Meet our team
Natalie Jakub
Executive Director
Natalie has been deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship in Detroit since 2013. Starting as the Volunteer Coordinator with Green Living Science through the AmeriCorps VISTA program, she rose to become Program Manager and later assumed the role of Executive Director in 2018. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a Master’s in Social Foundations – Eco-Justice Education from Eastern Michigan University, shaping her journey toward sustainability.
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With over a decade of service in Detroit, Natalie’s work as a certified TRUE Advisor focuses on helping organizations achieve zero waste, reducing environmental impact, and creating meaningful, lasting change. She believes that protecting our planet is an investment in a future where her young son, Ezra, and generations to come can thrive.
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As the chair of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Committee within Detroit City Council’s Green Task Force, Natalie continues her work as an advocate for sustainable practices and resilient communities. She is also a proud alumna of the MSU Extension Great Lakes Leadership Academy’s Leadership Advancement Program, the Environmental Leadership Program, and Leadership Oakland XXXIV, empowering her to lead with compassion, responsibility, and a vision for a greener tomorrow.
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Contact her at Natalie@GreenLivingscience.org
Curtis Schabath
Director of Education
Curtis Schabath is a third-generation Detroiter, adjunct professor, pup parent, and nonprofit supporter who has been volunteering in the environmental and justice spaces for most of their lives. Pulling passions and knowledge from lived-experiences, community involvement, and a Master of Science and MBA from Walsh College lead them gratefully joining GLS as the Director of Education in October 2023.
They look forward to helping make a continued difference in the environmental, recycling, and educational shared spaces through meaningful relationships with, and inspiration from, educators and the youth/future leaders of this beautiful city.
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Catch Curtis on Belle Isle year-round, at a DCFC match, enjoying all the amazing food, venues, festivals, parks/skateparks, and small businesses across all of Detroit, shooting photos, crate digging/DJing, road tripping, and celebrating the accomplishments of the city and its people.
Contact them at Curtis@GreenLivingScience.org
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Justine abbo​
Recycling Program Manager
Justine’s first memory in Detroit is riding the People Mover to a Red Wings game as a child, but the city has always been a special place for her. Her family immigrated to Detroit from Iraq in the 1950’s, starting small businesses and creating an intergenerational entrepreneurial spirit within the city’s bounds. Justine is passionate about representing and strengthening the relationship between Chaldean-Americans and native Detroit communities with compassion, sustainability and creativity at the forefront of our work.
Justine attended the University of Michigan where she earned a Bachelors in Fine Arts with a focus in Industrial Design, and a Minor in Entrepreneurship. She is a TRUE Zero Waste Advisor and has worked with non-profit organizations in Detroit since 2016, engaging with communities in Brightmoor and East Side neighborhoods. She is passionate about educating others on zero waste practices to increase financial vitality, particularly with small and minority-owned businesses.
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Reach out to her at justine@greenlivingscience.org.
Kamryn Gardner​
Community Engagement Program Manager
Kamryn began working with Green Living Science in 2022. She earned her Bachelors of Science from the College of Natural Resources at Michigan State University with a concentration in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. She is a Detroit native who is passionate about enhancing the environmental health and beauty of the city. Kamryn joined sustainable efforts with her hometown in mind and finds fulfillment in conversation with Detroit residents of all ages!
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Kamryn enjoys expressing creativity through artistic avenues such as painting, drawing, and even upcycling old articles of clothing by adding her own painting twists to traditional pieces. She believes that nature's beauty is the greatest art that has been produced, and we must consciously take steps to protect the environment and conserve its beauty for future generations.
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Contact her at Kamryn@GreenLivingScience.org
MAdison Gladney
Community Engagement Coordinator
Madison has a deep-rooted passion for social justice, with a particular focus on climate justice, which began during her early education. This interest led her to concentrate on Environmental Policy courses while earning her Social Relations & Policy degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University. Madison has been actively engaging Detroit residents to raise awareness about climate change and promote green infrastructure, particularly in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood through her service with AmeriCorps' Climate Corps.
Madison she aims to make Detroit a cleaner, greener, and safer city for all through the promotion of community engagement, recycling, and park stewardship.
Madison has been actively engaging Detroit residents to raise awareness about climate change and promote green infrastructure, particularly in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood.
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Outside of work, Madison enjoys diving into mystery and fantasy novels, staying active at the gym, and exploring the Metro Detroit area with her friends.
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For inquiries, contact Madison at madison@greenlivingscience.org.
Izzy Redmond
AmeriCorps VISTA
Education and Community Coordinator
Izzy’s passion for the environment runs deep, sparked by a childhood spent outdoors, where she developed a profound love for nature. Izzy and her family have always been highly passionate about environmentalism, and she was introduced to the world of recycling and conservation at a young age. Growing up she even became known for frequently dropping fun, eco-friendly facts into conversations with her friends, she quickly earned a reputation as the “recycling guru” among her peers.
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Her journey led her to Arizona State University, where she graduated with a degree in Conservation Biology and Ecology. There, Izzy realized that environmental issues often disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, leading her to combine her love for science with activism in the realm of environmental and social justice.
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This passion has led her to partner with Green Living Science for her year of service with AmeriCorps VISTA, where she’s eager to make a tangible impact. Driven by a desire to not only raise awareness but also to advocate for environmental change in diverse community spaces, Izzy is excited to inspire the next generation to care about nature, engage with their neighborhood to create a more sustainable future, and discover new solutions to make the community a greener and cleaner place to live.
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Reach out to her at izzy@greenlivingscience.org.
Operations Team
Accountant -
Development -
David O'Brien
Allison Quast
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robin mcferrin
treasurer
Stellantis
leatrice thompson
Vice President
Georgia Tech Alumni Association
Sara sanders
President
BasBlue
chad rogers
secretary
Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
madison Opperthauser
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy
