Founder and Director of Development and Communications
Julie Williams is the Director of Development and Communications with Seeds for the Sol, where she focuses on friend-raising, fund-raising, and fun-raising! Julie is a passionate speaker about energy and climate justice, connecting with individuals and groups to develop Seeds for the Sol’s funding and communication strategy.
Julie retired from Corvallis High School, where she taught physical education and sustainability classes, and coached track and field (1987-2020). In 2012, students in her Sustainability and Society course challenged her to create a project that would have real and lasting climate impact. Seeds for the Sol is the result of that challenge. She has a certificate of completion for Climate Masters and Climate Reality Leadership Training. She participated in the Fulbright-Japan Exchange for Educators for Sustainable Development in 2009. Julie is also on the Leadership Team for Electrify Oregon. She serves on the Renewable Energy Advisory Council for Energy Trust of Oregon and is a member of the Energy Action Team with the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition. Julie is an avid singer and longtime member of Jubilate! The Women’s Choir of Corvallis, and loves to go on outdoor adventures with her partner and friends.
Executive Director
Christine Anderson Brekken is the Executive Director of Seeds for the Sol, where she takes care of the administrative tasks so that the staff can focus on our clients. She has deep knowledge of energy, environment, and business law and policy from years of teaching environmental and energy policy at OSU, serving on the board of governors of the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board (OR CUB), and as a member of the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition Energy Action Team.
Christine received her law degree from the University of Minnesota in 2005, master’s degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics at Oregon State University in 2011, and her Dr. Philos. degree from the Norwegian University of Environment and Life Sciences in 2024. She lives in Corvallis with her husband and their dog, Sprout, where they stay connected to their college-age kids in Norway and Hawaii. They are avid bike commuters, hikers, and engaged with the Corvallis community. Christine enjoys knitting, weightlifting, board games, gardening, sourdough baking, and local food.
Director of Program Operations
Kristi Ervin oversees all program operations at Seeds for the Sol, ensuring the team is well supported to provide much needed services to our community. A proud ASU graduate with a passion for environmental justice and equity, Kristi is dedicated to creating a more sustainable and equitable world. When she’s not advocating for the planet, you can find her exploring the great outdoors and soaking up nature’s beauty.
Program Operations Assistant
Jessalyn Horton supports operations at Seeds for the Sol, keeping the day-to-day logistics moving forward so the team can effectively deliver sustainable energy solutions to the community. Passionate about environmental systems and community resilience, she is also a student at Oregon State University studying Soil Science and Sustainability. Jessalyn lives in Corvallis, where she balances her time between academics, operational strategy, and unwinding as an avid sports fan.
Home Energy Assessor
Tina Dreisbach is a Home Energy Assessor with two years of experience helping low- and moderate-income families navigate funding opportunities for energy-efficiency upgrades. She brings a diverse background in health care, conservation, media, and emergency management to her work supporting more resilient, sustainable communities. Outside of work, Tina is a musician who sings and plays percussion with several groups.
Home Energy Assessor
Susan Barger is a Home Energy Assessor helping clients access funding opportunities for home energy upgrades. She has worked with Seeds for the Sol since 2024. Susan has a background working hands-on in residential construction, specifically remodel carpentry, demolition and electrical. At Mendocino College she majored in Sustainable Construction and Renewable Energy. Prior to construction she worked in organic farming, and raised two children. Susan loves to dance, create food, play music with friends and play with her Dog.
Home Energy Assessor
Linda Natalizio is our newest addition to the Home Energy Assessment team. Linda earned her BA in Psychology from Cal State Long Beach where she was active in advocating for those in need. Linda has a diverse background in safety, investigations and animal control. Passionate about wildlife and the outdoors, Linda is often working in the garden, birding, kayaking, and hiking.
Multicultural Program Specialist
Marisol Esmeralda Lenero has worked at Seeds for the Sol for over two years, helping make the organization more accessible to the Spanish-speaking community through translation work, and the creation of promotional materials. Through her work, she has been able to channel her passion for the advancement of economic equity and climate justice. She brings a unique perspective with her background as a Computer Science student at Oregon State University. Outside of work, she continues to advocate for women’s and immigrant rights.
