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About our founders
Sprinavasa Brown MA, Founder & Executive Director
sprinavasa@campelso.org
Sprinavasa Brown believes that any person with the right encouragement, support, and mentorship can change the trajectory of their lives and future. Growing up in Oregon, Sprinavasa noticed early on that she was the only person, or maybe one of two, people of color who participated in both science and outdoor camps. She wondered where her peers of color were and why they weren't given a chance to have such fun summer opportunities.
Sprinavasa believes that all children should feel like the outdoor world is accessible to them, a place for environmental responsibility, learning, and joy. With her deep passion for equity, social justice, community activism, and increasing access to resources—Sprinavasa created Camp ELSO. Camp ELSO was spurred by her desire to cultivate an environment she and the co-founder Kellianne never had: where youth of color have the opportunity to see people who look like them as their science teachers, and career mentors. To increase opportunities for the next generation of youth to have hands-on exploration and learning opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and a willingness to help expose youth to the outdoors in a safe and fun way.
A recognized community builder, leader in the nonprofit field, and skilled and charismatic communications professional, Sprinavasa is committed to the health and sustainability of her community, and access to educational opportunities for all youth. She excels at cultivating relationships, building partnerships, and living a life of servant-leadership, inquiry, and authentic dialogue. She is a recipient of the Bonner Scholars Award for outstanding community leadership and service. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College with a double major in Biology and African American Studies, and a Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies from Gonzaga.
When she isn't actively engaged in one of her professional roles, Sprinavasa is spending time outdoors with family, and working on turning her yard into an urban homesteading oasis.
sprinavasa@campelso.org
Sprinavasa Brown believes that any person with the right encouragement, support, and mentorship can change the trajectory of their lives and future. Growing up in Oregon, Sprinavasa noticed early on that she was the only person, or maybe one of two, people of color who participated in both science and outdoor camps. She wondered where her peers of color were and why they weren't given a chance to have such fun summer opportunities.
Sprinavasa believes that all children should feel like the outdoor world is accessible to them, a place for environmental responsibility, learning, and joy. With her deep passion for equity, social justice, community activism, and increasing access to resources—Sprinavasa created Camp ELSO. Camp ELSO was spurred by her desire to cultivate an environment she and the co-founder Kellianne never had: where youth of color have the opportunity to see people who look like them as their science teachers, and career mentors. To increase opportunities for the next generation of youth to have hands-on exploration and learning opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and a willingness to help expose youth to the outdoors in a safe and fun way.
A recognized community builder, leader in the nonprofit field, and skilled and charismatic communications professional, Sprinavasa is committed to the health and sustainability of her community, and access to educational opportunities for all youth. She excels at cultivating relationships, building partnerships, and living a life of servant-leadership, inquiry, and authentic dialogue. She is a recipient of the Bonner Scholars Award for outstanding community leadership and service. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College with a double major in Biology and African American Studies, and a Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies from Gonzaga.
When she isn't actively engaged in one of her professional roles, Sprinavasa is spending time outdoors with family, and working on turning her yard into an urban homesteading oasis.
Kellianne Richardson PhD, Co-Founder
kellianne@campelso.org
Kellianne’s experiences in the laboratory lit a passion for natural sciences, technology and public service that have defined her career. Kellianne has insight into STEM careers and a strong desire to empower youth to consider careers in the natural sciences by offering first-hand experiences of the wonders of outdoors. A lover of science and an award-winning community leader, Kellianne developed the leadership skills that would propel her to co-found Camp ELSO with Sprinavasa Brown in Winter 2014. Her interest in science stemmed from memories of “it being the only class where you get to get up, stretch and do something cool”.
Dr. Richardson’s research experience spans 11 years. Her interest in human drug abuse and “all things related to the brain” propelled her from her hometown to Oberlin College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies with a Concentration in Education and Chemistry minor before pursuing her doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology. She has won several award for presentation of scientific material and has taught students for VCU Department of Biology, VCU Graduate School Mentorship Program, Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth and the Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistance Fund (a DC-area non-profit). Most lecture topics usually ranged from General Biology to Forensic Science and were delivered to audiences with a wide range of capabilities (e.g., pre-teens, lay persons, professionals).
