Team Members
Kyle Williams | Program Coordinator
Kyle grew up on Silver Lake in Traverse City, where he spent most of his days in the water. He developed a passion for the outdoors and the waters of our state. His position with the Antrim Conservation District allows him to pursue his passion for the outdoors through assisting with the soil erosion control program, and the Healthy Lakes Initiative.
Kyle served four years in the United States Army before returning to Michigan and continuing his education. Kyle obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Eastern Michigan University. His course work emphasized conservation and the study of aquatic and wetland habitats and the creatures that call these environments home. Kyle has worked throughout the state of Michigan treating invasive plants, and managing habitat utilizing chemical and mechanical means. After traveling the state for work, Kyle is extremely excited to be a part of his local conservation district and impacting the community around his home.
Kyle and his wife have two young boys, two dogs, a cat, and a handful of chickens that keep them constantly entertained. In his free time, Kyle enjoys downhill skiing, disc golfing, kayaking, and just about any activity that gets him and his family outside and spending time together.
Email: cakecisma@macd.org
Katie Gray | Education & Engagement Specialist
Katie grew up in Petoskey Michigan, an area that fostered her love for the outdoors. Hunting, foraging, and gardening with her parents inspired her to pursue a bachelor of science in Plant Biology and Environmental Biology at Michigan State University. Throughout college, Katie loved working on research projects and conducting experiments with her mentors. Prior to her position with CAKE, Katie worked as a research assistant for MSU's Forest Carbon and Climate Program, where she helped develop graduate courses focused on the implementation of climate-smart forest management.
In her free time, Katie enjoys painting, going to art museums, and growing way too many vegetables in her garden. You'll often find her spending time outdoors skiing, hiking, and swimming in Lake Michigan. She loves living and working in the community she's always called home.
Email: cake.education@gmail.com
Wade Foster | Restoration Crew Lead
Wade is originally from southern Michigan but has spent summers with his family in Charlevoix Michigan his entire life. After graduating from Grand Valley State University with a B.S. in Natural Resource Management he moved back to the area and accepted the position of Restoration Crew Lead. In addition to his degree, Wade holds both fire ecology and ArcGIS certificates.
In the office, you'll often find Wade working on ArcGIS, training seasonal staff, and meticulously planning for the field season. Outside of the office Wade is an avid long-distance runner and enjoys backpacking and spending time with his family.
Email: cakeisst@gmail.com
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Abby Mier | Restoration Technician
Originally from the eastern side of the state, Abby once got lost in the forest at night and discovered the genius of glow-in-the-dark marks on a compass. She grew up in a farming community, and still pretends to farm by gardening. She spent time pursuing various studies, including linguistics, emergency medicine, theatre, and archaeology. Eventually she arrived on natural sciences and received her Bachelor’s in Environmental Science from Northern Michigan University in 2019. During her academic career, she conducted research in Michigan historic archaeology, composting science, population management. Prior to CAKE, Abby has worked for the state of Michigan, ski resorts, and animal clinics.
Due to her broad interests, Abby knows a preposterous amount of random information, and especially likes to annoy her hiking partners with it. Outside of CAKE, Abby enjoys hiking at an apparently ridiculous pace, hunting for things she swears were there yesterday, fly fishing for tag alder, and chasing her dogs.
Abby is looking forward to returning to CAKE CISMA for our 2024 season, look for her as the weather warms!