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.

Esther is a Licensed Social Worker working in community mental health with youth. Esther relocated from Austin, Texas to Kingston at the beginning of 2023 to be closer to family and the beautiful environment of the Hudson Valley. Esther received a Bachelor’s in Social Work at Cal-poly Humboldt and a Masters in Social Work at Texas State University. In her graduate field placement Esther interned at Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center as a mobile outreach coordinator where she learned about harm reduction and coordinating housing. Throughout her time in school and working in the different organizations of schools, community centers, and low income housing, Esther has aided in the development of programs, events, and services to meet the unique needs of the different communities she has worked with. Esther is passionate about finding ways to support young people transition to adulthood while fighting against systems of oppression like the prison industrial complex and homelessness. In addition, Esther believes that along side of clinical work, wellness is rooted through building positive connections, being understood through self expression, and fostering growth through learning. In her free time Esther enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and cat Turnip. She loves traveling, trying new things, cooking, and spending time in nature.