About

Meet the Board of Directors!

Helen Toledo: Founder

Helen is the founder of the Buffalo Women of Environmental Learning and Leadership (BWELL). She has a B.S. in Environmental Geosciences from the University at Buffalo and holds a M.S. in Great Lakes Environmental Science from SUNY Buffalo State.

Helen is an environmental educator who aims to effectively communicate environmental impacts through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She believes that bringing new voices, ideas, and perspectives from within our community is crucial to creating a sustainable and resilient future.

Sarah Baillie: President

Sarah is a nature nerd who likes finding new hiking trails and spots to kayak along with occasionally trying to birdwatch while running. She enjoys how BWELL brings people out to enjoy the outdoors together.

Deana Guarino: Vice President

Deana is an avid WNY hiker and loves being outdoors. She joined BWELL in order to share her love of hiking with others and connect with other women who enjoy protecting our outdoor space. She loves stewardess tasks- enjoying invasive species talks, bringing ‘indoor-sy people’ on her favorite hikes or bringing a garbage bag on a hike.

Cassie Pelz: Treasurer

Cassie’s interest in the environment and the desire to make a difference in the nature community led her to join BWELL. She enjoys spending time outdoors whether it is hiking, kayaking, or reading a good book in the hammock. She never passes up an opportunity to check out a cool bug or plant while gardening and loves sharing the wonder that is nature with others!

Jennifer Crane: Secretary

Jenn is an avid hiker, guide, and science educator She is passionate about connecting people with the outdoors and loves to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. Jenn joined the BWELL board to share her love for nature and help expand outdoor education opportunities for everyone in Western New York. Nature can be found anywhere and can be accessible to all. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her hiking, and paddle boarding or kayaking during the summer months.

Breanna Robirds: Board Director

Breanna (Bree) is passionate about people, learning, and the planet, a perfect blend to contribute to BWELL! She loves long, peaceful camping trips, backpacking, local shows, and helping others whenever she can!

If you catch Bree in the wild she could talk for hours about sustainable living, cool bugs, foraging mushrooms, or her cats!

Julia Roetzer: Board Director

Julia loves to inspire people to be as sustainable as possible. She enjoys meeting and talking to new people about our communities and the environment. When she isn’t tabling an event or networking, she is rock climbing, hiking, or relaxing around a campfire!