Our Team

As Director of Cool Earth, Matthew’s dynamic leadership has led our organisation from strength to strength in the last fifteen years, from one community partnership in Peru to forty projects in tropical rainforest across the globe.

With a background in development and financial analysis, Matthew is passionate about working with rainforest communities to combat climate change. His experience makes him uniquely positioned to inspire and guide the Cool Earth team.

With expertise in ecology, conservation, and rural community development, Hannah leads on policy and research at Cool Earth, alongside her role as Deputy Director. Working directly with communities and our in-country teams, she is the Safeguarding lead for our organisation.

Specialising in environmental issues, biodiversity, and conservation, Hannah has a PhD in Ecology-Zoology from Imperial College London.

Lauren leads the Fundraising and Engagement team at Cool Earth, and raising money for good causes has been her favourite thing to do ever since she can remember.

Over the last fifteen years, she has worked across pretty much every fundraising stream in the charity sector, from mass participation to major gifts, to not-for-profit retail and special events – from Cornwall to Hong Kong.

Building and leading teams, developing brands, and growing new income streams are Lauren’s core focus. When she gets the time, Lauren enjoys writing creative copy and developing new fundraising products.

Sophie is responsible for Cool Earth’s UK operations, and plays a key role in our global operations strategy.

Her role focuses on organisational efficiency, developing workplace culture and talent recruitment, as well as leading on wellbeing and productivity in the workplace.

With eight years of experience working alongside senior leaders in the Royal Household and NGO sector, Sophie has held several posts as a Project Manager, Executive Assistant and has worked in Events Management, delivering complex programmes for international events.

As Head of Programmes at Cool Earth, Isabel leads the global programmes team on conservation projects with indigenous communities to protect the Amazon rainforest and support people’s well-being using her specialist knowledge across environmental policy and law,  gender and climate change.

With an MPhil in Environmental Policy from Cambridge University, Isabel has previously worked as a legal consultant for the Peruvian government on developing environmental policies. Other work experience includes consulting and developing technical-legal research for international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on issues related to gender and climate change and with the  UNEP WCMC and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) focusing on environmental impact assessment and biodiversity offsets reforms in Peru and Latin American countries.

Her interests include climate action and sustainable development, gender, and a community-led approach to conservation.

Patricia joins Cool Earth as our Cash Transfers Manager in Peru.

As a consultant in the sector, Patricia’s previous work has tackled social and economic inequalities and promoted sustainable development in rural areas with significant indigenous populations, mainly in Peru’s Andean and Amazon regions.

With a BA in Anthropology and MSc in Environmental Sustainability, Patricia has specialist knowledge in sustainable development and local conservation, rural governance, interculturality, gender and intersectionality and decolonisation of knowledge and participatory methodologies.

Patricia’s interests include environmental and climate justice, locally-led environmental conservation projects with gender and intersectional approaches, sustainable development and circular economy, agroecology, biodiversity conservation and indigenous knowledge, and indigenous rights.

Since 2016, Alix has been an integral part of the Peru team. As the Project Coordinator for Peru, she specialises in the design, management and evaluation of programme activity across multiple projects.

Originally from an education background, Alix has a degree in Communication for Development, and has practised as a textile consultant with expertise in sustainable fashion and teaching methodologies.
Her environmental interests include the support of rural and indigenous rights, biodiversity protection, decolonisation, environmental justice, women’s rights, and ecological debt.

Luis is an Agronomist (expert in the science of soil management and crop production) by training, with experience in the generation of sustainable production systems for a number of crops . He is also educated in sustainable development, agro-exports and calculating carbon footprints.

Luis has worked as a specialist in tropical crops in the public, private and international development sector in the Peruvian Amazon with sustainable and environmentally friendly projects linked to rural populations and Indigenous Amazonian Peoples.

He is particularly interested in the conservation of forests and the ecosystem services they provide, as well as the recovery of deforested areas and the recovery of aquatic life in rivers.

As the Local Coordinator of the Awajún programme, Wilson is experienced in innovative projects in the agroforestry and aquaculture sectors. Current projects he is collaborating on with Awajún communities include cocoa, fish, inga and agricultural college projects. He works closely with the Peru team to contribute to the wider development of support for communities working in environmental conservation.

Saúl is a Business Administrator specialising in Human Resources. He has 8 years of experience in HR Management in private companies and NGO.

Saul is also interested in protecting the environment, respecting local communities and protecting people that are most vulnerable.