Kellianne’s desire to explore non-traditional STEM careers and learn more advanced laboratory techniques have led her to hold a Licensing & Marketing Internship from NIH Office of Technology Transfer and work in a laboratory in central Virginia. She looks as this Camp ELSO (ad)venture as an opportunities to inspire a new generation of youth of color with interest in the sciences. Furthermore, she will contribute to project management efforts as well as educational contenting development, and share her story.
kellianne@campelso.org
Kellianne’s experiences in the laboratory lit a passion for natural sciences, technology and public service that have defined her career. Kellianne has insight into STEM careers and a strong desire to empower youth to consider careers in the natural sciences by offering first-hand experiences of the wonders of outdoors. A lover of science and an award-winning community leader, Kellianne developed the leadership skills that would propel her to co-found Camp ELSO with Sprinavasa Brown in Winter 2014. Her interest in science stemmed from memories of “it being the only class where you get to get up, stretch and do something cool”.
Dr. Richardson’s research experience spans 11 years. Her interest in human drug abuse and “all things related to the brain” propelled her from her hometown to Oberlin College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies with a Concentration in Education and Chemistry minor before pursuing her doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology. She has won several award for presentation of scientific material and has taught students for VCU Department of Biology, VCU Graduate School Mentorship Program, Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth and the Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistance Fund (a DC-area non-profit). Most lecture topics usually ranged from General Biology to Forensic Science and were delivered to audiences with a wide range of capabilities (e.g., pre-teens, lay persons, professionals).
Kellianne’s desire to explore non-traditional STEM careers and learn more advanced laboratory techniques have led her to hold a Licensing & Marketing Internship from NIH Office of Technology Transfer and work in a laboratory in central Virginia. She looks as this Camp ELSO (ad)venture as an opportunities to inspire a new generation of youth of color with interest in the sciences. Furthermore, she will contribute to project management efforts as well as educational contenting development, and share her story.
Whitney Neal, Advisory Board Member
Mimi Sei, Advisory Board Member
Claudia Cohen, Advisory Board Member
Mimi Sei, Advisory Board Member
Claudia Cohen, Advisory Board Member
2017 Camp Counselors
Ben Kitoko
Ben Kitoko began his high school education at Roosevelt H.S. and consistently received honor roll, participated on basketball, and track & field athletic teams. He is a Portland Public Schools 2014 Young, Gifted, and Black Award recipient. He continued his education at Catlin Gabel School and helped establish and lead the schools' first Black Student Union. He took part in multiple winning entrepreneurial teams at Start-Up Camp PDX events. Ben is a student at the University of Oregon where he plans to study business with a future concentration in marketing in hopes of becoming a social entrepreneur. Ben came to Portland in middle school; he is an Oregon transplant originally from Virginia. During his time in Portland, he has come to value all forms of education because of the influential role education has played in his life.
Why is Camp ELSO’s work with STEM and environmental education important to you?
“As I reflect on my own educational experiences it is clear that just having had the opportunity to have been exposed to new topics and ideas was impactful because I would not have developed an understanding of my own passions. I believe children of color should be exposed to STEM and environmental education because just having the opportunity to learn is enough to expose young minds to topics they have passion for.”
Ben Kitoko began his high school education at Roosevelt H.S. and consistently received honor roll, participated on basketball, and track & field athletic teams. He is a Portland Public Schools 2014 Young, Gifted, and Black Award recipient. He continued his education at Catlin Gabel School and helped establish and lead the schools' first Black Student Union. He took part in multiple winning entrepreneurial teams at Start-Up Camp PDX events. Ben is a student at the University of Oregon where he plans to study business with a future concentration in marketing in hopes of becoming a social entrepreneur. Ben came to Portland in middle school; he is an Oregon transplant originally from Virginia. During his time in Portland, he has come to value all forms of education because of the influential role education has played in his life.
Why is Camp ELSO’s work with STEM and environmental education important to you?
