Staff
Staff of Madrona Marsh & Nature Center
Behind every program, trail walk, and restored habitat at Madrona Marsh is a passionate team committed to conservation, education, and community connection. Meet the dedicated City of Torrance staff who care for the Preserve and bring nature learning to life for visitors of all ages.
Liz Evans, Naturalist and Preserve Manager
Liz is a naturalist with over a decade of experience in plant care and ecological restoration. Before working at the Madrona Marsh, she was a horticulturist at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where she worked in the Nature Gardens, supervised volunteers, co-created science-based educational programs, and served on the museum’s Community Engagement Council. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in history and Latin American studies, with an emphasis on the environmental history of Central America and the Caribbean. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Liz now resides in Southeast Torrance.
Steve Ash, Program Manager
Steve began his career as a U.S. Forest Service ranger in California, gaining hands-on experience in wildland fire operations, forest restoration, water resources, land use, archaeology, prescribed fire, and community stewardship programs, including helping establish a Young Adult Conservation Corps. He later spent thirty years in the aerospace and defense industry at Hughes Aircraft and Raytheon, leading systems engineering teams that developed advanced electro-optical and space-based sensors and serving as Administrator of the Hughes Electro-Optical Technology Museum. Since joining the City of Torrance in 2016, Steve has supported habitat restoration, volunteer coordination, and educational programs at Madrona Marsh.
Miriam Dominguez Taeubel, Ph.D., Instructor II (California Earth Science)
Miriam is an environmental scientist with international experience in marine biology, environmental science, and community-based education. She serves as Instructor II (California Earth Science) at Madrona Marsh Preserve & Nature Center in Torrance, supporting research, mentoring students, and contributing to habitat restoration and public science education. Dr. Taeubel holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Environmental Science from the University of the Ryukyus in Japan and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Guayaquil in Ecuador. Trilingual in English, Spanish, and Japanese, her research focuses on environmental stressors, water quality, and ecosystem health. She is deeply committed to science education, stewardship, and community engagement.
Tracey Dunn, Biologist, ARC Lead
Tracey grew up in Torrance, where childhood memories of the marsh flooding onto Madrona Avenue sparked an early respect for nature and wildlife. As a student, she even helped advocate for saving the Marsh, planting the seeds for a lifelong commitment to conservation. Tracey studied ecology and environmental science and policy, then worked as an Environmental Scientist with the Department of Water Resources, gaining experience with CEQA, Environmental Impact Reports, and environmental protection frameworks. After starting a family, she transitioned to work closer to home and joined Madrona Marsh, where she continues to protect local biodiversity and ensure native plants and wildlife have a safe place to thrive and migrate
Jonathan Nakai, Biologist, ARC Lead
Jonathan started volunteering at Madrona in 2015 and became part of the staff in 2017. He also works as an environmental consultant for companies such as SoCal Edison, SoCalGas, PG&E, and Los Angeles Parks, ensuring work crews remain in compliance with environmental regulations. Outside of work, Jonathan loves birding, hiking, and rock climbing. He is also a member of the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.
Tina Garcia, Volunteer Coordinator
Tina is a lifelong naturalist and educator who earned her naturalist certificate from the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum. She has dedicated many years to environmental education and community engagement, helping recruit and support volunteers in both long- and short-term programs. Tina works closely with local organizations and communities to preserve natural habitats and regularly volunteers at clean-up events for city parks and local beaches. A lifelong Southern California resident, she believes in the power of collective action to create lasting environmental change and inspires others to join the movement for a greener Earth. In her free time, she enjoys astronomy, discovering local plants and wildlife, and hiking regional trails and state parks.
Genia Donaldson, Animal Care Coordinator
Genia has cared for the Marsh’s animal ambassadors for more than six years and brings over 25 years of experience as a Veterinary Technician in animal hospitals. Her background includes caring for a wide variety of animals, from cats and dogs to reptiles, birds, and pocket pets, as well as rare experience working with exotic animals such as lions, tigers, bears, and monkeys. She also works for Torrance Unified School District as a healthcare paraprofessional, supporting medically fragile students with special needs. Passionate about education, Genia enjoys engaging visitors, sharing fascinating facts about the Marsh’s animals, and helping the community connect more deeply with local wildlife.
Mark Christiansen, Program Coordinator
Mark, affectionately known by staff and volunteers as the “mystery man,” is the longest-tenured member of the Madrona Marsh team. He has served the City of Torrance for more than 40 years, including 25 years at the Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center, where he supports daily operations and assists visitors. Mark worked as an Administrator at the Torrance Municipal Airport and spent nine years with the City of Santa Monica’s Finance Department, supporting budgeting and managing Northridge earthquake recovery funds. He also gained early experience working in all phases of his family’s construction business. Known for his reliability and institutional knowledge, Mark delights in directing visitors, making each visit both informative and memorable.