Juan has a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance, and is also trained as a Computer and Information Technology Technician. A lot of his work experience has been in various areas related to social service. He also works on personal agricultural projects such as fish farming and cocao.

He is very interested in protecting the environment, especially biodiversity conservation, since he considers it  essential to protect the variety of life here on earth and ensure we continue breathing fresh, clean and natural air.

Jessica is a geographer by profession and has a Masters in geographic information science. In recent years she has worked as a GIS specialist in the Ministry of Culture of Peru, where she worked for various areas that ensured the well-being of the Indigenous population.

Her interests revolve around land use planning, disaster risk management, and climate change with a geospatial approach.

As our Operations Coordinator in the Lima office, Fabiola leads on administration for Cool Earth Peru.

Her environmental interests include support the mitigation of climate change to preserve the species of flora and fauna of our Amazon.

Renee looks after all the administration for the Lima office, with a background in accounting and tax management for service organisations including IVAF Contadores and JC Asesores. His interests include environmental conservation and reforestation.

Deylar has been part of the Cool Earth team since 2016. As the Development and Liaison Officer for the Asháninka programme, Deylar has a background in accounting and finance.

Previously, Deylar worked with the Central Asháninka del Río Ene (CARE) who collaborate with Cool Earth on multiple projects in the region.

Deylar feels strongly about her contribution to environmental conservation and how this can not only support indigenous communities, but also ensure a future for the next generation surrounded by trees, plants, animals and beautiful natural landscapes.

Nelson works with Awajún communities as a Local Officer, with a focus on community support and agroforestry.

With a background in construction management in reforestation projects, his areas of expertise include project management, and providing training to boards of directors in rainforest community associations.

Nelson believes strongly in people-powered conservation, and that strengthening resilience and capacity can enable communities to make informed decisions about their forest.

Delia looks after all administration within our Awajún programme in the Peru team at Cool Earth.

Delia’s background is in foreign trade and logistics administration as well as supporting marketing and business leadership.

Delia is passionate about caring for our global environment and this inspires her work at Cool Earth.

Mirian looks after all administration within our Asháninka programme in the Peru team at Cool Earth and has done since 2018.

Experienced in business administration, financial accounting and logistics, she is qualified in SAP HR project management.

With an interest in the environment and in indigenous communities, Mirian is continually learning and developing her role at Cool Earth.

As a Forestry Engineer, I am passionate about the study of forests, as well as the close relationship they have with the communities that live there. Thus, throughout my career, I have been able to record valuable information on some high Andean forest ecosystems that are part of the Marañón River dry forests.

Currently, in my work as a Local Officer for the Rainforest Lab Project, I am focused on supporting forest monitoring and management processes in the Huaracayo native community. This interaction has allowed for the exchange of ancestral knowledge about forest management within the Awajún culture, complementing it with the use of technological tools that have allowed them to improve their activities for the comprehensive management of their forest and wildlife resources.

As Country Manager, PNG, Regina leads the Papua New Guinea-based team at Cool Earth.

Regina joins our team with over 22 years experience in working with indigenous people on community development programmes in food security, income generation, health, education and women development in order to improve their lives.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Tropical Agriculture and a certificate in Management, Regina is passionate about leading the team to support forest communities by implementing sustainable community projects and programs of their choice.

Lelebo worked for eight years as a business development officer in the public sector, and in policy and advocacy in the private sector developing her skills and experiences in business development, project management, financial literacy training, research, public policy & advocacy.

As an Eco-enterprise Coordinator in our Papua New Guinea team, Lelebo works alongside communities to be financially literate and independent and is dedicated to the growth and development of her people, community, and province, ensuring rainforest communities are at the heart of all that she does.

Anna is the Finance Manager for PNG, working with the team based in Papua New Guinea.

Anna has worked previously with a range of financial organisations in PNG including PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Puma Energy and City Mission and has a wealth of experience in financial and management accounting and taxation, including a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

Anna is highly motivated to develop the global finance team alongside her colleagues in Peru and the UK and through working at Cool Earth, Anna hopes to contribute meaningfully to rainforest conservation programs.

Megan’s role revolves around effectively communicating the Cool Earth initiatives in Papua New Guinea that empower rainforest communities and promote environmental conservation. With a background as a Journalist at Pacific Post (Post Courier), and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and Journalism, Megan brings a passion for connecting with rural communities and telling their stories.

Magda joined Cool Earth with a background in publishing in the commercial sector and a keen sense of social justice. She looks after a diverse range of business partners at Cool Earth, including national companies, independent start-ups, and certified B Corporations using business as a force for good.

