Get to know the Funga crew with this newest installment of our "Meet the Team" series. Come back monthly to meet more team members, hear about their journey to Funga, and understand their vital role in our community.
We’re big fans of the “Today I get to….” mentality. So, what do you get to do every day at Funga?
I get to be the “boots on the ground” face of Funga. I often travel to meet our landowners and help to ensure our projects align with their goals. I get to see our trees go in the ground, and get to measure them as they grow. Along the way, I’ve driven thousands of miles, and have met countless amazing people working hard to make a positive impact on the environment. Every day brings new experiences, and I’m proud to be part of a team dedicated to making a real difference.
If you had to explain what Funga does to a third grader, what would you say?
At Funga, we believe that soil is alive! Imagine there are tiny, invisible creatures in the soil, like fungi, that help plants grow strong and healthy. These little fungi are so important for forests, but scientists are just starting to understand how amazing they really are.
We use special technology, like DNA testing and fancy computer work, to study the tiny organisms in the soil. By putting the right fungi in the right places, we can help trees grow faster and healthier, store more carbon to fight climate change, and create wood for building things. Our work helps forests become stronger and more resilient, which is really important for the planet!
Tell us a little bit about your life. How did it lead you to Funga?
I’ve always been passionate about the outdoors, which led me to earn a degree in Natural Resource Management from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Growing up, I knew I wanted a job that would keep me outside, getting my hands dirty and making an impact. Before Funga, I worked in forestry consulting, but I was eager to push boundaries and try something that challenges the traditional ways of doing things. That’s when Funga caught my eye—an exciting opportunity to be part of something innovative and game-changing in forestry!
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is definitely the travel! I love meeting landowners, connecting with other foresters, and spending time outdoors. Whether it’s exploring new places or working alongside passionate people, every day offers something exciting and different!
What is one workflow/productivity tool or trick that you can’t live without?
Make it fun! I know that’s easier said than done, but at Funga, we really make it happen. Whether it's having a teammate by your side on a hot, tough day in the field, or spicing up a long meeting with a well-timed joke, we find ways to stay engaged and keep the energy high. We turn challenges into games, crack jokes, and keep the vibe light—before you know it, the work’s done and we’re still laughing. At Funga, the fun never stops!
What trivia round would you know every answer to?
If there’s one trivia round I’d absolutely crush, it’s The Office trivia! I can quote just about every line and remember the most random details—whether it's a killer Dwight quote or the absurd drama of the Dundies. I’ve seen the series so many times, I know who’s going to do what and when for every episode. It’s a show that’s not only hilarious but also surprisingly full of life lessons—and I’m pretty sure I could give any 'Office' trivia master a run for their money!
Can you share a favorite memory of/with the Funga team?
One of my favorite memories with the Funga team was when we traveled to different nurseries to inoculate our seedlings. It was a tough few days—long hours and hard work—but our team made it fun. The real fun came on our day off, though, when we went to the beach. We made up our own game and just let loose. What really made it special was the car ride—we had the chance to chat and get to know each other better outside of work, which made the whole trip feel like more than just a job. It was a perfect mix of work and play!