Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy’s Dedicated Staff

Ryan Beltz
Executive Director

Ryan began his tenure with the Conservancy in 2016. His goal then, as it remains today, is to provide opportunities for local residents to create meaningful connections with the green spaces around them.  Whether in the form of conservation, education or recreation, the hope is that these opportunities inspire the communities of the watershed to invest both in the preservation and restoration of the Perkiomen Creek and its tributaries.

Prior to his tenure with the Conservancy, Ryan worked as a land manager at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, as an instructor of English at Alvernia University, as a ranger with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska and as a canoe guide on the Inside Passage. He holds two degrees in English.

Ryan now lives in Lederach with his wife, Lisa, and two coon hounds. When he’s not at the Conservancy, he can be found searching the woods and waterways by boat, boot and bike for native flora and fauna… and for comfortable spots to read. 

Jessie Kemper
Director of Conservation

Jessie joined the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy in 2015.  As the Director of Conservation, she is responsible for managing the Stream Clean-up, the Perkiomen Plant-A-Thon, the European Water Chestnut Removal Project and the Municipal Stormwater Program along with other conservation programs and events. 

Jessie grew up in Royersford, PA and earned her degree in Environmental Studies from Ursinus College. Prior to her position with the Conservancy, she worked as a Marine Mammal Interpreter with the National Park Service in Cape Cod, an Environmental Intern at Hope Creek Nuclear Power Plant in NJ, and as a Farm Assistant at Rushton Farm in PA.

She now lives in Collegeville with her husband, Joe, their two rescue pups and four silkie chickens.  In her free time, Jessie likes spending time outdoors, either hiking or walking with her dog, gardening, or enjoying a good book.

Beth Myers
Director of Ecology

Beth is the Director of Ecology at the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy. She joined the Conservancy's Conservation Department full-time in 2017. At the Conservancy she manages the Native Plant Project & Sale, Dragonfly Farm, Perkiomen Watershed Conservation Corps, the Volunteer Training Sessions, and assists with Conservancy conservation projects and events. Beth also helps organize the Conservancy’s annual Benefit and Silent Auction.

Beth grew up just outside of the Perkiomen Creek Watershed in Royersford, PA. She currently lives within the Watershed in Green Lane, PA with her partner, Adam, and their pets. She attended Ursinus College and graduated in 2017 with a degree in Environmental Studies. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, working with native plants, learning about butterflies, and spending time with her dog. 

Jeff Cocci
Environmental Education Coordinator

Jeff began as an intern in the spring of 2023 and joined our team shortly after graduating from Ursinus College with a degree in Environmental Studies, Minor in Biology, and focus in Marine Science. After being heavily involved with Ursinus’s “Food Forest”, Jeff came to us with a passion for PawPaws, native wildlife, and conservation! Prior to his time at the Conservancy, Jeff served in the Education Department at the Elmwood Park Zoo.

Our resident animal expert, Jeff lives in Pottstown, where he enjoys spending time with his pet geckos and paddle boarding. 

Lori Horning
Bookkeeper

Lori Horning has been with PWC since 1998. Having seen many changes at PWC, the one thing that remains the same is the dedication and leadership in environmental education and stewardship by so many. Although Lori is mostly behind the scenes, you will often see her helping out at The Conservancy’s events. Outside of PWC, Lori is loving every moment of her recent promotion to Mammy to two beautiful grandchildren.

Outreach Coordinator: Position is Vacant

Danielle Emers

Danielle joined The Conservancy staff in 2022 teaching the summer academies. She has a degree in Biology from Bloomsburg University and a Master's in curriculum and instruction from Villanova. She has been serving the Perkiomen Valley as a science educator since 1999 and currently teaches at middle school West. She also facilitates the Green Team there and is passionate about promoting environmental stewardship to her students! When she isn't planting natives on the school campus or organizing events, you can find her hiking, kayaking, or biking in Green Lane or walking her dogs with her family.

Rose Townsend

Rose began working as a part-time environmental educator at PWC in April of 2024. She has a degree in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University and has worked in many education spaces. In her free time she enjoys singing, playing guitar, reading, writing, and spending time in creeks and other beautiful places with her husband and three children. 

Helene Israel

Lorena Carlson

Wendy Kulp