Join us in welcoming Michelle Zhang (Operations Manager), Ranida McKneally (Grant Writer), and Isaiah Johnson (Outreach & Media Manager). Check out their bios below and look out for them around the watershed. Want to introduce yourself? Feel free to send them an email!
MICHELLE ZHANG (SHE/HER/HERS)
Operations Manager
michelle.zhang@mysticriver.org
As Operations Manager, Michelle leads on finance administration, partnering with the staff team in creating a safe, productive and healthy work environment, ensuring organization is in compliance with local and federal rules and policies, and ensuring smooth operation of the organization. She graduated from Boston University with Masters in Public Health. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and she loves traveling.
RANIDA MCKNEALLY (SHE/HER/HERS)
Grant Writer
ranida.mckneally@mysticriver.org
As Grant Writer, Ranida helps the team secure grants that support MyRWA’s many projects to preserve its beautiful natural resources and build climate resilience. Prior to joining MyRWA, she was a science curriculum developer at GBH, where she researched and produced classroom resources on Earth systems science, engaging students with the natural world and promoting science and climate literacy. Ranida studied cell biology at Cornell University and earned her master’s degree in biology researching gibbon behavior and ecology through the Harvard Extension School. A resident of Medford, she feels a deep connection to the watershed and river. In her spare time, Ranida enjoys reading, art projects, dog walks in the Fells, and exploring new foods and places with her family.
ISAIAH JOHNSON (HE/HIM/HIS)
Outreach & Media Manager
isaiah.johnson@mysticriver.org
As Outreach & Media Manager, Isaiah works to amplify the efforts of the organization and connect MyRWA to the many diverse communities throughout the watershed, ensuring that our community members are aware of our many projects, programs, and our impact on the region as a whole. Contact him with any media inquiries. Prior to MyRWA, Isaiah worked at the Northeastern University Asian American Center, serving students and assisting with programming with an emphasis on community engagement. Isaiah studied History and Literature at Harvard College with a focus on Ethnic Studies and a minor in African American Studies. A current Brighton resident, Isaiah has spent nearly his whole life in the Greater Boston Area and is thrilled to help connect his community to its incredible natural resources. Isaiah is an avid musician and outdoorsman. In his free time you can find him performing and recording music and finding fun outdoor projects in the urban wilds of Boston.
