and culture.
Joseph Lantis
IT Manager
Joseph Lantis
IT Manager
Joseph joined the Arboretum Foundation in March 2026 as IT Manager. In this role, he leads the buildout of Seattle Botanic Gardens' technology infrastructure, overseeing systems modernization, Microsoft 365 migration, and the digital tools that support the organization's day-to-day operations. He brings more than 20 years of experience in data analytics, business intelligence, and technical project management, most recently as Manager of Data Analytics Client Services at Cvent. Joseph holds a BA from Sam Houston State University. Outside of work, he enjoys tackling ambitious home-improvement projects, exploring new destinations with his partner, and getting lost in a good novel.
Heather Mabson
Front of House Coordinator
Heather Mabson
Front of House Coordinator
Heather joined the Arboretum Foundation in January 2026 as Front of House Coordinator. In this role, she supports and collaborates with the Arboretum’s visitors, gift shop volunteers, and staff, helping to create welcoming experiences that advance the Foundation’s mission. Previously, Heather has worked in visitor services, public engagement, and event support across museums and community-focused organizations, including the Museum of Pop Culture. She holds a B.A. in Art History from The Evergreen State College and has a passion for arts access, public spaces, and lifelong learning. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, bicycling, and relaxing with a good book.
Anna O'Donnell
Development Director
Anna O'Donnell
Development Director
Anna joined the Arboretum Foundation in January 2026. As Director of Development, she partners with donors, staff, and stakeholders to resource the organization's mission. Previously, she led fundraising efforts at Friends of Waterfront Park and the Burke Museum. Originally from the wilds of Wisconsin, Anna has a BA from Coe College and an MA in Visual Arts Administration from NYU. In her free time, Anna enjoys CrossFitting, running, being a baseball/softball mom, and outdoor activities of all kinds with husband Kevin, teens Alex and Nora, and two adorable but ill-behaved dogs, Otto and Nigel.
Anne Phyfe Palmer
Ann. Fund & Membership Mgr.
Anne Phyfe Palmer
Annual Fund & Membership Manager
Anne Phyfe (it’s a double first name) joined the Arboretum Foundation as Annual Fund and Membership Manager in December 2022. A New Orleans native, she grew up in the Garden District and spent her childhood sniffing gardenia, jasmine, and honeysuckle under the lacy shade of live oaks. Her degree in English Literature and Women’s Studies brought her to the Green Mountains of Vermont before she drove west to Seattle and opened 8 Limbs Yoga Centers. After 24 years of cultivating a business, and authoring three legacy journals with Sasquatch Books, Anne Phyfe is thrilled to contribute to her family’s favorite Seattle park by growing the support for, and membership in, the Arboretum Foundation. She lives in Madison Valley with her husband, Bez, and kids Lily and Coco.
Jared Ridabock
Japanese Garden Programs Coord.
Jared Ridabock
Japanese Garden Programs Coordinator
Jared joined the Arboretum Foundation in September 2024. He coordinates the planning and execution of events at the Seattle Japanese Garden. Jared has a B.A. in Japanese Language and Literature from Portland State University and a Masters in Teaching from the Evergreen State College. Outside of work, Jared spends his time playing music, cooking, and hiking the lush trails of Puget Sound.
Matt Schropp-Lance
Fiscal Analyst
Matt Schropp-Lance
Fiscal Analyst
Matt joined the Arboretum Foundation in August 2019 as Operations Manager. For more than six years, he oversaw general office operations, bookkeeping, gift shop purchasing, and more. In 2026, he became the Fiscal Analyst for Seattle Botanic Gardens and is in charge of accounting for the new organization. Previous jobs include laboring in law firms, managing marine biology summer camps, and teaching high school. He graduated from Florida State University with a BA in Asian Studies and Chinese Language & Culture—and then quickly departed to travel the world. Favorite destinations include the Parvati Valley of Northern India, Indonesia’s Sulawesi isle, and Catalina Island, California. When not at work, Matt can be found relaxing in one of Seattle’s many green spaces, playing with his Welsh corgi, Pippin, planning road trips in the Pacific Northwest, or obsessively checking his fantasy football team.
Hally Swift
Assistant Director of Finance
Hally Swift
Assistant Director of Finance
Hally joined the Arboretum Foundation staff in November 2023. She oversees finances both at the Foundation and its Arboretum partner at the UW Botanic Gardens. Prior to arriving at the Arboretum, she was Director of Finance and Operations at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. She holds a BA from the Evergreen State College and an MBA from the University of Washington. When not at work, Hally loves a good road trip (she’s originally from Eastern Washington), hiking in lonesome places with husband Eric and dog Olive, and gardening.
Rumi Tsuchihashi
Major Gifts Officer
Rumi Tsuchihashi
Major Gifts Officer
Rumi Tsuchihashi joined the Arboretum Foundation in September 2024 as the Major Gifts Officer. She nurtures donor relationships and ensures that our donors' generous gifts are both impactful to the community and meaningful to them. Rumi is a seasoned communicator; her writing has appeared in the "The New York Times," "Arboretum Bulletin," "International Examiner," and the University of Washington website. She’s also the founder of the "Seattle Japanese Garden Blog" and author of an essay collection, "I Want To Remember This: Recognizing the Tiny Moments that Make Up a Life."
Betty Tweedy
Rental and Events Manager
Betty Tweedy
Rental and Events Manager
Betty Tweedy joined the Arboretum Foundation in February 2026 as Rental and Events Manager, overseeing public events and venue rentals at the Washington Park Arboretum and the Center for Urban Horticulture. She brings more than a decade of experience in event operations, including roles with the Sundance Film Festival and most recently with SIFF, where she managed venue rentals and community engagement programs for SIFF Cinema. Born in England, Betty studied at King’s College London and the University of California, Berkeley before making her way to Seattle. In her spare time, she is one of the organizers of the Georgetown Super 8 Film Festival and is learning to sail.