Staff

CISMA Program Coordinator

Michael Hindy

A native to Fowlerville, Michigan, Michael attained his bachelor's degree from Cornerstone University in 2016 and continued his education pursuing his master's degree at Central Michigan University. Prior to joining the CISMA, Michael worked a variety of seasonal and full-time jobs conducting bird research and native plant restoration throughout the Midwest.

Under the guidance of the steering committee, Michael leads the strike team invasive species management efforts, engages the partner network, plans workshops and events, provides outreach materials, manages the CISMA social media accounts, and pursues funding opportunities for CISMA activities.

Beyond the CISMA, Michael enjoys exercising, hiking with his wife, spoiling his pets, and fishing the pristine waters of the Midwest. If you see Michael out in his natural habitat of the woods or rivers of the U.P., be sure to say hey!

Special Projects Technician

Marquita Wilds

Marquita is the backbone behind the Three Shores CISMA. In her role, Marquita assists the Three Shores CISMA with data collection and preparation, GIS mapping, assisting in outreach events, and assists in managing the CISMA social media accounts.

In her free time, Marquita enjoys yoga, spending time with her family, and spoiling her daughter Willa and husband Paul.

Crew Leaders

Emily Rhodes

CISMA Crew Leader

Emily first joined the CISMA in December of 2020 as a hemlock woolly adelgid survey technician and now serves as one of two CISMA strike team crew leaders. Emily is a recent graduate of Lake Superior State University and has previously worked for the Bay Mills Indian Community and Michigan DNR. In her free time, Emily enjoys hiking, reading, and spoiling her dog Coal.

Gillian Smith

CISMA Crew Leader

Gillian is one of two CISMA crew leaders for the 2021 field season. Gillian is a recent graduate of Lake Superior State University with a degree in Wildlife Management. Prior to joining the CISMA, Gillian has worked as a technician at the LSSU Center for Freshwater Research Fish Hatchery, interned at the Pendills Fish Hatchery, and volunteered at the Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut.