Warren County SWCD Staff

Together we make a team, but we each
​have our own individual strengths!
We are knowledgeable, fun and super helpful!

​Contact any one of us for
your conservation needs! 

Administrative Staff

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Jeff Thomas
District Director
Phone: 513.695.1337
E-mail Jeff
  • Contact me if: You have questions about the Soil and Water Conservation District programs.
  • Background information: I began working at the District in 1998 and after three years, took a job working for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. In 2007, I returned to the District and have held a number of positions. I received a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture - Natural Resource Management from the University of Kentucky.
  • What do you like most about your job: I enjoy working with the many different agencies, groups and the residents of Warren County.
  • Most frequently asked question: What is a Soil and Water Conservation District?
  • Favorite spot in Warren County: Along the Little Miami River...
  • What are you doing when you are not at work? Spending time with my wife and kids, hiking and going to Reds games.
  • Words to live by: "Have no fear for what tomorrow will bring..."​​St. Francis de Sales
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Dawn Stiles
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 513.695.1337
E-mail Dawn
  • Contact me if: If you would like to buy a pond filter, a soil test kit, order trees in the spring, get on our mailing list, or would like information about monthly board meetings.
  • Background information: I was born in Warren County, raised in Louisiana then moved back to Waynesville. I have been working for the Soil and Water Conservation District since 2008. Previously, I spent 8 years at a sand and gravel company in Dayton as the Office Manager and took some time off to stay at home with my kids.
  • What is an Administrative Assistant?: My position with the SWCD is different than most of the other jobs in the office. I work directly for the Board of Supervisors and handle office work as directed by them and the Director. Most of my time is spent doing accounting, finance, reporting, and working on various projects. I also coordinate planning for the Tree Sale in the spring and the Annual Meeting and Election in the summer.
  • What do you like most about your job: The Tree Sale!!
  • Most frequently asked question: How do I get on the newsletter mailing list?
  • Favorite spot in Warren County: Our family woods, river or any fishing hole around Warren County.
  • What are you doing when you are not at work?: When I'm not at a ball field or running my three sports enthusiastic kids around the state, you can find me riding my four wheeler, playing outside, working in the yard, or chilling out with my husband and family around a bonfire.
  • Favorite quote: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt.

Technical Staff

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Molly Conley
Natural Resource Engineer
Phone: 513.695.3085
E-mail Molly
  • Contact me if: You have questions about plan reviews, natural resource reviews, construction in the county, stormwater design, water quality or drainage issues.
  • Background Information: I grew up in Dayton, Ohio and attended college at University of Dayton where I received my Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering. Before I worked for the District I spent 16 years in the engineering consulting industry performing civil engineering design for local consulting firms. 
  • What do you like most about your job? I love using my experience as a civil engineer to protect and improve the environment. Having two offices: one with a desk and one with green grass and sunshine is pretty great too!
  • What is a Natural Resource Engineer?: I spend most of my time working in the urban sector performing plat reviews, construction site inspections, basin and illicit discharge inspections. Through my inspection work, I uphold the sediment and erosion control regulations of Warren County. In addition, I assist local homeowners with stormwater, drainage, soil issues, natural resource  management concerns and perform Natural Resource Reviews.
  • Most frequently asked question: Are my plans approved yet?
  • Favorite spot in Warren County: Caesar Creek State Park and Little Miami River.
  • What are you doing when you are not at work? When we I am not taking my kids to swim team practice, you can find me camping, hiking and kayaking with my three kids and husband Todd. You might just catch us floating down the river or on one of the many lakes in the County in the near future!
  • Words to live by:  "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost: the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost."  J.R.R. Tolkien
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Don Norman
Natural Resource Conservationist
Phone: 513.695.1862
E-mail Don
  • Contact me if: You have drainage problems around the home or have an erosion complaint, or any type of natural resource management questions on your farmland.
  • Background information: I am a Warren County native and have been working with Warren County Soil and Water for over 20 years. In that time, I have seen many changes to the County and spent time working in both the agriculture and urban sector.
  • What is a Natural Resource Conservationist? I assist Warren County residents with natural resource concerns pertaining to, but not limited to, drainage, soil erosion, stream management, subdivision erosion plans, pond management and land preservation.
  • What do you like most about your job: Working outside.
  • Most frequently asked question: How do I stop the water from coming on to my property?
  • Favorite spot in Warren County: Anyplace I can’t see or hear a road. 
  • What are you doing when you are not at work? Enjoying my three nearly grown up children, motorcycle riding, working in yard or walking the woods.
  • ​Words to live by: Keep it Simple.
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Shaun Stephens
District Technician
Phone: 513.695.2532
E-mail Shaun
  • Contact me if: You have questions about stormwater basins, if you have drainage issues around the home, or mapping natural resources using GIS.
  • Background information:  I have a Bachelor’s degree in Earth & Environmental Science from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts & Science from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio.
  • What do you like most about your job: I enjoy being able to get outside and perform fieldwork around the county. I also enjoy the relational aspect of meeting various homeowners with soil and water conservation needs.
  • Most frequently asked question: Can you make me a map? ​
  • Favorite spot in Warren County: Anywhere along the Little Miami River
  • What are you doing when you are not at work?: Spending time with my wife working in the garden for the food pantry we run for our local church.   You might also find me in a workshop building furniture or fixing up my vintage motorcycle.
  • Favorite quote: “He imagines a necessary joy in things that must fly to eat.” – Wendell Berry
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Kara Schirmer
Conservation Program and Communication Specialist
Phone: 513.695.2530
E-mail Kara
​Contact me if:  You would like information on land or farmland preservation, stormwater program guidelines, outreach, or District communications.
  • Background information:  I grew up near the shores of Lake Michigan and through my influences, developed a passion for water and nature. My educational background is in Journalism/Professional Writing and Environmental Studies. Previously I've worked for non-profit watershed organizations and government planning agencies. I began working for the District in July of 2016. 
  • What is an Conservation Program and Communication Specialist? I establish and coordinate outreach and marketing campaigns on behalf of the District and administer the land and farmland preservation program and storm water program.
  • What do you like most about your job: I enjoy communicating the story of conservation for Warren County. 
    ​    Most frequently asked question: How can my family and I get involved with outdoor activities and District programs?
  • What are you doing when you are not at work? I enjoy being active and exploring the Greater Cincinnati area. You may find me out on the Little Miami Scenic Trail, working in my garden, or enjoying a fine Cincinnati craft brew. Often times I travel up to Michigan to say hello to my family and friends and visit the big lake.
  • Favorite quote:  “The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” - Rachel Carson

Education  Staff

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Marta Farrell
Education Specialist
Phone: 513.695.2556
E-mail Marta
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  • Contact me if: You would like to learn more about our education programs. 
  • Background information: I was hired in October of 2012 with Warren County Soil and Water. My experience is coupled with teaching over 14 years in regular classrooms, 5 years of enrichment/gifted instruction, and 5 years as a substitute teacher. My Bachelor’s Degree is in Elementary Education from Ohio University with a concentration in mathematics; my graduate work includes further studies in mathematics, sciences, intervention and gifted collaboration strategies. 
  • What is an Education Specialist? As an Education Specialist for the district, I develop hands on science programs that bring soil, geology, wildlife games and more directly to your classroom. Our programs are correlated to the Ohio Department of Education Science Standards and are designed to foster the love our natural resources to Warren County students. 
  • What do you like most about your job: I enjoy spending time in the classroom and presenting our conservation messages.
  • Most frequently asked question: Where can information be found about our SWCD Education Programs? 
  • What are you doing when you are not at work? When I am not at work, I enjoy time with my two girls and husband. We are members of the Countryside YMCA where my girls enjoy swimming on the swim team. We enjoy exploring the outdoors along with walking, hiking, canoeing, swimming, and going to outdoor parks. I grew up in Lawrence County, Ohio and especially enjoy visiting my parents, extended family and friends often. 
  • Favorite quote:  “It takes a village to raise a child”. – African Proverb
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Melissa Proffitt
Education Specialist
Phone: 513.695.3086
E-mail Melissa

  • Contact me if: You would like to learn more about our education and outreach programs. 
  • Background information: Born and raised in southwest Ohio, I spent my youth exploring and hiking outdoors, participating in Warren County 4-H, acting in local theatre, and playing in the dirt!  I received my BA in zoology and MA in biology from Miami University. Prior to joining the District in January of 2017,  I was a zookeeper and wildlife educator for almost a decade.
  • What is an Education Specialist? As an Education Specialist, I present and develop hands on science programs that bring soil, geology, wildlife games and more directly to your classroom or event.  Our programs are aligned with the Ohio Department of Education Science Standards and are designed to foster the love and appreciation of our natural resources in people of all ages.
  • What do you like most about your job: Sharing my passion and knowledge of the natural world and its processes!
  • Most frequently asked question: How can I schedule an education program? 
  • What are you doing when you are not at work? I enjoy spending time with my family, playing with my dogs, and being outside. Though some evenings find me curled up with a good book or attending a new local stage production as well.
  • Favorite quote:  “When you have seen one ant, one bird, one tree, you have not seen them all”. – E.O. Wilson