Staff & Interns
Kendra Paulding,
Executive Director
Kendra grew up in Sacramento and moved to San Luis Obispo to go to Cal Poly. After graduating with a degree in Business Finance, Kendra worked at Morgan Stanley and later went into business with her husband managing their boutique law practice. She serves on nonprofit boards locally and enjoys coordinating clean up events in South County. Kendra’s ties to San Luis Obispo County and passion for protecting the environment make her a natural fit for ECOSLO, where she will use her experience to promote its growth and impact in the community. She loves gardening, cooking, and taking daily walks with her husband and her 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!