Tina Dierna is a formidable force in social work and community empowerment. A native of the Hudson Valley, Tina's journey began with a bachelor’s degree from Mount Saint Mary’s College, followed by a Master of Social Work from Adelphi University. Her early career as a caseworker with Ulster County Social Services laid a strong foundation for her lifelong commitment to helping others. ​ In 2015, Tina transitioned to the Kingston City School District as a high school social worker, where she quickly distinguished herself through innovative programs that blend volunteer work with youth empowerment and employment. As an Internship & Career Coordinator, and now as the added title of Transition Coordinator, she has tirelessly worked to bridge gaps between education and real-world readiness, demonstrating her passion for nurturing future leaders and connecting communities. She works with over 500 students a year to assist them in their transition and future career planning while also assisting Master Social Worker students by providing University students a place to learn within Kingston High School. To date she has worked with nine MSW students. ​ Tina's visionary approach extends beyond her professional roles. She spearheaded numerous community initiatives, including launching the first Pajama Program Chapter in Ulster and establishing a healthy eating program for Cornell Cooperative. She coached youth ice hockey and participated in grass root organizations like Project TOOL UP! to ensure youth had a voice and participated in meaningful activity. Tina also founded and serves as the faculty advisor of the Period Power! Club at Kingston High School, which aims to reduce period stigma and ensure that every student has access to menstruation products. This initiative has been highlighted in a HUDSY documentary and a TMI Project storytelling series which sheds light on the access disparities for menstruators and the critical issue of period poverty. The documentary, along with the club’s work, is a powerful testament to Tina's dedication to social justice and community health. Stay tuned for the Season 8: TMI Project Story Hour Podcast release. ​ She completed the Chamber of Commerce Ulster Leadership Development Institute in 2020, where she co-chaired the group to launch a youth leadership program. Shortly after the the leadership institute Tina founded her transformation coaching and consulting firm, amplifying her impact on individuals and organizations striving for positive change. Her leadership and dedication have earned her a place on the Wild Earth Board of Directors, reflecting her dynamic personality and unwavering commitment to her community. ​ Tina is also featured in the IMatter Project art exhibit at the Senate Garage in Kingston, a motivational statement to young women who need inspiration. Those featured in “IMatter” installations candidly share their compelling stories, providing insightful, private listening experiences that offer words of wisdom, insight, and love to the audience. ​ Tina Dierna is not just a social worker; she is a catalyst for change, a mentor, and a community leader. Her efforts have left an indelible mark on Kingston, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence and embrace the power of community and transformation.

Emily Seawall relocated from Huntington (Long Island) to Ulster County in high school. She worked at Belleayre mountain, managed farmer’s markets for Bread Alone, participated in athletics, and graduated in 2001. Emily graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Marketing, with minors in Finance and Accounting, while competing as a member of the Cardinals softball team, and acting as a captain for two years. Although grateful for her internship at the Times Union newspaper through the Chamber of Commerce, Emily recognized that, rather than an office job, she would be better suited to work with her hands. Upon graduation, she moved to Colorado, and eventually made her way back to the Hudson Valley, via Newport, Rhode Island, Nantucket, Massachusetts, and New York City. ​ Emily was regularly involved with volunteering at the Unitarian Universalist meeting house and Nantucket Food Pantry, for farm and food distribution projects. She advocated and assisted with legalizing tiny homes in Nantucket; and after her significant investment of time and money, lived in her own tiny home for a year. If not for the trials and tribulations encountered and overcome while building her home, she may have chosen a path other than carpentry. She also holds certificates from Yestermorrow Design and Build School in Sustainable Treehouse Design & Construction and Foundation Fundamentals. Her affinity for puzzles, problem solving, and working with people are all critical components to her success. She honed her skills predominantly through high end renovations in Nantucket and New York City. The pandemic accelerated Emily’s return to the Hudson Valley where she has been operating as a contractor, earned her home inspection license, and aspires to launch her custom furniture business. Emily has always had a passion for projects that level the playing field, particularly by reducing food and housing scarcity and by creating learning opportunities.

Danielle is a master’s-level social work student at Adelphi University who brings together her psychology background, her experience in hospitality and private care, and her deep love for community to Fly the Coop as an intern. Her background gives her a strong foundation in relationship-building, empathy, and direct support. She currently runs a farm stand that connects a community of local farmers to support the mission of shopping locally and ensuring fresh, healthy foods are accessible to everyone. ​ Danielle is grounded in her love for the outdoors and her life as a mother to a bright, spirited five-year-old daughter and two senior dogs. Danielle is committed to shaping a healthier, more equitable food system and driven to create a healthier world for future generations. Her long-term goals focus on policy changes that advance environmental justice and expand access to nutritious, sustainable food for all communities, ensuring that every community has the resources it needs to grow and thrive. ​ As an Ulster County native, Danielle has always felt a deep sense of passion for her community. Family-oriented, kind, and deeply creative, Danielle approaches her work with intelligence, determination, and strong organizational skills. She is someone who advocates boldly, speaks her mind, and consistently chooses to do what is right to guarantee equal opportunities for all.

Rachel is an intern at Fly The COOP, joining the team through Adelphi University's Master of Social Work program, where she is also pursuing an advanced certificate in Environmental Justice. A lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley, she brings a unique foundation to her work, with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Music from Le Moyne College and a paralegal certificate from Marist University. She pairs a deep understanding of human behavior with a creative, kind, and compassionate approach to supporting others. ​ Rachel is passionate about social justice, and believes that advocacy and collective community effort are among the most powerful tools for lasting change. Her interest in environmental justice reflects her belief that every young person deserves access to safe, healthy, and equitable communities. She is dedicated to Fly The COOP's mission to uplift youth through community-driven programs that build real-world skills, confidence, and connection. She is driven by the belief that every young person deserves a supportive network to unlock their potential, build resilience, find their voice, and thrive. ​ Outside of her work and studies, she loves spending time with her 4-year-old daughter, being outdoors, and writing and playing music with her partner in their band.

Nina Arencibia (she/her) is a lifelong Ulster County local whose path has been shaped by community, service, and a deep belief in showing up for others. A Rondout Valley alum with a criminal justice background, she is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Adelphi University. ​ Her work is guided by compassion, justice, and a commitment to supporting low-income families, strengthening community care, and closing gaps in inequality. She is passionate about coordinating social-justice efforts that address food disparities and improve access to essential items and other basic needs. Outside of that work, Nina enjoys spending time with her family and her French bulldog, listening to music, gardening, cooking, and expressing herself through fashion. An animal lover and falconer, she feels most at home in nature and strives to use all she can to help others, live peacefully, and embrace the beauty and meaning of a simpler way of life.