Our Valuable Staff Members

Anne Brasie
Anne BrasieExecutive Director
Anne joined the CRWC in late 2017. She has worked in nonprofit management, marketing and fundraising for water quality and land protection organizations for more than twenty years, including positions at The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy. She has a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan and an MBA in Marketing from DePaul University.

As Executive Director, Anne is responsible for the overseeing day-to-day operations, supporting staff in their work, managing external relationships with partner agencies, community organizations, local and regional governments, financial management and long-term planning for CRWC. Anne recently moved from the Traverse City area and is enjoying getting to know her new Southeast Michigan home.

Amanda Oparka
Amanda OparkaWatershed Planner
Amanda has been with CRWC since Spring 2011 when she worked as an intern. She was recently promoted to Watershed Planner and is currently working on her Masters degree at Wayne State University in Urban Planning.

As Watershed Planner she works in coordination with the Executive Director to support CRWC’s WaterTowns blue way vision and the council’s efforts to promote Green Infrastructure for the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair.

Eric Diesing
Eric DiesingEnvironmental Scientist
Eric joined CRWC as the Environmental Scientist in the spring of 2016 after participating as an intern in 2015. Eric graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Science with a specialization in environmental sustainability and resource management, as well as a biology minor. He assists with watershed programs such as Adopt-A-Stream and Stream Leaders, as well as ecological applications and field work. Eric has also manages the RiverSafe LakeSafe program. In his off time, Eric enjoys hiking and kayaking as well as being an avid reptile and amphibian keeper.
Melissa Golembieski
Melissa GolembieskiMembership and Office Operations Coordinator
Melissa interned with the CRWC for 3 summers while in school. She graduated from Oakland University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science with a specialization in Environmental Sustainability and Resource Management. Melissa works in a variety of areas with the CRWC including membership and donor management, office administration as well as assistance in stormwater education programs.

Melissa is currently pursing a Masters in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing at Wayne State University. In her free time Melissa enjoys being outside by any body of water, photography, and crocheting.

Katie Yates
Katie Yates Program Assistant
Katie interned seasonally in 2016 and 2017. She is currently earning her GIS certificate, and Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a concentration in Science. Beginning in February of 2018 Katie stepped into a new position at the CRWC as program assistant.

In her free time she enjoys hanging out with her family, backpacking, kayaking, and gardening.

Janice Sugden
Janice SugdenAccountant
Janice has been an accounting professional for over 20 years.
She works part time and is oversees the day to day finances of the council. She has a bachelors degree from Ferris State University.

In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family.