Ecological Studies Staff Ecological Studies has a solid core of natural resource scientists who are recognized as specialists in wildlife. In addition, we maintain a strong association with independent specialists and companies in order to form the best technical team for each project. Biographical profiles for key personnel are included below. Staff - Senior Wildlife & Aquatic Ecologist Ecological Studies 2021 and 2022 Field Team; Eessa (“Ace-a”) Vanderspeck, Noelle Fletcher, Samantha (Sam) Gautreaux, Adelina (“Addy”) Standish, Dawn Reis, and Archie (in the backpack). - Wildlife Biologist - Wildlife Biologist - Wildlife Biologist Eessa Vanderspek, B.A. - Environmental Studies Wildlife Biologist Eessa Vanderspek joined Ecological Studies in 2021 and has been one of the core Field Assistants on the California red-legged frog tadpole rescue and relocation project. She came to Ecological Studies after working for the last decade with habitat restoration on California riparian, maritime chaparral, oak woodland, dune, and grassland habitats and as an educator. As an environmental educator, Eessa focused her classes on the mosaic of California habitats and the relationships between them with animals, people, and place. Eessa is an excellent naturalist, both fun and skilled with endless enthusiastic energy when on task in the field. Dawn K. Reis, M.S. - Aquatic Ecology & Conservation Biology Senior Wildlife & Aquatic Ecologist Evaluation of specific wildlife species within complex fresh water or estuarine ecosystems is Dawn’s specialty. She has expertise with aquatic ecology, raptors (birds of prey) and herpetology. Dawn has conducted fish passage studies in streams and wildlife monitoring studies. She has also designed and implemented studies to assess the hydrological function of both freshwater and estuarine environments. Dawn has performed several other comprehensive studies on California red-legged frog ecology, including habitat studies of both adult frogs and tadpoles. Dawn has conducted focused surveys, habitat evaluations, and Biological Assessments for state and/or federal “Threatened” and “Endangered” species, as well as, state protected “Species of Special Concern” to facilitate Formal Consultation with the regulating agencies. Dawn’s experience includes both large and small scale projects. She conducted the Biological Assessment for California red-legged frogs for the proposed Carmel River Dam and Reservoir Project in 2000. Dawn has also conducted wildlife assessments and developed management plans and recommendations for several open space acquisition and management projects. Dawn began working as a Wildlife and Aquatic Ecologist for environmental consulting firms in 1993. However her career in wildlife conservation extends back to 1987, with marine mammal research projects including work with dolphins, sealions, and, orcas. She has helped restore peregrine falcon, and bald eagle populations. She has also worked as an educator since 1989 and directed an outdoor science school in Mendocino County for four years. Adelina Standish, B.S. - Zoology Wildlife Biologist Adelina Standish (Addy) earned a degree in Zoology from Colorado State University. She has been a core Ecological Studies team member since 2021. During this time, she has been assisting Dawn with the California Red-legged Frog tadpole rescues, relocations and rearing on the Carmel River. Addy’s work with animals is diverse. She worked both as an intern than as staff member at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. As a zookeeper, she has working with all types of animals from small primates and elephants to goats and bears. She has also worked as an intern at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and was part of the Sea Otter Research and Conservation program, helping rehabilitate sea otters back to the wild. Addy is a life-long scholar, continually seeking out learning opportunities, such as workshops and classes, with animal husbandry and conservation. She also pairs her scientific knowledge with her art, focusing on drawing animals, botanicals, and landscapes. She is a competent, joyous, skilled member of the Ecological Studies team. She is extremely passionate about protecting our natural world and providing a voice for the wildlife whose welfare is in our hands.
© Dawn Reis Ecological Studies. All Rights Reserved.
Noelle Fletcher, MS - Environmental Sciences & Policy Wildlife Biologist Noelle Fletcher comes to Ecological Studies with a background in herpetological conservation and community outreach. Her experience includes extensive work with snake and frog species in California’s Central Coast and Northern Arizona, as well as leading efforts and workshops to increase community engagement and stewardship of protected wildlife and habitats. Noelle has a passion for all things herps, and can often be found outside looking under rocks and logs for reptiles and amphibians.
Noelle Fletcher
Eessa Vanderspek
Adelina Standish
Dawn Reis
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Addy Standish’s Resume (PDF)
Dawn Reis' Resume (PDF)
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Eessa Vanderspek’s Resume (PDF)
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Noelle Fletcher’s Resume (PDF)