Our Story

Whether through volunteering, donating, advocating, or the small everyday choices you make, you participate in creating a safe, healthy, and resilient world.

President

Megan strongly values service, family time, and volunteerism with her focus on environmental and youth programs. She works in her family’s business and additionally serves on the Hanalei Initiative’s Board of Directors.

Vice President

An educator and teacher for Kamehameha Schools serves on Kukulu Kumuhana O Anahola’s Board of Directors and works towards inclusive and healthy youth services.

Treasurer

Johanna has worked with nonprofit and island projects for over 20 years in a variety of capacities from volunteer to consultant to leadership roles. Passionate about community capacity building and self-direction, Johanna is currently on staff at Hanalei Initiative and Waipa Foundation and also serves on the board of the Namahana Education Foundation.

Secretary

Morgan is interested in the relationship between urban communities, our changing environment, and human wellbeing. Currently, she works as an environmental consultant on O‘ahu in building and earth science-related projects. She enjoys engaging the community in learning about environmental issues and what we can do to take action.

Founder of Kanuikapono and current Executive Director at Kanuikapono Learning Center, Ipo works toward growing both strong and inspired students as well as native plants.

Gordon LaBedz is a retired family physician living on West Kaua'i. He has been involved in the environmental movement since the first Earth Day Parade in New York City. He was a founder and an organizer of the National Surfrider Foundation and a local, state and national leader of the Sierra Club. He is presently chair of the local Surfrider Foundation chapter.

Dr. Uma Nagendra is the Conservation Operations Manager and Ecologist at NTBG’s Limahuli Garden and Preserve on Kaua’i, where she is responsible for leading biocultural conservation projects within the 1,000-acre Preserve. Uma has a Ph.D. in disturbance ecology and is deeply interested in ecological and cultural resilience while connecting modern science to traditional ecological practice and knowledge.

Director of Resource Stewardship

Rhian Campbell brings over 20 years of experience growing plants on Kauaʻi and has held leadership roles in organizations dedicated to native plant conservation, agriculture, disaster response, community capacity building, and home gardening education. With an MBA specializing in Environmental Management, Rhian believes that the health of people is intrinsically tied to the health of the planet—and that restoring balance starts at home.

Director of Development 

Kaylin Flaxman drives Understory Alliance’s mission by leading grant writing, fundraising, and donor engagement. With a degree in Environmental Studies and experience with nonprofits like the Surfrider Foundation and Food Recovery Network, she excels at building meaningful relationships that inspire support.

Executive Director & Founder

With over 20 years in education, Sari has served as a classroom teacher, nonprofit school director, and aloha ʻāina education coordinator. She works with local and global communities to develop programs centered on conservation and aloha ʻāina. Rooted in her belief in the reciprocal relationship between people and place, Sari is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections for all.