Our Team

jackee riccio

executive director & co-founder

Jackee’s career as a wildlife biologist and conservationist has brought her the honor of working with a variety of species and cultures. Living in Humboldt County, she recognized the need for a non-regulatory environmental organization to engage with the local industry, and co-founded CFC in 2018. She continues to develop CFC’s conservation programs, and expand our environmental work to new frontiers and communities. Jackee is an avid horseback rider and backcountry packer, backpacker, skiier, and traveler.

Email: jackee@cannabisforconservation.org

VANESSA MONTELLANO

PRogram coordinator

Vanessa holds a master’s degree in Conservation & Restoration Science from UC Irvine and a graduate certificate in GIS from USC. With over five years of experience, she has honed her project management skills while building a strong foundation in environmental science. Her research spans microbial communities across diverse ecosystems and their ecological and health impacts, avian monitoring in Southern California, and GIS applications. Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her three fur babies.

Email: vanessa@cannabisforconservation.org

JANELLE CHOJNACKI

Grants manager

Janelle is a current graduate student in the Wildlife Department at Cal Poly Humboldt and has spent almost a decade studying wildlife, mostly songbirds, and their ecosystems. She's an avid birder, soccer player, whitewater kayaker, and gardener and loves being part of the incredible outdoor and environmental community in Humboldt County. 

Email: janelle@cannabisforconservation.org

BOARD

Jackee Riccio, President

Dane Curry, Vice President

Malia Ortiz, Secretary

Mary Dorman, Treasurer

Mollie Holland, Board Member