Meet our seasonal staff for Summer 2024! We’re so excited to work alongside these folks to protect the waterbodies in the Greater Sebago Lake Region.
Land and Water Outreach Intern – Sara Carlson
Sara Carlson is LEA’s Land and Water Outreach Intern for the summer of 2024. She grew up in Cumberland, ME, and now majors in public health and environmental studies at American University in Washington, D.C. Sara is excited to connect with the Lake Region community while working with LEA this summer.
Water Testing Intern – Hannah Michael
Hannah Michael is one of LEA’s Water Testing Interns for the summer of 2024. She grew up in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, and recently graduated from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine with a B.S. in Biochemistry. In her free time, she enjoys puzzles and baking. She is looking forward to exploring more of Maine this summer!
Water Testing Intern – Catherine Wheaton
Catherine Wheaton is one of LEA’s Water Testing Interns for the summer of 2024. Catherine grew up in Fryeburg, Maine, and currently studies biology at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. In her free time, she enjoys making art and hiking. She’s looking forward to working on the water and being outside this summer.
Meet The Milfoil Crew Captains
The LEA milfoil crew will be back in action this season! We will continue our work on Long Lake, Brandy Pond, the Songo River, and the northern parts of Sebago Lake. We are fortunate to have three returning captains again this year. They will be on the water every day, teaching newer crew members how our program operates and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Our crew leaders are friendly, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to their work. If you spot one of our teams out on the water, any one of our captains will be happy to answer your questions about our work to control invasive variable-leaf milfoil.
Walker
Walker joined LEA in 2017 as a courtesy boat inspector and then transitioned to the milfoil program before becoming a crew captain. Being from Naples and Bridgton, working with LEA on the local rivers and lakes has been very meaningful to him. He’s had the opportunity to work with great people, make lifelong connections, and have a positive impact on the environment he grew up in. Outside of LEA, his passion lies in music. Walker has been performing in various bands since high school, and recently graduated from Wheaton College with a major in music. After the milfoil season this year, he plans to pursue a career in education and composition. Walker is grateful for the opportunities and experiences LEA has provided him and plans to spend his summers on the milfoil boat for as long as he can.
Alec
Alec graduated with a double major in Environmental Science and Environmental Studies from the University of New England. This will be his 5th season with the milfoil team. In the off-season, he works as a math teacher at Kennett High School in North Conway, NH. He lives in Conway with his wife, two kids, and dog. Alec and his family try to get outside as much as possible. He loves hunting, fishing, mountain biking, rock and ice climbing, and paddling.
Morgan
Morgan started on the LEA milfoil crew in 2021 and is now entering her fourth season, and second as a captain! She grew up and still lives in Sebago, and graduated from Lake Region High School in 2020. She’s an avid outdoorswoman and enjoys fly fishing, hunting, and hiking with her father and grandfather. Needless to say, protecting and preserving this area is very important to Morgan! In the off-season, she works as a ski technician and spends a lot of time skiing at Pleasant Mountain. Some of her other hobbies include singing, playing the flute, camping, and cooking. She looks forward to this season, and can’t wait to get back to diving!
Milfoil Crew Members
Clay Stevens
This is Clay Stevens first year with the Milfoil Dive Team. He was raised in Bridgton, Maine, and now studies criminal justice at Southern Maine Community College. He looks forward to helping LEA ensure the lakes are enjoyable for future generations.
Ellie Karatzas
Ellie Karatzas is a part of the milfoil removal crew during the summer of 2024. She is from Durham, New Hampshire, and now studies economics and natural resources conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is super excited to see wildlife while working in the water!
Joseph Jensen
Joseph Jensen is a junior at the University of Maine, Orono, majoring in wildlife ecology. He’s excited to gain some practical experience in the fields of ecology and environmental conservation. Joseph is looking forward to working with a team to protect the lakes.
Isaac Twombly-Wiser
Isaac Twombly-Wiser is a 3rd-year LEA employee who is a proud member of the Milfoil crew. He is from Denmark, ME, and currently studies Marine Biology at the University of Maine. He is quite excited to see snappers and pike while harvesting milfoil in the Songo River.
Quinn Hagerty
Quinn Hagerty is looking forward to his second year on the milfoil crew. He lives in Denmark, Maine, and goes to Fryeburg Academy. He’s excited to pull some plants to help out the lakes.
Grace Butler
Grace Butler is a new milfoil intern for the summer of 2024. She grew up in Wakefield, Massachusetts, and now studies environmental studies at Saint Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont. Grace is excited to work on the water and explore Maine this summer!
Patrick Hall
Patrick Hall is one of LEA’s returning divers for the summer of 2024. He grew up in Gray, ME, and plans on attending the University of Maine Orono. Patrick is looking forward to helping clean the lakes region for the benefit of the community.
Erica Bridge
Erica Bridge is a milfoil removal diver for the Lakes Environmental Association. She grew up in Casco, Maine, and attended St. Joseph’s College. Erica is particularly excited to learn more about Maine’s lake ecosystems.
Alex Kuvaja
This is Alex’s second year in the milfoil crew. He grew up in Bridgton, Maine, and now studies political science and sociology at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham. Alex is excited to see fish, turtles, and other wildlife while diving to harvest milfoil this summer.
Sam Lisowski
Sam Lisowski is one of LEA’s milfoil crew members. He grew up in Harrison, Maine, and is going into his senior year at Maine College of Art and Design majoring in Illustration. He’s excited to see various bird and fish species while out on the water.
