What started as a one-man project has grown into paid staff of several dedicated people and thousands of volunteers each year—proving that one person can make a difference! The barge and land office team members, all knowledgeable and passionate about their work, combine to form the efficient, energetic and fun-loving LL&W team.
From all of us at LL&W, thank you for keeping this project afloat.
We hope to see you on the river in 2010!
LL&W Team from left:
Top Row:
Ben Grafton, Shanon Reineke, Madeline Luloff, Geoff Manis, Meagan Sudhoff, Anne Powers, Denise Mitten Bottom Row:
Mike Coyne-Logan, Chad Pregracke, Tammy Becker
Meet the 2009 LL&W team members:
Tammy Becker, Programs Manager, is the high-spirited director of the LL&W educational workshops. She has a Bachelors of Social Work degree from Western Illinois University. Tammy joined the team in late 2002 and uses her expansive experience gained from the Peace Corps and Americorps to put together informative, fun and successful workshops. Tammy also works hard as a cleanup team member, a grant writer, and is the most positive personality within our group (that’s quite an accomplishment with this enthusiastic group of optimists)! tammy@livinglandsandwaters.org
Madeline Luloff, Office Manager, joined the LL&W team in January 2005. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks, Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University. She has actively volunteered with LL&W since 1999. Madeline’s past work experiences include Naturalist/Interpreter at Nahant Marsh Education Center, Davenport IA, and Program Tutor and Recreation Supervisor for the City of Rock Island’s Parks & Recreation Department. Madeline is a very motivated environmentalist who is involved in several local groups including the Board of Directors for Keep Rock Island Beautiful serving as Chairperson for the Education Committee. Her optimistic attitude and strong will to succeed will shine through in the LL&W’s home office. Madeline@livinglandsandwaters.org
Anne Powers, Financial Manager,
came on board in November 2004, bringing with her 28 years of experience in The University of Iowa’s Athletic Business Office. She attended Christian College in Columbia, MO, and The University of Iowa, Iowa City. After proving herself as a LL&W superstar volunteer, she was recruited to join the full-time staff. We feel fortunate to have Anne and her energetic and fun personality on board! ! anne@livinglandsandwaters.org
Mike Hanlin, a retired educator from East Moline, Illinois has been with Living Lands & Waters since the beginning. Captain Mike received his Masters License in the 60’s while working his way through college. After many years of teaching, Mike was approached by Chad to come aboard as Captain. They made their first trip up the Mississippi River together with one additional crew member. Captain is an environmentalist who enjoys the outdoors. Captain Mike always has a great story to tell about his experiences working with LL&W, and looks forward to future trips “Rollin On The River”.
Shanon Reineke, Programs Coordinator, joined the LL&W crew in May of 2007 to complete an internship for the University of Missouri-Columbia while pursuing her degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. The internship ended in August, but luckily Shanon decided to stay on with LL&W to become a full time crew member. Her tireless work ethic and upbeat spirit make her a perfect fit for the project.
When Shanon is not walking her dogs Arrow and Oblio, she is studying for her degree. Shanon is a true outdoors lady and loves to camp, hike, and explore, especially along the river. shanon@livinglandsandwaters.org
Denise Mitten, Programs Coordinator, joined LL&W in August 2007 as an Office Assistant and Project Coordinator. She grew up in Illinois and later spent 4 years surfing the Southern California Pacific Ocean. While growing up she enjoyed planting gardens, exploring back waterways, fishing and using her creativity. She has worked with the Rock Island Park Board maintaining gardens and park grounds. Her other ventures have given her a well rounded knowledge in accounting, marketing, landscaping and office administration. Denise is the mother of an awesome daughter and spends most of her free time enjoying nature, music, school, the arts, and her family. denise@livinglandsandwaters.org
Geoff Manis, Team Leader, graduated from Western Illinois University in the field of Parks and Recreation. Geoff began his tenure at LL&W as an office intern during the 2004 Fall semester and became part of the team after graduation in December. Geoff’s hard work ethic is appreciated by the entire LL&W team. geoff@livinglandsandwaters.org
309-236-6002
Michael Coyne-Logan, Crew, (a.k.a. Nozzy) graduated from Northern Illinois in 2000 with a degree in history and teaching. Before joining the crew in July of 2007, Mike worked as a teacher in Rock Island, IL. Mike has been doing volunteer work with LL&W since 2005 which lead to his decision to finally come on board. mike@livinglandsandwaters.org
309-236-7034
Ben Grafton, Crew, is from Moline, IL and graduated from Moline High School in 2004. He has been affiliated with LL&W since the Hurricane Katrina Project in 2005 and officially joined the crew in March of 2009. Ben’s hard work ethic, carpentry skills and easy going personality make him a great addition to the LL&W crew. ben@livinglandsandwaters.org
Tammy Becker, Programs Manager, is the high-spirited director of the LL&W educational workshops. She has a Bachelors of Social Work degree from Western Illinois University. Tammy joined the team in late 2002 and uses her expansive experience gained from the Peace Corps and Americorps to put together informative, fun and successful workshops. Tammy also works hard as a cleanup team member, a grant writer, and is the most positive personality within our group (that’s quite an accomplishment with this enthusiastic group of optimists)! 
