Chris Howes
Chris grew up in the Central San Joaquin Valley near Bakersfield, CA. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a minor in Fine Art Photography from California State University Bakersfield. He began a 33 year career with State Farm and led many claims operations all over the country, while earning several degrees in insurance, including Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter.Chris is a passionate scuba diver and photographer of the underwater environment. He is committed to bringing that fascinating world to those curious souls who are unable to travel below the sea.Chris loves water of all kinds. Living nearby, he quickly discovered the San Joaquin River and committed his efforts to the care, survival and public enjoyment of the River. He has been in a kayak since he was a Boy Scout, and finds the gentle glide of the boat downstream quite peaceful.
Chase Bryant
Chase Bryant graduated from Clovis West High School and is currently enrolled at Fresno City College as well as Clovis Community College with an end goal being a Masters in Physical Therapy with a specialty in sports science. The amount of outdoor activities are endless but the main ones include Disc Golf, Fishing, Kayaking, and hiking. Chase is always on the look out for a new bird as well. One of the main reasons Chase is happy to work for the River Parkway Trust is because of the work they do in education and helping people experience the fun and beauty that Fresno can offer.
Elizabeth Melendez
Elizabeth is a current Fresno State student in the Recreation Administration Department. She enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping, surfing, and climbing but is always down to try new things. She is looking forward to working with the River Parkway Trust to continue creating a fun and welcoming environment for people to enjoy the San Joaquin River!
Stephanie Lehman
Yosagandhi (Josie) Gonzalez
Yosagandhi is a proud alumna of both Fresno City College and Fresno State where she earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Chemistry. She is a lifelong learner with a passion for exploring new ideas and perspectives. She especially loves studying philosophy, with a particular fondness for Plato’s works, which inspire her to think critically and deeply about the world. She’s happiest when she’s near water, whether it’s paddle boarding, rafting, swimming or just soaking up the sun by the river.As a Fresno native, she recognizes the significance of the San Joaquin River and its role in the community. Reflecting on her limited outdoor experiences growing up, she is now deeply committed to exploring and understanding this vital natural resource. Joining the River Parkway Trust aligns with her vision of creating greater access to the river while promoting respect and environmental consciousness among individuals and communities."
Jace McKesson
Jace McKesson is a lifelong friend of nature and a lover of the outdoors. Oftentimes you will find them hiking, camping, and swimming in the beautiful rivers and lakes of California. As a self-proclaimed “river rat” Jace decided to join the Parkway to increase her time on the water and to contribute to sharing the wonders of the San Joaquin River to Central Valley residents. It is their hope that more folks of all different backgrounds will come to experience the beauty of our natural world and inspire them to protect and preserve our rivers and landscapes for future generations to enjoy.
Kayla Vander Schuur
Kayla earned her Bachelors in Ecology from Azusa Pacific University and currently works for a local nonprofit to achieve environmental justice for our rural communities. In her free time, she enjoys hiking in the Sierras and wiping out on her surfboard up and down the Central Coast. She is excited to work with the Parkway Trust to support their mission of preserving and increasing access to natural spaces, as well as helping visitors develop a love and understanding of our local habitats.
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Keith Cowan
Theodore (Theo) Criscuolo
Theodore is a U.S. Navy veteran who served 10 years as an air traffic controller before earning a bachelor's degree in Geography with a minor in Recreation Administration from CSU Fresno. He was born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains of New Jersey and was lucky enough to have the Appalachian Trail pass through his hometown. The Navy brought him to California in 2012, and he has lived here ever since. He commenced his journey with the River Parkway Trust in the fall of 2025 as a volunteer Education Programs Docent. Theodore is an outdoor enthusiast who is open to almost anything outdoors, but really enjoys hiking, camping, and backpacking because of their relaxing nature, and he tends to take things slow. He also enjoys learning about the geography and history of the natural spaces he frequents.
Rebeca (Beca) Pessoa
Beca has over a decade of experience as an outdoor educator with a focus on nature-based community healing. She has a Bachelor's degree in Peace and Justice Studies from Tufts University, and is a life-long student of the Earth. Beca has traveled the world exploring indigenous intersections of culture and nature, and deepening her relationships with ancestral practices. She enjoys foraging for medicinal herbs, growing her own food, bathing in waterfalls, and caring for animals. Beca is excited to foster connections between human beings and the flora & fauna of the San Joaquin Watershed, inviting folks to reconnect to the ecosystem that we're a part of, and empowering a positive change in our community.
Sophie Jimenez
Sophie Jiménez, a proud Fresno native, is a distinguished alumna of Central High and Fresno State, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Her previous work as a paraprofessional within Fresno Unified School District providing support to students with special needs prepares her for inclusion opportunities she will be involved in at the River Parkway. In her free time, Sophie enjoys exercising, spending time in nature, going to various sporting events, and spending quality time with friends and family. Sophie is always learning about new, fun Fresno experiences and community groups, such as the Fresno Mycology Society and Latino Outdoors Fresno.