Meet The Crew

Hello!

My name is Brandon Olson, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Education and Outreach Coordinator with the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District. I officially joined the team on August 21st, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the important conservation efforts happening here in our community.

A little about me: I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in environmental sustainability studies and worked for Bloomington Parks and Recreation as an educator for roughly four years. I often taught programs about insects or covered herpetology topics! Outside of work I enjoy volunteering in youth basketball programs or spending time outside hiking or birding.

I’m looking forward to learning from the wealth of knowledge already within the SWCD and connecting with our partners, landowners, and community members!

Hello, my name is Josiah Hartman. I have recently joined the team at Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District as the Conservation Program Field Technician. It would be an understatement to say that I am excited for this opportunity! I graduated from Grace College in 2016 with a B.S. in Environmental Science. Since then, I have gained a wide range of experience as a Restoration Field Technician and an Environmental Health Specialist across multiple jobs and volunteer opportunities. I have collaborated with team members to abate environmental public health threats and implement numerous environmental restoration projects across multiple states. Conservation of our natural resources and educating people about good conservation practices have always been a passion of mine. 

I spend most of my free time with friends and family exploring state and local parks or any other natural place. I love to fish, hike, kayak, and camp any chance I get. My daughter and I are always looking for new places to explore and adventures to embark on. I look forward to working with the community and all the new people I will meet. Feel free to stop by our office or give me a call to learn more about what I do.

Originally from southern Indiana, Chad has been working in Kosciusko County since the spring of 2014.  He first visited the area with Huntington tech team while he was a student in training through NRCS and was impressed with the diversity of practices, rolling topography, and natural lakes that Kosciusko County has. Chad plays a vital role working with the district by promoting our mission of conserving soil and water. One of his favorite responsibilities is working directly with the landowners and educating them on new conservation practices. Chad stays busy after work helping his triplet’s get to and from their sporting events. On the weekends you might find him kayaking down Tippecanoe River with his wife or hunting with his kids.

Tashina grew up tending gardens, working in the fields, and caring for animals on her family’s horse farm in Allen County. She thrived in the rural atmosphere where she was free to fully enjoy the outdoors. Tashina’s upbringing inspired her to achieve her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Manchester University. Her education took her to many places like the west coast in the Forest Service and to Wisconsin where she worked as a naturalist and recreational guide. We are happy Tashina found us here at Soil and Water.

Outside of work Tashina enjoys life on her hobby farm with her husband and daughter. Their farm includes bird dogs, chickens, horses, cats, honey bees and a turtle. In addition to their critters, they also have a large garden and fruit trees. Her family also enjoys boating and swimming in Chapman Lake on weekends.

Dawn is a lifelong resident of Warsaw and has enjoyed raising her family with her husband Doug.

Most days when she is not at work, you can find her in a jeep or outdoors, taking walks in the trails, doing yoga in the park, or playing with her grandchildren-- picking flowers, blowing bubbles and embarking on adventures. 

She looks forward to collaborating with the people in our area on conserving and enhancing the soil, water and natural resources of our land. If you are ever in the area, stop by the office and say hi!