Madeline Luloff, Office Manager, joined the LL&W team in January 2005. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks, Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University. She has actively volunteered with LL&W since 1999. Madeline’s past work experiences include Naturalist/Interpreter at Nahant Marsh Education Center, Davenport IA, and Program Tutor and Recreation Supervisor for the City of Rock Island’s Parks & Recreation Department. Madeline is a very motivated environmentalist who is involved in several local groups including the Board of Directors for Keep Rock Island Beautiful serving as Chairperson for the Education Committee. Her optimistic attitude and strong will to succeed will shine through in the LL&W’s home office. 
Anne Powers, Financial Manager,
came on board in November 2004, bringing with her 28 years of experience in The University of Iowa’s Athletic Business Office. She attended Christian College in Columbia, MO, and The University of Iowa, Iowa City. After proving herself as a LL&W superstar volunteer, she was recruited to join the full-time staff. We feel fortunate to have Anne and her energetic and fun personality on board! ! 
Mike Hanlin, a retired educator from East Moline, Illinois has been with Living Lands & Waters since the beginning. Captain Mike received his Masters License in the 60’s while working his way through college. After many years of teaching, Mike was approached by Chad to come aboard as Captain. They made their first trip up the Mississippi River together with one additional crew member. Captain is an environmentalist who enjoys the outdoors. Captain Mike always has a great story to tell about his experiences working with LL&W, and looks forward to future trips “Rollin On The River”.
Shanon Reineke, Programs Coordinator, joined the LL&W crew in May of 2007 to complete an internship for the University of Missouri-Columbia while pursuing her degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. The internship ended in August, but luckily Shanon decided to stay on with LL&W to become a full time crew member. Her tireless work ethic and upbeat spirit make her a perfect fit for the project.
Denise Mitten, Programs Coordinator, joined LL&W in August 2007 as an Office Assistant and Project Coordinator. She grew up in Illinois and later spent 4 years surfing the Southern California Pacific Ocean. While growing up she enjoyed planting gardens, exploring back waterways, fishing and using her creativity. She has worked with the Rock Island Park Board maintaining gardens and park grounds. Her other ventures have given her a well rounded knowledge in accounting, marketing, landscaping and office administration. Denise is the mother of an awesome daughter and spends most of her free time enjoying nature, music, school, the arts, and her family. 
Geoff Manis, Team Leader, graduated from Western Illinois University in the field of Parks and Recreation. Geoff began his tenure at LL&W as an office intern during the 2004 Fall semester and became part of the team after graduation in December. Geoff’s hard work ethic is appreciated by the entire LL&W team. 
Michael Coyne-Logan, Crew, (a.k.a. Nozzy) graduated from Northern Illinois in 2000 with a degree in history and teaching. Before joining the crew in July of 2007, Mike worked as a teacher in Rock Island, IL. Mike has been doing volunteer work with LL&W since 2005 which lead to his decision to finally come on board. 
Ben Grafton, Crew, is from Moline, IL and graduated from Moline High School in 2004. He has been affiliated with LL&W since the Hurricane Katrina Project in 2005 and officially joined the crew in March of 2009. Ben’s hard work ethic, carpentry skills and easy going personality make him a great addition to the LL&W crew. 
