Presenter Biographies

Isabel Bowman, As a conservation specialist, Isabel works on a variety of grant-based projects to implement on-the-ground conservation in Windham County. Her wetland work in this role has consisted of planning wetland restoration projects, serving as the quality control officer on a Vermont-based Connecticut River Basin wetland project, and completing the Vermont State University wetland delineation course. She serves as the Newsletter chair for VAWS and participated in their mentorship program in 2025. Outside of wetland work, Isabel facilitates Green River Watershed Alliance projects, manages the Trees For Streams program, identifies project areas for development, and manages the introduced plant removal efforts (both terrestrial and aquatic) that includes coordinating a bi-state group of volunteers and Vermont and New Hampshire state employees. Her newest endeavor is collaborating with a Dartmouth Climate Resilience course to provide post-flood assistance to landowners and host educational community events along the Rock River. Isabel has a BS in Biology from Appalachian State University in 2019 and an MS in Environmental Science from the University of Maryland in 2021. 

Contact: sullivan.wcnrcd@gmail.com 

Tim Freiday is a Wetland Scientist and Ecologist at Stantec Consulting. He graduated from Rutgers University with a B.S in Ecology and Natural Resources and received his M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Delaware studying King and Clapper Rails in the Delmarva Peninsula. He has been working in the field of natural science for over 20 years. He is passionate about wetlands and biodiversity and enjoys looking for and photographing flora and fauna in his spare time. 

Contact: tim.freiday@stantec.com

Laura Lapierre Laura has been the Manager of the DEC Vermont Wetlands Program for over 10 years. The Vermont Wetlands Program administers the Vermont Wetland Rules, assesses the State's wetland health, maps wetlands, and assists voluntary restoration.  Laura’s work involves state regulatory permitting, wetland mapping, testifying on state legislation, and leading rule changes and guidance efforts.  Laura has a Master’s in Biology from McGill University, Montreal Qc, Canada.  She is a Professional Wetland Scientist and a NH Certified Wetland Scientist.

Contact: Laura.lapierre@vermont.gov

Adrian Pierce has a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science from University of Vermont with a minor in Geospatial Technologies. Since graduating in 2022, Adrian found a natural fit in environmental consulting, balancing human needs with ecological stewardship. Based out of VHB’s Winooski office, Adrian conducts natural resource assessments throughout New England and New York during the growing season, supporting permitting and reporting efforts in the winter months. Adrian is a Certified Wetland Scientist in the State of New Hampshire and as a Wetland Professional in Training is actively working towards earning a Professional Wetland Scientist certification. Outside of work, Adrian takes advantage of Vermont’s bountiful landscape hunting, fishing, foraging, and homesteading.

Contact: apierce@vhb.com

Allison Slaney has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southeastern Louisiana University. Allison grew up in Louisiana where she enjoyed boating and recreation in the cypress swamps and marsh wetlands.  Upon graduation she interned for NASA, monitoring wetland restoration effectiveness using NASA Observing Systems. Allison is currently a Project/Task Manager at VHB focusing on environmental permitting and has been in consulting for approximately 11 years.  Allison is a certificated FAA Remote (Drone) Pilot and obtained her PWS certification in 2021.

Contact: aslaney@vhb.com