Tricia Windschitl -- Cofounder and Director
Tricia earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Iowa State University and is the Preschool Director of Preucil Preschool. Inspired by her preschoolers, she cofounded The LENA Project to amplify the voices of young people who are concerned about living in an unsustainable world. She is passionate about environmental education and creating a better future for all. She works to come up with creative and engaging programming, directs the LENA Earth Warriors, collaborates on Prompt for the Planet, and maintains the business end of things here at LENA.
Elke Windschitl -- Collaborator
Elke holds a B.S. in Biology from Iowa State University and is currently a graduate student at The Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at UCSB. Elke was involved in The Strawless Initiative which eventually led to the founding of The LENA Project. Elke rejoined our team in 2020. She spearheaded the Iowa City Holiday Toy Redistribution Project, and currently helps with website design, social media, graphic promotions, and project planning. She has been instrumental in organizing Prompt for the Planet: Chapter 2.
Sarah Neary -- Collaborator
Sarah has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa and works at Oaknoll Retirement Community. Originally from Omaha Nebraska, Sarah moved to Iowa City in 1993 to study art. She planned on staying for two years but the opportunities that unfolded kept her here, planting her roots ever deeper in Iowa soil. She lived, loved and toiled at Friendly Farm, a local organic farm. Through it all, she has brought her love of nature and commitment to honoring the natural cycles of the earth. Sarah weaves her love of earth and art as a crucial member of the Prompt For the Planet team. In addition, she helps dream up new programming for our Lena community.