Christena Stephens

As a Natural Resource Specialist with NRCS, I combine technical expertise, outreach, and policy insight to support conservation planning and implementation across federal programs like EQIP and CRP. I’m dedicated to sustainable land use, water resource management, and building resilient agricultural systems through collaborative fieldwork, program support, and stakeholder engagement.

As a nonprofit consultant , I support emerging and established organizations in strengthening their foundations from legal formation to board development, compliance, and digital presence. I help mission-driven leaders transform their vision into sustainable, impactful organizations. Design affordable, user-friendly websites, enabling organizations to establish an online presence and reduce startup costs.

• Environmental, fine art, and canine photographer. • Event photography. • Adobe Photoshop. • My photography https://www.christenastephensphotography.com/

Book reviewer and digital marketer for Texas authors. Wrote 198 book reviews that made me a better writer, editor, and marketer. The bestest part was reading stories by Texas authors and creating bookstagrams.

Conserving biodiversity through science-driven research, habitat management, and education. At 3 Rivers Foundation, I led conservation efforts across 3,200 acres, merging ecological fieldwork with public engagement to protect and restore native ecosystems. Conducted a multi-year biodiversity study documenting 170 forbs, 24 grasses, 21 woody plants, 3 fungi/lichens, 89 birds, 31 mammals, 18 reptiles/amphibians, 48 insects, and 2 fish species. Delivered 5,500+ hours of wildlife education and volunteer training, engaging youth and adults alike.

From June 2013 – July 2015 I was historian for Holy Family Church in Nazareth, Texas where I Identified historical records throughout the U.S. and internationally to building relationships via travel to monasteries, the general public, and historical commissions. Archived over 2,000 historical pages and professionally restored over 540 historical photographs to museum-grade archiving. Submitted Texas Historical Commission marker applications for the Nazareth Home Mercantile and Holy Family Cemetery; both approved and set in early 2015. Learned some German while in this position. From 2011 – 2012 I was privileged to work as the Promotions Director for the Cactus Theater. I photographed promotional shoots and live shows allowing me to meet talented musicians and actors. I established community partnerships for food drives. Increased their marketing brand and designed marketing materials from print ads to show programs. From 2007 – 2010 while working on my Master’s in Environmental Toxicology I was a graduate research assistant and research technician for the Vector Borne Zoonosis Lab at the Institute of Environmental and Human Health. Conducted West Nile virus surveillance in Lubbock County by trapping mosquitoes and using PCR technology to screen for WNV. Also, trapped and banded birds, collected blood samples, and tested for avian WNV. I contributed to the research and writing of DOW (formerly DOD) projects. From 2005 – 2008 I was privileged to work on a grant-funded project researching preservation opportunities for the historic Mallet Ranch Headquarters in Hockley County, TX as an Executive Director. I created a stabilization and preservation plan and was awarded a Texas Historical Commission grant. Part of my main focus was on energizing the regional and state political leaders by advocating for project support from city councils, county commissioners courts and state legislators. This project exposed me to political advocacy through great mentorship.

Thesis: “Analyses of relationships of human West Nile virus, confined livestock operations, and playa lakes in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains region.” Areas of emphasis: Risk Assessment, Biothreats in Environment