Pronouns: he/him/his
Alexei spent his childhood traveling all over the world, an experience that helped him develop a deep appreciation for ecological and cultural diversity. His high school experience in the traditional Ute territories of west-central Colorado—and outdoor adventures and ecological inquiries in the area—supported him in kindling a deeper relationship to place, and his desire to root in place has been a theme in his personal and professional life ever since.
Most recently, Alexei worked as Ecology Project International’s Yellowstone Program Manager—partnering with National Park Service researchers, local Tribes, and Montana communities to deliver field science education programs in the cultural and ecological crossing grounds of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. And while Alexei is sad to be saying goodbye to the bison and to the biocultural region they nurture, he is excited to return to the salmon and to Coast Salish territories, where he attended grad school, and where his career in environmental education began.
Alexei is passionate about working with others to cultivate resilient, compassionate communities that care for the ecosystems they are in relationship with. Specifically, he is committed to providing opportunities for youth to build connections to one another, to the land—while grappling with the complex stories the land holds—and to their own capacity to take action towards ecological and community health.
When not working, Alexei can be found in the garden, playing music—primarily bluegrass fiddle, though accordion is his new obsession—or in the mountains—running, ski-mountaineering, or hiking with his partner Aly and dog Oree.
Education: B.A. in Philosophy and German Language/Culture, Colorado College; M.Ed. in Environmental Education and Nonprofit Management, Western Washington University and North Cascades Institute. National Registry Emergency Medical Technician.