UK & US STAFF

Daniella Noykova, Operations Manager

Daniella joined Greenforce shortly after arriving in the UK, and worked for a number of years on our financial controls and new project location planning.

In 2004 she moved into Operations, first to assist Alan the previous Operations Manager. Following his move in 2005 to Quito to head up our South America Programme, Daniella now uses her extensive overseas travel experience and dive skills combined with her organisational management training to supervise all aspects of the Volunteers experience, following their arrival in country.

REBECCA FARR, Groups and Volunteer Manager

Rebecca spent a year travelling and working throughout Australia, before studying for a degree in International Tourism Management. Her degree expanded her interest in the industry, in particular Ecotourism. She then continued to develop her knowledge for travel, working at a leading travel advisor followed by a number of years at BAA. Her passion for travel resulted in her backpacking through Thailand, Malaysia and on to Singapore.

Rebecca joins Greenforce to transfer her knowledge and enthusiasm onto volunteers. Rebecca uses her extensive experience to oversee all volunteer recruitment, in particular school, college and university groups.

Laura Chapple, UK Volunteers

Laura provides the first point of contact for most volunteers. If you have any questions on where you are going or want to drop in to discuss creating your ultimate adventure then Laura is waiting for your call!

Laura maintains her travel passion with the longest daily commute at Greenforce!

PAUL Martin, Manager Operations

Paul first trained as an engineer, then following time with the British Army and then the French Foreign Legion he returned to the UK and retrained as a Zoologist. On completion of his study he went out to Africa in 1997 to lead conservation expeditions.

Paul joined Greenforce in 2004, during this time he has set up and led Greenforce expeditions in both Tanzania and the Bahamas as well as visits to other locations. He now is based in London, and along with Daniella, is responsible for the smooth running of our field operations with special responsibility for safety and BSI implementation. He is also running the London Marathon with six Maasai warriors to fund raise for fresh water for their village.

Steve Roley, USA Office, Study Abroad

Steve's combination of a career in the travel business combined with over 10 years teaching Environmental Science and Eco-tourism ideally places him to head up our US operation. Steve and his team bring their field experience, to assist US Volunteers in preparing for their Greenforce Expedition, as well as those who wish to utilise their College Credit by undertaking a degree in the USA.

BeTSY HECKMAN, USA Office, College Liaison

Betsy developed her knowledge of Study Abroad working within an East Coast college advising both inbound international students as well as out bound US students. Thus she uniquely gained an understanding of the concerns raised when arriving into a new country as well as the questions posed by US students, typically traveling for the first time, overseas.

Following her move to another college and a position within their study abroad department, she went on to lead students on overseas field visits and educational programs. It was during such a tour in Europe that she met up with Greenforce. Now following a period of time with Greenforce study abroad Manager in California, Betsy is based on the East Coast from where she attends both Study Abroad shows as well as offering face to face advice, in both the selection of the correct program as well as the preparation for departure on a Greenforce program.

Mat Colmer, Environmental Impact Manager

Mat worked in Belize as a Science Officer with Coral Cay Conservation. In 1998 he joined Greenforce in Borneo for two years as Science Officer. Mat also worked for AUSTROP in Cape Tribulation in Northern Queensland, Australia and the National Parks Service, USA. On completion of his Masters, he rejoined Greenforce as our in house Marine Science Coordinator in 2003 overseeing all marine projects scientific output.

Mat ensures effective scientific data is provided to the host country in internationally agreed formats, as well as positive environmental impacts.

Dr Mark Spalding, Scientific Advisor

Mark is a lecturer at Cambridge University and has worked on coral reefs in over 20 countries. He is currently focused on coral reef fish of the Indian Ocean. Dr Spalding oversees the scientific direction of the Greenforce marine projects and their interrelationship with the Global Scientific community.

Mark runs a major program to map the world's coral reefs and mangrove forests. He is also the author of: The World Mangrove Atlas, Reefs at Risk, and The World Atlas of Coral Reefs.

Dr Jon Dallimore, Safety and Medical Advisor

Jon is a GP working in the emergency department of Bristol Royal Infirmary and lecturing at Bristol University, he has a Masters in Travel Medicine. He has also undertaken expeditions to Namibia, Sinai and Northern Kenya, Sulawesi, Belize, Thailand and Ecuador, plus Arctic Greenland and high altitude climbs to Nepal, Pakistan, East Africa and the Andes. Jon is a contributing author to the Royal Geographical Society's book Expedition Medicine.

Jon has written the Medical Packs provided to all Greenforce volunteers and also oversees all medical and safety issues.

Marcus Watts, Managing Director

A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, link member of the United Nations General Assembly, committee member of the UK Government supported Year Out Group.

Marcus has also managed UK Government Funded Program in Mozambique, conservation in action with the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and further successful projects with World Wild Life Fund and the Red Cross, as well as practical expedition experience on all the major continents.

Marcus Watts on BBC News - Maasai Marathon.