Coalition Staff Members
Yvonne Kraus
She/Her
Executive Director
Yvonne joined the Coalition in January 2025, bringing over two decades of experience in green building, sustainability, low-impact development, energy efficiency, and outdoor recreation. With a proven track record of managing and directing programs and operations for three not-for-profit organizations, Yvonne excels in organizational leadership, strategic planning, grant writing, and fundraising.
A resident of Washington since 1998, Yvonne is deeply committed to preserving and protecting the natural beauty of Washington State’s environment, wildlife habitats, and recreation infrastructure. She is passionate about fostering equitable and sustainable outdoor recreation access.
Originally from the Netherlands, Yvonne spent her youth hiking, biking, skiing, and exploring the Bavarian and Tyrolean Alps. This early exposure to the outdoors ignited her love for nature and her dedication to environmental protection and conservation. Her career has seamlessly blended these passions, from initially focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency strategies for Washington cities and organizations, to most recently serving as Executive Director of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. She has found the perfect fit at the Coalition!
An outdoor enthusiast and multi-sport athlete, Yvonne enjoys any adventure on foot, wheels, skis, or hooves. You can find her exploring Washington’s trails with her dog, Ranger, tending to her yard’s native and edible plants (and engaging in audible debates with weeds!), or teaching yoga in her neighborhood studio.
Caitie Kimura
She/Her
Operations Manager
Raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Caitie moved to Seattle to attend graduate school and has called Washington home for the past 14 + years. She has a background in sports administration and operations management. In Caitie’s free time, she loves to explore the PNW through backpacking, biking, kayaking, and surfing.
Sophia Luangrath
She/Her
Philanthropy Manager
Nashville-born turned Washington adventurer! Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University (and an unapologetic love for the Vols), she’s on a mission to make a mark. Sophia’s passion lies in working with nonprofits, where she skillfully raises awareness, creates a stronger coalition, and builds robust stewardship.
Beyond the boardroom, she’s a soon-to-be PNW enthusiast, meticulously planning her next hiking expedition. Whether she’s scaling rocks or running through the scenic trails while singing an old Dolly song, Sophia embraces every opportunity for a new adventure.
Nathaniel Rees
He/Him
Policy and Communications Manager
Nathaniel joined WWRC in June 2025, bringing experience in policy, advocacy, and strategic communications.
His professional journey has spanned recreation policy, elementary education, and political organizing. While he’s valued each chapter, he feels most at home working at the intersection of conservation and recreation.
He’s passionate about ensuring everyone has access to green spaces and is proud to support WWRC’s mission to fund community-driven conservation and recreation projects.
A resident of Washington since 2018, Nathaniel was initially drawn by the peaks and glaciers but stayed for the local parks. Nathaniel enjoys mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and painting in the wild.