The people
behind our mission
Our staff
Amber Seiler
Office Manager
amber@savedunes.org | 219-879-3564 x 121
Favorite place in the Dunes: Washington Park Beach
As a native of Michigan City, Amber grew up playing in the area’s woodlands and on the shores of Lake Michigan. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Ball State University. Amber has a background in the finance and manufacturing industries and most recently in the education industry where she coordinates a youth mentoring program at some local schools. She is involved in community groups and local volunteer efforts. In her free time, Amber still enjoys spending time with her family on the shores of Lake Michigan beaching, boating, hiking and fishing.
Betsy Maher
Executive Director
betsy@savedunes.org | 219-879-3564 x 122
Favorite place in the Dunes: Trail 9, IN Dunes State Park
Em Racine
Community Engagement Coordinator
em@savedunes.org | 219-879-3564 x 102
Favorite place in the Dunes: Porter Beach
Em is a Chicago transplant with intergenerational ties to the Indiana Dunes. She received a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree with honors from The University of Illinois at Chicago, and brings an array of experience in Community Events Coordination & Social Media Implementation to Save The Dunes. She believes in bringing folks together in nature through sustainability, education, and recreation. She enjoys road tripping, growing herbs & veggies in her garden, and making art in her free time.
Harshini Ratnayaka
Advocacy Coordinator
harshini@savedunes.org | 219-879-3564 x 101
Favorite place in the Dunes: Barker Woods Nature Preserve
Harshini grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana and a J.D. in Comparative Law from Louisiana State University Law Center. She also was a legal intern for Louisiana Sea Grant, where she was able to work on several environmental policy projects. With degrees from both the natural science and legal sectors, Harshini combined her love for protecting the environment with helping others in her community. Harshini was previously the New Orleans Group leader for a non-profit group called Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a nonpartisan grassroots advocacy climate change organization focused on national policies to address the climate movement. In her free time, Harshini explores the Michigan City area and the Indiana Dunes National Park trails. She enjoys reading, playing video games, and visiting the local Indiana beaches.
Katie Hobgood
Program Director
katie@savedunes.org | 219-879-3564 x 128
Favorite place in the Dunes: IN Dunes State Park Campground
Lisa Scheller
Development Manager
lisa@savedunes.org | 219-879-3564 x 100
Favorite place in the Dunes: IN Dunes State Park
Lisa has lived in Chesterton Indiana for the past 25 years. She has a Bachelors in Social Work and over 35 years of development experience. She has dedicated herself to the mission of many amazing organizations. Lisa has a passion of developing relationships as well as partnering with other businesses and individuals to make a difference. Lisa is a wife, a mother to two adult daughters and they have 3 awesome dogs. Lisa and her family enjoy all the seasons of NWI. They love being outdoors, especially hiking and exploring the dunes.
Board of Directors
Officers
Members
Favorite place in the Dunes: Mt. Baldy
Favorite place in the Dunes: Ogden Dunes
Favorite place in the Dunes: Dune Ridge Trail
Favorite place in the Dunes: Miller Woods
Favorite place in the Dunes: Mt. Baldy
Favorite place in the Dunes: Miller Woods
Favorite place in the Dunes: J. Timothy Ritchie Nature Preserve
Honorary Members
Susan MiHalo
Sylvia Troy
Tom Serynek
