Shasta Land Trust Staff
Meet the Shasta Land Trust Team
Shasta Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural beauty, character, and diversity of Northern California’s lands. Since 1998, we’ve worked with landowners, partners, and supporters to conserve thousands of acres of open space, working ranches, and wild landscapes that define our region.
Our team is made up of passionate professionals with expertise in land conservation, stewardship, community engagement, and fundraising. As a locally rooted organization, we take pride in our deep relationships and shared commitment to keeping the North State’s lands thriving for generations to come.
Looking to make a difference? Visit our Careers page to learn about opportunities to join our team and help protect the places that make Northern California home.
Paul Vienneau, Executive Director
Paul Vienneau joined Shasta Land Trust in December 2015. A Shasta County native, Paul returned home with his wife after spending nearly 14 years away. He earned his degree in Politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2005, where he developed a deep appreciation for California’s landscapes. He later pursued his law degree at the University of La Verne, College of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 2013, and went on to complete a Master’s in Public Administration.
Rather than practicing law, Paul focused his graduate work on water conservation, technology, and water rights. During this time, he served as a Water Conservation Intern for the City of Upland and conducted extensive research on water regulation and ownership as a graduate assistant at the University of La Verne.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys exploring Northern California’s landscapes, hiking local trails, and discovering hidden gems throughout the region. He also values spending time with his wife and family, appreciating the opportunity to reconnect with the place he calls home.
Tessa Blevins, Director of Conservation
Tessa Blevins serves as the Shasta Land Trust Director of Conservation and is responsible for overseeing all land protection projects as well as monitoring protected properties, grant writing, and coordinating activities that educate community members about important local conservation work. Prior to joining the Shasta Land Trust in September 2018, Tessa was a Project Manager for the Western Shasta Resource Conservation District, where she implemented grant funded projects such as off-highway recreation area restoration and management, as well as managed aspects of the District’s conservation easement program.
She is a Northern California local who has lived in Shasta County, the central valley, and on the beautiful redwood coast. She holds a B.S. in Ecology with an emphasis in Biodiversity from Humboldt State University and has obtained Geographic Information System (GIS) and botanical knowledge of California’s native flora over the years. She enjoys spending her free time going on outdoor adventures with her husband and children.
Christina Sousa, Conservation Projects Manager
Christina joined Shasta Land Trust in March of 2023 with a strong background in wildlife conservation. Born and raised in Siskiyou County, she then went on to Humboldt State University and obtained her B.S. Degrees in Zoology and in General Biology. Christina has worked among a variety of habitats within California, including wetlands, central valley sites, foothills, mountains, grazed lands, and freshwater and coastal fisheries. She has experience with a vast number of taxa (including threatened and endangered species), along with grant and program management and administration. In 2019, Christina returned to Shasta County because of her passion for this area and to be closer to family.
Outside of work, Christina enjoys camping, fishing, swimming, and gardening/landscaping. At home she is surrounded by loads of reptiles, orchids, her two cats, and she is well-known by many for her homemade baked goods.
Cate Stanley, SNAP AmeriCorps Member
Cate is a recent graduate from the University of Virginia with degrees in Environmental Science and Environmental Thought and Practice. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, she is very excited to be moving to Redding for her year of service with the SNAP program, working with Shasta Land Trust. Cate looks forward to growing as an environmental professional and capitalizing on her interests in conservation and community collaboration. She hopes to not only gain hands-on experience in effective land conservation but also to work in public outreach to build meaningful connections within the Redding community. In her free time, Cate loves to play tennis, bake, and sing in any choir that will take her. She is also very excited to hike, bike, canoe, and spend as much time as possible in the beauty of Northern California.
Gabriella Boyer, Conservation Projects Manager
Gabriella Boyer serves as Shasta Land Trust's Conservation Projects Manager. After graduating with her bachelor’s in Fish and Wildlife Science from Oregon State University, she spent the first part of her career working in agricultural pest management developing cultural methods to reduce insect infestation in orchards. She then moved to Seattle, WA and entered the public education and lab science fields working for two different non-profits, and also volunteered at the Audobon Society and a wildlife rehabilitation center. She most recently worked locally conducting wildlife monitoring in Shasta County.
Gabriella moved to Shasta County in hopes of more sunshine and new landscapes to enjoy. When not working she now spends her time in the outdoors, cooking, and planning her next adventures.
Natalya Tharaldsen, Operations & Events Manager
Natalya joins the Land Trust with more than eight years of administrative experience and a deep passion for helping people thrive. She loves simplifying complex tasks, solving problems, and bringing calm, clarity, and momentum to every project she touches. Driven by curiosity and a desire to grow, she is always seeking new challenges that expand her skills and make a positive impact.
Outside of work, Natalya is an avid volunteer, often spending her free time assisting with disaster-relief cleanups and community support efforts. She’s also a world traveler who loves learning about new cultures, exploring global cuisines, and experiencing the beauty of the planet firsthand.
Her happiest moments are spent in nature - whether she’s hiking, diving, snowboarding, or adventuring across California with her husband. At home, she enjoys time with her beloved cats, Milo and Finn, and continues to deepen her interests in culture, natural wellness, and cooking. Her greatest passion lives in the water, inspired by her love for marine life and the ocean world.
Piper, Ambassador of Happiness
Piper is now on her 9th year at the Shasta Land Trust as our Ambassador of Happiness. As a Goldendoodle, she welcomes lots of love, belly rubs, and the chance to chase her frisbee whenever she finds a willing partner.
She welcomes new visitors and will quickly become your best friend if you let her. During fun times and stressful ones, Piper is here to bring a little joy into your life. In her free time you will find her looking for squirrels, taking naps under the desks, and viewing the property from her favorite chair.