Staff & Interns
Kendra Paulding,
Executive Director
Kendra grew up in Sacramento before relocating to San Luis Obispo to attend Cal Poly, where she earned a degree in Business Finance. After graduating, she launched her career at Morgan Stanley and later partnered with her husband to manage their own boutique law practice. A dedicated community member, Kendra has enjoyed serving on several local nonprofit boards and organizing volunteer cleanup events throughout SLO County. Her deep roots in the area and commitment to environmental protection make her an excellent fit for ECOSLO, where she seeks to leverage her experience and passion to enhance the organization’s impact on the community. In her free time, Kendra loves gardening, cooking, and taking daily walks with her husband and their dog, Remy.
Grant Helete,
Program Coordinator
Grant is a lifelong resident of San Luis Obispo County and is excited to lead ECOSLO's advocacy efforts. He spent much of his youth exploring his native See Canyon and developed a love for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for the natural landscapes of San Luis Obispo County. Grant graduated from Cal Poly in 2017 with a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Management & Protection and a minor in Geographic Information Systems. When not working at ECOSLO, he can usually be found engaging in local political activism, playing board games with friends, hiking, or at a concert for one of his favorite artists.
Ellie Howell,
Volunteer Coordinator
Ellie grew up in San Diego and decided to come to the Central Coast for college. After graduating from Cal Poly in 2022 with a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Management and Protection, she fell in love with the beauty of San Luis Obispo and decided to stay. When not working, she enjoys beachcombing, hiking with her friends, and baking. Ellie is excited to be a part of ECOSLO's team and ready to support the community and environment she loves!