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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

Betsy is a leader in non-profit management with over a decade of experience in areas including volunteer management, human resources, fundraising, and special events. She holds her Master’s in Public Administration and a Senior Certification in Human Resources. Previously, Betsy served as the Director of Volunteer Services at Lincoln Park Zoo where she built a community of over 1000 volunteers, created a paid internship program, and oversaw staff training. Betsy has a passion for the outdoors and bringing individuals together to protect and preserve the environment. She is a wife and the mother of two boys. Their family enjoys spending their free time on the shores of Lake Michigan and visiting national parks. 

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

Katie has fifteen years of project management and community outreach experience. As the Program Director at Save the Dunes, she coordinates the organization’s project portfolio, and leads their conservation projects- working closely with regional partners to enhance native biodiversity, restore ecological integrity, and improve public access to nature in Northwest Indiana.
 
Katie is a creative and curious individual with a proficiency in process creation and implementation, and a strong background in community collaboration and engagement. She holds a B.A in Sociology with a concentration in Anthropology from Indiana University. Katie enjoys RV camping with her husband and two dogs, and working towards her goal of re-wilding her backyard by introducing native plants and a variety of water & habitat features. She has a passion for wildlife, being outside, decorating, and expanding her knowledge base whenever she can.

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

Nancy Moldenhauer
President | Michigan City, IN
Favorite place in the Dunes: Cowles Bog Trail
 
Vern Beck
Vice President | Hebron, IN
Favorite place in the Dunes: IN Dunes State Park
 
Bob Lange
Treasurer | Valparaiso, IN
 
Madeleine Grimm
Secretary | Porter, IN
Favorite place in the Dunes: Cowles Bog 

Members

Carol Sue Angarola | Ogden Dunes, IN

Favorite place in the Dunes: Ogden Dunes

Jordan Bailey | Ogden Dunes, IN

Favorite place in the Dunes: Dune Ridge Trail

Paul Labus | Whiting, IN

Favorite place in the Dunes: Miller Woods

Raeann Trakas | Porter, IN

Favorite place in the Dunes: Porter Beach

Rudy Gallegos | Munster, IN

Favorite place in the Dunes: Mt. Baldy

Ryan Metz | New Buffalo, MI
Susan Kirt | Valparaiso, IN

Favorite place in the Dunes: J. Timothy Ritchie Nature Preserve

Crystal Williams-French | LaPorte, IN

Favorite place in the Dunes: Mounty Baldy Trails

Honorary Members

Charlotte Read
Dale Engquist
Ellen Firme
Geof Benson
Herbert Read
Susan MiHalo
Sylvia Troy
Tom Serynek

Interested in a Board position or joining a committee? Let us know.

444 Barker Road
Michigan City, IN 46360
219-879-3564 phone
office@savedunes.org

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Save the Dunes is a 501(c)3 non-profit environmental advocacy organization in Northwest Indiana with roots in establishing Indiana’s only National Park. We work to protect the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan through meaningful conservation, advocacy, and community engagement that increases the overall health and vitality of our region. 

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Funding support for site design provided by the National Park Foundation

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Purchase Your National Park Pass
from Save the Dunes!

Save the Dunes is now selling National Park Passes! Your Pass allows you to access any and all Indiana Dunes National Park beaches, trailheads, and parking lots while enjoying the beauty of the Indiana Dunes and beyond. 10% of funds from passes purchased through Save the Dunes will go directly to supporting our mission.

Email or call us at 219-879-3564 to schedule a time to purchase your pass at our office at 444 Barker Road, Michigan City. Or come see us at any of our in-person events! 

Pass Options:

  • 7-Day Indiana Dunes National Park Pass — $25
  • Annual Indiana Dunes National Park Pass — $45
  • Annual America the Beautiful National Park Pass — $80
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