Our Team
Cara Decker
Director of environmental programs
Cara joined Grand Valley Metro Council in 2017, as the Stormwater Program Coordinator and moved into the Director position in 2023. Her work as director focuses on implementing practices to improve and maintain the health of our watersheds, connecting everyone to their local waterways, and convening and developing partnerships to build capacity in addressing environmental issues. She previously worked in private industry, and as a civilian engineer for the US Navy. She is a Michigan native and has a B.S. in environmental engineering from Michigan Technological University.
616-776-7605
Rachell Nagorsen
Stormwater Programs Manager
Rachell joined Grand Valley Metro Council in 2023 as the Stormwater Programs Manager. As the Programs Manager, she collaborates with communities in West Michigan to coordinate their NPDES stormwater programs and works to promote sustainable use of the Grand River. Rachell previously worked as the Engineering Programs Coordinator for the City of Walker, Michigan, managing both the soil erosion and stormwater programs for the City. Rachell graduated from Grand Valley State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with an emphasis on Geology and Philosophy. Rachell has worked in the public sector for over 10 years and has a passion for serving her community. She also enjoys camping, kayaking, and spending time along Lake Michigan’s shoreline with her husband Matt and their dogs.
616-776-7702
Matt Bain
Aquatic SPECIALIST & EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Matt Bain joined the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) in the Spring of 2023 as the new Aquatic Specialist. Prior to joining GVMC/LGROW, Matt worked as a lab assistant, field tech, and adjunct at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) while completing his M.S. in Biology with an Aquatic Emphasis. His GVSU studies focused on aquatic macroinvertebrate ecology, taxonomy, and assessment throughout the Lower Grand River watershed, culminating in a pre-restoration assessment of the downtown section of the Grand River. As the Aquatic Specialist, his primary work consists of macroinvertebrate sampling throughout the Lower Grand River watershed. Macroinvertebrate sampling is crucial to monitoring water quality because different groups of macroinvertebrates have different tolerances to pollution. By taking their inventory, we can determine the water quality of the river system.
Anna Kornoelje
Land and Water Projects manager
Anna joined Grand Valley Metro Council in 2023, as the Environmental Programs Land and Water Projects Manager. Her work focuses on implementing projects that support the health of our watersheds, and facilitating connections to our waterways. She has previously worked in ecological restoration, avian and plant research, and outreach and education. She is a Michigan native and earned a M.S. in biology from Grand Valley State University.
Damaris Potter
Climate action Planner
Damaris Potter is a new addition to GVMC, serving in the position of Climate Action Planner. This position was created through Americorps’ MI Healthy Climate Corps program. Damaris grew up in Ypsilanti, MI, and holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science and Environmental Sustainability from Western Michigan University. She is most excited about supporting GVMC’s first Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions across Kent, Ionia, Montcalm, and Ottawa counties. Damaris brings skills from job experiences in the Michigan Senate, customer service, and in community building. She is passionate about creating spaces where diverse voices are not only heard but actively included in decision-making processes. With a strong commitment to developing meaningful involvement and ensuring fair representation, Damaris believes that empowering individuals from all backgrounds leads to stronger, more resilient communities.
Andy Gordon
Watershed forester
Andy joined GVMC in fall of 2025, as the Watershed Forester. He has a B.S. in forestry from Michigan State University and has been an ISA certified arborist since 2018. He has experience working in different municipalities around the state and country as well as experience as a utility forester. As the Watershed Forester Andy supports numerus tree planting initiatives, maintenance workshops, and serves as the Urban Waters Ambassador.
Kayla Grattan
Stormwater Outreach Coordinator
Kayla joined GVMC in fall of 2025 as the Stormwater Outreach Coordinator. A native Michigander and graduate of Michigan State, she recently moved back to West Michigan after living in the greater Seattle area. In the Northwest she worked as a Beach Naturalist for the Seattle Aquarium and a Stormwater Technician for the City of Lynnwood, connecting folks to their coasts and watersheds through education and outreach. Kayla is excited to be living back in the Mitten and working to help build and maintain community stormwater programs with LGROW. Outside of work, Kayla and her wife enjoy spending time in nature, thrifting and trying new foods in the City, and cozying up at home with their cat.