“As I reflect on my own educational experiences it is clear that just having had the opportunity to have been exposed to new topics and ideas was impactful because I would not have developed an understanding of my own passions. I believe children of color should be exposed to STEM and environmental education because just having the opportunity to learn is enough to expose young minds to topics they have passion for.”
Preston Zimmerman
Preston E. Zimmerman is a native of Derby Connecticut; Preston has always thrived in and enjoyed nature and science. 2010 graduate of South Carolina State University, where he majored in Biology Pre-Med. He has studied pastoral and clinical education, and has a Master's in Divinity. Mr. Zimmerman was introduced to the STEM program with local colleges and various schools in the area. Mr. Zimmerman has taught both Middle and High School science for the past years. However, he decided to take another route in education in 2016. He is now a team manger over a group of behavioral students that are challenged with everyday life skills. During his down time he finds it necessary to learn and educate the community on the mind, body, and spirit. He also spends time building a community of leaders and bring people together through community urban gardens. He has served as an herbalist for a year and enjoy helping others heal through the mind, body, and spirit. Mr. Zimmerman believes vegan is the way to become because it will opens up the unconscious mind and help you to travel to a place of liberation and of knowing thyself.
Why is Camp ELSO’s work with STEM and environmental education important to you?
Looking at what each organization brings to the table as it relates to environmental sciences and community building of our youth to sum it in a nutshell. This is very important to me because, I believe that these programs are designed to help students thrive in critical thinking and to look at life itself. Nature has a way of teaching us how to become one with self. Coming from an educational background you do not see many students of color going into the field of science, engineering, math etc. We must educate, expose our youth to such a world of higher possibilities. The more we expose them to a systematic way of thinking as it relates to life will help them grow stronger and will be able to accept any challenge that will come their way and prepare them for whatever in life that it brings to them.
Preston E. Zimmerman is a native of Derby Connecticut; Preston has always thrived in and enjoyed nature and science. 2010 graduate of South Carolina State University, where he majored in Biology Pre-Med. He has studied pastoral and clinical education, and has a Master's in Divinity. Mr. Zimmerman was introduced to the STEM program with local colleges and various schools in the area. Mr. Zimmerman has taught both Middle and High School science for the past years. However, he decided to take another route in education in 2016. He is now a team manger over a group of behavioral students that are challenged with everyday life skills. During his down time he finds it necessary to learn and educate the community on the mind, body, and spirit. He also spends time building a community of leaders and bring people together through community urban gardens. He has served as an herbalist for a year and enjoy helping others heal through the mind, body, and spirit. Mr. Zimmerman believes vegan is the way to become because it will opens up the unconscious mind and help you to travel to a place of liberation and of knowing thyself.
Why is Camp ELSO’s work with STEM and environmental education important to you?
Looking at what each organization brings to the table as it relates to environmental sciences and community building of our youth to sum it in a nutshell. This is very important to me because, I believe that these programs are designed to help students thrive in critical thinking and to look at life itself. Nature has a way of teaching us how to become one with self. Coming from an educational background you do not see many students of color going into the field of science, engineering, math etc. We must educate, expose our youth to such a world of higher possibilities. The more we expose them to a systematic way of thinking as it relates to life will help them grow stronger and will be able to accept any challenge that will come their way and prepare them for whatever in life that it brings to them.
partners and Supporters
P.L.A.C.E. (Planning and Leadership Across City Environments) and The CENTER
iUrban Teen
Youth Mentoring Collaborative
Friends of Tryon Creek
Center for Diversity & the Environment
Metro
Audubon Society of Portland
NAYA Family Center
Green Zebra Grocery
Multnomah County Soil & Water Conservation District
Cherry Sprouts
" I Have A Dream" Oregon
iUrban Teen
Youth Mentoring Collaborative
Friends of Tryon Creek
Center for Diversity & the Environment
Metro
Audubon Society of Portland
NAYA Family Center
Green Zebra Grocery
Multnomah County Soil & Water Conservation District
Cherry Sprouts
" I Have A Dream" Oregon