She has a passion for driving inclusivity within the climate change discourse, believing that true climate justice means engaging everyone, not only the powerful and privileged.

With a background in International Relations and Media and a decade of fundraising experience, Nog Sawdon heads up Cool Earth’s Trust & Foundation relationships, and works on a range of grant and donor proposals including Universities and major gifts.

She is adept at understanding each organisation’s unique criteria, aligning those with our specific projects and then developing them into mutually beneficial long-term partnerships.

As Senior Individual Giving and Engagement Manager, Shannon is responsible for developing Cool Earth’s individual giving programmes.

Shannon has a background in digital communications, editorial copywriting and a degree in English Literature from Goldsmiths University. When she isn’t looking after our donors, she is writing digital strategies and compelling fundraising copy.

Living by the coast, Shannon has a passion for protecting our oceans, as well as rainforest.

As Data, Insights and Compliance Manager, Catherine stays busy gaining insights from fundraising and marketing data to help Cool Earth be as effective as possible in our mission to back people and protect rainforest. She also is responsible for Cool Earth’s data protection.

Catherine has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and previously managed reforestation and mitigation projects alongside New York City’s Natural Resource Department.

As Policy and Advocacy Lead, Martin’s goal is to talk about Cool Earth projects and all things rainforest, from its abundant biodiversity to its critical role in the fight against climate change. Above all, what drives his work is the incredible social and cultural diversity that can be found in the rainforest. The people who live there – who we too often forget – that have shaped and stewarded that ecosystem and kept it healthy.

Having been privileged enough to have seen the rainforests of Central and South America and its peoples, his background includes working with small producer associations, ethical chocolate businesses and grassroots environmental charities.

Martin’s interests span from climate justice; the diversity (and complexity) of human cultures; Indigenous rights and current affairs.

Kaite leads the marketing and communications for Cool Earth, showcasing the incredibly positive impact of Cool Earth’s work across the world’s three largest rainforests – as well as highlighting the environmental and political challenges Indigenous peoples and rainforests face.

With a passion for turning complex information into vibrant and impactful content, Kaite has previous experience leading marketing and advocacy teams for environmental NGOs and the private sector with award-winning communications and campaigns that have driven environmental policy change.

When Kaite’s not talking climate and rainforests you can find her on top of a hill or visiting art galleries.

Natalie has a background in Biological Sciences including conservation and science communication . She completed her research Masters looking at how the climate crisis effects our natural world.

She has been interested in climate activism from an early age and is passionate about protecting our environment and supporting Indigenous rights.

As Digital Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Jess looks after the digital channels at Cool Earth. She has a background in copywriting, digital marketing and social media, and experience working with a variety of large and small-scale charities. Jess helps to shine a light on our programmes by creating visual content for our platforms and identifying case studies and stories that demonstrate Cool Earth’s impact.

As our Individual Giving and Engagement Officer, Kirsty looks after our donors and supporters and is responsible for managing enquiries on a range of topics including fundraising, events and donations.

With a BSc (Hons) in Applied Zoology, Kirsty has spent time in the Bornean rainforest at wildlife rehabilitation centres. The impacts of forest loss on people and wildlife there impassioned her to pursue a career in the NGO sector.

Rebecca has a First Class BSc Business and Management from the University of York, and experience working in private organisations across various industries including health and fitness, hospitality marketing, and the gaming sector. She utilises her varied breadth of experience and specialist skills in consumer research, digital engagement, and branding to build impactful partnerships between businesses and Cool Earth.

Rebecca has a strong interest in greenwashing and ethical consumerism and is passionate about ensuring brands communicate their sustainability efforts honestly. Rebecca looks to apply her skills and experience to build authentic partnerships between businesses and environmental causes.

With a background in management accountancy, operations management and insurance across the commercial sector, Sophie brings a wealth of experience to Cool Earth.

When she’s not delivering financial reporting and analysis to the leadership team to help drive future strategy, Sophie works closely with our fundraising and programmes teams on data-driven financial insights to maximise both our income and our impact on the ground.

With a love for all things satellites and coding, Matt works closely with local and indigenous communities to combine traditional knowledge with technology and big data, so we can do the best job possible to decolonise data and protect rainforest.

With experience both out in the field and strategic work developing monitoring software, a background as an analyst in the commercial sector and a degree in Maths from Exeter, Matt is perfectly positioned to lead on our forest monitoring work.